Problem copying large files to Microdrive

[clanmcintosh]

All,

Anyone else having trouble copying files approx. 100mb in size to the "storage card".

When I right-click copy a file (.mpg) from my hd to the md directly in explorer I watch the progress bar get to about half way then reset to 0% and start again.

Things of interest:
- I am using usb cradle,
- Not doing anything else with the PC/iPAQ at the time
- Not dialing out at the time
- 340mb Microdrive through PCMICA sleeve

Thanks

[TinMan]

I have to assume this leads to an endless-loop, and the file is never actually copied, right? If not, 100 MB would take quite a long time to transfer via ActiveSync, so you might just have to wait a good 10-15 minutes to be sure it's not still copying.

OTOH, a cheap USB CF reader might be a better way to go. It will transfer data to the MicroDrive FAR faster than ActiveSync can, and these readers can be had for $30-$40. I bought one that was a little more expensive (I think around $50, Lexar makes it), that reads SmartMedia directly, and has a Type II PCMCIA slot too. It also included the CF-PCMCIA adapter, but I already had a few of those (and you probably have one that came with your MicroDrive). Unfortunately, I was hoping the PCMCIA slot offered true PCMCIA/PC Card compatibility (to use NICs, etc.), but it only offers support for PCMCIA ATA devices. Had I known this, I might have purchased the cheaper, CF-only, reader. OTOH, that 2 GB Type II PC Card HD is looking rather attractive for my iPaq...


-Mike

[This message has been edited by TinMan (edited November 01, 2000).]

[frogster]

clanmcintosh

you need to get yourself a CF reader. you've already spent 500 for the ipaq, 150 for the sleeve and 250 for the microdrive. you need to spend another 30. you won't regret it.

maybe one day, someone will explain to me why the usb connection to my ipaq is so slow.

[Forced_Vengeance]

Yes get a CF reader you will not regreat it.

I daily move over 400 meg of data to my IPAQ with a CF reader.

The USB Sync sucks and I am convinced it is actualy running as fast as the damn Serial connection.

[T-Will]

Quick question, I have the Lexar Media Reader, so do the CF and Smartmedia cards need to be "USB enabled" to use them? I couldn't get it to read my Smartmedia card.

[DarrenF-]

I briefly had a lexar reader which required the "USB enabled" crap. I returned it as it would read the CF cards I have. My Sandisk Imagemate works wonderfully, after I cleared up it conflict it was having with DirectCD...

Darren

[clanmcintosh]

UPDATE

On the advice of someone, sorry forgot who as I write this - I waited... and waited... and waited... after approx. 25 minutes the copy finally completed successfully. It seems there is just a bug on the progress bar when copying large files.

Just didn't realise how slow the link was. I have a Casio digital camera which can transfer data faster than this through USB.

Thanks for the help!!

[T-Will]

So there are readers out there that don't need "USB enabled" cards?

[Boxster S]

My Sandisk Imagemate doesn't need a "USB enabled" CF card

------------------
Of course, that's just my opinion; I could be wrong.

Anandtech Web News Reporter
http://www.anandtech.com

[TinMan]

djtipmothee

The USB-enabled-only readers are very cheap, and usually come with a CF card. You would likely know if you had one of those readers. I don't think Lexar even made a SSFDC/CF reader for USB-enabled CF cards.

In any event, nearly all readers sold today from Lexar, are not limited to USB-only cards. Personally, I think Lexar's over that phase, but I'm still a little tired of their tunnel-vision view of CF/SM cards, by constantly referring to them as "Digital Film" (as if they have no other use).

Oh yea, my reader is the Lexar "Digital Film Reader (CompactFlash - SmarttMedia - PC Card)." It has one full-size Type II PC Card slot, and one SmartMedia slot. CF is read via the included PC Card adapter. It reads everything I've thrown at it, (CF and SM), but I can't use the PC Card slot for anything but ATA devices. I was hoping it would act as an actual PC Card adapter.


-Mike

[This message has been edited by TinMan (edited November 02, 2000).]