USB PCMCIA memory card reader??

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Ross_Alford
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USB PCMCIA memory card reader??

Post by Ross_Alford »

Hi all

Just wondering if anyone knows whether it is possible to get a card reader that reads full sized PCMCIA memory cards as used in our vintage DSLRs that has a USB interface and will thus work with modern computers? I have one with a SCSI interface, and I have a couple of old laptops that read PC cards, but I'm a bit concerned for the future and would like the convenience of plugging something straight into the computer I actually use.
nikonnl
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Re: USB PCMCIA memory card reader??

Post by nikonnl »

Hi Ross,
I think/hope these sites may help you.
http://www.psism.com/reader.htm
http://www.elandigitalsystems.com/usb/u111.php
Good luck!
regards,
Nico

http://www.nicovandijk.net
D1/D1X/D1H/D2H/D2X etc.
Ross_Alford
Posts: 105
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Location: Australia
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Re: USB PCMCIA memory card reader??

Post by Ross_Alford »

Hi Nico

Thanks. I had a look and they do have them. Sort of expensive and the ordering process appears to be complex, especially if you are outside the USA. Your reply prompted me to try a bunch of searches on eBay and Google, mostly finding nothing and also a few similar things. However, I did find on eBay, several places selling these devices:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400204591548?ss ... 1439.l2649

An adapter that appears to allow you to plug an ATA card into an IDE interface. Given that I have a couple of 2.5 inch USB to IDE drive enclosures sitting around, or at least I hope they were for IDE drives, it seemed like this might be worth a try for a total price including postage of $4. I'm sure that Stan can tell me if it will work. If it does I will let people know as it could be a very inexpensive way to acquire this facility.
nikonnl
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Re: USB PCMCIA memory card reader??

Post by nikonnl »

Hi again,
yes, these adapters are not cheap. I'll ask my son, who works and lives in China, whether there are cheap (and working) devices. I could use one too. The ebay-shop you pointed at is in Shensen.
Stay tuned!
Regards,
Nico

www.nicovandijk.net
D1/D1X/D1H/D2H/D2X etc.
Stan Disbrow
Posts: 601
Joined: Fri May 20, 2005 7:33 pm
Location: Raleigh, NC USA

Re: USB PCMCIA memory card reader??

Post by Stan Disbrow »

Hi,

There are tons of older notebook PC's on eBay of the Pentium 4 class, 2GHz, etc. Most have full size type-II PCMCIA card slots on them. Plus, you can get one for under $100 readily enough and make it into a portable photo processor. I have two IBM Thinkpad X31 units just for that use. :)

Later!

Stan
Amateur Photographer
Professional Electronics Development Engineer
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