How do I use this external disc drive? I've never seen this power cable before?

[harrison212]

Hi,

I've got a HP External Disc Drive (multibay series - PA509A#B13) and it has a very peculiar cable. It has a mini usb + power connectors on one end and then a usb + solid pin on the other end, of which I can't imagine what on earth it connects into? Here's a link to an image, hopefully it works but if not, searching it on the internet brings it up easily. https://www.ebay.com/c/1103910164.

Am I missing something? Thanks in advance.

[AFBrian]

That cable is explicity for a powered USB hub, that is what the pin off the side of the usb male end is.  HP built that cord because the average USB could not put out enough power in some (most) instances, so ensuring that there was a dedicated power source was their solution to ensuring the drive worked correctly at all times.  You can substitute that cable with a ordinary mini usb connecter but you will still likely need a source of power for the drive.  I've got one of these drives and this is what I did.  Unfortunately, I just bought a new computer and am having a bit of a tough time finding drivers and the computer won't recognize the drive.  Who knows, maybe it eventually will, but I'm looking for drivers in the meantime.