

This is a special note for the users of MDCF and MDCFE products.

1.  Features

    *  Compact and mobile.
    *  Specifically designed for the users of Digital Camera, Personal Digital
       Assistant (PDA), Personal Organizers, Voice Recorders and other mobile
       electronic products which accommodate CompactFlash Cards as standard
       data storage media.
    *  Very convenient to connect CompactFlash Cards to various computers
       through parallel port. Just plug it into PC's parallel port, and play.
    *  Spring loaded door for easy card insertion.  
    *  Ejector mechanism for removing CompactFlash Cards (model MDCFE).
    *  Support DOS, Windows, Windows 95, Windows NT and OS/2 WARP.
    *  Auto detection of parallel port type of computers.
    *  Auto optimization of transfer rate according to the parallel port type
       detected.
    *  Auto configuration of disk types.
    *  Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) - High speed data transfer.
    *  Can be powered by keyboard port, AC/DC adapter or dry cell battery pack.
    *  High shock resistance, max. 2000Gs quoted from CompactFlash
       manufacturers
    *  Easy installation procedure.
    *  Hot-swap capability(remove and insert CompactFlash Cards without
       turning off host computer) in DOS, Windows, Windows 95 and Windows NT.


2.  Hardware Installation

The Standard Package of MDCF/MDCFE and MD1 includes:

1. A CompactFlash card drive, The EPP/ECP adapter for CompactFlash card
   or a Mobile Disk 1 which is a EPP/ECP adapter for PCMCIA 1.8" hard disks
   or Flash Card or CompactFlash Card with PCMCIA type II adapter.
2. A male\female DB25 extender cable.
3. A keyboard power take-off cable for desktop computer.
4. A keyboard power take-off cable for notebook computers.
5. 3.5" floppy diskette with software device drivers.
6. A user's manual
7. A soft carrying bag

Optional Parts:

1.  CompactFlash Cards of various capacities
2.  AC/DC adapter.
3.  Dry cell battery pack.



2.1     Connect MDCF/MDCFE to Computer

1. Turn off the personal computer(PC) and peripheral unit

2. Unplug printer cable from the parallel port, if computer printer cable was
   installed on the system.

3. Hook up the printer cable with the female DB25 connector of CompactFlash
   card drive, if the printer is to be attached to PC.

4. Connect DB25 extender cable to the male DB25 connector on CompactFlash
   card drive and connect the other end to the parallel port of PC.

5. Plug the keyboard power take-off cable onto the external keyboard port
   of a notebook computer if the host system is a notebook computer.
 
   OR....
 
   Unplug keyboard connector cord, then connect the regular power take-off
   cable to desktop computer keyboard port.  And then, connect the keyboard
   connector cord to the other end of this regular power take-off cable if
   the system is a desktop computer.

6. Connect power plug of the cable to the power jack of CompactFlash card
   drive.

7. Install a functional CompactFlash card onto MDCF/MDCFE product and make
   sure all the connections are firmly connected before turning on the
   computer.

Note:   Notebook/palmtop computers may supply insufficient power(through
        external keyboard connector) for operation of the system; however,
        some do not have the external keyboard at all.  To overcome this,
        an AC/DC adapter or a dry-cell battery pack can be used as an
        auxiliary power supply.  These optional power supplies can also be
        used in normal and mobile applications.

        Since MDCF, MDCFE and CompactFlash card require very minimal power
        and some computers may provide sufficient power from parallel port.
        Therefore, in some cases, no external power would be needed.
        MDCF/MDCFE might function well by simply plugging it into parallel
        port without additional power supply.


2.2 Install CompactFlash card into CompactFlash card drive

The CompactFlash card can be easily installed into MDCF and MDCFE products
by simply insert CompactFlash card through the spring loaded door.
CompactFlash card can also be very easily removed from the card drive by
pulling out the CompactFlash card by hand (MDCF) or by pushing the ejector
button (MDCFE).
   
CompactFlash card can be swapped in and out of CompactFlash card drive
without turning off hot computer (Hot Swapping capability).  If the power to
host computer is on when the card is inserted, LED will go off and then turn
on again.  When LED is turned on again, the new CompactFlash card inside MDCF
and MDCFE is ready for use.

Note: MDCF and MDCFE products are compatible with all CompactFlash card with
      CF logo.  CF logo is the symbol of compliance for all CompactFlash
      cards that are tested and certified by CFA, CompactFlash Association.
      The CF and CFA logos are registered trademarks of the CompactFlash
      Association.


