VisorCentral.com - Which CF/SM Module?

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VisorCentral.com (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/index.php)
- Springboard Modules (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=10)
-- Which CF/SM Module? (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=18387)

Posted by doni on 09-18-2001 12:58 AM:

Which CF/SM Module?

I have a Visor Deluxe and am looking to add either a CF or SM module. Currently, I'm using SynSolutions' Launch 'Em 2.16 and have Backup Buddy v1.42.

Now, my question: which solution do I want? I like what I've been hearing about the future of using VFS to read/write/run files/apps DIRECTLY from the CF/SM card. I like Launch 'Em--but I'm willing to give it up if I need to. Also a REQUIREMENT is that the module AND memory fit flush--I have a case that will NOT allow me to have any protruding modules.

I've heard of a couple solutions to read/write/run: VFS and PiDirect. I've heard that BBVFS is not yet ready for VisorVFS (this statement came from BlueNomad's tech support).

Is there a way for some program--maybe VFS--to act as an intermediarry of sorts i.e. the database for ProgramA is on my CF Card. When I run ProgramA, VFS would recognize the fact that it is there and read the database and send the information to the program. I know this last one is a long shot--just thought I'd ask.

My of the main features I'm looking for is to allow BackupBuddy to AUTOMATICALLY backup my VDX to CF/SM while I'm in bed. Of course, I'd eventually use it for MANY other things.

Thanks.

Posted by miradu on 09-18-2001 01:06 AM:

Try a memplug. www.memplug.com You can get them at your local compusa to.

__________________
-miradu

Posted by Uncle Roger on 09-18-2001 02:23 AM:

The MemPlug does not fit flush, either on top (memory card sticks out) or the back (the module sticks out.)

Both the Matchbook Drive (MD-100) and FlashPlus fit flush top and back. (Both are available from <http://www.matchbookdrive.com/> ) Currently, the production version of the software for these modules (from Kopsis - <http://www.kopsisengineering.com/> ) does not do the run-from-CF bit, nor does it support true access of the data from the CF card by software.

However, the beta software (which I've been playing with and is very stable -- a lot of people have it loaded on their everyday visors) does let you run programs from CF and programs can access data stored on the CF card (provided they are written to use VFS.)

As an example, I've got a visor with 7.5MB of free memory -- there's nothing but Launcher III (much like Launch 'em only free and VFS enabled) and the drivers for the CF card on the visor itself. But, if I pop in the correct Matchbook drive, I suddenly have Mapopolis and about 3MB of maps available to me. A different Matchbook drive and I've got SplashPhoto and a bunch of pics. (If I had used my FlashPlus, I wouldn't need the drivers on the visor, thus freeing up even more memory.)

BackupBuddyVFS does have problems, from what I hear on the discussion group (at <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flashadapter-forum> ) but it's getting there. I use JackBack which doesn't need VFS to backup to CF. And I believe you can schedule backups.

Posted by doni on 09-18-2001 02:30 AM:

quote:
Originally posted by Uncle Roger
The MemPlug does not fit flush, either on top (memory card sticks out) or the back (the module sticks out.)

Both the Matchbook Drive (MD-100) and FlashPlus fit flush top and back. (Both are available from <http://www.matchbookdrive.com/> ) Currently, the production version of the software for these modules (from Kopsis - <http://www.kopsisengineering.com/> ) does not do the run-from-CF bit, nor does it support true access of the data from the CF card by software.

However, the beta software (which I've been playing with and is very stable -- a lot of people have it loaded on their everyday visors) does let you run programs from CF and programs can access data stored on the CF card (provided they are written to use VFS.)

As an example, I've got a visor with 7.5MB of free memory -- there's nothing but Launcher III (much like Launch 'em only free and VFS enabled) and the drivers for the CF card on the visor itself. But, if I pop in the correct Matchbook drive, I suddenly have Mapopolis and about 3MB of maps available to me. A different Matchbook drive and I've got SplashPhoto and a bunch of pics. (If I had used my FlashPlus, I wouldn't need the drivers on the visor, thus freeing up even more memory.)

BackupBuddyVFS does have problems, from what I hear on the discussion group (at <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flashadapter-forum> ) but it's getting there. I use JackBack which doesn't need VFS to backup to CF. And I believe you can schedule backups.

