OESF Portables Forum

General Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: SolarX on December 11, 2004, 10:46:55 am

Title: Microdrive... And Getting It Out Of The Z
Post by: SolarX on December 11, 2004, 10:46:55 am

Hi,

I'd like to share experiences with fellow Microdrive-owners who are using theirs with the Z. I have a SL-C860 and I got a 2GB Hitachi Microdrive to go with it. Getting it out is no problem, but it is REALLY hard to get it out of the slot. Mine might be an OEM version or something, but it has a tiny edge which allows it to be gripped with a nail, but this trick doesn't work anymore after I cut my nails
Are your Microdrives fit just as tightly in your Z's or does your Microdrive have something that makes it easy to get out? Or does anyone have tricks to get it out more easily?

Title: Microdrive... And Getting It Out Of The Z
Post by: stbrock on December 11, 2004, 11:51:16 am

There was an earlier thread with several suggestions. Searching should turn it up. I have used a tape tab to help. Don't cover the vent hole, though.

Title: Microdrive... And Getting It Out Of The Z
Post by: Omicron on December 11, 2004, 05:56:12 pm

The easiest way is to get good quality clear packing tape and simply stick it to one side (about halfway down) then loop it over carefully and stick the other side with the opposite end in the same manner.

Now the lengh should be long enough that you have a "U" shaped piece of packing tape stuck to the CF drive in the middle.  Then simply compress the "U" making the tape stick to itself.

I have found that having a "U" (and therefore a tab) of about 3/8 " is more than enough to get a good grip on it.

I used to do the above and use a small piece of metal (like a 1/2" of a straightened paper clip) and place the clip so it would be at the end of the tab when you stick the two sides (of tape) together.

This might be necessary if the CF slot it really tight, but still try it without the clip first (tape only) as it will last ALOT longer.  My microdrive/cf slot seemed insanely tight, but really it is simply a matter of just getting a SLIGHTLY better grip.

Oh yeah, and like the poster above said, "don't cover the vent hole with the tape"...if you do, then uncover it or use a needle to carefully dig out the tape.

Been there, did that

Title: Microdrive... And Getting It Out Of The Z
Post by: SolarX on December 11, 2004, 07:28:16 pm

Thanks, useful tips. sfbrock: any idea what the title of that particular topic was like? I've searched for microdrive topics, read a lot of them, but haven't come across that one.

Title: Microdrive... And Getting It Out Of The Z
Post by: rgzu on December 14, 2004, 11:25:20 am

It does make you wonder why they don't fit an 'eject button' like I had on the sleeve for my ipaq 3670 that I used to have. It can't be cost so there must be another reason? Physically impossible to fit one? High mechanical failure rate? or it just slows down the manufacturing process too much to fit?

Title: Microdrive... And Getting It Out Of The Z
Post by: xatax on December 14, 2004, 05:56:26 pm

rgzu,

you already said the possible reasons. Do you expect a Sharp Design Enigineer to answer your question?