• Which G3 PowerBook models can use a CardBus PC card?
The PowerBook G3 Series 300/266/250 and 233 [‘Wallstreet’, ‘PDQ’] has two PC Card slots, and the PowerBook G3 Bronze keyboard 400 and 333 [‘Lombard’] has one slot. The PowerBook 400 and 500 [‘Pismo’] are also running on a G3, but their two integrated FireWire ports are able to furnish the necessary current to power the iPod. Identify your model here or there!.

• Does the Redcuff FW/DC powercable work with any brand of PC CardBus?
The iPod receives current through its original transformer thanks to the FW/DC powercable, so it will work with any PowerBook-compatible PC CardBus. equipped with a power-jack. The FW/DC powercable was originally created for an Orange Micro card: for other brands we adapt the power plug tcomponent to match the card, at no additional cost. Your card's power-jack diameter and polarity determine which type of plug is required, so we ask you to provide that information on the Kagi order form. Our diagram will help by showing what information is needed. Your card's technical specifications should be provided in your product packaging.

• What is the difference between a PCI Card and a CardBus PC card?
PC cards have been evolving from the start. One of the commonly used types now is a 16-bit I/O and memory card, sometimes referred to as an R2 type. The CardBus is the 32-bit/33Mhz version [R3] for faster connections in PowerBooks and other portables. It is backward compatible for existing 16-bit devices, but requires a CardBus-ready Type II slot. ‘PC Card’ is the shortened name for PCMCIA Card [derived from the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, which sets the card standards]. If you want to learn more, check out pcmcia.org.

• Are there other FireWire bus-powered peripherals like the iPod?
There are many CardBus-powered peripherals on the market [FireWire web cams, portable hard drives, CD-RW drives, etc.] Most are already equipped with a DC connection [continuous low-voltage current]. Beware: the appropriate electric transformer is usually not supplied by the manufacturer!

• Can I power this type of peripheral by using the iPod power supply and the Redcuff FW/DC powercable?
Each device requires its own proper amount of current. The iPod makes use of its dedicated adapter with an AC input of 110/240V 50-60Hz 26-38VA and a DC output of 12V at 1.0A. Outside of these specifications, any other kind of connection can carry risks. Generally, you should only use the devices certified by the manufacturer. Redcuff declines all responsibility for damages caused to your hardware by any uses not specified on this site.

• How do I connect all the cables?
1. Insert the PC CardBus into your PowerBook [install the driver first!]
2. Connect the iPod power supply to the power jack of the CardBus using the FW/DC powercable
3. Connect the iPod power supply to a wall socket
4. Switch on the PowerBook
5. Once it’s initialized, connect the iPod using its own FireWire cable
6. Enjoy the sight of the mounted iPod icon appearing on your PBG3 desktop!

• Where does the Redcuff FW/DC powercable come from?
The powercable is Swiss-made with top quality components. (We make more than cheese and chocolate here!)

• Who is Redcuff?
It all started with a Swiss musician-graphic designer-handyman, happy owner of two Macs, a Yosemite and a Lombard. When the iPod was released, the terrible anguish of not being able to use it on the PowerBook quickly started a search to find a solution. The idea was transformed into a real challenge: let the rest of the world benefit from the discovery! With the help of some invaluable friends – a web designer [who swears by his Cube!] and an efficient American associate [who dreams day and night of a new Titanium], the FW/DC powercable saw the light of day!