So, it sounds like you're suggesting FlashPlus, JackBack and LauncherIII. Anyone else have any thoughts?

Posted by Thunderbird291 on 09-18-2001 02:44 AM:

The memplug SM card only sticks out 1mm, but if it really doesn't fit, you can cut the top of the SM card off(it's just plastic, the memory part is the gold contacts).

Posted by doni on 09-18-2001 03:24 AM:

Thanks for the info..
I don't think I want to "cut off" part of my cards.

Posted by gentzel on 09-18-2001 04:16 AM:

quote:
Originally posted by Uncle Roger
The MemPlug does not fit flush, either on top (memory card sticks out) or the back (the module sticks out.)

There is a strong rumor that MemPlug will be releasing a completely flush module in the very near future. So it depends on how soon you need to purchase whether this will be an option.

Posted by miradu on 09-18-2001 04:30 AM:

double post! oops! you would think that afteer 1100some posts I would figure out how NOT to double psot. Sigh

__________________
-miradu

Posted by miradu on 09-18-2001 04:30 AM:

where did you hear this rumer? Pi? do you want to e-mail this vc writer NDA'ed info? please? I luv to beta!

__________________
-miradu

Posted by PiDeveloper on 09-18-2001 04:32 AM:

Re: Which CF/SM Module?

quote:
Originally posted by doni
I have a Visor Deluxe and am looking to add either a CF or SM module. Currently, I'm using SynSolutions' Launch 'Em 2.16 and have Backup Buddy v1.42.

Now, my question: which solution do I want? I like what I've been hearing about the future of using VFS to read/write/run files/apps DIRECTLY from the CF/SM card. I like Launch 'Em--but I'm willing to give it up if I need to. Also a REQUIREMENT is that the module AND memory fit flush--I have a case that will NOT allow me to have any protruding modules.

I've heard of a couple solutions to read/write/run: VFS and PiDirect. I've heard that BBVFS is not yet ready for VisorVFS (this statement came from BlueNomad's tech support).

Is there a way for some program--maybe VFS--to act as an intermediarry of sorts i.e. the database for ProgramA is on my CF Card. When I run ProgramA, VFS would recognize the fact that it is there and read the database and send the information to the program. I know this last one is a long shot--just thought I'd ask.

My of the main features I'm looking for is to allow BackupBuddy to AUTOMATICALLY backup my VDX to CF/SM while I'm in bed. Of course, I'd eventually use it for MANY other things.

Thanks.

Hi,

Just to let you know that you can get PiVFS Manager (MemPlug VFS support) for free from our webpage.

AFAIK, BBVFS is able to run on MemPlug VFS without any problem.
Not to mention we have bundled our PiBackup for you free of charge.

Have you heard about gMovies? CSpotRun? PiMover? PiViewer? etc??
They all bundled with MemPlug SM/CF.

With LauncherIII (memplug version) also free download from our webpage. You can launcher you application directly on your memory card.

Feel free to visit our product forum and product webpage to learn more about it.

Regards,
PiDeveloper

__________________
product page: http://www.memplug.com
product forum: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/memplug

Posted by Uncle Roger on 09-18-2001 04:56 AM:

quote:
Originally posted by Thunderbird291
The memplug SM card only sticks out 1mm, but if it really doesn't fit, you can cut the top of the SM card off(it's just plastic, the memory part is the gold contacts).

You still have the problem of the actual module sticking out in the back about 1-1.5mm (according to my ultra-precise plastic ruler). And now that I look at the MemPlug SM in place, the actual module is not flush on top.

The MemPlug CF is flush on top, but sticks out considerably more on the back (and even has two little knobs that stick out further.)

I strongly prefer the software that the Matchbook Drive and FlashPlus come with (not to mention the support) over the MemPlug. Personally, I would recommend the FlashPlus over the MemPlug.

However, other than the physical issues with the MemPlugs, they would probably work just as well -- Some people prefer them, so they must be okay.

Posted by MHCohn on 09-18-2001 04:56 AM:

Having an abundance of SM cards a couple of months ago, and being a dedicated beta tester, I took the jump and cut off the top 1mm or so of one of my cards so that it fit flush with the top of the MemPlug. It has run flawlessly for 3-5 months.

