PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards Memory Card Devices FAQ

Contents
Getting PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards to Work with Various Operating Systems
16-bit vs. 8-bit data bus path for PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards
PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards with Linux
Battery Information for PCMCIA SRAM PC Card Models with Replaceable Batteries
Differences in PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards with Removable Versus Fixed Batteries
Recharge Times for Fixed Battery PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards
About Attribute (2K or 8K Attribute) in PCMCIA SRAM and Linear Flash PC Card Memory
PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards with Legacy Windows Systems
Third Party Software Packages and Devices for PCMCIA SRAM PC Card Support
Using PCMCIA SRAM PC Card Memory with Recent Windows Systems
PCMCIA SRAM and Linear Flash PC Card Memory with Windows Server 2003
PCMCIA SRAM and Linear Flash PC Card Memory with The Windows Vista
PCMCIA SRAM PC Card with Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Work Around for PC Card SRAM and Linear Flash
PCMCIA SRAM PC Card with Windows XP and Windows XP Work Around for PC Card SRAM

Getting PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards to Work with Various Operating Systems

A PCMCIA SRAM PC Card only works if your operating system vendor provides drivers. Card readers and PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards do not come with drivers for PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards, it has always been the OS vendor's responsibility to include support or you will have to purchase a Card and Socket Services software package from a third party vendor.

16-bit vs. 8-bit data bus path for PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards

Late summer of 2017 our supplier of Data Bus Auto Transfer integrated circuits (IC) put their product on end of life (EOL). Because PCMCIA PC Card devices have been deprecated for over a decade, no other supplier has been willing to provide an alternative IC. The IC allowed PCMCIA PC Card SRAM to negotiate with the host whether the host required an 8-bit or 16-bit data bus for transfers. Unable to find an alternative supplier of the Data Bus Auto Transfer IC, we now provide PCMCIA PC Card SRAM in two separate categories. 16-bit cards, which are the most prevalent in use by most host systems, and 8-bit cards for systems with that requirement. The cards are not interchangeable. Because auto switching had always been available in the past, most devices don't specify which type they require.

A major consideration is that neither the widely deployed OMNIDriveUSB2 Pro nor OMNIDriveUSB2 LF USB based card readers work with the 8-bit cards. These original OmniDrives models only work with the 16-bit versions and will never be able to use 8-bit cards. However, the OMNIDriveUSB2 LF/SD 8-bit (P/N 020726) is specifically designed to work with 8-bit SRAM and linear flash cards exclusively. OMNIDriveUSB2 LF/SD 8-bit is a dedicated device just for 8-bit cards.

We have tested the 8-bit cards in a native PC Card slot on a XP machine, and it allowed the obsolete and unsupported MCE to recognize and format the cards. If you have access to older systems with PCI based or native PC Cards slots running XP or earlier, that might be a viable option.

We suggest that customers test 16-bit cards in their applications first. In the event that they don't work, exchange them for 8-bit cards on their request.

PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards with Linux

Please see Linux PCMCIA HOWTO 4.7 PCMCIA memory cards. Additionally, one of our resellers has successfully deploy PCMCIA PC SRAM under both OpenBSD and Linux using the U111-M card reader, they've created a document entitled U111-M with Unix-like Systems.

PCMCIA SRAM Cards: Synchrotech SRAM PC Cards; See our selection of PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards; Synchrotech offers PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards with replaceable lithium-ion batteries with or without 2K attribute memory.

OMNIDriveUSB2 Pro: PCM-CR-U2EX-SR; USB 2.0 to PC Card Read-Writer 1 Slot ATA + SRAM OmniDrive; The high speed PCM-CR-U2EX-SR provides a specialized hardware/software bundle which allows Windows systems to work with PCMCIA SRAM and ATA Flash PC Cards

Battery Information for PCMCIA SRAM PC Card Models with Replaceable Batteries

Remember to change the battery on PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards every 18 to 24 months to prevent data loss. When changing a battery, the new battery must be placed in the card within 20 minutes of removing the old one to prevent data loss. The following batteries are recommended:

RAYOVAC BR2325
PANASONIC BR2325
PANASONIC CR2325
Toshiba/Panasonic/FDK CR2025

Differences in PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards with Removable Versus Fixed Batteries

Currently, every Synchrotech PCMCIA SRAM PC Card utilizes fixed batteries under the PCM-SRW-#part numbering scheme. In the past the majority of PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards that Synchrotech produced featured removable batteries with a small backup battery to allow battery changes. However, for very large capacities (8MB and sometimes 6MB) we sometimes utilized an alternative manufacturing partner that used a fixed battery under the PCM-SR-#part numbering scheme. These cards do not feature a removable or backup battery. They have a recharging battery onboard the card that recharges with in a PC Card socket.

The SRS Series (PCM-SRS-A***) SRAM PC Cards, like the PCM-SRW-#items it is replacing, also utilize fixed lithium ion batteries.

