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Is AC power source necessary for enclosure?


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#1
medusa9

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I have a 3.5" 500Gb internal sata drive in an external enclosure that forces me to find an ac plug every time I want to pull a file from it. I use it only for document storage. I've tried searching on ebay for a 'USB only' enclosure but it returned items that require ME to supply the power cord... but still requires power. Frustrating! Is there a specific search term I could use instead?

I only want to plug into USB - transfer file for 30 seconds - unplug - put away! Is AC power really necessary for this? Alternatives?

Thanks, Lisa
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#2
Wolfeymole

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You could obtain something like this Lisa which takes its power from your desktop/laptops USB socket.

http://www.amazon.co...58931384&sr=1-4
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#3
medusa9

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Thanks Wolfeymole, but that one's for a 2.5" disk.
I've found plenty of those but none for a 3.5".
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#4
Wolfeymole

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Lisa, you will always need a mains or PSU supplied power connection to power a 3.5" drive whether it is internal or external.
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#5
Alzeimer

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You could try one of these, they have their own power supply it connects to a wall outlet

Vantec 2.5"/3.5"/5.25" SATA/IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter - Model CB-ISATAU2
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16812232002
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#6
Wolfeymole

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But it still needs to be plugged into a wall outlet Alzeimer. :)

What Lisa wants to do is run a full sized 3.5" drive via a USB connection only which ain't happening.
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#7
Alzeimer

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I know but like you said for a 3.5 hdd you need a different power supply, if you buy an enclosure they will have one, this one i find useful because it is portable an can be used on IDE and SATA hd
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#8
medusa9

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Thanks so much for the advice. I guess I have to suck it up and keep hunting for outlets! :rolleyes:
Thanks again.
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#9
Veeg

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Thanks so much for the advice. I guess I have to suck it up and keep hunting for outlets! :rolleyes:
Thanks again.



Just a final note here...you could use a USB HDD adapter...like this see item #2 http://www.tigerdire...Id=0&CatId=3770

Then use a drop cord,to bring the outlet to you.. This adapter works great have one myself..Also it requires no enclosure..One hint tho if you decide to go with this..power up the HDD adapter first before you plug in the USB cord...and you may find one cheaper on Amazon..
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