Using Compact
Flash
and
DiskOnModule
with Falcon 030
Using Compact Flash (CF) disks with Falcon 030 is not a new idea, I've seen and
heard of a few using it. On the other hand, information about actually doing it
has not been generally spread. Also I doubt that anyone really tested PC-
compatibility with it, or made a system for easily removing the disks from the
Falcon. DiskOnModule is an even more recent technology than CF - a whole solid
state hard drive in what looks like little more than an overgrown hard disk
connector... But more on DOM later, lets stick to CF for now.
To save time - the main point is that these technologies work in Falcon, and
even work very well, so read on!
The
Advantages
* 3x faster read/writes (compared against a standard 64Mb Falcon HDD)
* Solid state electronics means shock tolerance
* Easily swap and store hard disks - even between Window/Linux/Mac etc etc
* Light weight
* 32Mb (dirt cheap) -> 4Gb (fucking expensive!) CF disks are now available,
depending on your pocket :)
* CF has more space and is more reliable than floppy disks
* Experiment with new operating systems without stress or risk
* Easy to buy in an consumer electronics or photography store
10 years of advancement
The
Facts
* Compact flash is a slightly cut down version of the PCMCIA standard
* PCMCIA is the IDE standard which has been expanded to include things like hot-
swappability etc
* All CF disks have to be 5v tolerant, and support 'true IDE' mode.
All these points mean that an adapter between IDE and CF should be cheap and
very easy... Indeed its true, just search the web for such an adapter and you'll
find several. For an unmodified Falcon you need a 44pin/2.5"/laptop converter -
they are all the same but different companies use different terms. The adapter I
got cost about 20Euro and was manufactured by PC Engines GmbH. Hot swappabilty
is not supported by these adapters, but so what - just turn off your Falcon
before removing the CF. For more info http://www.pcengines.ch
44pin IDE to Compact Flash adapter
Stage 1
So put your CF disk in the adapter, plug it into your Falcon's IDE bay, format
and partition it as normal. It works. The End...
Stage 1 is really that simple, and straight away you got most of the advantages
of using CF - shock proofing, lighter weight, and increased speed. I wasn't
satisfied with that though. I wanted to remove the CF from the Falcon without
opening the case and then I wanted plug it into a PC and access my data.
Goto next part
gwEm for Alive (May/June 2004 and Jan 2005)
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