FAQs

General
Memory Cards
Batteries
ENEL3e Compatibility
Battery Charger (AA/AAA 90-Minute)
BurnAway
Readers/Adapters
PicturePAD
Archival Gold CD/DVD
Changing Drive Letters in Windows XP
FAT vs. FAT32
General Return Policy

General Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which reader I have?

Solution: The bottom of the reader has a part number that reads DDREADER-x, where x is the number of your reader. If you have a Pocket Reader for SmartMedia, it's a Pocket Reader-9. If you have a Pocket Reader for CompactFlash, it's a Pocket Reader-10. Click here for additional support.

Where is your Driver Downloads Page?

Solution: Follow this link to our Drivers page. Click here for additional support.

How do I install the drivers?

Solution: With your Delkin product disconnected from your computer, locate your Delkin product (reader, PicturePAD, flash path adapter, etc) from Delkin's download page. Next, find and click on your corresponding operating system. (i.e. WIN 95, 98, NT, 2K, or XP). Then from the dialog box, select open (or run from its current location). From the next dialogue box, select finish. When the installation wizard appears, accept all the defaults. After the installation completes, reboot your PC, and then connect your Delkin product to your USB port. Click here for additional support.

When installing drivers from the Delkin CD on my Windows XP computer, I get the following error message: "The software you are installing has not passed Windows logo testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP."

Solution: Click on "Continue Anyways"

How do I access my pictures/files from my Delkin product?

Solution: Double left click on the "My Computer" icon. Locate the removable disk icon (there should be a drive letter i.e. F:\, associated with removable disk). Double left click removable disk. Next, Double left click the folder labeled DCIM. Click here for additional support.

I installed the drivers for my Delkin product, but it does not show up in "My Computer."

Make sure your USB device is connected directly into the rear (not a front USB port) USB port. Do not connect it through a hub, adapter, or a Macintosh keyboard USB port. Click here for additional support.

What does the X rating mean on memory cards?"

Many CompactFlash memory cards for digital cameras have a number followed by an "X" (i.e. 24X, 40X) appearing either on the packaging or card label. This X rating is meant to give you a tool to determine "how fast" the card is. Unfortunately, advertising card speed with an X rating can be confusing for the consumer since there are many factors for measuring memory card speed in a camera that the X rating doesn't address. In many cases it can actually be misleading to the photographer who is looking for the fastest memory card for their digital camera. The purpose of this document is to educate and clear up some of the misunderstandings associated with the X rating.

For more information, take a look at the following page: What You Need To Know About Memory Card X Ratings

Top

Memory Cards

Why Memory Cards Fail

The loss or corruption of data and/or images on a digital memory card can be at the least, disappointing if not heartbreaking. With today's technology one would think data loss or corruption would be an illusion of the past, but in reality it is an unfortunate and often frustrating facet associated with today's memory technologies and file storage techniques. The good news is that over 90% of memory card failures are the result of human error and can be avoided!

Data loss or corruption is more often than not an effect of improper use of the memory card or simply just an honest mistake, which results in the loss of power to the memory card. To the disbelief of many, low batteries are not the cause of power failures. Rather the removal of the memory card itself or an external power interruption while the host (your camera) is accessing the memory card is the main cause of corruption and image loss. To avoid such a situation, NEVER REMOVE A MEMORY CARD FROM YOUR CAMERA during the transfer process. It is also imperative that the host be powered down before card removal.

WHY WAS THE ENTIRE CARD CORRUPTED AND NOT JUST THE LAST IMAGE THAT WAS DOWNLOADING WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED? Because the files stored on a memory card are interconnected and all share space together. When ANY portion of that shared space becomes damaged, all the other interconnected files sharing the same pace become damaged as well.

Understanding the cause of memory card failure will eliminate the vast majority of future frustration and ensure continued enjoyment from your digital camera.

Note to Olympus Camera Owners

Attention Olympus camera owners, if you are experiencing a problem with your CompactFlash memory card we suggest an in-camera format of the card before use. Please contact customer service if you have any questions or need help, 800-637-8087.

What is UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access)?
What Camera's are compatible with 64GB UDMA 420X Cards?

Installing Drivers for the Cardbus32 Adapter

DO NOT INSERT THE CARDBUS ADAPTER UNTILL THE DRIVERS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED!

C:\Documents and Settings\ ( ) \Local Settings\Temp\CARDBUS AD

The files have already been extracted to the above location

My Documents

Tools

Folder Options

View

show hidden files and folders.