3.      Software Installation

  MDCF and MDCFE support MS-DOS, Windows 95, Windows NT, and OS/2 warp.  The
  device drivers for all operating systems are contained in the 3.5" floppy
  diskette.
   
  A functional CompactFlash card must be installed on the CompactFlash card
  drive (MDCF/MDCFE) in order to install the device drivers successfully.

3.1  High level format CompactFlash card

Normally CompactFlash cards are factory pre-formatted.  There is no need to
perform this operation.  Go to section 3.3 to continue software installation
if CompactFlash card has already had information on it.

However if CompactFlash card was not formatted before or if you want to
reformat the card then there are a few way to perform such operations:

(1) Format CompactFlash card by digital camera or by PCMCIA slot on host
    computer.  You would need a PCMCIA type II adapter in order to format
    CompactFlash card by PCMCIA slot.

(2) Format CompactFlash card directly on MDCF and MDCFE products by issuing
    FORMAT command on DOS. (note: FORMAT command can only be executed after
    MDCF/MDCFE is connected to computer successfully).  This format method
    is the most preferrable way for formatting CompactFlash card as this is
    a standard DOS format operations.
 
(3) Enable INT 13 commands by adding /B parameter to the device driver
    EPATHD in DOS.  INT13 will allow FDISK and FORMAT commands in DOS be
    executed on MDCF and MDCFE after they are successfully connected to
    computer.

    The command line in config.sys for enabling INT 13 for MDCF and MDCFE will
    look like:

       .
       .
      DEVICE = EPATHD.SYS /B /Flash
      DEVICE = ASPIHDRM.SYS
       .
       .

      Or, 

      By issuing the following dynamic loading commands on DOS command prompt 


      > EPATHD /B /Flash
      > ASPIHDRM


    After MDCF/MDCFE is connected to computer, issue "FORMAT X:" at DOS
    command prompt ("X" is the logical drive letter assigned by DOS).
    Follow the instruction shown on screen to fomat disk.  The format of
    CompactFlash Card is completed while the format program ends.

(4) Formatting CompactFlash card under Windows 95 and Windows NT can be done
    by the following steps:

    1. Double clip on "My Computer."
    2. Move cursor to the new drive, MDCF, recognized by Windows 95/NT;
       click the right button of your mouse to find a pop-up menu.
    3. Select "Format", and follow the instruction shown on screen to format
       the card.
   
3.2 Partition CompactFlash card
    
Normally the partition operation is done by the factory.  It is not necessary
to perform partitioning operation on the card.  However, partition
CompactFlash card can be done directly on MDCF/MDCFE through parallel port
on DOS.  In order to partition CompactFlash card, INT 13 on DOS shall be
enabled.  Please see section 3.1 item (3) for how to enable INT 13.  Follow
the following steps to partition CompactFlash card after INT 13 is enabled:

    1. Issue "FDISK" at DOS command prompt, enter "5" to change the selection
       of disk drive to the drive letter assigned to MDCF(MDCFE) by the
       system.
    2. Build up new partition areas by keying in "1" or "2" (please refer to
       the instruction shown on screen to proceed the partition).
    3. After completing the partition, reboot the computer and proceed disk
       formating.

    Note: CompactFlash card would need to be high level formatted after
          partition operation is completed.




3.3  Install Device Drivers to DOS Operating Systems

After connecting hardware properly to a computer and completing high level
pre-formatting and pre-partitioning of a CompactFlash Card, you are ready to
install device drivers.

3.3.1.  Install Device Driver to a System Hard Disk, Reboot the System to
        recognize the CompactFlash card as an additional drive.

        1. Power on the host computer after CompactFlash Card drive has been
           connected to the parallel port of the computer properly.
           A formatted CompactFlash card shall be inserted in MDCF/MDCFE
           product.
        2. Insert "Software Drivers" floppy diskette into drive A.
        3. Issue command "A:", go to floppy drive A 
        4. Issue command "INSTALL", to run installation program
        5. Follow the instruction of "INSTALL" program to copy the device
           drivers from the floppy diskette to your own designated
           sub-directory in drive C.
        6. "INSTALL" program will optimize the transfer rate automatically
           based on the system, and will update c:\config.sys with the
           necessary device drivers.
        7. Press "EXIT" to end installation program
        8. Remove floppy diskette from drive A, then reboot the system.
        9. The CompactFlash card is now recognized by the system as an
           additional drive.

