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Disc Steno CP100 - First Overview

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Vasa Carapic

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Just received yesterday so much talked about Disc Steno CP100. Portable storage CD Writer.

1. Unit looks very solid, bit bigger than I would really like it to be, but I assume it has to have space for the size of CD.

2. It has all the slots for Cards (but not xD picture card - need CF Adapter).

3. Button, lights... looks pretty neat.

But looks has nothing to do with performance so I started copying the cards, pulling them out, turning the unit off and everything else, but droped it on the floor.

1. The transfer is similar to all other devices. CD writes "Apacer" title on each CD at the start, and transfer are listed as 01, 02, 03, 04 etc. You can record unlimited time until the unit tells you that CD is full.

2. There is a red light for error and I haven't had an error until I made it to happened (pulling the card out during the transfer).

3. There is no light to tell you that CF card is properly in the slot, but if it is not and you try to copy - the error light would blink immediately wanring you.

4. There are two blinking lights while recording. One on top, and another one on the cover of CD slot. That keeps blinking until session is closed and CD can't be taken out during the recording process.

5. There is an emergency CD button - to open CD without any power.

6. 128MB CF card will transfer in about 2 minutes. It appears that longest time is in the process of getting unit ready to copy and closing session rather than actual transfer, meaning that 256MB card will transfer faster than 4 minutes - which is average time of transfers with other Hard Drive units. The unit is rated as 24X write.

I haven't connected to the computer yet, as my main concern was recording images from the cards, and considering that anyone would hardly need to use this device as regular part of PC.

If you have some questions and would like certain test being performed post it here and I will elaborate findings.

Vasa
[email protected]
--
[email protected]
 
Vasa,

Glad to see that someone has actually got a unit to play with ;-). I'd be interested to know how reliable the writes are - ie do you get any problems after doing a number of writes, or does it look to be very stable?

I've got two 512MB CF cards, so I'd be interested to see how long it would take to write a full one to the cd...

How does the unit stand up to vibrations? Can it take a gentle knock whilst writing? Or can it still write whilst placed on a vibrating object (I'm thinking about something like a car dash board whilst the engine is running)? I'd be surprised if it will cope with either situation, but it would be nice to know :-).

Finally, what is the battery life like? How many discs do you think you could write on one charge?

Any more information, please keep us posted. I'm sure there are going to be many users who are interested in how this unit performs :-).

Thanks,

Dave.
 
Hi Dave,

So far so good. Writing has been performed every single time without fail.

I kept writing about 10MB over and over, and checking the write on PC after every single time. Turning unit on and off - performing as if I was on the field and doing it in separate times.

I am still to perform longer test - writing 512MB card and looking into battery life.

Unit is excellent to vibration. I started to hit it on the table, not much but the force would definitely stop XDrive. I was moving up and down (shaking)and walking with it while writing and it did ok. The only thing I notice you can't turn unit upside down - it produces error.

Vasa
[email protected]
Dave Abrey said:
Vasa,

Glad to see that someone has actually got a unit to play with ;-).
I'd be interested to know how reliable the writes are - ie do you
get any problems after doing a number of writes, or does it look to
be very stable?

I've got two 512MB CF cards, so I'd be interested to see how long
it would take to write a full one to the cd...

How does the unit stand up to vibrations? Can it take a gentle
knock whilst writing? Or can it still write whilst placed on a
vibrating object (I'm thinking about something like a car dash
board whilst the engine is running)? I'd be surprised if it will
cope with either situation, but it would be nice to know :-).

Finally, what is the battery life like? How many discs do you think
you could write on one charge?

Any more information, please keep us posted. I'm sure there are
going to be many users who are interested in how this unit performs
:-).

Thanks,

Dave.
Click to expand...
--
[email protected]
 
Vasa,

Thanks for posting your impressions on this unit. It appears that this could definitely be a good alternative to carrying my laptop. Please keep us informed as you continue to work with the unit.

