Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
I just need some good storage now, and then shell out the bucks for a full featured device much later... RS I'd recommend the PDX7 then, it's cheap, small, fast, has good battery life, RS doubles as a AA charger, can handle a 100GB drive and verifies transfers. Hi Rob, thanks for the comment. From the comments on the list, I wouldn't hesitate getting the PDX7 - as far all the experience with it here seemed good. However, I would still like to get later a device with LCD and zooming, now even some devices support Wi-Fi addon cards (afaik Jobo Gigavue Pro II or what's its name), so the OTG box would be just an inexpensive stopgap for now. A PSD with Wi-Fi capability is quite intruiquing! Especially if it could actually send selected photos, not just act as a FTP server (which I believe is what the Jobo with WiFi card does). Good light! fra
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
On Tue, 22 Mar 2005 12:51:23 +0100, Frantisek wrote: I am looking for a HDD enclosure that has OTG USB specifications - basically a copy button - so I can attach a card reader to it and it would copy all the files from the card trought the reader onto the HDD. Just a no frills backup storage. There are some really cheap ones, which might be nice for a project that I will do next month, cheaper than the Compactdrive even. I saw one named LOOK and also few others, just a HDD box with OTG circuitry inside and external box with AA batteries. Any thoughts on them? Speed? Hi, I (and many others on the list) have an X-drive II. It's basic and does the job with reasonable speed. It's been superseded a couple of times but you can still buy it some places. The Compact drive PD7X uses AA batteries and is supposed to be faster and smaller and I would consider it if I was looking for another basic model. Of the brands that show pictures only the Flashtrax supports Pentax RAW format, but you pay a lot more for the ability to view pictures. The Flashtrax is also a lot bigger than the X-drive. Hope this helps. Leon http://www.bluering.org.au http://www.bluering.org.au/leon
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Fra, Like several others here I chose a PD7X. I went with a 40GB drive. Its powered by 4 AA batteries, has a built in dual voltage battery recharger, and is very simple to operate. To copy the memory card to the drive you insert the card, place the power switch to the 'Card' position and press the 'Ok' button. That's it. To download to your PC you connect the supplied USB cable, put the power switch to 'Disk' and it shows up as a removable drive. Then just drag and drop the files. Each time you copy a card it creates a new directory on its internal drive which is helpful for organising. Here are two reviews of it. http://fhoude34.free.fr/PD7x%20Review.htm http://www.jaldigital.com.au/pd7xreview.html Mine cost me CAD$300 (inclusive of shipping and taxes). -- Fred Widall, Email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] URL: http://www.ist.uwaterloo.ca/~fwwidall --
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Hi, Wednesday, March 23, 2005, 12:12:36 PM, Fred wrote: Fra, Like several others here I chose a PD7X. I went with a 40GB drive. Its powered by 4 AA batteries, has a built in dual voltage battery recharger, and is very simple to operate. how long do the batteries last on a device like that? -- Cheers, Bob
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
I've not done any testing myself but one of the reviewers states 'You could backup at least 30 GB of DATA without recharging the battery.' Though I would guess it would be dependant upon the initial state of your batteries, and the speed of the memory card. -- Fred Widall, Email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] URL: http://www.ist.uwaterloo.ca/~fwwidall -- On Wed, 23 Mar 2005, Bob W wrote: how long do the batteries last on a device like that? Bob
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Hi, thanks for the suggestion, but I specifically asked for impression of the OTG (On the go) USB enclosures... :-) *OTG means it can suck files from any mass storage compatible USB camera or card reader. My friend got issued the XS Drive (original, not II) from his agency and after we used it, we both agreed that it's total crap - I hope it won't disappoint you ;-) The main problem with it was speed (abysmal) and autonomy. From the tests here http://fhoude34.free.fr/PortableHD.htm you can transfer only 3-4GB at best on single charge - which is marginal for us, and our experience was similar, sometime even worse. Also, the XS I had only USB 1.1 (I know the II has USB 2.0 though). Compactdrive seems nice, and even though some people had written on DPREVIEW that its lack of voltage regulator can create problems with HDDs and Microdrives, so far the experience here on list was good, if I remember. The reason I am asking just about the OTG enclosures is that they seem the cheapest reasonable solution - much better autonomy than these XS Drives and similar ones (one test mentioned around 10GB on single charge), while speed is getting closer to the Compactdrive - around 2.5-3MB/s reading from USB2 card reader. At the price (~40 USD), I can buy one just for now, and then later get a better unit than the Compactdrive later, when the next generation of these PSDs is available. And I could reuse the HDD in the next unit. From the tests and reviews I saw, I am not interested in devices like the XS Drive - all are too slow, and don't have enough battery life. And after getting a better PSD later, I could still use the enclosure as portable USB 2.0 HDD. Thanks for comments anyway ;-) Frantisek