3.3.2.  Install Device Drivers to a Bootable Floppy Diskette, Reboot the
        system with this floppy diskette to recognize CompactFlash Card.

        1. Prepare a bootable floppy by formatting it in host computer by
           issuing "FORMAT A:/S" command to format a new bootable floppy
        2. Copy all the files in the distribution floppy diskette to this
           bootable floppy.  There is a sample config.sys file which can be
           used to recognize MDCF/MDCFE when the system is booted from floppy
           drive.
        3. Reboot the system with this bootable floppy diskette installed in
           floppy drive.  MDCF/MDCFE shall now be recognized by the system.


        Note: Please make sure a functional CompactFlash card is installed
              on CompactFlash card drive (MDCF /MDCFE).

3.3.3.  Load Device Drivers Dynamically without installing Device Drivers to
        Host Computer, no Reboot Necessary.

        1. Power on the host computer after CompactFlash Card drive is
           connected to the parallel port of the computer properly.
        2. Insert the distribution floppy diskette into drive A
        3. Issue command "A:", go to floppy drive A 
        4. Issue command "EPATHD" at DOS prompt.
        5. Issue command "ASPIHDRM" at DOS prompt.  You shall get a logical
           drive now if the CompactFlash Card was high-level formatted
           previously.


3.4 Install CompactFlash card drive device drivers to Windows 95

     3.4.1  Automatic Device Driver installation procedure:

        1.  Start up Windows 95 with a functional CompactFlash Card installed
            on CompactFlash card drive (MDCF/MDCFE).
        2.  Make sure that the cables are firmly connected and power is
            applied to MDCF/MDCFE product.
        3.  Go to "My Computer", Select 3.5" floppy drive with the correct
            floppy inseted into floppy disk drive, then find and double click
            on "Setup" to run automatic device driver installation program.
        4.  Follow the instructions displayed on screen to complete the
            installation of device drivers.   MDCF drive will be displayed
            on screen when you have completed such installation successfully.

        Note:  If you encounter any difficulties in installing Windows 95
               device drivers, please refer to MD1 user's manual on Trouble
               Shooting symptom 14.  You might need to help resolving some
               conflicts on port address and IRQ assignments in Windows 95 or
               you might need to add special parameter to the device drivers
               in order to make successful connection.  (For example, some IBM
               Aptiva machines would need the parameter /Di to be added in
               order to make successful connections.)
  
3.5 Install CompactFlash card drive device drivers to Windows NT

    Follow the procedure listed below to setup your Windows NT driver for
    CompactFlash Card:

        1.  Start up Windows NT with a functional CompactFlash Card installed
            on CompactFlash card drive (MDCF/MDCFE).
        2.  Make sure that the cables are firmly connected and power is
            applied to MDCF/MDCFE product.
        3.  Run "Setup" on floppy disk drive.
        4.  Follow the instructions displayed on screen to complete the
            installation of device drivers.   MDCF drive will be displayed
            on screen when you have completed such installation successfully.

    Note:  In the case of system crashed during the installation, check if
           the parallel port has any conflict with sound card's IRQ number.
           If so, please assign different IRQ number for sound card or
           parallel port to avoid such conflicts.

4.  Hot Swapping

    Hot Swapping (the capability of removing and inserting different
    CompactFlash cards without turning off host computer) is available in
    DOS, Windows, Windows 95 and Windows NT, but not in OS/2 operating system.
    The removal and insertion of different CompactFlash card will be detected
    automatically.

    When a new CompactFlash card is being inserted into MDCF/MDCFE, the LED
    will go off and then back on again to indicate that a new CompactFlash
    card was recognized by the host computer.
  
    Note:  A CompactFlash card shall be installed on MDCF/MDCFE product
           before the power to computer is turned on in order for the
           computer to recognize CompactFlash card properly.


5.  Compatibility tests:

    All CompactFlash cards can be hot swapped on MDCF and MDCFE
    products as tested.

