32MB Card for GM TECH2 tech support
GENUINE TECH2 PCMCIA CARD VS. GENERIC ATA CARD
GENUINE TECH2 PCMCIA CARD VS. GENERIC ATA CARD
Some guys want to BIN files onto blank cards.Here, i will share to enlighten you to what the differences are between a genuine Tech2 PCMCIA and a generic ATA card.
genuine Tech2 PCMCIA card vs. generic ATA card:
There are two primary types of flash memory architectures: linear and ATA. Both conform to PCMCIA form factors and can be used interchangeably in existing PC Card slots or drivers.
Linear Flash memory stores and sends data in a linear fashion (in Byte or double Byte format). To be able to transfer data into blocks (like ATA technology), so that the card appears like a hard drive, Linear Flash requires a software layer called Flash File System.
ATA Flash mimics the file structure of an ATA hard drive. It features an on-card controller which handles error correction coding, bad-block mapping, dynamic adjustment of performance versus power consumption, extensive self-testing and diagnostics and data access functions. This means that a card with an ATA controller appears like a hard drive to virtually any mainstream personal computer operating system.
In short, the most important difference is:
ATA cards won’t work. An ATA card is like a giant sd card or USB drive.
The linear flash cards don’t get recognized by the CPU like that.
For me:
– The restoring card:
You can buy generic linear flash cards on eBay for like $70
This is what I did for a spare. Same place I ordered my unit from. Cheaper than eBay.
http://www.obd2eshop.com/wholesale/32mb-card-for-gm-tech2-d.html (US$21.99)
I used the card making software mce in a laptop, but you can order it from China with the software you want already loaded.
So far, I am happy with it, the card took a few weeks. The unit was 2 to 3 days and a guy recommended them on the duramax forum. I have a duramax and the Pontiac g8. I am happy. Works great, I would recommend again.
– Tech2 scan tool
For the Tech 2, there are 3 different units, look the same.
That is what I found on the site.
SP23-B Best
SP23-C Vetronix
SP23-D Newest
I did the SP23-B. From what I was able translate they are made by different companies but the same….
I went with the best as it was a little cheaper. I am happy with what I got. If I did it again and money wasn’t an issue, I would buy one with the American warranty.
Related Post:
Free download Tech2Win bin files for Tech2 32MB PCMCIA card
Best regard