ExpressCard Technology Host Adapters Information

ExpressCard Technology Information for ExpressCard 34 and 54 Slots and Devices

Synchrotech Now Offering Two FireWire 800 Repeater Hubs

In response to the surging demand for FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) products, Synchrotech is now carrying two high quality FireWire repeater hubs. These performance oriented FireWire 800 repeater hubs offer unique capabilities and meet port capacity requirements for a range of FireWire 800 users.

The first, the NitroAV 8 Port Repeater Hub, is a rugged, robust, and very high performance FireWire 800 repeater hub with a generous array of 8 FireWire 800 ports. NitroAV comes with a power supply and also supports alternate power connections for rack-mount applications. It's metal casing is ideal for studio and production environments.

For less demanding or portable applications, Unibrain's FireRepeater 800 FireWire IEEE 1394b Repeater Hub is a lightweight 3 Port hub. FireRepeater 800 works out of the box with FireWire 800 bus power applications, or usable with purchase of an optional power supply.

Both FireWire 800 Repeater hubs are usable in FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) and FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a/iLink) work-flows. See our FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 Cables and IEEE 1394 Connectors page for appropriate cables and converters to mix and match existing FireWire products. Repeater hubs provide bus flexibility in that they allow for daisy chaining and/or hierarchical (tree) bus configurations. Repeater hubs also provide a means to lengthen the distance between devices when 1394's cable length of 4.5 meters is inadequate. Simply daisy chain repeaters between cables to extend your reach to 110m.

Elan announces tentative support for U111 under Windows The Vista

Elan has posted a page with instructions and downloads for deploying the U111 with The Vista. They have tentative support for the Sierra Wireless Air Cards 850 and 860. This configuration is unsupported by Synchrotech.

Datasheet for FarSync Flex USB X.25 Synchronous Adapter

Farsite's PDF datasheet for the FarSync Flex USB Sync/Async/X.25 Adapter with Linux and Windows X.25 SDK and Drivers. The F-FS6100 provides X.25 Networking via a USB connection to the host computer. Synchrotech's W3 page for this device.

All Things FireWire Repeater Hubs

Wireless Gateway/Routers for WWAN 3G/4G to WiFi/Ethernet Networks

As mentioned in Synchrotech's extensive 3G Wireless FAQ, an excellent way of providing Wireless Mobile Broadband (WWAN) for a fixed location is a wireless gateway/router. Harnessing 3G or 4G mobile data networks (AKA cellular data networks), wireless gateway/routers handle the connectivity with mobile carriers like T-Mobile, Vodaphone, Sprint, AT&T (Cingular), Verizon, and many others. Wireless gateway/routers typically accept mobile broadband connectivity devices including 3G/4G PCMCIA PC Cards and USB devices. These wireless gateway/routers are extremely versatile, offering support for mobile (cellular) broadband data network devices ranging from the older style EDGE and CDMA to the lastest EVDO Rev. A and HSDPA cards.

Wireless gateway/routers then provide an internet connection (WAN) to individual computers or local are networks (LAN) via WiFi (802.11*) or wired Ethernet just as a gateway or router plugged into DSL, T-1, or other wired WAN options do. Share a single mobile (cellular) broadband data account throughout a household, business or branch office. Connect existing wired networks to wireless gateway/router, or take advantage of built in WiFi to enable roaming connections. Perfect for rural locations, wireless gateway/routers provide a cost effective and easy to administer solution for broadband connectivity. Synchrotech has created a compatibility matrix to aid in determining wireless gateway/router compatibility with individual mobile (cellular) broadband data networking devices.

DuelAdapter Unsupported Systems List

Synchrotech has obtained a more comprehensive list of systems with ExpressCard firmware issues and are known not to work with the DuelAdapter. Some other ExpressCard equipped computers may also have compatibility issues, this list is by no means comprehensive. This list of unsupported systems represents a very small fraction of ExpressCard capable computers, most systems on the market work exceedingly well with the DuelAdapter.

CFExpressPro Printable Data Sheet

CFExpressPro's performance and affordability have made it a favorite among pro-photographers. Being in an ExpressCard 34 form factor has made it a top pick with MacBook Pro owners. As reseller and distribution inquires have increased, Synchrotech has placed a printable data-sheet online for easy printing and distribution for channels. CFExpressPro supports CompactFlash PIO though Mode 6 and DMA through Mode 4, allowing it to take full advantage of newer UDMA4 CompactFlash Cards like SanDisk Extreme IV.

