Archive for the ‘USB Flash and Flash Memory’ Category
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA — Sep 10, 2010 — Nexcopy Inc., a leading manufacturer in USB Duplicator equipment, announces the release of two new standalone USB duplicator solutions for bulk data loading to USB flash memory.
The new standalone USB duplicators from Nexcopy provide ultra fast data copying of content to flash media. Depending on the device, the standalone duplicators can reach a maximum of 2GBs per minute data transfer. These numbers yield a transfer speed faster than current USB 3.0 technologies for data loading to USB 2.0 flash drives.
“Our PC based systems have been our flagship product for many years, but for those who need ultra fast copy speeds with simple operation, the new standalone systems are the ideal product,” says Greg Morris, President of Nexcopy. “Our standalone systems are highly optimized with dedicated OS-less boards which control the copy process - the new systems from Nexcopy are not embedded computers, but rather dedicated boards to perform a primary function - to copy.”
The new standalone models include 16 and 32 socket systems - the USB115SA and USB131SA respectively. The USB115SA is a 16 socket system with one master and 15 targets. The USB131SA is a 32 socket system with one master and 31 targets. The USB duplicators are ergonomically designed with a contemporary look and finish. The cases are made of anodized aluminum making the USB duplicators light weight and portable - ideal for in-field applications such as trade shows, conferences and live events.
The standalone systems are simple to operate and include power utilities and features. Each model has the configuration option for asynchronous duplication for independent data loading to each device. The user may configure the system to format the device, erase data or toggle a 32‐bit CRC data error checking utility. In addition, there is a flash memory bad-block checking utility and a speed benchmark test utility. A backlit 2 x 20 character LCD display provides user navigation and performance feedback.
The standalone USB Duplicators are compact in size, take very little desk real-estate and priced right for today’s economic climate and tight corporate budgets [starting at $1,799].
Nexcopy’s complete line of USB Duplicators, CF Duplicators, SD Duplicators are available through a world-wide network of authorized resellers.
#######
About Nexcopy Incorporated:
Nexcopy Incorporated specializes in developing and manufacturing the finest and most feature rich flash memory duplicators in the market. Pioneering the solid-state memory duplication market, Nexcopy supplies Central and South America, Europe, India, Asia, Pacific Rim and serves the U.S. market through it’s U.S. headquarters at: 22521 Avenida Empresa #128, Ranch Santa Margarita, CA 92688.
Comments Off
I have to say after several years of using a DLT drive from a very well known American computer manufacturer and having to replace it every year that I wonder about our technology. I see the same Tech every year and we discuss the state of equipment and look at the IBM eServers that are over ten years old and an old IBM DLT tape autoloader that has been running for 10 years. It runs on SCSI and I've not been in a terrible hurry to put in an old SCSI (I'm not sure it would even fit with the PCIexpress slot).
This has got me thinking about flash drive backup. Essentially running a PC connected USB Flash duplicator as a port for data sets of drives.
So here is how it works.
You connect the flash drive back up unit via USB to the server.
Each drive is labeled or has a key label attached on the lanyard. Drives can be stored in a key rack.
Each drive is the back-up media. Each day is written to one flash drive and then the next day is written to a new drive. Past days can be removed and stored off site.
Flash drives have no mechanical parts that fail. No tape that jams, no drive heads that wear out.
The system could have a lockable cover to protect the drives from 'accidental' removal
Each drive would need to be recognized by the back up software as a back up media
Cycle the drives out like we cycle out tapes. Retire them after 2 years.
You can tell I've had it with DLT. The drives are not cheap by any standard nor are the tapes. Stay tuned.
No Comments »
[caption id="attachment_250" align="alignleft" width="214" caption="With USB"][/caption]
I know there are many ways to add MP3 music audio to one's automobile. My desire is to have MP3 available for play in the car via USB memory sticks so I can follow my favorite podcasts. Certainly CD disc playing is critical as well as a radio tuner. I looked around and picked up a Clarion DXZ385USB. This replaces my Clarion RDB245D AM/FM CD player.
[caption id="attachment_236" align="alignright" width="195" caption="The old Clarion stereo"][/caption]
that I've had for 10 years. It's actually been in a few cars when it finally had it's prime in my car. I'm going to run into tense issues in speaking now in past tense since I have removed the RDB245D. The old clarion has been a great player and besides the terminals getting dirty and needing cleaning (the stereo would keep shuting itself off). Although come to think of it the CDs were getting a bit slow in ejecting, especially in the winter time. So out with the old and in with the new.
For some insane reason I thought this would be a simple pull it out put the new one in. I forgot the process from the first time around when my buddy helped me (I held the flashlight) put the old one in.
[caption id="attachment_247" align="alignleft" width="275" caption="Clarion DXA385USB"][/caption]
All the trim had to come out around the Clarion stereo, climate control and empty spacers for knick-knacks like discs and sunglasses. The difficulty comes in taking out some of the hidden screws that require one to stand on one's head while balancing on the driver seat so one can see the screws in the "ashtray" and turn them in or out. Luckily these things don't come out often so I balanced myself carefully and removed the screws. Once the screws are out the console trim can be pulled away and access to the screws that hold the metal rack that holds various modules including the prized car stereo. Once I was able to separate the various pieces I removed the old stereo and unplugged the wire harness both from the stereo and the car. That piece I would need again.
I had to splice the wiring harness so it would match the wiring for the car which is about 15 wires and once I finished that I was ready to install the new Clarion. It was the exact same process as installing the old one with removing the special sleeve adapter and popping off the trim piece. I plugged the wiring harness back in into the car and the new car stereo. Turned on the ignition and on came the LED clock.