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Hi, Wednesday, March 23, 2005, 12:12:36 PM, Fred wrote: Fra, Like several others here I chose a PD7X. I went with a 40GB drive. Its powered by 4 AA batteries, has a built in dual voltage battery recharger, and is very simple to operate. I might go with the Flashtrax. Henrys are selling them in 20-40-80? Gig versions. Yje 20 is arund $450.00 and thats all i would need. Besides it has the screen for checking to see if my pics made the transfer. lol The PD7X is screenless, is it not. Dave
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
On 23 Mar 2005 at 13:40, Frantisek wrote: *OTG means it can suck files from any mass storage compatible USB camera or card reader. So what portable devices (aside from a laptop PC) can do this? Rob Studdert HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA Tel +61-2-9554-4110 UTC(GMT) +10 Hours [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://members.ozemail.com.au/~distudio/publications/ Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Wednesday, March 23, 2005, 2:53:48 PM, Rob wrote: RS On 23 Mar 2005 at 13:40, Frantisek wrote: *OTG means it can suck files from any mass storage compatible USB camera or card reader. RS So what portable devices (aside from a laptop PC) can do this? I am not that sure how OTG works with ordinary mass storage devices, but apparently ( http://www.printerboyweb.net/pro_stuff/LOOK/index.php - review of one such device) you can attach an USB card reader to it and it will work. It is also supposed to work with most cameras, although that seems reduntant to me if I can use a small reader - most cameras have slow reading of CF cards and a lot still have USB 1.1, while I could attach a fast reader to the for example e-look device. I just need some good storage now, and then shell out the bucks for a full featured device much later... Good light! fra
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Hi, The PD7X is screenless, but I wonder if a screen is really needed. It adds size, weight, cost, drains batteries faster. Are we that unsure of the technology involved in xferring a file from one storage medium to another? Shel [Original Message] From: Dave Brooks Besides it has the screen for checking to see if my pics made the transfer. lol The PD7X is screenless, is it not.
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Hi Frantisek, after I got rid of ImageTank (usb1.1, 10GB HDD) I wanted something faster with integrated battery and large drive. Two weeks ago I found Apacer Share Steno CD211 at one online computer shop. It was cheap (1700,- Sk + VAT) for device only - no disk. So I also bought 60GB harddrive and small USB2 CF reader. After upgrading the firmware, the device can download files from *ist D, but I prefer using it with CF reader as it is much faster. I don't have exact times and did not test the battery operating time, but can do so this evening if anyone interested. I did not find any reviews of this small device, so maybe it is not a perfect one, but it was cheap and available here, and so far it works good (well, in two weeks I used it only about 4 times to download files from CF card). Specifications can be found here: http://www.apacer.com/apacer_english/product_html/share_steno_cd211.asp I am not that sure how OTG works with ordinary mass storage devices, but apparently ( http://www.printerboyweb.net/pro_stuff/LOOK/index.php - review of one such device) you can attach an USB card reader to it and it will work. It is also supposed to work with most cameras, although that seems reduntant to me if I can use a small reader - most cameras have slow reading of CF cards and a lot still have USB 1.1, while I could attach a fast reader to the for example e-look device. I just need some good storage now, and then shell out the bucks for a full featured device much later... Good light! fra Regards Peter Belak
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Ahoj Peter, kde jsi ten Steno nasel? Nemohl jsem ho najit nikde v CR ani SR, ani EU, pouze americke online shopy. Presne tenhle a jeste podobny od ByteCC me hodne zajimaly. For the others: Yes, that's one of the units I was interested in. Please, after you know some more from usage, post it. Especially the transfer speeds from CF reader to Steno would be great. The Steno has a built-in battery, is it removable? The ByteCC and Look devices use external AA battery holder (or I guess I could rig an AA holder plugging it into the DC-IN socket on the Steno). Could you also try if it is USB bus powered (i.e. when you connect it to the computer as an external hdd to transfer your photos back, does it draw power from the USB bus, or do you need to use an external DC adapter?) Thanks a lot. Dakujem vela. Frantisek Good light! fra