All Things CompactFlash

ExpressCard capability for desktop Macs?

If the idea of sharing ExpressCards between a MacBook Pro and a Mac desktop is appealing, then check to see if your Mac features open PCI Express (PCIe) slots. Several desktop Macintosh models (Power Mac G5 (Late 2005), Mac Pro, and several Xserve models) featuring PCIe slots are able to take full advantage of Synchrotech's PCI Express to ExpressCard Drives. Installing the PCIe to ExpressCard reader enables use of the entire range of ExpressCard devices, including high performance FireWire 800 and SATA host adapters. Being able to swap ExpressCards between MacBook Pro and a Mac desktop is also economical, preventing additional purchases of PCIe host adapters to duplicate the same functionality of an ExpressCard.

For Desktop Macs without PCIe, or any USB 2.0 capable Macintosh without PCIe slots, the MicroU2E USB to ExpressCard adapter is a viable solution, so long as the ExpressCards are based on the USB 2.0 portion of the ExpressCard standard.

August ExpressCard and PC Card Reader Sale

Synchrotech's August specials feature an array of deeply discounted offers on PCI to PC Card readers and PCIe to ExpressCard readers for desktop computers. Among the PC Card readers, two are low profile (MD-1) PCI devices. Additionally, a USB 2.0 to SD, MMC, and Memory stick reader for just $5. To learn more about the sale and products offered, follow the links below for more information and pricing.

• PCM-CR-PC2IC2 37% off PCM-CR-PC2IC2 PCI Bus to PC Card and CardBus Read-Writer 2 Slot Internal Rear


• PCM-CR-PC1ICL 33% off PCM-CR-PC1ICL PCI Bus to PC CardBus Read-Writer 1 Slot Internal Rear Low Profile


• PCM-CR-PC1ICFL 33% off PCM-CR-PC1ICFL PCI Bus to CompactFlash Type I-II Read-Writer Internal Rear Low Profile


• PCM-CR-U1ESDSMS $5 for PCM-CR-U1ESDSMS USB 2.0 to Secure Digital, MMC and Memory Stick Read-Writer 1 Slot Mini


• EXP54-CR-PCEIR1 44% off EXP54-CR-PCEIR1 PCI Express to ExpressCard 34|54 Drive Read-Writer I-300


• EXP54-CR-PCEIR1-2 46% off EXP54-CR-PCEIR1-2 PCI Express to ExpressCard 34|54 Drive Read-Writer PC/Mac

OMNIDriveUSB2 Line and EasyReaders USB 2.0 and Vista Ready!

Now entirely based on the USB 2.0 standard, Synchrotech's OMNIDriveUSB2 and EasyReader provide fast access to PCMCIA PC Card memory technologies. Additionally, OMNIDriveUSB2 readers allow use of legacy memory PC Cards with Windows operating systems, including The Windows Vista. OMNIDriveUSB2 LF provides read/write access to the following PCMCIA PC Card Memory cards: Linear Flash, SRAM, and ATA Flash. OMNIDriveUSB2 Pro provides read/write access for PCMCIA PC Card SRAM, and ATA Flash. For fast and reliable access to PCMCIA PC Card ATA Flash memory alone, the EasyReader is the professional choice. The OMNIDriveUSB2, like its predecessors, still includes extensive PC Card support software allowing for complex PCMCIA PC Card memory device operations such as binary copies, single byte access, hex viewing, and more. Want to mount FAT formatted SRAM as a Windows drive letter? OMNIDriveUSB2 provides that functionality as well! Need to create exact duplicates of existing Linear Flash PC Cards? OMNIDriveUSB2 LF's powerful PC Card Manager software can create binary images of existing cards for duplication in a snap. As before, these readers are created for operation in real world conditions. OMNIDriveUSB2 and EasyReader feature robust metal casing, electrostatic discharge safeguards, low voltage monitoring with power failure detection, and continuous checksum monitoring to ensure maximum data security.

