The cameras internal voltage regulator drops the external voltage
to 3.3v.
ALL the internal power is provided from this. There is a +
5%
tolerance for this. The current limit could be a large as +-10% and
the thermal limit could also be +-10%. Them there is the standard
drop across the regulator. This also could be +-10%.
The variations of; focus motor drive current, regulator current
limit, input/output voltage drop and thermal limit shutdown
thresholds plus the variations of the micro head move and R/W
currents will allow a camera to work with the micro or not.
I have three 340s. each with a different symptom. One will boot up
but not write(excess write current causing the regulator to current
limit), the next will boot up and take about 30 pics and then give
card errors(overheating the regulator) and the third boots up
intermittantly but R/Ws flawlessly(high head move currents).
For your info, and this is from an IBM white paper on the old 340,
which is the only one available, and the 1G. The 340 has the
following; idle current-65ma typ, spindle motor and motor driver
on-280ma typ for 300ms, head load/unload-320ma typ 30ms and read
280ma/write 300ma typ.
The 1G 20ma idle, spindle and motor driver on-220ma typ at 430ms,
head load 410ma typ at 100ms, read 200ma/write 240ma typ.
The total time from start up command to R/W ready is 800ms for the
340 and 1200ms for the 1G. As you can see this is a long time to
have the start up load while the camera is trying to boot as well.
The camera can draw 1.75A while booting. Add up to another .4A and
there is reason for weird operation. The product tolerances just
make it better or worse depending on which mix you have. I seem to
have a border line camera that will show the tolerance errors of
all the micros. LUCKY ME!
As you can see there is a wide varance in the micros themselves
otherwise the same symtom would show up for all three.
The solution that some have used for getting the &^%% things to
work of boosting the voltage will solve only those regulator
problems that have high in/out voltage drop.
The real solution is to have a split supply. One to the normal
camera's circuitry and the other to the removable memory. This
would remove the high loading, of the micros, on the main regulator.
To make the fix you would need to accept the fact that the warranty
will be blown, a need for a schematic and a steady hand with a
soldering iron.
Do you feel lucky ? Either live with the quirks or don't use the
micro if you are having problems.
I envy those without problems.
Walter
I have been waffeling for the last several weeks on which high end
digital camera to purchase. I am an advanced amatuer and shoot a
Bronica ETRsi and a Nikon 35MM.
Does the E10 support micro drive storage. I have seen mixed
reports on this issue. I have considered the S1, D30, CP995, and
have just about decided to go with the E10 based on availaility,
performance and price.
Thanks
