USB 1.1 Host CF Card

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ratocsystems.com/english/products/subpages/cfu1u.html' target='_blank'>http://www.ratocsystems.com/english...ages/cfu1u.html</a><br /><br /></div>It's about time! RATOC is selling a USB 1.1 Host Adapter card which fits into a CF type II slot.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/cfu1u.jpg" /><br /><br />From the link, it appears that it supports most Pocket PC 2000 or 2002 devices, although it's been tested primarily with iPaqs, the Dell Axim, and the Fujitsu Loox.

[ctmagnus]

Heh... Now we can hook up qll those mass storage devices to our PPCs that function as USB slave only :D

MiniHD (http://www.archos.com/lang=en//products/prw_500291.html)

&lt;drool>

[ploeg]

...where exactly is this product being sold? I checked their web store, J&R, outpost.com, and did a couple Google searches.

[jmbneaf]

Pretty neat..

However, to those e740 users who may not know, the e740 already has a USB 1.1 host built into the machine.

Go to http://www.pc-mobile.net/toshiba.htm

or http://www.pc-mobile.net/ptu1.htm

to get the adapter cable(s) and save a couple of bucks and still be able to use your CF slot.

Also, you'll need DeJe's awsome drivers!!

Go to http://www.deje.gmxhome.de/download.html

Don't forget to donate to DeJe's efforts! - his work has been trailblazing for the e740 and USB devices!!!

FYI,

JB

[cptnshred]

I too checked all the links without finding a way to buy it. (Actually, I wanted to check pricing...

[johncruise]

Pretty neat..

However, to those e740 users who may not know, the e740 already has a USB 1.1 host built into the machine.

So does Casio E-200 :-)

Also, you'll need DeJe's awsome drivers!!

Go to http://www.deje.gmxhome.de/download.html

Don't forget to donate to DeJe's efforts! - his work has been trailblazing for the e740 and USB devices!!!

Amen to that!

[JMountford]

This seems like a great device.

Here is the but...

But they do not provide extra drivers. USB devices will not natively work on the PPC will they?

the Other But...

Compact Flash is out. It is time for SD. Yes I realize there are still devices out there with CF. Heck I have one. But my next device will be SD just as everyone elses' next device will be. So how useful is a CF USB port?

[huangzhinong]

This seems like a great device.


Compact Flash is out. It is time for SD. Yes I realize there are still devices out there with CF. Heck I have one. But my next device will be SD just as everyone elses' next device will be. So how useful is a CF USB port?

Unfortunately you are wrong, CF will survive and SD will be out soon because of very slow speed. xD or other new format(SD-II) will replace SD.

[johncruise]

So how useful is a CF USB port?
Just like what has been discussed in BrightHand, until we start seeing SD peripherals being sold off the shelves from our local computer stores, we are still going to keep on buying CF. Also, SD peripherals must catch up to the current ones that CF are offering (i.e. modem among others)

[MobiliT]

However, to those e740 users who may not know, the e740 already has a USB 1.1 host built into the machine.
So does Casio E-200 :-)
Don't forget the Toshiba (Audiovox) e550G has a USB port in the cradle.

[dacs29]

So will this work with a USB HD?

David

[Kirkaiya]

[quote=JMountford]This seems like a great device.
&lt;snip>
Unfortunately you are wrong, CF will survive and SD will be out soon because of very slow speed. xD or other new format(SD-II) will replace SD.

I think that's pretty unlikely (that SD will be "out" soon). The evolution of removable solid-state memory cards has been to progressively smaller form-factors, starting with PCMCIA, then CF, and now SD cards and SmartMedia cards.

SD, and SDIO are now the standard slot on all Palm devices (except for Sony's proprietary memory-stick format), and on nearly all currently produced PPCs.

CF memory was slow when it was first introduced - most CF memory sold now is at least "4x" (see Lexar's website for some info on that). I believe that, as HP said at Comdex, and in a news release, OEMs are moving to SD expansion, and moving to drop CF from new handheld devices.

Note that all the iPaqs come with SD, none with CF. The Viewsonic, and Toshiba e3xx series, etc., all come with SD slots only. There are a few dual-slot PPCs left, but they are in a very small minority.

I do agree that CF will rule for peripherals until the SD devices are on the shelves (it should be noted that you CAN already buy SD-bluetooth, SD-Video-out, and Socket has announced they are making the Sychip SD-WLAN 802.11b card to be sold by the end of Q2).

[Bearjaw]

so how exactly will a keyboard hook up to this?

[jmbneaf]

Yep,

With DeJe's Drivers, Toshiba E330/E335/E740/E550 and Casio E-200 (a lot of "E's") will all access a USB hard drive and peripherials too!

