Joined Oct 2008
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Forum Thread
Only a USB-A port, on a external 5.25 enclosure?? What???
November 9, 2022 at
12:24 AM
Hey. I picked up a used, external Blu-ray drive in a USB 3.0 enclosure for cheap at a resale shop. I didn't notice till I got it home that instead of a USB-B, micro-USB, or other configuration I might expect, instead it has only a USB-A port. You know, for the standard USB plug you find at the end of mice and keyboards everywhere, but going in to the external enclosure. Seems weird to me. I know there are USB-A to USB-A cables for connecting two computers together or similar, but wouldn't expect to find it for use on a external drive!?! All the other externals I've had have been USB-B, micro USB, or one of the USB 3 variants of the same.
Anyone have any idea why this might be that way? I might dig up a USB-A to USB-A cable somewhere, but I'll be annoyed if I have to buy one just to test this out. (yes, I already tested it does turn on. Just not if it functions.)
If the details make any difference, it's marked
Vantec
NexStar-DX
and then more details... except for any model number.
While it's even less pertinent, the drive inside is labeled as a HP BH38L Blu-ray RW... also marked "LGE-DMBH10LS30", so probably a rebranded LG BH10LS30.
EDIT: Actually, it does have a model number. I just mistook it for a technical detail about the electrical specs (has built-in power supply). At any rate, I found the enclosure on Newegg if anyone bothered reading this far and wants to take a look. Does look like it came with a USB-A to USB-A cable originally. Still no clue why though.
https://www.newegg.com/vantec-st-...6827993013
Anyone have any idea why this might be that way? I might dig up a USB-A to USB-A cable somewhere, but I'll be annoyed if I have to buy one just to test this out. (yes, I already tested it does turn on. Just not if it functions.)
If the details make any difference, it's marked
Vantec
NexStar-DX
and then more details... except for any model number.
While it's even less pertinent, the drive inside is labeled as a HP BH38L Blu-ray RW... also marked "LGE-DMBH10LS30", so probably a rebranded LG BH10LS30.
EDIT: Actually, it does have a model number. I just mistook it for a technical detail about the electrical specs (has built-in power supply). At any rate, I found the enclosure on Newegg if anyone bothered reading this far and wants to take a look. Does look like it came with a USB-A to USB-A cable originally. Still no clue why though.
https://www.newegg.com/vantec-st-...6827993013
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Anyone have any idea why this might be that way? I might dig up a USB-A to USB-A cable somewhere, but I'll be annoyed if I have to buy one just to test this out. (yes, I already tested it does turn on. Just not if it functions.)
If the details make any difference, it's marked
Vantec
NexStar-DX
and then more details... except for any model number.
While it's even less pertinent, the drive inside is labeled as a HP BH38L Blu-ray RW... also marked "LGE-DMBH10LS30", so probably a rebranded LG BH10LS30.
EDIT: Actually, it does have a model number. I just mistook it for a technical detail about the electrical specs (has built-in power supply). At any rate, I found the enclosure on Newegg if anyone bothered reading this far and wants to take a look. Does look like it came with a USB-A to USB-A cable originally. Still no clue why though.
https://www.newegg.com/vantec-st-...6827993013
For devices that don't have a permanently attached cable, it used to be normal for them to have USB-A ports (look at a printer for example). USB-A to USB-B cables have been in common use since the mid 90's connecting devices to computers (as a way to idiot proof against people connecting two incompatible USB-B devices like two computers).
You may want to just remove the drive from the enclosure and connect it to a desktop via SATA.
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Also, think I have actually have a A-A cable somewhere already (USB 2.0), but can't figure out where. If it's working and do end up wanting to use it, I'd want to get an USB 3.0 A-A for it, but that can wait till I make sure it's working.
Also, think I have actually have a A-A cable somewhere already (USB 2.0), but can't figure out where. If it's working and do end up wanting to use it, I'd want to get an USB 3.0 A-A for it, but that can wait till I make sure it's working.
Like I said initially, the external housing has a USB-A port. The standard rectangular port that mice, keyboard, and yes even printers, plug into computers with. NOT a USB-B port like is more common and like I pointed out I would have expected to be there (assuming it's not micro-USB or other similar variant.)
Take a look at the product linked on Newegg. Even Shows the USB-A port and A-A cable in the pictures.
Like I said initially, the external housing has a USB-A port. The standard rectangular port that mice, keyboard, and yes even printers, plug into computers with. NOT a USB-B port like is more common and like I pointed out I would have expected to be there (assuming it's not micro-USB or other similar variant.)
Take a look at the product linked on Newegg. Even Shows the USB-A port and A-A cable in the pictures.
I'd just remove the drive and put it in a desktop hooked up via SATA.