Using Compact Flash card with Psion 5mx

[David M]

Compact Flash cards have become cheap enough that I decided it was
finally time to buy one for my Psion 5mx.

I'd like to switch all my data over to the CF card, so that I have a
"secure"(?!) backup of my data. It's a hassle for me to have to boot to
the darkside to backup to Windows, and unfortunately, I've never had
much success with Linux Psion connectivity programs.

Am I right in thinking that if my data is on the CF card, it's pretty
safe (except when being written to, I suppose), since it's not affected
by battery problems, etc?

If I do move all of my data over to the CF card, are there any caveats I
should be aware of? For example, I notice that the Contacts database is
actually stored in a file in the System folder: is that safe to move
this file to the CF card, or is the Contacts program not likely to
tolerate this?


Alternatively, is there a free (or cheap) program I could install on my
Psion to backup my data in RAM to the CF card periodically (kinda like a
cronjob)?


Thanks for any advice,


David.

[ohsix]

I would say it's about time you get a CF card. :-) I use 512MB on my
Psions.

Your data is pretty safe, but is affected by a weak battery. You
shouldn't write to it with a weak battery.

I keep almost everything on the CF card (D drive) except the files that
are there on a brand-new, out-of-the-box machine. I don't think you can
put Contacts on the D drive.

You can backup your entire C drive onto the D using FastBackup - free:
http://www.freepoc.org/viewapp.php?id=45

If you use a CF card, I would think you'd want to backup that drive,
too. I've found very few problems backing up my D drive to XP using a
card reader. But it sounds like you don't want to use Windose. In any
case, I would be very uncomfortable if I didn't backup the D drive. I
want *everything* backed up!

You don't mention which Psion you have. I'm assuming it a 5, 5mx, or
netBook. I don't know anything about earlier Psions.

Keith

[The Electric Fan Club]

Post by ohsix
I would say it's about time you get a CF card. :-) I use 512MB on my
Psions.
Your data is pretty safe, but is affected by a weak battery. You
shouldn't write to it with a weak battery.

Using disposeable batteries shouldn't be a problem. If a write does halt,
the Psion should suspend the write until the batteries are replaced.
However, if you use Ni-Cds or Ni-MH batteries, they die so quickly, the card
can be corrupted before the Psion can recover.

Post by ohsix
I keep almost everything on the CF card (D drive) except the files that
are there on a brand-new, out-of-the-box machine. I don't think you can
put Contacts on the D drive.

Contacts can be kept on the D: drive (there is an option under preferences):
but I believe there can be problems if the card is removed and contacts
started. Some config files prefer to be kept on C:. There is an odd error
that sometimes occurs once you start using a Flash card. It occurs when you
open the door - an AppServer error. If this occurs, just move the contents
of D:\system\recogs to the C: drive.

Post by ohsix
http://www.freepoc.org/viewapp.php?id=45

[David Sumbler]

Post by David M
Compact Flash cards have become cheap enough that I decided it was
finally time to buy one for my Psion 5mx.
I'd like to switch all my data over to the CF card, so that I have a
"secure"(?!) backup of my data. It's a hassle for me to have to boot to
the darkside to backup to Windows, and unfortunately, I've never had
much success with Linux Psion connectivity programs.

<snip>

Post by David M
Alternatively, is there a free (or cheap) program I could install on my
Psion to backup my data in RAM to the CF card periodically (kinda like a
cronjob)?

I use "CronTab" and a macro to back up changed files on my C: drive to
a CF card at 4 a.m. every day. That way, if my Psion goes down or I
drop it, I don't lose more than a day's entries. And I have a spare
5mx so I am up and running again quickly. I can easily let you have a
copy of the macro if you wish.

Periodically I back up C: to my PC, using "plpbackup" under Linux, and
then clear the backup folder on the Psion's CF card. And I, too,
avoid the "darkside". What problems have you had with Linux
connectivity? Plptools works fine for me.

Be aware that not all CF cards work in the 5mx. I have found that
Maxell and Sandisk CF cards seem to be OK, but another I tried (can't
remember the make, unfortunately, but it came from Currys) was simply
not recognized by the Psion - it just said the card wasn't there! I
then bought a 256MB Sandisk card from Comet, which is fine. Also
there is someone on eBay who regularly sells Viking cards up to 128Mb
- he says that they are all tested on Psions.

David