Recharge Times for Fixed Battery PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards

Synchrotech's fixed battery (PCM-SRW-#part numbering scheme) have a rechargeable battery onboard the card that recharges in a PC Card socket. They must be inserted in a card slot periodically to recharge. All SRAM cards should charge up 100% within 8 hours or if left in the system overnight. Only 2 hours will still charge the card 50%. There is no list of charge times as the above rules apply to all our SRAM cards.

The SRS Series (PCM-SRS-A***) SRAM PC Cards need to be charged from 6 to 8 hours when discharged. Insure the computer's BIOS and operating system have power management disabled in order to provide full voltage and current to the PC Card slot. Depending on density, SRS Series SRAM PC Cards last up to six months on a single charge.

About Attribute (2K or 8K Attribute) in PCMCIA SRAM and Linear Flash PC Card Memory

For devices that don't support the full Card Services standard, this CIS-like 2KB storage tuple essentially informs the device what type of card has been inserted and in cases of storage cards, the capacity of the card. PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards and PCMCIA Linear Flash PC Cards are examples of cards that are available with or without a 2K Attribute. Types of devices that require attribute are usually lab equipment, embedded systems, PDAs and the like. For the most part, notebook computers support Card Services, and hence don't require attribute. When in question, check your device's documentation or contact you device manufacturer.

The SRS Series (PCM-SRS-A***) SRAM PC Cards only come with 2K attribute. If your device requires no attribute, do not use the SRS Series cards with it.

PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards with Legacy Windows Systems

PCMCIA SRAM PC Card with DOS and Windows 3.1X

For DOS and Windows 3.1X: PCMCIA SRAM PC Card cards need a DOS version of a Card and Socket Services Program. Please check to see if you have this running, if not, contact your notebook PC vendor or card reader manufacturer. Some of the vendors listed or linked to on the PC Card support for MS Windows NT 4.0 page also make Card and Socket Services packages for other legacy Microsoft operating systems.

Software Packages: PCMCIA Memory PC Card Software; PCMCIA Memory Card software for use with laptop slots or PCI based card readers; Provide Windows with various degrees of support for PCMCIA SRAM and Linear Flash PC Cards

OMNIDrive Pro LF: PCM-CR-P1EX3; Parallel Port to PC Card Read-Writer 1 Slot + SRAM/Linear; The PCM-CR-P1EX3 provides a specialized hardware/software bundle which allows Windows systems to work with PCMCIA SRAM, Linear Flash, and ATA Flash PC Cards

PCMCIA SRAM PC Card with Windows 95

For Windows 95 PCMCIA SRAM PC Card cards need to be configured as follows. These two lines must be added the CONFIG.SYS file

   device=c:\windows\system\csmapper.sys    device=c:\windows\system\carddrv.exe /slot=2

This will give the PCMCIA SRAM PC Card card a drive letter. For more information see Microsoft's To Install PC Card Support for an SRAM Memory PC Card page. The following information may be of use with Windows 95:

PCMCIA SRAM PC Card with Windows NT 3.51 and 4.0

For NT 3.51 and 4.0: You need a NT version of a Card and Socket Services software program on your system. Please contact your notebook PC vendor or card reader manufacturer. Please see our PC Card support for MS Windows NT 4.0 FAQ page for more information.

PCMCIA SRAM PC Card with Windows 98

For Windows 98: Instead of using the 16-bit drivers in the CONFIG.SYS:

   device=c:\windows\system\csmapper.sys    device=c:\windows\system\carddrv.exe /slot=2

Use the drivers supply by Windows 98. These drivers are located in the following directory In the Windows 98 CD:

   \drivers\storage\ftl\trueffs.inf

to install these drivers, do this:

Remove all PCMCIA SRAM PC Card cards from the PC Card socket
Right click on \drivers\storage\ftl\trueffs.inf This will create a directory in your windows directory called TFFS9X
Once this directory is installed, all of the necessary drivers are installed.
Add LASTDRIVE=Z statement on the CONFIG.SYS
Restart your system
Both slots are now PCMCIA SRAM PC Card card compatible

For more information see Microsoft's To Install PC Card Support for an SRAM Memory PC Card page. The following information may be of use with Windows 98:

PCMCIA SRAM PC Card with Windows 98 SE

Use the instructions above for Windows 98. However, the following information may be of use with Windows 98 SE:

PCMCIA SRAM PC Card with Windows Millennium

The MS-DOS or Windows 3.1 version of the TrueFFS driver does not work with the Windows Millennium PCMCIA driver. To work with FTL-formatted Linear Flash PCMCIA cards in Windows Millennium, install the device driver provided by M-Systems.

To install the device driver:

In Windows Explorer, go to the \Drivers\Storage\Flash folder on your Windows Millennium CD.
Right-click the file Trueffs.inf, and then click Install.
Restart your computer.

Your PCMCIA SRAM and Linear Flash PC cards should now function. For more information see Microsoft's Windows Millennium Edition Hardware.txt File page.