Top

Batteries

I see a date stamp on my Delkin Power battery; what does it mean?

Delkin Power batteries are manufactured using a “just-in-time” philosophy, meaning we produce and manufacture our battery models at a rate that is consistent with market demand and current usage rates. This helps keep our costs down and ensures that we can provide our customer’s with a quality product at a competitive price.

While our batteries are produced continuously month to month, we often design and print six to twelve months worth of battery labels at one time and stock them at our warehouse. The date that you see on your Delkin Power battery label typically portrays the date at which the label was printed, and acts as an inventory tracking system for our assembly team. This date does not in any way effect your battery’s lifetime or warranty. Delkin Power batteries are backed by a two year warranty from the date of purchase.

Top

ENEL3e Compatibility

What Camera hosts work with the ENEL3 battery family?

Delkin Power ENEL3e batteries are fully compatible with Nikon ENEL3 and ENEL3a Nikon camera hosts, as well as most ENEL3e Nikon camera hosts. The Delkin Power ENEL3e battery is rated at 1600mAh and 7.4 Volts for extended power and more shots per charge, and guaranteed to be 100% compatible with the following Nikon camera hosts: D50, D70, D70s, D80, D100, D200 and D300.

Top

Battery Charger (AA/AAA 90-Minute)

WARNING : PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE OPERATING YOUR DELKIN POWER AA/AAA 90 MINUTE CHARGER:

This charger unit communicates directly with the batteries inserted into it during the charging process to prevent from overcharging. Never insert fully charged batteries into the charger unit. This can be extremely dangerous and can cause the batteries to overheat.

I’ve heard that some chargers are unsafe to use, how do I know that this one is safe?

The Delkin Power AA/AAA 90 Minute Charger uses safety circuits to ensure a safe and effective charge to your batteries. Delkin Power batteries communicate directly with the charger unit to trigger the charger to stop delivering voltage to the batteries once they reach full capacity.

How do I know when my batteries are finished charging and it is okay to remove them from the charger?

Once your batteries reach full charging capacity the charger turns the circuits off that are delivering charge. When all circuits are turned off, the LED indicator will switch from red to green in color to indicate that it is safe to remove your batteries from the charger unit. Note: the indicator light will only switch from red to green once all of the batteries in the charger have reached full capacity.

Is it okay to charge batteries that are at different levels of discharge at the same time in the charger?

Your charger operates on two circuits. This allows you to have the option to charge either two or four batteries at a time with the flick of a switch. When you have two sets of batteries to charge (a total of 4 batteries) and each set is at a different level of discharge, you may charge them all at once as long as you keep each set on its own circuit.

For example, if battery set A (let’s say two AA batteries) is fully drained and battery set B (two more AA batteries) is 50% drained, it is safe to charge all four batteries in the charger at the same time if you keep set A and set B on two different circuits. In other words, insert set A into the right two slots and insert set B into the left two slots of the charger unit. Your batteries that were only at a 50% drain (set B) will finish charging before set A finishes charging, and the circuit controlling these batteries in the left two slots will power off. The batteries in the right two slots that were fully drained (set A) will continue to charge until they reach 100% capacity. When this occurs the circuit that controls the right two slots will turn off and the indicator light will change from red to green to let you know that all four batteries are now fully charged.

WARNING: Never insert two batteries into the charger on the same circuit that are at different levels of discharge. The circuit will continue to delivery voltage to both batteries until the lesser battery is fully charged, therefore overcharging the battery that was inserted at a higher charge. This can cause swelling, cracking, bubbling, extremely high temperatures, and even explosion.

Do I have the option to charge only one battery in the charger and leave the other three slots empty?

No. Because this charger operates on two circuits rather than four, a single circuit is set to charge two batteries at a time. If one of those slots in the circuit is empty the charger may never be triggered to stop delivering charge. This may cause the single battery to overheat.

Do I have the option to charge only three batteries in the charger and leave one slot empty?

No. For the same reason that you cannot charge only one battery at a time, you also cannot charge three batteries and leave one slot empty. If one of those slots in the circuit is empty the charger may never be triggered to stop delivering charge. This may cause the single battery to overheat.

Top

BurnAway

Note: When mentioning the BurnAway, we are referring to both the DVD BurnAway and the original BurnAway.

My computer does not recognize the BurnAway.

First power on the BurnAway, and then connect the USB plug to the computer. The drive within the BurnAway needs to be initialized before USB connectivity.