For more information and full specifications for this product line, please see:

OMNIDriveUSB2 LF USB 2.0 to PC Card Read-Writer 1 Slot Linear Flash/SRAM/ATA Flash
OMNIDriveUSB2 Pro USB 2.0 to PC Card Read-Writer 1 Slot ATA Flash/SRAM
EasyReader USB 2.0 to PC Card Read-Writer 1 Slot ATA Flash Cards

MicroU2E in the news

MicroU2E USB 2.0-to-ExpressCard adapter hearts OS X
MicroU2E Cures ExpressCard Envy with USB Convertor
USB 2 ExpressCard support comes to MacBooks
MacBook’a ExpressCard desteği
MicroU2E USB 2.0-to-ExpressCard adapter hearts OS X
USB 2 ExpressCard For Macs
MicroU2E, per le ExpressCard sui Mac senza slot
Synchrotech Adapter Turns ExpressCard to USB Dongles

CFFire800 Pro in the news

Synchrotech presents CFFire800 Pro FireWire 800 to Compact Flash Drive Read-Writer
Synchrotech CFFire800 CF read-writer
FireWire 800, UDMA 6 CompactFlash card reader debuts
SynchroTech CFFire800 CF read-writer
Synchrotech releases FireWire 800 to CompactFlash Reader
CFFire800 Pro FireWire 800 to CompactFlash Drive Read-Writer
Lettore CompactFlash UDMA via FireWire 800
A pro reader for the rest of us

Inexpensive adapter allows use of CFFire800 Pro with FireWire 400 ports

Customers wanting a FireWire 400 option for the CFFire800 Pro FireWire 800 to CompactFlash Drive Read-Writer can now purchase the CAB-FW8-9-6-CONV FireWire 800 IEEE1394b 9pin (female) to 6pin (male) Converter Plug. The converter allows use of FireWire 800 devices like the CFFire800 Pro with host computers featuring 6-pin FireWire 400 ports. Using a converter reduces the overall throughput of the CFFire800 to that of FireWire 400 (400Mb/s or 50MB/s). However, Synchrotech's internal testing, and tests by a popular independent Digital camera site have found high performance FireWire 400 CompactFlash readers outperform the fastest USB 2.0 readers.

New 2 Port Edition: ExpressCard to RS-232 Serial I/O

Synchrotech's new high performance ExpressCard 34 to ExpressCard to Serial I/O adds fast serial COM ports to mobile computers for attaching fax/modems, bar code scanners, court reporters, data acquisition equipment, mag stripe readers, GPS receivers, digital cameras or other RS-232 serial devices. The ExpressCard's low power requirement won't burden a laptop's batteries. The ExpressCard Serial Adapter supports serial transmission rate up to 230400bps.

MicroU2E Issues Thread

This thread is for discussing issues with the MicroU2E. Issues include, but aren't limited to: unsupported systems, incompatible ExpressCards, experiences, etc.

New Product: The FarSync Flex USB X25 Synchronous Adapter

Now available, FarSite's USB connected synchronous serial adapter supporting X.21, RS530, V.35, RS449 and RS232C network interfaces operating at serial line speeds up to 4 Mbits/s. The device is believed to be the only USB Synchronous Serial line adapter on the market. No external power supply is required as the device is powered from the USB connection. USB 2.0 and older USB 1.1 host interfaces are supported. FarSync Flex X25 features X.21, RS530, V.35, RS449 and RS232C network interfaces, drivers for Linux and Windows, NDIS and SDCI Windows API, Raw sockets Linux API, TCP/IP over PPP, USB line powered, Toolkit available for using the API, Line signal modes: NRZ, NRZI, FM0 and FM1, Selectable synchronous or asynchronous, 4 Mbits/s, internal and external clocking, USB 2.0 and 1.1. FarSync Flex X25 also features X.25 and ISO transport protocol handlers for Windows and Linux, IP over X.25, X.25 Developers Toolkit. Sockets and Java API to the protocol handlers.

9-pin to 6-pin FireWire Adapter for CFFire800 Arriving soon

Synchrotech received many inquiries regarding using the CFFire800 Pro FireWire 800 to CompactFlash Drive Read-Writer with 6-pin FireWire 400 ports. In response Synchrotech will introduce the CAB-FW4-9-6-CONV, a simple minded converter plug that accepts a male 9-pin FireWire 800 plug and converts it to a male 6-pin FireWire 400 plug for use with FireWire 400 ports. This reduces the overall throughput of the CFFire800 to that of 1394a FireWire 400 (400Mb/s or 50MB/s). However, both Synchrotech's internal testing, and that of a popular independent Digital camera site have found that high performance FireWire 400 CompactFlash readers handily outperform the fastest USB 2.0 readers.