Howard
Vasa Carapic said:
So far so good. Writing has been performed every single time
without fail.
I kept writing about 10MB over and over, and checking the write on
PC after every single time. Turning unit on and off - performing as
if I was on the field and doing it in separate times.

I am still to perform longer test - writing 512MB card and looking
into battery life.

Unit is excellent to vibration. I started to hit it on the table,
not much but the force would definitely stop XDrive. I was moving
up and down (shaking)and walking with it while writing and it did
ok. The only thing I notice you can't turn unit upside down - it
produces error.

Vasa
[email protected]
Dave Abrey said:
Vasa,

Glad to see that someone has actually got a unit to play with ;-).
I'd be interested to know how reliable the writes are - ie do you
get any problems after doing a number of writes, or does it look to
be very stable?

I've got two 512MB CF cards, so I'd be interested to see how long
it would take to write a full one to the cd...

How does the unit stand up to vibrations? Can it take a gentle
knock whilst writing? Or can it still write whilst placed on a
vibrating object (I'm thinking about something like a car dash
board whilst the engine is running)? I'd be surprised if it will
cope with either situation, but it would be nice to know :-).

Finally, what is the battery life like? How many discs do you think
you could write on one charge?

Any more information, please keep us posted. I'm sure there are
going to be many users who are interested in how this unit performs
:-).

Thanks,

Dave.
Click to expand...
--
[email protected]
Click to expand...
 
Hello Vasa,

do you know what will happen if you have 200 MB space left on the CD and try to copy a full 256 MB Card (or if you try to copy a full 1 GB card on a 700 MB CD)?

Will it stop burning after 200 MB or will it not even start and tell you "not enough space to copy all data" or what will happen?

Have you tried to use 800 MB CD-R (what would allow 3x 256 MB).

All the best and gave fun with the Steno (hope to get mine next week)

Matthias
 
Vasa,

Thanks for doing the tests - they are greatly appreciated :-).

I'm impressed that you could walk around with it and still produce good copies! That's a good start :-).

I hope you don't mind me asking another question...? How does the multisession work? Do you simply write part of the disc, then write the rest later? And how do you 'finalise' the disc? On my PC's cdrw, I seem to remember that you have to 'finalise' the disc in order to use it on other computers.

It's looking good so far :-). Thanks again :-).

Dave.
 
Thanks Vasa for this information. This unit looks very promissing.
I'm just hoping they will release a version 2 smaller and lighter ;-)

I just have two question.

Is it provided with a carrying bag?

Is it a proprieatry format of Li-on battery or the one you can purchase in local shop?
Vasa Carapic said:
Just received yesterday so much talked about Disc Steno CP100.
Portable storage CD Writer.

1. Unit looks very solid, bit bigger than I would really like it to
be, but I assume it has to have space for the size of CD.

2. It has all the slots for Cards (but not xD picture card - need
CF Adapter).

3. Button, lights... looks pretty neat.

But looks has nothing to do with performance so I started copying
the cards, pulling them out, turning the unit off and everything
else, but droped it on the floor.

1. The transfer is similar to all other devices. CD writes "Apacer"
title on each CD at the start, and transfer are listed as 01, 02,
03, 04 etc. You can record unlimited time until the unit tells you
that CD is full.

2. There is a red light for error and I haven't had an error until
I made it to happened (pulling the card out during the transfer).

3. There is no light to tell you that CF card is properly in the
slot, but if it is not and you try to copy - the error light would
blink immediately wanring you.

4. There are two blinking lights while recording. One on top, and
another one on the cover of CD slot. That keeps blinking until
session is closed and CD can't be taken out during the recording
process.

5. There is an emergency CD button - to open CD without any power.

6. 128MB CF card will transfer in about 2 minutes. It appears that
longest time is in the process of getting unit ready to copy and
closing session rather than actual transfer, meaning that 256MB
card will transfer faster than 4 minutes - which is average time of
transfers with other Hard Drive units. The unit is rated as 24X
write.

I haven't connected to the computer yet, as my main concern was
recording images from the cards, and considering that anyone would
hardly need to use this device as regular part of PC.