My BurnAway burns CD/DVD's faster when connected to my computer than it does when copying from my flash memory using the stand alone backup feature.

Your computer uses a "buffer" to store the data while burning to disk. The BurnAway does not have any internal memory to store data during transfer. So in order to avoid corruption, the transfer from your flash memory card straight to your blank CDR/DVDR must be slower.

When I backup my pictures using the MULTI-SESSION** function, I can only see the first download (FOLDER 01) and not my other downloads in my Macintosh computer. Why can't I see the other downloads?

When using a Macintosh to view/edit your pictures, you will not be able to see all of your backed up data unless you use DVD Re-Writable DVD's (DVD±RW) and not DVD-R's.

**Multi-session function allows you to backup your pictures multiple times to the same blank CD/DVD. When I burn files, some of them are shortened and re-named with a tilde mark.

The BurnAway uses ISO 9660 which limits the file names to 8 characters plus the extension. Example: ASCF0001.JPG. Digital cameras use the same short file naming system when creating files. If files are re-named and then copied from card to CD/DVD, they will be truncated with a tilde (~). Long file names can be used when using Nero or other burning software.

How long will the battery last on my Burnaway?

On a fully charged battery, the Burnaway is capable of burning 4Gigabytes of information (an estimated 2 to 2 ½ hours)

How long is the warranty valid for my Burnaway?

The Burnaway carries a 2 year warranty against any factory defects.

Top

Readers/Adapters

How do I know which reader I have?

The bottom of the reader has a part number that reads DDREADER-x, where x is the number of your reader. If you have a Pocket Reader for SmartMedia, it's a Pocket Reader-9. If you have a Pocket Reader for CompactFlash, it's a Pocket Reader-10.

Where is your Driver Downloads Page?

Solution: Follow this link to our Drivers page.
Click here for additional support.

How do I install the drivers?

When installing drivers from the Delkin CD on my Windows XP computer, I get the following error message: "The software you are installing has not passed Windows logo testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP."

Solution: Select the Continue Anyway option. This notification only means the Microsoft corporation has not tested our drivers to be compatible with Windows XP. Delkin has thoroughly tested all drivers for complete compatibility.

How do I access my pictures/files from my Delkin reader?

I installed the drivers for my Delkin product, but it does not show up in "My Computer."

Make sure your USB device is connected directly into the rear (not a front USB port) USB port. Do not connect it through a hub, adapter, or a Macintosh keyboard USB port. If problem still occurs, you may have a drive letter conflict. This will sometimes occur when your computer is part of a network that has shared or "mapped" network drives.
Follow this link for instructional support

My reader will no longer read my flash card

Check the opening in your reader for any pins that may be broken or askew. This can occur if the flash card hasn't been inserted properly into the reader. Broken or bent pins are not covered under the Delkin factory warranty.

My 32-bit Cardbus adapter will not be recognized by Windows XP.

The drivers may not be installed properly.
Follow this link for instructional support

How long is the warranty valid for my card reader?

Our readers carry a 5 year warranty against any factory defects.

Top

PicturePAD

Why does the PicturePAD support RAW files from some cameras but not others?

Unlike JPEG and BMP, the uncompressed, unprocessed RAW data is not a universal image standard. The RAW format differs between manufacturers and in most cases, between camera models. Support for different camera models will be added periodically and can be installed on your PicturePAD by performing a firmware update. Unsupported files can still be stored on the PicturePAD, they just can’t be viewed.

Which RAW file types are supported?

With firmware version 4.05.01 or newer installed, the PicturePAD will be compatible with the following RAW file formats: Canon 10D, 300D RAW format Canon D30, D60 RAW format Canon PowerShot G1, G2 RAW format Canon PowerShot S30, S40 RAW format FujiFilm S2 Pro Minolta Dimage7, 7i, 7Hi Nikon D1, D1X, D1H, D70, D100 RAW compressed and uncompressed format Nikon D2H RAW compressed format Nikon CoolPix 5000, 5700 RAW format

Can I download pictures directly from my camera to the PicturePAD through USB?

No. The PicturePAD is not a USB host device. The USB connection can only be used to connect the PicturePAD to a computer. This also applies to the Firewire connection.

What is the resolution of the PicturePAD screen?

The screen resolution on the unit is 320 X 240 (QVGA), the same as most digital camera displays.

How long does it take to charge the battery? How long will the batteries last once charged?

