Layla 2496 laptop to desktop connection?

[trptluvr]

Nice fellow over in The Rack said I should post this here.
I picked up over the weekend an Echo Layla 2496. It came with the laptop connector (PCMCIA cardbus type 2 - I think) and cable. Echo does not sell the universal PCI connector anymore. The Layla works fine thru my old IBM Thinkpad but the Thinkpad itself is "un -upgradeable" and I'd like to use the Echo instead of the Audiophile2496 card in my 2.4 G desktop. I found a PCMCIA to PCI converter ($21.95) at Sewell Direct for the type 2 cardbus but it has an ENE chipset. Has anyone done this or could recommend a better system. Actually the best thing would be to find a proper Layla 2496 PCI connector and chord but..... they seem to be hard to find.
Best regards
Trptluvr

[Freudian Slip]

Boy, that's a tough one. I have never used any PCMCIA to PCI converter my self. I'd say it's worth a shot for the price. I would personally keep a look out on ebay for a pci setup with a damaged breakout box.

If you have not called Echo I would. They may not list it anymore, but they may have some still laying around.

Good luck.

F.S.

[trptluvr]

I did e-mail Layla and Marcel said sure. So, I've ordered a PCMCIA to PCI converter to plug into my desktop. Echo doesn't have any of the Universal PCI converters anymore. I have been watching an E-bay auction with a Layla 2496 breakout unit that may be faulty but the seller sounds a little unsure if it's the box or the (serial?) chord or the PCI card. I think Marcel said that a standard serial chord would not work: you needed the Echo chord, and that the PCI cards and chords were not universal between Laylas, Monas, Ginas, etc.
I should have an answer soon
best regards
trptluvr
Keeping his fingers crossed

[Freudian Slip]

Good luck on it. I was wondering if a standard cable would work. It must be wired funky.

Once again, best of luck! let me know how it works. I may find my self in the same situation some day.


F.S.

[thegunshyboy]

my layla has the pcmcia card. i got a converter like you did, and it works great. no problems.

[Freudian Slip]

Cool.

Good to know!

F.S.

[trptluvr]

Thanks thegunshyboy.
I couldn't imagine why it wouldn't: if the Layla cardbus card was going to work in all laptops (or most anyway) it had to have no restrictions on the PCMCIA component. I was worried that in the pictures the PCI desktop version had a specific Layla chip that might have been necessary but my guess is that the cardbus itself has the same function as the information processes of the PCI card. Can I ask what brand of converter you got?(only if you don't have to open the computer)
regards
trptluvr

[thegunshyboy]

i think i have the sewell direct one. they seem like the only ones making them.

[trptluvr]

Well Layla fans..... it's true: the laptop PCMCIA Cardbus Layla connection will connect nicely to a PCI to PCMCIA connector installed in your desktop .