USB Host for old computers without

[JT64]

I found this USB host for computers without USB
http://sewelldirect.com/usb-to-compactflash.asp

There seem to be CF cards that is not storage cards, they can not possibly work on an CF to IDE adapter can they?
Could you put a CF networkcard or this CF USB host in an adapter on the IDE bus, i know it is an idiotic question but i have to ask.

What is the chance for this USB Host to to work in an CF to pcmcia adapter?
I can see this unit developed for handheld computers.
Most CF seems to be for cameras and handhelds, where there actually any CF readers for computers before the dawn of the CF to ide adapter?

Ok I know about the PCMCIA to CF adapter but i thought it was for CF microdrives and CF memories only or are they general interface?

I've seen things like CF networkcards and audiocards on the net, are they only for handhelds, or would they work in an CF to PCMCIA adapter?

JT

[Terry Yager]

The CompactFlash format is also used for a variety of Input/Output and interface devices. Since it is electrically identical to the PC card, many PC cards have CF counterparts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_Flash

--T

[JT64]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_Flash

--T

Well i read the article, but i am still unsure will other devices conforming to the CF standard work on the IDE bus with adapter? Will they work in PCMCIA adapter?
************************************************** ********
From Wiki...
Other devices conforming to the CF standard

Various CF I/O cardsThe CompactFlash format is also used for a variety of Input/Output and interface devices. Since it is electrically identical to the PC card, many PC cards have CF counterparts. Some examples include:

Ethernet
Bluetooth
Modem
Wi-Fi
Digital Camera
GPS
Barcode scanner
RFID
Magnetic stripe reader
Super VGA display adapter
Serial port and USB 1.1 host adapters
readers for various other Flash media

[Chuck(G)]

Since it is electrically identical to the PC card, many PC cards have CF counterparts.

This is taken a bit out of context. The full quote from the CF spec is this:

CompactFlash defines a physical interface which is smaller than, but electrically identical to, the PCMCIA-ATA interface. That is, it appears to the host device as if it were a hard disk of some defined size and has a tiny IDE controller onboard the CF device itself.

So, no you can't take any old PC card and stick it onto a CF/IDE interface. But it's possible to interface to quite a number of devices over an ATA/CF interface given the right device drivers.

The PC Card bus (http://www.pcmcia.org/pccard.htm#cardbus) is essentially an ISA/PC104 type bus. The CF Bus (http://pinouts.ru/Memory/CompactFlash_pinout.shtml) is essentially an IDE bus. Note that the spec quote says "PCMCIA ATA interface", not the blanket "PC Card" statement made by the Wiki article.

[JT64]

This is taken a bit out of context. The full quote from the CF spec is this:


So, no you can't take any old PC card and stick it onto a CF/IDE interface. But it's possible to interface to quite a number of devices over an ATA/CF interface given the right device drivers.

The PC Card bus (http://www.pcmcia.org/pccard.htm#cardbus) is essentially an ISA/PC104 type bus. The CF Bus (http://pinouts.ru/Memory/CompactFlash_pinout.shtml) is essentially an IDE bus. Note that the spec quote says "PCMCIA ATA interface", not the blanket "PC Card" statement made by the Wiki article.

I think you misunderstand me i want to take a CF device (ex. CF USB HOST) stick it in a PCMCIA adapter. OR in a CF to IDE adapter in my old laptop without USB HOST. Not stick a PC CARD to the IDE.

I must say i am a bit confused all i can find is that IDE basically is another name for P-ATA in wikipedia, that would basically mean you can run modems, networkcards, soundcards, USB host e.t.c on the P-ATA (IDE) port it sounds very weird to me but not impossible.

I guess one will not know until one tried.

But you basically say that answer to if the device "USB host in CF" will work in a PCMCIA adapter or IDE adapter, in an old laptop is maybe, rather then definitly not?

Do i get you right on this?

JT

[Terry Yager]

Yes, definitely mebbe. One way to find out for sure...

--T

[Chuck(G)]

But you basically say that answer to if the device "USB host in CF" will work in a PCMCIA adapter or IDE adapter, in an old laptop is maybe, rather then definitly not?

The answer is maybe--depending on the drivers. Regardless, it will definitely be educational, as PCMCIA/PC Card differences on older machines alone can make for an adventure... :)