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Ahoj Frantisek, kde jsi ten Steno nasel? na atcomp.sk, myslim, ze je to pobocka ceskeho atcompu. Konkretne na http://www.atcomp.sk/presmerovani.aspx?goto=/zbozi_detail.aspx$$zbozi=53934 Now english: Yes, that's one of the units I was interested in. Please, after you know some more from usage, post it. Especially the transfer speeds from CF reader to Steno would be great. Will test this later today and let you know. The Steno has a built-in battery, is it removable? It is not removable. Well, you can remove it, but it is located under the hardrive, so you would have to remove that first. I would not want to do it everyday. battery holder (or I guess I could rig an AA holder plugging it into the DC-IN socket on the Steno). I plan to try it this way. I already got the 4xAA holder, now I need that power jack. It needs DC 5V/2.5A. Could you also try if it is USB bus powered (i.e. when you connect it to the computer as an external hdd to transfer your photos back, does it draw power from the USB bus, or do you need to use an external DC adapter?) It always uses its internal battery or a DC adapter. It has a power button and you have to turn it on, even if connected to the computer. When the battery is dead, it just doesn't start without DC adapter. Regards Peter Belak
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Speaking of CompactDrive PD7X, I thought this was interesting: http://www.compactdrive.us/ Village Idiot Fra, Like several others here I chose a PD7X. I went with a 40GB drive. Its powered by 4 AA batteries, has a built in dual voltage battery recharger, and is very simple to operate. To copy the memory card to the drive you insert the card, place the power switch to the 'Card' position and press the 'Ok' button. That's it. To download to your PC you connect the supplied USB cable, put the power switch to 'Disk' and it shows up as a removable drive. Then just drag and drop the files. Each time you copy a card it creates a new directory on its internal drive which is helpful for organising. Here are two reviews of it. http://fhoude34.free.fr/PD7x%20Review.htm http://www.jaldigital.com.au/pd7xreview.html Mine cost me CAD$300 (inclusive of shipping and taxes). -- Fred Widall, Email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] URL: http://www.ist.uwaterloo.ca/~fwwidall --
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Hi Frantisek, I tested the speed with CF reader. The details are: - Apacer Photo Steno II - 2GB CF card - iTec Pocket Reader USB 2 - 150 PEF files - 2039MBytes - total transfer time: 11 minutes, 50 seconds The Steno was powered from DC adapter. The bad thing is that there is no progress indicator. It only displays Backup with one to three dots when backing up, and Backup finished, press any key when everything went OK. Here is the picture of whole setup: http://www.pepek.sk/fp/steno.jpg I am taking the Steno for my two week trip to Egypt on friday and really hope it will work ok :-) I will report more on this later. Regards Peter Belak
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
That's funny. Someone not too happy with their PD7X apparently. From http://www.compactdrive.com/ . The statements can be seen at: www.compactdrive.net www.compactdrive.info www.compactdrive.us www.compactdrive.jp www.compactdrive.co.nz www.compactdrive.co.uk www.compactdrive.com.tw We wish to state for the record that ALL of the above domain names and websites are owned by one single entity, the former New Zealand Distributor for CompactDrive PD7X which goes under the trading name of CompactDrive International Co. Ltd / Top International Limited / Heard Park Group of Companies (here from referred to as Heard Park) -- Fred Widall, Email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] URL: http://www.ist.uwaterloo.ca/~fwwidall -- On Wed, 23 Mar 2005, Village Idiot wrote: Speaking of CompactDrive PD7X, I thought this was interesting: http://www.compactdrive.us/ Village Idiot Fra, Like several others here I chose a PD7X. I went with a 40GB drive. Its powered by 4 AA batteries, has a built in dual voltage battery recharger, and is very simple to operate. To copy the memory card to the drive you insert the card, place the power switch to the 'Card' position and press the 'Ok' button. That's it. To download to your PC you connect the supplied USB cable, put the power switch to 'Disk' and it shows up as a removable drive. Then just drag and drop the files. Each time you copy a card it creates a new directory on its internal drive which is helpful for organising. Here are two reviews of it. http://fhoude34.free.fr/PD7x%20Review.htm http://www.jaldigital.com.au/pd7xreview.html Mine cost me CAD$300 (inclusive of shipping and taxes). -- Fred Widall, Email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] URL: http://www.ist.uwaterloo.ca/~fwwidall --