If you have some questions and would like certain test being
performed post it here and I will elaborate findings.

Vasa
[email protected]
--
[email protected]
Click to expand...
 
Hi Dave,

Well it is like this - you can walk around, bang the unit and still copy right, but if you turn the unit upside down - ERROR will occure.

Once the error has occured you can't use the same CD to continue writing - that is the end of the CD, and you have to get another CD to continue work.

I will try to be more clear - If there is no error, you can write as many times as you like until the disk is full.

If there is an error, even at the start you will not be able to write anymore on that disk, BUT all the previous session will be intact and you can find all your pictures written before the error. Once that error ocures, you than have to take disk out of the unit, put another CD inside - and write it again.

When something like that happened, than you don;t have to wait for error to ocure for ever, it will tell you in first 10 seconds so you don't waist time of thinking you are writing, and than at the end error comes.

Vasa
[email protected]
Dave Abrey said:
Vasa,

Thanks for doing the tests - they are greatly appreciated :-).

I'm impressed that you could walk around with it and still produce
good copies! That's a good start :-).

I hope you don't mind me asking another question...? How does the
multisession work? Do you simply write part of the disc, then write
the rest later? And how do you 'finalise' the disc? On my PC's
cdrw, I seem to remember that you have to 'finalise' the disc in
order to use it on other computers.

It's looking good so far :-). Thanks again :-).

Dave.
Click to expand...
--
[email protected]
 
Hi Matt,

Not got quite there yet, but this would answer your question. I have tried to copy 3 times 256MB card, on 700 MB space. Third go was ERROR, nothing recording. Error came in first 10 seconds.

This would mean for you, if you have more MB on the card than on CD - it will give you an error in first 10 seconds, and will not copy anything else.

It is the same in PC and Windows, if you try to copy larger files, than available space it will tell you. Disc Steno just gives you light error telling you the same thing without words.

Vasa
[email protected]
matze said:
Hello Vasa,

do you know what will happen if you have 200 MB space left on the
CD and try to copy a full 256 MB Card (or if you try to copy a full
1 GB card on a 700 MB CD)?

Will it stop burning after 200 MB or will it not even start and
tell you "not enough space to copy all data" or what will happen?

Have you tried to use 800 MB CD-R (what would allow 3x 256 MB).

All the best and gave fun with the Steno (hope to get mine next week)

Matthias
Click to expand...
--
[email protected]
 
Vasa,

Thank you very much for your testing - I think I'm virtually sold on getting one now :-).

Cheers,

Dave.
 
Bonjour Jean,

Dans la Disc Steno (only joking - have no clue about French)

There is a cary bag - honestly didn't even open to look into it yet.

Another honest truth is I don't like the size - it's OK - but it bothers me little - so if you are perfectinist than the size will definitely put you off.

I have been in digital imaging accessories for 2,5 years and learnt I have to tell the truth about units whether I sell them or not. I know everybody else will start to copy this idea as it usualy happens, but this would be than good for consumers - ultimately people we are working for.

Battery looks like just one that lot of digital cameras are using. One of those 2 AA stuck together into a plastic cover, not have chance to look that either and am not having access to check it now, but sure that you can buy everywhere and lot of cameras are using that battery system

Vasa
[email protected]
Jean-Francois Rysselinck said:
I just have two question.

Is it provided with a carrying bag?
Is it a proprieatry format of Li-on battery or the one you can
purchase in local shop?
Jean-Francois Rysselinck said:
--
[email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
[email protected]
 
Hi Dave,

I am sorry to dissapoint you - but NO you are not going to get one now until the whole test is concluding - wait to see what else I find out.

I know I would love to sell it to you - and I know I am only one that promissing delivery right now - as I have unit here and can ship today.

But I have to tell you to be patient - there are few more things to check it and make sure that it is working ok.

After all I don;t want to sell it to you and than have to return the unit and refund your money.

You have to research more, ask more questions and make sure that this is 100% what you want - before you committ yourself.