Third Party Software Packages and Devices for PCMCIA SRAM PC Card Support

Asking SRAM or Card Reader vendors to provide SRAM drivers for their OS is like asking floppy drive and disk manufacturers to provide drivers for floppies. The driver support is and always has been part of the operating system vendor's responsibility in support standardized hardware. That being said some OS vendors have been negligent in their support of SRAM PC Cards in their more recent system offerings. If none of the methods or work arounds listed above work, then it may be time to consider purchasing a third party PCMCIA support package. There are several to choose from and the following list is provided as a service, not an endorsement or recommendation.

Synchrotech sells models of Parallel Port and USB PC Card Readers that come with a software package that allows use and manipulation of SRAM cards under nearly all Windows platforms. A major advantage of these readers is that they will mount SRAM volumes under the 'drive lettering scheme' that windows users are used to. IPI's CSM Standard PC Card Manager Software bundled with the OmniDrive readers is actively supported and considered the best solution on the market today.
- PCM-CR-P1EX2 Parallel Port to PC Card Read-Writer 1 Slot + SRAM
- PCM-CR-P1EX3 Parallel Port to PC Card Read-Writer 1 Slot + SRAM/Linear
- PCM-CR-U2EX-SR USB 2.0 to PC Card Read-Writer 1 Slot ATA + SRAM
- PCM-CR-U2EX-LF USB to PC Card Read-Writer 1 Slot + SRAM/Linear
- PCM-CR-U111-M U111M USB to PC Card Read-Writer 1 Slot PCMCIA PC Card ATA Flash and SRAM
IPI SoftDrive Professional PC Card Storage Device Software is powerful, extensive and well supported PCMCIA Memory Card software for use with laptops with built in PC Card slot.
Elan Digital Systems MCE is PCMCIA Memory Card software for use with laptop slots or PCI based card readers.

Using PCMCIA SRAM PC Card Memory with Recent Windows Systems

Please see Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista Solutions for PCMCIA SRAM and Linear Flash PC Cards.

PCMCIA SRAM PC Card with Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Work Around for PC Card SRAM and Linear Flash

Updated August 30, 2001

Linear Flash and PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards do not come with drivers, it has always been the OS vendor's responsibility to include support for these devices. Unlike previous versions of Windows, the Linear Flash and SRAM drivers traditionally included on Windows distributions are not included with Windows 2000. The following information explains a work around to get Windows 2000 to recognize and use Linear Flash and PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards. Be certain Windows 2000 has been upgraded with at least Service Pack 1 and the host hardware supports PC Cards. OEM installed Windows 2000 should not exhibit problems, but systems upgraded from older Windows versions may need confirmation that their hardware is compatible.

Please note that Synchrotech provides this work around as a customer service and does not guarantee that will work with every system configuration. For the best solution please see: Third Party Software Packages for SRAM Support.

During the Windows 2000 hardware setup process choose Display a list of known drivers... instead of Search for a suitable driver...
Select the category Memory technology driver
Select the M-Systems DiskOnChip2000 driver from listed manufacturer M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers
Click Yes on the Update Driver Warning message, continue and click Finish to complete the setup process, click No from the restart Windows message
Access the Device Manager and highlight M-Systems DiskOnChip2000 from the category Memory technology driver (it has the conflict symbol)
Access the M-Systems DiskOnChip2000 and click Update Driver from the Driver tab
Choose Display a list of known drivers... instead of Search for a suitable driver... when the options appear
You should now have more default driver options, select the Centennial PCMCIA Memory Card driver from listed manufacturer Centennial Technologies, Inc. (other drivers may work, but the Centennial driver was used successfully in testing)
Click Yes on the Update Driver Warning message, continue and click Finish to complete the setup process, click Ok from the properties window then Yes from the restart Windows message
When Windows restarts, you should see a new drive letter and icon from "My Computer" or Windows Explorer

PCMCIA SRAM PC Card with Windows XP and Windows XP Work Around for PC Card SRAM

Updated July 04, 2003

PCMCIA SRAM PC Cards do not come with drivers, it has always been the OS vendor's responsibility to include support for these devices. Unlike previous versions of Windows, SRAM drivers traditionally included on Windows distributions are not included with Windows XP. The following information explains a work around to get Windows XP to recognize and use Attributed PC Card SRAM. It does not seem to work with non-attributed cards. Be certain Windows XP is up to date with the latest Service Packs and the host hardware correctly supports PC Cards.

Insert the SRAM card into the PC Card slot
When the 'Hardware Wizard' appears, select 'Install from a list or specific location (advanced)'
Click 'Next'
Select 'Don't search I will choose the driver to install'
Click 'Next'
Scroll through the list of choice and select 'PCMCIA and Flash memory devices'
Click 'Next'
Double click 'generic' under the Manufacturer listing
Select 'Generic PCMCIA Memory Card' from the Model listing
Click 'Next'
Click the 'Yes' button when the warning dialog appears, to dismiss it
Click 'Finish' when the 'Completing the found new hardware wizard' dialog appears