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Seems that Heard Park Group has stooped way below anything reasonable. For the record my CompactDrive PD6a is working wonderfully and I am very happy with it. Bruce Wednesday, March 23, 2005, 9:53:21 AM, you wrote: FW That's funny. FW Someone not too happy with their PD7X apparently. FW From http://www.compactdrive.com/ . FW The statements can be seen at: FW www.compactdrive.net FW www.compactdrive.info FW www.compactdrive.us FW www.compactdrive.jp FW www.compactdrive.co.nz FW www.compactdrive.co.uk FW www.compactdrive.com.tw FW We wish to state for the record that ALL of the above domain names and FW websites are owned by one single entity, the former New Zealand FW Distributor for CompactDrive PD7X which goes under the trading name of FW CompactDrive International Co. Ltd / Top International Limited / Heard FW Park Group of Companies (here from referred to as Heard Park) FW -- FW Fred Widall, FW Email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] FW URL: http://www.ist.uwaterloo.ca/~fwwidall FW -- FW On Wed, 23 Mar 2005, Village Idiot wrote: Speaking of CompactDrive PD7X, I thought this was interesting: http://www.compactdrive.us/ Village Idiot Fra, Like several others here I chose a PD7X. I went with a 40GB drive. Its powered by 4 AA batteries, has a built in dual voltage battery recharger, and is very simple to operate. To copy the memory card to the drive you insert the card, place the power switch to the 'Card' position and press the 'Ok' button. That's it. To download to your PC you connect the supplied USB cable, put the power switch to 'Disk' and it shows up as a removable drive. Then just drag and drop the files. Each time you copy a card it creates a new directory on its internal drive which is helpful for organising. Here are two reviews of it. http://fhoude34.free.fr/PD7x%20Review.htm http://www.jaldigital.com.au/pd7xreview.html Mine cost me CAD$300 (inclusive of shipping and taxes). -- Fred Widall, Email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] URL: http://www.ist.uwaterloo.ca/~fwwidall --
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
For the time being, yes.g However to quote the good folks at Possum Lake Lodge: I'm a man,I can change,If i have to,I quess.vbg Dave Hi, The PD7X is screenless, but I wonder if a screen is really needed. It adds size, weight, cost, drains batteries faster. Are we that unsure of the technology involved in xferring a file from one storage medium to another? Shel [Original Message] From: Dave Brooks Besides it has the screen for checking to see if my pics made the transfer. lol The PD7X is screenless, is it not.
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
I really enjoy The Red Green Show ;-)) Shel [Original Message] From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: pentax-discuss@pdml.net Date: 3/23/2005 10:17:13 AM Subject: Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device For the time being, yes.g However to quote the good folks at Possum Lake Lodge: I'm a man,I can change,If i have to,I quess.vbg Dave Hi, The PD7X is screenless, but I wonder if a screen is really needed. It adds size, weight, cost, drains batteries faster. Are we that unsure of the technology involved in xferring a file from one storage medium to another? Shel [Original Message] From: Dave Brooks Besides it has the screen for checking to see if my pics made the transfer. lol The PD7X is screenless, is it not.
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
On 23 Mar 2005 at 14:52, Frantisek wrote: I am not that sure how OTG works with ordinary mass storage devices, but apparently ( http://www.printerboyweb.net/pro_stuff/LOOK/index.php - review of one such device) you can attach an USB card reader to it and it will work. It is also supposed to work with most cameras, although that seems reduntant to me if I can use a small reader - most cameras have slow reading of CF cards and a lot still have USB 1.1, while I could attach a fast reader to the for example e-look device. Interesting. I just need some good storage now, and then shell out the bucks for a full featured device much later... I'd recommend the PDX7 then, it's cheap, small, fast, has good battery life, doubles as a AA charger, can handle a 100GB drive and verifies transfers. Rob Studdert HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA Tel +61-2-9554-4110 UTC(GMT) +10 Hours [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://members.ozemail.com.au/~distudio/publications/ Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
On 23 Mar 2005 at 16:32, Village Idiot wrote: Speaking of CompactDrive PD7X, I thought this was interesting: http://www.compactdrive.us/ This is also worth a read: http://www.3hdigital.com/ Rob Studdert HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA Tel +61-2-9554-4110 UTC(GMT) +10 Hours [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://members.ozemail.com.au/~distudio/publications/ Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Ouch. That is a very bizarre little episode in distribution politics or are taking route 1 to get customers interested in a new product. On Thu, 24 Mar 2005 09:45:10 +1000, Rob Studdert [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On 23 Mar 2005 at 16:32, Village Idiot wrote: Speaking of CompactDrive PD7X, I thought this was interesting: http://www.compactdrive.us/ This is also worth a read: http://www.3hdigital.com/ Rob Studdert HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA Tel +61-2-9554-4110 UTC(GMT) +10 Hours [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://members.ozemail.com.au/~distudio/publications/ Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998
Re: storing photos in the field: OTG device
Ahoj Peter, thanks for the comments - good luck in Egypt, and please keep us posted with photos from the trip and also field notes with the Steno - that should be a good test of how it performs, your Egypt trip ;-) Good light! fra