The Prism with the MemPlug and "circumsized" SM card fits perfectly in my Vaja case and the way the MemPlug is built, it is still easy to slide the card in and out of the module, which I do quite often to load amd re-arrange programs using a flash card reader.

Go for it, the MemPlug is great.

__________________
-Michael-

Posted by Uncle Roger on 09-18-2001 05:03 AM:

Re: Re: Which CF/SM Module?

quote:
Originally posted by PiDeveloper
Have you heard about gMovies? CSpotRun? PiMover? PiViewer? etc??
They all bundled with MemPlug SM/CF.

With LauncherIII (memplug version) also free download from our webpage. You can launcher you application directly on your memory card.

Just to be perfectly clear, CSpotRun is open source and free, it comes with the Kopsis software (Matchbook drive, FlashPlus) as well. LauncherIII is also free and is included with the beta of Kopsis' VFSHelper app. (Other launchers work with it too, (and presumably PiVFS as well,) although the other Launchers aren't all free.) PiMover is equivalent to FAFileMover from Kopsis. gMovies and PiViewer, are, I believe unique to the MemPlug (though there are equivalents available -- I use SplashPhoto.)

And while you're here, I bought a MemPlug CF that seems to be dead in the water. It won't recognize a CF card (tested good on a PC and in a Matchbook Drive.) Any thoughts?

Posted by Euxx on 09-18-2001 05:28 AM:

quote:
Originally posted by Uncle Roger

...
I strongly prefer the software that the Matchbook Drive and FlashPlus come with (not to mention the support) over the MemPlug.
....

Could you please explain what is better in the software for Matchbook Drive?

Posted by PiDeveloper on 09-18-2001 05:32 AM:

Pic of the flush design MemPlug CF

quote:
Originally posted by Uncle Roger

Just to be perfectly clear, CSpotRun is open source and free, it comes with the Kopsis software (Matchbook drive, FlashPlus) as well. LauncherIII is also free and is included with the beta of Kopsis' VFSHelper app. (Other launchers work with it too, (and presumably PiVFS as well,) although the other Launchers aren't all free.) PiMover is equivalent to FAFileMover from Kopsis. gMovies and PiViewer, are, I believe unique to the MemPlug (though there are equivalents available -- I use SplashPhoto.)

And while you're here, I bought a MemPlug CF that seems to be dead in the water. It won't recognize a CF card (tested good on a PC and in a Matchbook Drive.) Any thoughts?

Hi Roger,

FYI~.
MemPlug work out and release CSpotRun external memory support eariler than Kopsis.
LauncherIII with both native MemPlug support and VFS support. It can be found in our webpage.

For your problem with MemPlugCF. Could you kindly let us know which band of CF card you are using, the size of you CF card, and has MemPlugCF ask you to format your card??

Please free feel to contact our support team, we will try our best to help.

And about the flush design of MemPlugCF.
It is currently available in PalmGear. And will be available in CompUSA soon. It is completely flush with your visor.
And we still keep the reverse input method

That is you can pull out your card easily without removal of you module.

Regards,
PiDeveloper

The attachment is a pic of the new design:

__________________
product page: http://www.memplug.com
product forum: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/memplug

Posted by miradu on 09-18-2001 12:54 PM:

Is that avaible for SmartMedia too?

dude, your gonna make me have to like buy a new memplug for this! I don't havethe $$$! Stop teasing me with this stuff! wow. That changes everything. I can go back to using my HS case!

Thank you!1 (for doing this!!)

When will we see SD and MS?

__________________
-miradu

Posted by doni on 09-18-2001 02:39 PM:

My goodness! What a flurry of responses that created in one night!

Thanks for taking the time to write guys!

I do still have one question: you've said that LauncherIII will run apps DIRECTLY from the CF/SM card. What if the app isn't VFS aware? Will it still run? I've got NUMEROUS apps that were written well BEFORE I heard ANYONE talking about VFS.

And while I'm at it, does anyone know of a list of VFS aware apps out there

Thanks.