Yes, you can also use a USB mouse and keyboard at the same time with a mini hub!

I use my 20 Gig IOGear Ion Drive with it all the time - Movies and MP3's out the wazzoo!

I have also accessed a PQI 4-in-1 Card Reader and an Olympus C3040 Digital camera all via my e740's USB Host.

Do that with your Ipaq's ! :P

JB

PS: Note, Toshiba users need to add DeJe's noted registry fix "MaxTransfer" = 1536 or 1024

[dhettel]

I've seen link's to this card from late spring of last year, trouble is, that's all it is, a link telling all it can do, but no option to buy! :evil: Is it real? Or is it vapor ware? I don't know, no one seems to have gotten their hands on one, and after 8 months they are still not in my local CompUSA, or Microcenter.

David

[sponge]

There's a link that says "shopping" which has Fry's and J and R in the US. Nothing seemingly on their site, but I'm sure if someone wants to call or e-mail, they might know something.

[johncruise]

PS: Note, Toshiba users need to add DeJe's noted registry fix "MaxTransfer" = 1536 or 1024

I never saw this note from DeJe's website... is this fix particular only for Toshiba PPC?

TIA

[felixdd]

For anyone who has a HPCpro -- can you try this and see if it works with a USB mouse? (my HPC has no USB socket).

As for SD vs. CF. I hate to say it but I think eventually SD will rule. the whole tech industry's about downsizing (pun intended).

However -- I wonder if anyone would have enough sense to put in TWO SD slots in the future, much like a computer with multiple USB sockets for peripherals and extra drives.

[vincentsiaw]

wow, i wonder if i can use my cd writer with my ipaq now...

[vincentsiaw]

wow, i wonder if i can use my cd writer with my ipaq now...

[vincentsiaw]

can we use cd writer with this thing?

[spursdude]

wow, i wonder if i can use my cd writer with my ipaq now...

Drivers, drivers, drivers.... that would be awesome. I doubt the speed would be any good, though. But then again, something is better than nothing. If the drivers come out... 8O

[lst337]

Cool! Now I can sync my iPaq with itself!

~Lee

:lol:

[Covert]

wow, i wonder if i can use my cd writer with my ipaq now...
If your CD writer has Windows CE drivers, then sure, why not? Oh yeah, but you'll have to find some Windows CE CD writing software as well. ;)

So we can't buy this yet? I'd love to get it for my Axim - it's a shame I already ordered Toshiba's USB host cable, as this would be a better option (generic PDA compatible). BTW, this company offers a similar CF-serial card, and it's priced at $99. I bet this will be right in that neighborhood too... :(

[JMountford]

I will not even bother to defend my statement. ANy technophyle knows smaller is better. And smaller always catches on sooner or later. My only point is that so many devices currently on teh market, if not all are SD not CF.

Someone needs to make a SD version of this adapter.

That's all.

[gorkon280]

It's about time! RATOC is selling a USB 1.1 Host Adapter card which fits into a CF type II slot.

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/cfu1u.jpg

From the link, it appears that it supports most Pocket PC 2000 or 2002 devices, although it's been tested primarily with iPaqs, the Dell Axim, and the Fujitsu Loox.

At first I looked at this and it did not look right for a port your supposed to plug Keyboards and such into. Upon closer inspection, it IS. Very nice if you don't already have a e740 or other device that has this. I SOOOO need to get the cables so I can use Pocket Streets with my GPS. Once beef....can't the extent the molding to make it flush with the end of the connector like the Toshiba cable does?

[R K]

I think SD has one limitation which CompactFlash doesn't.
SD is not a free standard, not open source, and not royalty-free.
Only time will tell whether this will effect SD's growth over the years.

I know that the PPC Linux community is already having a pretty hard time with this. SD doesn't allow for open source drivers.

[Buddha]

I Wonder If I could hook a 20gig MP3 player to this card. Would be cool to have an extra 20gigs and be able to backup some data to the MP3 player's HD or copy a movie to an SD from it while I'm travelling.


On the SD will kill CF issue:
Surely SD could become more common, but I sure hope it won't replace CF totally. SD is great for storage and stuff like that but try interfacing a cable to a SD card:

This always means having to build a connector that sticks out on top of the SD. What does that mean? Well that you have a little 'box' from which an SD card sticks out which goes in you SD slot.
When put in your PPC this is like a box/cable attached to a 'biscuit/cracker' one wrong move and you snap the thing in half.

This is the difference with CF that makes me hope both formats will stick around. CF is much more robust and capable of supporting the strain of something hanging from it (a connected cable or some other device on top of it).