I turned the car stereo on and tested the speakers and functions.
turned the ignition off
unplugged stereo
assembled it into the rack
plugged the antenna and 16 pin connector
and screwed the whole assembly back into the dashboard
Again I tested the unit and this time ran it through the FM and AM bands, inserted a CD, played the CD. I then replaced all the trim and all that was left was clean up. I will let you know how the flow goes when hooked up to a USB drive. This unit can also support a iPod along with charging it.
No Comments »
With the explosive growth of USB pen drives and the growth of custom USB flash drives for giveaway promotional USB drives I thought it time to discuss some of the options for the "do it yourself" crowd.
To start, consideration should be made as to the requirements of the job or jobs. Recommending a capital expense in these challenging times really needs to be thought over well. For a one-off job outsourcing your custom USB flash pen drives might be the best solution. This reduces the expense of purchasing the equipment and let's the publisher focus on content and print design. Typically the turn around time is 7 business days once the graphics have been accepted. The duplication is very quick but the printing is more involved. If you are producing promotional USB drives that represent one or two campaigns then having them pre-printed may be the answer along with a USB flash duplicator.
Typical printing is accomplished using "pad printing" which uses a silicone rubber stamp for each color. This is done by using an indirect offset (gravure) printing process that involves an image being transferred from the printing plate (cliché) via a silicone pad onto a substrate (surface to be printed). Pad printing inks are "solvent-based" and require mixing with additives at the time of use. They typically dry to the touch in seconds although complete drying (cure) might take a substantially longer period of time. The equipment and inks required for this process are not for the typical office environment. The equipment is expensive and complicated and requires special mixing of the inks.
[caption id="attachment_124" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Teac USB Flash Drive Printer"][/caption]
An option to the pad printing process is to use a specialized thermal printer that applies a wax-based resin to the surface of the USB drive. The Teac P-55C-ST USB Flash Drive Printer prints on the "cap" of a swivel type drive. Currently
[caption id="attachment_123" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Swivel USB Drive for Teac-P55C-ST"][/caption]
this is the only style USB flashdrive that can be printed with the Teac P-55 thermal re-transfer printer.
Duplication of data on USB drives is performed by a specialized duplicator that has ports for each drive and a 'master' slot for the drive being copied depending on the system configuration. Some duplicators are "standalone" and some are "PC-attached". Standalone USB flash duplicators rely on a built in solid state controller that manages the duplication data transfer. PC attached USB duplicators use the computer's USB port or hard drive to transfer data and manage the duplication verification process. Standalone is great for class room applications and after presentation file transfers.
PC based systems give you the ultimate control to manage your data transfer and ability to change files on the fly. Which ever system one chooses the power to duplicate to a large segment of USB drives certainly beats the alternatives.
USB duplicators range from 7 ports up to 118 port USB duplicator
There is a wide range of capacity among USB flash duplicators but one thing is for certain: Your needs for capacity will increase. Brands to consider? CD Dimensions, Microboards Technology, Nexcopy, MF Digital and Teac USB flash duplicators. Flash duplication represents a new era of physical data distribution.
No Comments »
[caption id="attachment_113" align="alignleft" width="260" caption="Transcend 64GB Flash Drive"][/caption]
I bought a 64Gb USB flash drive made by Transcend to store my audio disc collection in MP3 format. It was an amazing journey going through my old discs and looking over the artwork and thinking about the anonymity of a flashdrive. And yet with 500 or so discs it's hard to remember what you have so I suppose discs can also have their own form of anonymity. I used Apple iTunes which worked well for creating an audio library. I'm not crazy about Windows Media Player or that other one, Real Something ;)
iTunes has a better file management system and can retrieve artwork if you have an account with iTunes. I'm not trying to push iTunes: it just happens to work better then anything else right now. If you can get Windows Media Player to play along then more power to you. I could not get it to play more then one song at a time.
The Transcend JetFlash is not the fastest in writing (nor the slowest) but then I'm only adding anyway for portable music access. Reading is acceptable. The drive is a little larger then a standard drive (wider) and in some circumstances it will fit very tightly. The Transcend JetFlash 64Gb includes a USB extension cable to work around that issue. The JetFlash also ships with a detachable lanyard . I bought it for $70 during Christmas. Looking on Transcend's web site it's retail is $189.00 $100 on Amazon
OK some specs:
Fully compatible with Hi-Speed USB 2.0
Easy Plug and Play installation
JetFlash® elite Software pack includes:
-PC-Lock Function: Makes JetFlash® a key to lock your computer
-Secret-Zip Function: Compress and/or Password protect saved files using AES Encryption
-E-Mail Function: Use your JetFlash® to Securely Send, Receive and Save e-mails
-AutoLogin Function: Automatically login to websites where you have a password
-Favorites Function: Store all your favorite website addresses on the JetFlash®
-DataBackup Function: Backup, Restore and Synchronize your Data using the JetFlash®
Driverless
USB powered. No external power, or battery needed
Dimensions:
75mm x 25mm x 11mm (1GB-8GB)
88mm x 33mm x 15mm (16GB)
Transfer Speed:
Read up to 16 MByte/sec, Write up to 12 MByte/sec (1GB~4GB)
Read up to 30 MByte/sec, Write up to 25 MByte/sec (8GB~16GB))
The actual read/write speed shall be printed on the product packaging
Data Retention:
Up to 10 years
Durability:
>100,000 program/erase cycles
System Requirement - Desktop or notebook computer with USB Port
- Microsoft Windows® 2000
- Microsoft Windows® ME
- Microsoft Windows® XP
- Microsoft Windows® Vista
- Mac® OS 9.0 or later
- Linux® Kernel 2.4.2 or later
No Comments »