Posted by alexmathew on 09-18-2001 06:24 PM:

LauncherIII and VFS

quote:
Originally posted by doni

I do still have one question: you've said that LauncherIII will run apps DIRECTLY from the CF/SM card. What if the app isn't VFS aware? Will it still run? I've got NUMEROUS apps that were written well BEFORE I heard ANYONE talking about VFS.
And while I'm at it, does anyone know of a list of VFS aware apps out there
Thanks.

With a CF/SM card Springboard adapter, you still need a system software that makes the system VFS-aware. I use VFShelper from Kopsis on a MatchbookDrive CF adapter on a Visor Deluxe with OS 3.1H

Once VFSHelper is installed and activated, LauncherIII (and other software such as PowerRUN, CSpotRun etc) can launch apps directly off the card. However, there are many caveats to this:
- some apps need Palm OS 3.5 or higher
- some apps will not work off the card - period.
- the largest size of the app you can launch (including data needed by the app) is still limited by the free RAM on the visor - less than 8MB until Neo and Pro came along. Ok. you may say who needs more than that! well, I would with QuoVadis - a mapping software!
- with LauncherIII and powerRUN, the apps are copied to the Visor RAM and executed - there is a slight launch delay which increases with app size.
- For VFS unaware apps to be launched with LauncherIII requires the data to be in the Visor RAM.
- PowerRUN allows Apps AND Data to be stores and launched off the Card.
- Many VFS-aware apps dont work on some models of Visors - eg. Fireviewer crashes on my VDX!
- Versions of VFSHelper, LauncherIII, PowerRUN and many of the VFS aware software are being updated on almost a daily basis - so sometimes some combinations of the versions of these work - some dont - a matter of trial and error until a complete package is released.
- PIDirect and other software that comes with memplug may function in a different manner from VFSHelper and my experiences!

Bottom line - your mileage WILL vary dramatically with every app that is/is not VFS aware - just give it a try!
Bye
AM

Posted by PiDeveloper on 09-19-2001 02:07 AM:

quote:
Originally posted by miradu2000
Is that avaible for SmartMedia too?

dude, your gonna make me have to like buy a new memplug for this! I don't havethe $$$! Stop teasing me with this stuff! wow. That changes everything. I can go back to using my HS case!

Thank you!1 (for doing this!!)

When will we see SD and MS?

The hardware design of MemPlugSM has changed long ago.
You should able to find the new design in nearby CompUSA and any online store selling MemPlug.

It is flush at back, and "nearly" flush at top.
I think it should be able to put into most HS case, if not all.
You can see some pictures of it in the following link.
http://www.memplug.com/ProuctInfo_WhatIsMemPlug.htm

For the MemPlugSD and MS....
(Ok, my boss is not nearby..)
MemPlugMS is ready for beta testing... And will be available to the market very soon.

Regards,
PiDeveloper

__________________
product page: http://www.memplug.com
product forum: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/memplug

Posted by miradu on 09-19-2001 04:57 AM:

Pi! I thought you WERE the boss!

about the sizeing.. 1), for every change you do now, PLESE make a big deal out of it, I'm starting to get majorly confused!

I have vrs. 2.0 of the hardware (on the card), and the SM card does NOT stick out of the top of the module. The module though is like 1 mm to big on all sides, so that it deos not fit in a clip on back Handspring case. Is this the current vrs I'm supposed to be talking about, or is their an even newer one... The specs on your website say 11mm, but a thinmodem is .3 inches thick. Conversions show that to be about 7.5 mm, so your webstie lists the memplug as being very thick!

When will PiViever become an acceptable program again? IMHO, it's not even a feature of the memplug anymore, becusae it's virtually unusable.

I can ask you questions that go on, and on, and on! FOREVER! I'm such a curious individual. If you ever need help betaing stuff, even though all I own are 3 SM cards, please feel free to e-mail me

ONE LAST THING. This will work with the Sony MS camera right? The point (IMHO) especially for SD is to be able to use al lthe hardware too, making the visor TRUELY the most expandable.

AND LAST OF ALL! (I go on and on don't I!)

PLEASE, I want PiTech to be active seeking lisencss of the memplug for use in springboard modules (think eyemod3, with memplug built in! OOO!) PLEASE!

__________________
-miradu

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