A depleted battery will be fully charged in about two hours by connecting the PicturePAD (powered down) to the supplied AC adapter. A 1400mAh battery at full charge allows for approximately 2 transfers from a 1GB Microdrive filled to capacity.

What is the transfer speed when downloading pictures?

The transfer speed averages about 1.1 MB/s when downloading files from an IBM Microdrive. The speed may vary significantly when transferring files from other media, such as CompactFlash, Memory Stick or SmartMedia cards, due to the differences in card controllers.

I recorded some video clips with my digital camera. Can I watch these movies on the PicturePAD?

No. The PicturePAD was designed for digital still photography and does not support digital video files such as MPG, AVI or MOV. Although these files can be stored on the PicturePAD, they cannot be played. The files will have to be transferred to a computer for viewing.

What difference between PAL and NTSC?

PAL and NTSC are two different video broadcast standards. Since these video modes are region specific, choosing the correct one depends on your video equipment and geographic location - NTSC (North America, Taiwan, Japan), PAL-B, D, G, H, I (Europe, Asia), PAL-M (Brazil), PAL-N (Paraguay), PAL-Nc (Argentina), PAL-60 (Russia). Refer to your television manual for the correct setting.

When I download pictures to the PicturePAD, a new folder is created containing the files. Why is the date used to name the folder different from today's date?

The PicturePAD has no internal clock. The time/date stamp used to generate the download folder is actually created by the digital camera. The date that is used is taken from the last picture file in the batch being transferred.

Why should I update the firmware of my PicturePAD?

Firmware updates are periodically made available to add new features and fix minor problems, such as issues with compatibility. The download page will have a list of the changes and fixes included in the firmware. If you are experiencing any of the issues listed, we advise that you update the firmware.

How do I copy files from my computer to my PicturePAD?

Once connected to the computer via USB or Firewire, the PicturePADs hard drive can be accessed just like your computers hard drive. It will appear as a drive icon in My Computer (Windows) or on the desktop (Mac). Files can simply be copied and pasted or dragged and dropped to or from the PicturePAD. Alternatively, the PicturePAD can be used as a card reader when a CF card is inserted before connecting, however only the card will be accessible. To access the PicturePADs hard drive, remove any CF cards before connecting.

Are pictures the only type of files that can be stored on the PicturePAD.

No. Although only picture files can be opened and viewed, virtually any type of file can be stored on the PicturePAD.

I edited some pictures in a photo editing program and now I get an error when I try to view them on the PicturePAD. Are my pictures ruined?

Not necessarily. The issue could be that the pictures were saved in an unsupported color mode or file type. In addition to RAW files, the PicturePAD supports JPEG and BITMAP images in RGB color mode. If the color was changed to CMYK or the files saved as a different type, for example, a PDF, then the picture will not be viewable on the PicturePAD. Simply opening the files in the editing program and saving them in the supported file type and color mode should solve the problem.

Is the PicturePAD's hard drive "user upgradeable"?

No, but if you have any questions regarding this issue, contact Delkin Technical Support: Phone at 858-391-1234 (9:00AM to 5:00PM PST Mon-Fri) Fill out our Technical Support Form

What is the purpose of the slot on top of the PicturePAD?

The top slot is a connector for adding accessories. Although it is similar to a CF slot, it is keyed so that a card cannot be inserted by mistake.

What accessories are available for the PicturePAD?

Currently, we offer a Firewire Accessory and a Printer Accessory which can supplement the capabilities of the PicturePAD. Other accessories are planned for future release, including a USB 2.0 Accessory.

Which printers are supported by the PicturePAD using the Printer Accessory?

Currently, the supported printers include: Epson Stylus Photo 750 Epson Stylus Photo 790 Epson Stylus Photo 870 Epson Stylus Photo 890 Epson Stylus Photo 1270 Epson Stylus Photo 1280 Epson Stylus Photo 1290 HP DeskJet 940C Series HP DeskJet 950C Series HP DeskJet 960C Series HP DeskJet 970C Series HP DeskJet 990C Series HP DeskJet 1220C Series HP Photosmart 1000i HP Photosmart 1115 HP Photosmart 1215 HP Photosmart 1218 HP Photosmart 1315

Top

ArchivalGold

Click on the links below to go to sites providing the most recent firmware* upgrades

Aopen	LiteOn	Plextor
Apple	Memorex	Sony
Asus	Mitsumi	Samsung
BenQ	MSI	Tascam
BTC	NEC	TDK
HP	NU	Teac
Iomega	Panasonic	Toshiba
LG/Hitachi	Pioneer

What is firmware?