The CAB-FW4-9-6-CONV isn't just restricted to use with the CFFire800, any FireWire application is fine. Price and availability on the CAB-FW4-9-6-CONV will appear shortly on Synchrotech's site.

CAB-FW4-9-6-CONV FireWire 800 IEEE1394b 9pin (female) to 6pin (male) Converter Plug

Synchrotech Releases CFFire800 Pro, World's First UDMA 6 FireWire 800 to CompactFlash Reader

Synchrotech unleashes the fastest CompactFlash memory card reader to date with its new CFFire800 Pro FireWire 800 to CompactFlash Drive Read-Writer! The first UDMA Mode 6 (ULTRA ATA/133) device on the market, CFFire800 Pro is capable of taking full advantage of today's highest speed CompactFlash Cards, with throughput to spare for future CF advancement. CFFire800 is a must for pro photographers and other demanding users of high speed CompactFlash memory cards. CFFire800 Pro FireWire 800 boasts incredible read speeds of up to 43MBs with Lexar's new UDMA 300X and 39MBs with SanDisk's Extreme IV CompactFlash cards. Requiring no drivers on supported Macintosh or Windows systems, CFFire800 plugs into 9-pin FireWire 800 (1394b) ports and utilizes bus power for excellent portability.

New and Improved: ExpressCard 34 to Serial I/O (RS-232) DB9 1 Port Host Adapter!

Synchrotech's high performance ExpressCard 34 to ExpressCard to Serial I/O adds a fast RS-232 serial/COM port to mobile computers. New in our current release of the product is support for Windows 2003 and The Vista. Also new is the built in DB9 Male RS-232 port, rather than the RJ-45 to DB9 Male RS-232 port connector of the previous version.

$219 USB 2.0 to PC Card Read-Writer 1 Slot ATA Flash EasyReader Sale!

July sale on the USB 2.0 to PC Card Read-Writer 1 Slot ATA Flash EasyReader for only $219. Offer Expires Midnight on July 31, 2007. Synchrotech's IPI EasyReader is an external read-writer for ATA Flash PC Cards and ATA Hard Drive PC Cards. Used in concert with a Type II PC Card adapter, it will work with a variety of memory cards including CompactFlash, SD Cards, and others. EasyReader employs USB 2.0 for high speed transfer rates, providing excellent performance in storage applications with PC Card hard disks or ATA Flash Cards. Designed for harsh industrial applications and heavy duty loads, the robust aluminum case protects the reader and PC Card. EasyReader provides exceptional data security electrostatic discharge safeguards and features low voltage monitoring with power failure detection. Additional data security provided via continuous checksum monitoring during data transfer.

$99 DuelAdapter ExpressCard to PCMCIA PC CardBus 10 Day Sale!

Independence Day sale on the DuelAdapter ExpressCard 34 to PCMCIA PC Card and CardBus Adapter for PC/Mac for only $99. Offer Expires Noon on July 12, 2007. The ExpressCard 34 to PCMCIA PC Card and CardBus Read-Writer DuelAdapter is designed to connect the new generation of ExpressCard equipped laptops with legacy PCMCIA 32-Bit PC CardBus and 16-Bit PC Cards. This cross-platform device seamlessly converts data at the highest throughput speed from PC Cards designed for cellular broadband, wireless networking, video, audio and memory expansion to the new ExpressCard format. Using special electronics to convert PCMCIA PC Card input to an ExpressCard compatible signal, the adapter can reach transfer rates up to the full 2.5Gbit/sec supported by the ExpressCard interface--five times faster than USB 2.0. The adapter works with ExpressCard equipped laptops or desktops running Windows XP and Mac OS X operating systems. Installation is a snap and the DuelAdapter has been tested with a wide range of existing PC Cards including: Panasonic P2 cards, and 3G wireless cards from Sprint, Cingular, T-Mobile, and Verizon. If the drivers exist on a supported platform for a specific PC Card, then it should work without any issues.

High Speed PCMCIA PC CardBus Memory Card Media Adapters Now with Drivers for The Vista

ADP-CF2-PC32: an adapter for CompactFlash, and ADP-MULTI5-PC32: an adapter for SDHC, MMC, Memory Stick, and xD Picture cards, are now usable under Windows Server 2003 and The Vista. New drivers enable high speed access to memory card media via 32-bit PC CardBus slots, eliminating a major bottleneck in downloading information from consumer memory cards.