Vasa
[email protected]
Dave Abrey said:
Vasa,

Thank you very much for your testing - I think I'm virtually sold
on getting one now :-).

Cheers,

Dave.
Click to expand...
--
[email protected]
 
Vasa,

Sorry, I think there's some crossed wires here :-). I didn't know that you sell the devices, and sorry if I gave you the impression that I wanted to buy one from you :-(. I'm interested to see what the results from the tests are, as I will need some form of image backup for a holiday I'm taking in a few months, and the Disc Steno is one of the options.

Anyway, I'm really greatful for the tests you've done :-).

Regards,

Dave.
 
HI Dave again,

That's fine - I didn't neceseseraly think you will be going to buy from me - but more talked in general terms.

I am still looking to try to find how it will perform in full. In the past I have devices that worked perfectly in first day or two - to stop working after few days of use, or produce some unexpected hardware bugs.

Vasa
[email protected]
Dave Abrey said:
Vasa,

Sorry, I think there's some crossed wires here :-). I didn't know
that you sell the devices, and sorry if I gave you the impression
that I wanted to buy one from you :-(. I'm interested to see what
the results from the tests are, as I will need some form of image
backup for a holiday I'm taking in a few months, and the Disc Steno
is one of the options.

Anyway, I'm really greatful for the tests you've done :-).

Regards,

Dave.
Click to expand...
--
[email protected]
 
Hi Vasa

You must have stayed up all night. I am guessing you are in Australia, like me, from your email address. I have my CP100 arriving today, from eyo. Did you purchase yours from them also?
Vasa Carapic said:
That's fine - I didn't neceseseraly think you will be going to buy
from me - but more talked in general terms.

I am still looking to try to find how it will perform in full. In
the past I have devices that worked perfectly in first day or two -
to stop working after few days of use, or produce some unexpected
hardware bugs.

Vasa
[email protected]
Dave Abrey said:
Vasa,

Sorry, I think there's some crossed wires here :-). I didn't know
that you sell the devices, and sorry if I gave you the impression
that I wanted to buy one from you :-(. I'm interested to see what
the results from the tests are, as I will need some form of image
backup for a holiday I'm taking in a few months, and the Disc Steno
is one of the options.

Anyway, I'm really greatful for the tests you've done :-).

Regards,

Dave.
Click to expand...
--
[email protected]
Click to expand...
 
Vasa,

is it possible to write the content of a microdrive (1GB) to 2 CD's or isn't the Microdrive with more data than about 650 MB not compatible with the CD-Writer?

Best Regards
Georg
 
Hi Georg,

So far I was not able to copy larger MB space if there was smaller space on CD - it just produces error. Therefore I can just guess before I try 1 GIG card - that you need to shoot less on Microdrive and transfer within the limit of CD.

Vasa
[email protected]
Georg **** said:
Vasa,

is it possible to write the content of a microdrive (1GB) to 2 CD's
or isn't the Microdrive with more data than about 650 MB not
compatible with the CD-Writer?

Best Regards
Georg
Click to expand...
--
[email protected]
 
Yes, I am in Australia - Melbourne - I bought mine from manufacturer (I sell them).

Vasa
[email protected]
dwell said:
Vasa Carapic said:
That's fine - I didn't neceseseraly think you will be going to buy
from me - but more talked in general terms.

I am still looking to try to find how it will perform in full. In
the past I have devices that worked perfectly in first day or two -
to stop working after few days of use, or produce some unexpected
hardware bugs.

Vasa
[email protected]
Dave Abrey said:
Vasa,

Sorry, I think there's some crossed wires here :-). I didn't know
that you sell the devices, and sorry if I gave you the impression
that I wanted to buy one from you :-(. I'm interested to see what
the results from the tests are, as I will need some form of image
backup for a holiday I'm taking in a few months, and the Disc Steno
is one of the options.

Anyway, I'm really greatful for the tests you've done :-).

Regards,

Dave.
Click to expand...
--
[email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
[email protected]
 
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