           Supported System And Parallel Port Chipset Details
           --------------------------------------------------

							Date:Nov 12,1997

Machine/Adapter/Mother Board    EPP/SPP/ECP     Chipset Specs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adapter Goldstar Prime 2C       SPP             9507
HP Vectra M2-66MHz              EPP+ECP         Farpoint SMC37C666GT
IBM Thinkpad 755CSE             EPP+ECP         Intel AIP 82091AA
Zenith Znote                    EPP             Intel 386SL
ARC                             EPP             Intel 386SL
Dell Dimension                  EPP+ECP         NS PC87306 IBD/VUL
HP Pavillion                    EPP+ECP         NS PC87306
Digital Starion 910/919         EPP+ECP         NS PC87332VL
AST Asentia 950N                EPP             NS PC87334VJG
Adapter NS                      EPP+ECP         NS PC87334VJG
IBM Aptiva                      EPP+ECP         SMC37C932
HP Vectra VL Series             EPP+ECP         SMC FDC373932
HP Vectra VL2 5/60              EPP+ECP         SMC37C665
Gateway 2000-486DX2-66          EPP+ECP         SMC37C665GT
486-DX4-100/120MHz-SIS          EPP+ECP         SMC37C665GT
Zeos Pantera                    EPP+ECP         SMC37C666GT
Packard Bell                    EPP+ECP         SMC37C665GT
Compaq Presario 7222            EPP+ECP         SMC37C931
Acer Aspire                     EPP+ECP         SMC37C665GT
Adapter                         EPP             SMC37C666QF
Aopen AP5K(Mother Board)        EPP             SMC37C669QF
Adapter UMC                     SPP             UM8668F
GA-586MB                        SPP             UM8663AF
HP Ominbook 800-CS              EPP+ECP         VLSI Eagle VL82C532
Compaq Aero 4/25                EPP+ECP         VLSI 82C144A
AST Asentia 900N                EPP+ECP         VLSI 82C144A*
IBM Thinkpad 500                EPP             WD8122LV or WD76C30ALV
Adapter Winbond Tekram          SPP             Winbond W83757F
486-SLC2-66MHz-ALI              EPP+ECP         Winbond W83787F
Adapter Winbond Tekram          EPP+ECP         Winbond W83787F
ASUS P/I-P55TVP4(Mother Board)  EPP             Winbond W83877F
Twinhead 386 Notebook		SPP		Unknown
Twinhead 486 Notebook		SPP		Unknown
Twinhead 586 Notebook		EPP		Unknown
AST Ascentia J50 series		EPP		SMC37C665
Dell Latitude Xpi P100SD	EPP		NSPC87336
Gateway 2000 solo		EPP		NSPC87334
IBM Thinkpad 755CSE		EPP		Intel AIP A1182091AA
HP-OmniBook 800 CT		EPP		VLSI Eagle II
Texas Extensa 555		EPP		SMC37C665
Toshiba Satellite 105CS		ECP		Unknown
Compaq Presario-7222		EPP		SMC931
Dell Dimension P133C		EPP		NS PC87306
Micron Electronics		EPP		SMC935
HP Pavilion 7270		EPP		NS PC87306
HP Vectra VE			EPP		NS PC87308
IBM Aptiva 2176-c65		EPP		SMC 93x
NEC Powermate V133		EPP		SMC37C665
System 3			EPP		Intel Triton
System 5			EPP		Winbond W83787F
Toshiba Satellite Pro		ECP		Unknown



                    Tested Flash & CompactFlash(CF) Cards
                   ---------------------------------------

Manufacture			Capacity(Type)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
SanDisk				  2MB(CF)
SanDisk				  4MB(Flash)
SanDisk				  8MB(Flash)
SanDisk				 10MB(Flash)
Hitachi				  8MB(CF)
Hitachi				 15MB(CF)
Hitachi				 30MB(CF)
Kodak				  2MB(CF)
Kodak				 10MB(CF)
Kingmax				  4MB(CF)
Kingmax				  8MB(CF)
Maxell(SanDisk)			  2MB(CF)
Canon(SanDisk)			  2MB(CF)
Canon(SanDisk)			  4MB(CF)
LEXAR				  4MB(CF)
Viking				  8MB(CF)
SanDisk				 20MB(CF)
Simple				  4MB(CF)
Simple				  4MB(Flash)
IBM				 10MB(Flash)


			Tested Operating System
		--------------------------------------
			MS-DOS 6.20 / MS-DOS 6.22
			Windows 3.1 / Windows 3.11
			      Windows 95
		           Windows NT 4.0