Don't get me wrong i like buiscuits...err.. SD :twisted: but there are some peripherals I wouldn't want dangling from my SD slot.

Besides I think CF is gonna be around for a while since this is THE standard for professional Photography (photo-journalism and the likes) When you're in the field you don't want to be looking for a 'stamp' (SD) or fiddle for minutes (missing the picture) trying to take the little critter out of the camera or even have it slip out of your hand. What remains to be seen is if PDAs will continue to use them. But CF is not dissapearing anytime soon.

[fyiguy]

It's about time! RATOC is selling a USB 1.1 Host Adapter card which fits into a CF type II slot.

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/cfu1u.jpg

From the link, it appears that it supports most Pocket PC 2000 or 2002 devices, although it's been tested primarily with iPaqs, the Dell Axim, and the Fujitsu Loox.

That's weird??? I got an email from them on the 02.10.03 with reference to the same link and said:

"It will be available next month"

Most USB devices that worked with the Toshiba and Casio brands are suspected to work with it even the free CueCat Barcode reader from RadioShack so you can now have a barcode reader among a "host" of other USB devices for short cash...

This looks to be another must have accessory.

We will have to wait and see...

[JMountford]

I am not saying SD will kill CF. I am sayiong CF will die no muiter what kills it. Cf is allready going away quickly. That was my only point. Yes I do realize the disadvantages to using SD over CF. I am simply saying CF is fading quickly. If I am going to upgrade devices I am looking at wireless everything anyway so I really couldn't care less. I am just saying CF is the way of the past. As far as SD for photography. It is taking off quickly. It is much smaller than CF. Many of the newer cameras use SD. Camera Makers want to use the smallest possible medium for storage as cameras need to be light weight and all.

[gorkon280]

This would be better if it was USB 2.0. If it was, you could probably watch a DVD off of a portable DVD drive on your Pocket PC. One thing I noticed is it does come with Mass Storage drivers as well as HID drivers. Even better then I thought!

[AZMark]

DataPlay.
Beta.
Memory Stick
Speedo.

[Perry Reed]

Hot damn! Can't wait to get my hands on one of these!

Finally, I'll be able to connect my Jornada and Achos Jukebox. :)

[Janak Parekh]

This would be better if it was USB 2.0. If it was, you could probably watch a DVD off of a portable DVD drive on your Pocket PC. One thing I noticed is it does come with Mass Storage drivers as well as HID drivers. Even better then I thought!
The major problem with USB2 is that the CF form factor can't handle such bandwidth. You need Cardbus for that.

--janak

[Buddha]

As far as SD for photography. It is taking off quickly. It is much smaller than CF. Many of the newer cameras use SD
Right now only for consumer cameras, not for Professional digital cameras, for exactly the opposite reason :wink: : SD is too small and too vulnerable to use when you're in the field shooting lots pictures one after the other and need to change cards often.

[mjhamson]

I would like to quote an email response from Ryota Tsukiashi at RATOC Systems,International.

My Question: Can you confirm whether or not the CFU1U product will work with USB complaint external hard drives?

His Answer: So far, only removable drives are supported as mass storage device. We are now working on supporting normal mass storage device and other devices.

If you are still interested in this product, please check following.

The CFU1U, USB 1.1 Host Adaptor CF Card, will be available next month.
We will ship on March 3 2003.

And pre-order of the CFU1 is available now.
The first shipment is limited, only 30 pieces. First come, first serve. Please check out this page: http://shop.store.yahoo.com/firewireshop/newusb11hosa.html

Sincerely,

Tsuki.

[wbgordy]

$139.00 bucks 8O ?!?! Ah, man that's just a little to pricey :cry: .

[wbgordy]

Ach! I'd have to get a Type I to Type II CFC adapter also! Ahh man, da@n you HP! :x

[jaja_75]

Any feedback, in particular with HDD use ? 8O

" Note
1. USB devices requiring over 100 mA don't run with the CFU1U
2. Storage devices such as Hard Disk Drives don't run with the CFU1U"
(Ratoc USB CF Host card CFU1U User's Guide page 3)

Is it true ? :oops:

Or, it means HD Drives requiring over 100 mA must have some own power supply.

[dubStylee]

I have also accessed a PQI 4-in-1 Card Reader and an Olympus C3040 Digital camera all via my e740's USB Host.


Hmm, that reminds me of a crazy thought I had the other day ... e740 + usb connection + cannon s10 digital camera + s10's video out cable + tv = display pocketpc output on a tv without dazzle or somesuch? But I didn't get very far with finding software to control the cannon from the e740. Any thoughts anyone? Is this Goldberg device possible?