Firmware is basic operating instructions for CD and DVD writers. The instructions allow the writers to write to many different CD/DVD disc types. The instructions help the writer identify the manufacturer and speed capabilities of discs, then through a look-up table it finds specific writing commands, and determines the optimal power level needed to get the highest quality recording available for that particular disc.

Drive manufacturers test recordable CD and DVD media from all major disc makers. These discs are used to find a "writing strategy" that is optimal for each disc type. The strategy determines laser power and the on/off speed needed to optimize writing quality. In addition to using the lookup table, the optimal writing power is determined for that disc when the drive does a "test write" to a non-user area of the disc. After this information is found, the drive can finally "burn" the marks on the disc that ultimately are transformed into your digital information.

If the firmware in the drive is incomplete or outdated, it may not record at the top rated speed and even the best media may not produce acceptable recording quality.

Top

Change Drive Letters

Double left click on My Computer and check for any network drives that may be mapped to your computer.
Take note of the drive letters being used. Exit My Computer. Left click on the start button and open Control Panel. Note: Make sure that you are viewing the Control panel in classic view, and NOT in category view. Classic view can be enabled by choosing the option to the left side of the control panel window.
From control panel, select Administrative Tools, and then Computer Management.
Under computer management, locate and highlight Disk Management. To the right of the same window, you will see a list of drives on your computer.
Find a drive labeled "Removable Disk" that shares the same drive letter with a mapped network drive on your computer.
Highlight the Removable Disk, then right click and choose the option to "Change Drive Letter and Paths"
Select the Change option in the new window.
Use the drop down menu to choose a new drive letter for your removable disk. Note: all drive letters in the drop down menu are unused and will not conflict with other drives on your computer.
When new drive letter is chosen, select yes.
You will be prompted to with a confirmation window. Click on yes.
Close the Computer Management window and open My Computer.

Top

FAT vs. FAT32

The file system used by all digital cameras that accept storage media cards is FAT. FAT is short for File Allocation Table, which itself is one of the key elements in the FAT file system. The file system keeps track of where each picture is stored on the card. A FAT file system is applied by formatting the memory card. During the formatting process, the components of the file system - File Allocation Table, Master Boot Record and more - are added to the card's data storage area, in effect preparing the card to receive data from your digital camera. There are 2 versions of the FAT system that are used. There is FAT16 and FAT32. For capacities ranging between 16MB and 2GB, digital cameras expect the card to contain a FAT16 file system. It's called FAT16 because it uses 16-bit numbers to reference locations where data is stored on the card. All current cameras are FAT16 compatible.

Unfortunately FAT16 simply wasn't designed to track files on media larger than 2.2GB. For any Flash memory card greater than 2.2GB, the FAT32 file system must be applied to take advantage of the full capacity of the card. FAT32 uses 32-bit numbers to point to where the bits and pieces of a file are stored. As a result, FAT32 supports media up to 2 Terabytes (TB) in size.

It's important to understand that any card with a capacity of more than 2GB will only be fully compatible with cameras that explicitly support FAT32 (many don't), and that your computer may choke if you try to copy photos from a greater than 2GB card that has been formatted FAT16 (which is possible, although you'll only have access to a maximum of about 2GB of the card's actual capacity).

Next, it's important to understand that there are different levels of compatibility among current FAT32- compatible cameras. While any camera that claims to be FAT32-capable can be expected to read and write to a FAT32-formatted card without incident, some cameras are tripped up by cards larger than 2GB that are completely unformatted. For example, the FAT32-compatible Canon EOS-1Ds will FAT16 format any card that is unformatted, even ones larger than 2GB.

With memory cards that have a capacity greater than 2.2GB (4GB and 8GB capacities), the camera will need to support FAT32 partitions. The camera's user manual should indicate supported memory capacities or known memory limitations.

It is very important to always format your flash media in the camera you intend to use it in. Every camera requires a specific folder structure unique to the model (not manufacturer) of the camera. When using a card in one camera, and then attempting to use it in a second camera without reformatting it could cause complications such as corruption, and total loss of data may occur. Note: Every Delkin card is formatted before it leaves our factory. All memory cards up to and including 2GB in capacity are pre-formatted with a FAT16 file system. Cards 4GB and higher will have a pre-installed FAT32 file system. This helps the host camera to detect the proper file system required for that specific card when formatted within the camera.

The following is a list of cameras that are known to work with memory cards that have a capacity greater than 2.2GB