FW cables

[John]

Tested on: PB G4 550, PM G5, PM G4, Dell
OS tested on: 9.2, 9.2.2, 10.2.8, 10.3.1, 10.3.2, 10.3.3, Win XP

I just purchased a 2.5" enclosure for my "old" 20GB HD (Meritline combo 
USB/FW400).

The supplied FW cable would not work with any computer (mac, pc, tried 
about 6 machines). It was thin and flimsy - 6 pin. The drive powered 
up, but would not mount.

I had a clear FW cable, another off brand - this cable (6 pin) didn't 
work. The drive would power up, but not mount.

I found a thick black FW cable at work, and tried it - it worked. 
Mounted consistently. Switching between cables did not change anything 
(the bad cable still did not work, the good cable always worked).


What gives? Are cables really that "finicky"? I know the cheap clear 
cable works, because my iPod mounts and charges fine from it. I also 
have a FW CD burner, which works fine with the clear cable as well.

Any ideas or thoughts on this odd situation would be appreciated.

John Pariseau