I am having a problem with cords.
Jan 8, 2017 11:44:23 #
Since I am not sure where this goes I stuck it here in the Main Photography Discussion. I have 7 different external drives that I use for my photo & personal information storage. They are either WD, Seagate, or third party(Rocketfish is one) drive enclosures. They all use those built in transformer power cords. None of the cords are marked by manufacturer name, so when I exchange them from computer to safe deposit box the cords are left in the house. I have tried using colored markers, colored tape, dymo labels, but still have the problem of the tags disappearing and not knowing which cord goes to which drive. How have you solved the problem not mismatching cords?
Jan 8, 2017 11:47:29 #
Get a container of self adhesive colored dots at your local Office Depot/Staples/Max (all the same to me). Or a P-Touch labeling device and wrap the labels around the power supplies' cord.
Jan 8, 2017 11:48:14 #
you wrote:
How have you solved the problem not mismatching cords?
Yup. I use what you mention. Now if you do not recall what you did when color coding NOTHING will help you.
Oh, colored electric tape with permanent marker will not simply 'go away'.
Jan 8, 2017 11:50:15 #
http://www.google.com/search?q=cable+markers&safe=off&espv=2&biw=1467&bih=946&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjhxausgLPRAhUT8mMKHf2oDB8Q_AUIBSgA&dpr=1
About 720,000 results (0.75 seconds)
It's not rocket science people
About 720,000 results (0.75 seconds)
It's not rocket science people
Jan 8, 2017 11:52:16 #
tsilva wrote:
http://www.google.com/search?q=cable+markers&safe=off&espv=2&biw=1467&bih=946&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjhxausgLPRAhUT8mMKHf2oDB8Q_AUIBSgA&dpr=1
About 720,000 results (0.75 seconds)
It's not rocket science people
About 720,000 results (0.75 seconds)
It's not rocket science people
It may not be rocket science, but they still fall off, break, and otherwise generally fail while in the drawer.
Jan 8, 2017 11:53:32 #
jethro779 wrote:
Since I am not sure where this goes I stuck it her... (show quote)
Depends on how you store them. If they are all dropped in a drawer-- yes it can be a problem. As you've discovered labels fall off. One low tech solution is to label zip lock backs with a permanent marker and store the cable in that bag. They come in various sizes: sandwich size to gallon size.....
Jan 8, 2017 12:24:05 #
One way you may be able to sort them out is by their specs. If (and this could be the kicker) both the power supply (the cord) and the drive boxes have their specs on the you can at least make sure what you match up is compatible. They will have a voltage and amperage rating on them. Some may be at 12 volts DC, others may be 5V DC (DC stands for direct current, which is what the box part of the cord is). Each will also rate the current draw of each box. You can also possibly sort them by the connections to the boxes, they may not all be the same. And last but not least if that does not work, look them up on the internet and call the manufacturer and they should be able to tell you which one goes to their box.
When you finally get this done put some kind of stickers (that will stay; the power cords you may want a tag that can be tied on them) on the boxes and the cords to identify them with each other. This is a common problem where we have a box of these power supply cords and have no idea what or where they go, but you can use them on an item as long as the connections are the same and the electrical specs match, both in voltage and amperage. Do not just go by wattage because watts is volts X amps and they add up but not be individually correct.
When you finally get this done put some kind of stickers (that will stay; the power cords you may want a tag that can be tied on them) on the boxes and the cords to identify them with each other. This is a common problem where we have a box of these power supply cords and have no idea what or where they go, but you can use them on an item as long as the connections are the same and the electrical specs match, both in voltage and amperage. Do not just go by wattage because watts is volts X amps and they add up but not be individually correct.
Jan 8, 2017 12:31:06 #
I think I will just get some multi drive enclosures that allow me to remove the drives and go that route. Then I don't have to worry about frying a drive because i used the wrong cord.
Jan 8, 2017 12:34:21 #
Jan 8, 2017 12:37:14 #
oldtigger wrote:
little dots of finger nail polish seem to hold up pretty well
That is something I would not have thought of since I have been a widower for 13 yrs.
Jan 8, 2017 21:38:41 #
As mentioned, P-touch labels, both on the enclosures and wrapped around the cords are not going anywhere without extreme effort. I use them on everything from router ports and cables to lens caps. A quantum leap over the older dymo labels.
Jan 9, 2017 01:20:35 #
jethro779 wrote:
Since I am not sure where this goes I stuck it her... (show quote)
Fold each one and slide it into a marked toilet paper tube.
Jan 9, 2017 05:32:46 #
Mogul wrote:
Fold each one and slide it into a marked toilet paper tube.
Low tech and free.
Jan 9, 2017 06:04:43 #
I go to the dollar store and get different colors nail polish, I even put a dot on usb connectors,to make it easer to know which side is up, when plugging in. frankw4nua
Jan 9, 2017 06:17:31 #
I use coloured adhesive 3/4" wide tape, cut a length about 2" long, then wrap the tape round round the cable and join the two ends together.
Now you will have a tab about 3/4" long on which you can write which device it belongs to.
Now you will have a tab about 3/4" long on which you can write which device it belongs to.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.