About the size of a matchbook, CompactFlash is a small, removable storage device used
in a variety of electronic devices, including digital cameras, handheld computers, and digital music players. CompactFlash cards are designed with flash technology, a non-volatile storage solution that does not lose its information once power is removed from the card. CompactFlash cards contain no moving parts and are extremely rugged, providing users with much greater protection of their data than conventional magnetic disk drives.
Where can I use CompactFlash?
CompactFlash cards are used in a wide variety of electronic equipment, such as digital cameras, handheld computers, and MP3 players; however, not all devices that use flash memory will accept CompactFlash. In order to use CompactFlash memory, you either must have a device with a CompactFlash slot or an adapter and a device with a Type
II or Type III PCMCIA slot.
What are the advantages of flash data storage?
Flash data storage devices are noiseless, considerably lighter, consume less battery power,
and are much more rugged than rotating disk drives.
Will the data on my CompactFlash card be erased when the power is off?
No. Flash technology can allow you to store information indefinitely (over 100 years)
without the need for a power source.
What is the difference between Static RAM (SRAM) and flash?
Static RAM (SRAM) is a volatile semiconductor technology. Therefore, power must
continuously be supplied to the device by either the host system or by an internal battery in
the SRAM card or the data will be lost. On the other hand, flash cards do not require a built-in
battery, are available in very high capacities today and are substantially less expensive
per megabyte than SRAM.
What is the difference between CompactFlash and other types of flash cards?
Flash memory comes in a variety of different packages, including CompactFlash,
SmartMedia, MultiMedia Cards, and Memory Sticks. There are a number of differences among them, including the size and shape of the packages, the type of slots required, the maximum memory per card, and the amount of logic included on the card. The right type of flash for you is the type that your electronic device takes.
How many pictures will fit on a CompactFlash card?
It depends on the resolution of your photos, how they are compressed (usually jpg or tif), and the size of your CompactFlash card. In general, tif files are of higher quality than jpg files, but they take up more room. Uncompressed files are the highest quality and are the largest.
Average users often find that they can fit about 36 images on a 16MB card.
How many times can I use a CompactFlash card?
As many times as you like! Because they have no moving parts and are very durable,
CompactFlash cards can be erased and reused indefinitely with no impact on the quality of
the card. And for your peace of mind, Crucial CompactFlash cards come with a limited
lifetime warranty.
What happens if I take out my CompactFlash card while it's working?
You don't want to do it — trust us! If the light is on indicating that your device is
using your card, don't try to remove your card. If you do, you will almost definitely lose whatever data you currently have stored on the card. In the worst case scenario, your entire card may "hang up" and be unusable.
What happens if I put my CompactFlash card in backwards?
It's pretty hard to install a CompactFlash card backwards. CompactFlash cards are keyed to prevent backwards insertion in most devices, so you have to push really hard to get a card to go in the wrong way. Do not force the card into the slot as damage may result to the card and/or device! In general, if your card isn't sliding in easily, turn it around and try installing it the other way.
If you do get your card in backwards, it probably won't damage the card (unless you have thumbs
of steel and you crack or break the card). However, your device won't be able to recognize or use the card when it is in backwards. All you need to do is remove the card and put it back in the correct way.
Can I use CompactFlash to upgrade my computer memory?
No. CompactFlash and RAM are completely different types of technology. RAM goes in your computer, while CompactFlash is used in digital
cameras and other electronic devices. If you need upgrade your RAM visit our
Upgrade your RAM site
How do I install my CompactFlash card?
In most cases, installation is very easy. All you have to do is slide the card into the CompactFlash slot on your device. Since every device is a little bit different, it is best to consult your owner's manual for specific
installation instructions.
Do I have to turn the power off to remove my CompactFlash card?
In most cases, no. As long as your device isn't currently accessing the card,
you can usually "hot swap" one card for another without turning off the power, much the same way you would with a floppy disk on your computer. To be on the safe side, double-check the owner's manual for your device for specific instructions for removing and installing your CompactFlash cards. If you experience problems hot swapping the card, try turning off power before inserting the card to see if the problem is corrected.
How much power does the CompactFlash card in my digital camera consume?
If your digital camera is using up batteries as fast as you can install them, the problem probably isn't with your CompactFlash card. The LCD and the lens motor consume more than 90% of the power in most digital cameras, while the CompactFlash card uses less than 3%. So switching to a higher or lower density card probably won't have any impact on how often you have to buy batteries. To save on battery usage, try to keep the LCD turned off as often as possible, and use your AC adapter, if you have one, whenever possible.
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