I want to hookup a 2.5" laptop harddrive to the V5 IO externally, but dont want
to use an external power supply. I know there's a way to use the 2nd serial port
to power that drive. I found this info on this website (see below). Does anyone
have a real good tutorial on the easiest way to do this?? If you have more than
one option, I will take them all. Thanks for the help !!
http://www.linux-hacker.net/imod/I-MOD2-tech-FAQ.html (see instructions below):
> What's this fan power cable connector thing?
>
> We get the power for the fan (5V) from the second serial port Pin 9 (GND) and Pin 10 (+5V).
>
> The connectors on the fan (as they come right now) are for .100" spacing pins, like you
> have seen on standard IDE connectors. The second serial port on the IO is a 2mm spacing
> connector and the pins are a bit smaller in size.
>
> People have reported pulling the pins out of the fan connector with a small screwdriver, or
> cutting the connector open, then plugging them on to the serial port one at a time, using
> heat shrink tubing to insulate them from shorting.
>
> Other people have found old connectors in their "junk bin" and simply splice into the fan
> wires. One source is a old cordless phone battery, ask a friend.
>
> We have connected our fan up "backwards" just for fun, it doesn't hurt it at all (but we
> didn't leave it that way!). No worry about connecting it up wrong, but be careful not to
> SHORT 5V! Please use some tubing, not electrical tape. Electrical tape will unravel after a
> while when rolled that small, plus the heat will not help the tape stick.
