Option11 backup using PCMCIA to USB adapter? 3

[x11dude]

Hi all,

Reading through these threads reminds me that a backup hasn't been done on our Option 11 in a long time.

Have any of you tried using a PCMCIA to USB adapter (to a standard USB memory stick)?

Or - do I need to hunt down a PC Card drive - and if so - should it be Type I, Type II or ??

Thanks in advance for any pointers!
-x11dude

 

[cmawbey]

what about backing up to a laptop/pc

LD143
.xbk

 

[x11dude]

Hey there Gibblett, great idea - I just haven't taken the time to set up a connection.

Is this done using the VT520 emulator - or is there an easier way? I've seen techs use emulators but believe it or not I'm still using the old dumb terminal(!) I'd probably need to dust off my modem command skills, etc - I know I need to do this someday. I even have a leftover PC with a serial port that would probably suit the job well.

Thanks for the great idea - I probably should be figuring out how to do this.

thanks,
x11dude

 

[GHTROUT]

Connect using a PC with terminal emulation program... These instructions are for Procomm Plus

Note: Set X-Modem Transfer Protocol
[tt]
>LD 143
.XBK

INFO: ACME BIRDSEED JANUARY 20 2009 BY WILEY E. COYOTE

SIZE = 377472 bytes

R>
[/tt]
Note: Now select toolbar menu DATA > RECEIVE FILE
Save file with meaningful name.

Expect file transfer time to be up to 15 minutes with direct connection -or- over one hour via dialup.


--
Nortel Resources at GHTROUT.com
--

 

[cmawbey]

just to add to Gene's post

get a copy of procomm plus install it on a PC/laptop

get a 25 to 9 pin nul cable or a straight and a modem elininator

connect to TTY 0

run procomm

look at the bottom of the procomm screen
set the BAUD rate the same as the dip switch on the SSC card
set emulation to VT100
set 8 None 1
set X MODEM

log into the meridian

LD 143
.xbk
info ( give a desciption )
c/r till you get R then right click and select RECEIVE FILE
save to a location of your choice and that's it....

 

[x11dude]

Thanks for the tips! Would Hyperterm work? I have a couple of options - a WinXP machine with a serial port and Hyperterm - or I could also use Linux. Any experience with either of those?

(I work for a non-profit and am always looking for the "cheap" way!)

Thanks again!
x11dude

 

[cmawbey]

i never use hyperterminal it's rubbish... get hold of a copy of procom plus 4.2 from a friend or maybe piratebay....

 

[trvlr1]

Look for Hyperterm 6.3 or above, that will do a much better job than the older versions and is more compatible with newer hardware as well as the older stuff. When you want to download, click Transfer/Receive file and point it to where you want to save it. I have also found that receiving protocol is best set to xmodem - at least in our environment.
Hope this is useful ....

 

[x11dude]

thanks all! I will try to find time to give'r a go!
regards,
x11dude

 

[x11dude]

I'm not really the "piratebay" type. I did start hyperterm but it's apparently down-level and Microsoft doesn't seem anxious to support anymore. I may try looking to see if there are any Linux alternatives. If you have any recommendations I'm all ears!

THE GOOD NEWS! - Phone system reinitialized just fine! Took maybe a minute or two. I am so happy!

Thanks all,
-x11dude

 

[cmawbey]

ok.. but you must get a current backup done, coz if the thing dies and you have no backup then you have a big problem....

try to "borrow" a copy of procom plus

 

[x11dude]

Yes - I do know I need to back it up; it is definitely scary not having one!

Thanks again!
x11dude

 

[ntTech50]

We have had some trouble restoring to an XBK copy of the database. We recommend backing up to a 512MB or smaller SanDisk compact flash drive which is inserted in a PCMCIA adapter. This method has provided a much more reliable backup copy for us.

 

[bhassell2000]

if you use the PCMCIA and go to ld 143 and do a database archive it will be much easier to restore, it should load the database and all the patched that are loaded at the same time

Thanks,

Buddy

Linked in Profile

http://www.linkedin.com/in/buddyhassell

 

[GHTROUT]

Many opinions... it is a continued debate: thread798-1496066


--
Nortel Resources at GHTROUT.com
--

 

[x11dude]

Thanks Buddy! I'd been wondering about the effort required to restore... I've had some trouble finding PCMCIA compatible hardware (hence my original post) - I've been hunting around on Amazon and Tiger Direct but nothing grabs me. Any recommendations?

 

[GHTROUT]

Yes, XBK and not PCMCIA

--
Nortel Resources at GHTROUT.com
--

 

[x11dude]

Thanks for the thread.

I am working on lining up the null modem cable (etc.) and will try to do the xbk.

Thanks all!
-x11dude

 

[Wane47]

reading your thread, I was curious as to why you couldn't find what you need. I went on amazon and found a PCMCIA compact adapter for about $10 and 64mb compact flash for $20. Thats all you need to put it in a ssc card.

 

[x11dude]

Wane! Hey thanks! That's actually the kind of information I have been looking for! I just wasn't sure what luck people have been having backing up using adapters, etc.

So you have had good success with compact flash - not USB? Tells me what I need to know!

I still am looking toward hooking a PCs to the unit with a null modem connector (as others have suggested). I will try Linux as well as Windoze. But that's great if I can also use CF for backup.

Curious - that PCMCIA adapter - is it "type 1" or type 2 or? I must say that I haven't used PCMCIA technology. I think CF was an offshoot of it(?) but adapters and so-called "compatibility" in general kind of scare me; sometimes it's kludgy.

Many thanks!
-x11dude