Runcore 64GB SSD 1.8 ZIF PATA issue

[mac jones]

So I just got the Runcore SSD for my rev. A ($200)

And it doesn't work.

Right specs (the ZIF is a bit loose-there's two types of ZIFs -if you can believe this)

It should work....I think. It works in other devices so either it's a firmware thing of a ZIF thing.

Thing is, I went through this same thing with the Mtron 32GB SSD. It also was not detected (exact same scenario ). Others also were having problems with the Mtron and apparently there was a firmware update at one point (but I had sold mine already)

So i'm waiting for others experiences with this. (these are hard to come by as only one place in the US sells them (MyDigitalDiscount.com) as far as I know and they are backordered until mid Feb.

[johnhirsch]

Same issue. Works as a USB drive but not connected by zif. I got the apple logo to show up once while holding the connection with my fingers once so I believe the connector is just not fitting tightly enough. Unfortunately, I tried going back and forth with the old hard drive to do tests that the connection now longer works with that either. Going to get a replacement zif connector and see if anything changes. A real bummer.

[mac jones]

Same issue. Works as a USB drive but not connected by zif. I got the apple logo to show up once while holding the connection with my fingers once so I believe the connector is just not fitting tightly enough. Unfortunately, I tried going back and forth with the old hard drive to do tests that the connection now longer works with that either. Going to get a replacement zif connector and see if anything changes. A real bummer.

Yes, i had also started to worry about ruining the flexcable. It's very cramped in there and there's some stress on the cable with normal configuration.

I've noticed that many generic Zif flex cables have an added layer (can be seen as blue strip at the ends if you do a search on Ebay for Zif cables) that adds some thickness to the cable at the insertion ends. The Air's cable is very thin and most likely was made to spec for the Samsung's specifically; (All ZIF's are not created equal as far as cable thickness). I tried adding some thickness by cutting of a thin strip of plastic and wedging it in with the Zif cable. I was pretty sure that would work as I"ve read about this problem elsewhere on the Web but-no such luck.

I may try it again as the fact that you had some luck shows that it's at least possible (yes i'm a fool)

It's just that the dern thing is so cheap :o

[mac jones]

I just compaired the Airs ZIF cable to another ZIF cable that I know works with the Runcore with a magnifying glass and they look to be identical except for a very minor thickness difference.

So for the life of me I can't understand why it would not work.

note: I'm really beginning to hate these ZIF cables :D

[Nak]

The specs for these drives on MyDigitalDiscount.com say they are 5V devices.

The Samsung PATA SSD and HD used on the RevA are 3.3V.

Nak

[mac jones]

The specs for these drives on MyDigitalDiscount.com say they are 5V devices.

The Samsung PATA SSD and HD used on the RevA are 3.3V.

Nak

Yep 5V

I was sure that was a typo because as far as I know all 1.8 drives are 3.3V (or so I was led to believe)

And It works with other 3.3V devices.

But you are right. I says 5V right on it.

Why the **** would they do this? Are they completely lame?

But thanks for the post as I might have never noticed that.

(This was discussed at the JKmobile blog where they the question was asked and they said it would work at 3.3V , which I assumed they meant the 5V at the MDD site was a typo (or whatever)

I assumed wrong

(they also did a review of it (you can see the link to the review at the MyDigitalDiscount.com)

[mac jones]

MDD is sending out emails to those who received the fist batch saying that there may be a ZIF connection issue.

However, I would think that any problems with this most likely will be due to the 5V.

Some thing is very wrong with this whole picture.

I wonder if it's possible that this is some kind of design error, or that it's made for a specific device. It's no mystery that 1.8 drives are 3.3V not 5V

we shall see.

Anyone with and knowledge about this chime in as i'm totally in the dark

P.S I'd like to send it back to Runcore with a note saying "Could you please reengineer this to 3.3V and send it back when your done.... thank you." :D

[Over Achiever]

It's not a voltage problem, it's the ZIF connector itself.

Discussion here (http://myhpmini.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=163&sid=21d7d5fe95e1a2b51cdd8e12d52dea0d) and here here (http://jkkmobile.blogspot.com/2009/01/runcore-18-inch-ssd-on-hp-mini-1000.html)

I received this e-mail today
Dear My Digital Discount customers,
We regret to inform you that the latest batch of RunCore Zif drives, that were shipped out last week, may possibly have a problem with the connection. We are currently investigating this issue further and we will be sure to keep you contacted with the latest updates as we get more details.
At this point, we ask that if you have had similar issues with your Zif drive to please be patient as we are looking to correct this issue as quickly as possible.
If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at orders@mydigitaldiscount.com.
We truly apologize for this inconvenience and we thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
MDD

EDIT: That's what I get for walking away from the computer while writing a post. I still think it's the ZIF connector though, it fits very loose on my computer.

[mac jones]

It's not a voltage problem, it's the ZIF connector itself.

Discussion here (http://myhpmini.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=163&sid=21d7d5fe95e1a2b51cdd8e12d52dea0d) and here here (http://jkkmobile.blogspot.com/2009/01/runcore-18-inch-ssd-on-hp-mini-1000.html)

I received this e-mail today


EDIT: That's what I get for walking away from the computer while writing a post. I still think it's the ZIF connector though, it fits very loose on my computer.

Thanks for the links. (note the confusion in those threads )

the connector is loose but i'm still at a loss why these are 5V? . Perhaps it's a connector issue and the 5V is a max value.

What junk.

And, one solution I noticed was for them to send out different ZIF cables?

Not a great help here i'm afraid.

Looks like an RMA if they will take it.

[fteoath64]

Guys. Thanks for posting your experiences with the RunCore. I hope it is the ZIF2 cables that are the problem.
As for the 5V issue, I think the drive has the tolerance of up to 5V but will function at 3.3V or less normally. TTL logic in the controller chip typically handle such a thing, so typo or not it should not be a factor in your tests.
As you mention variances in thickness in the cables, I suspect strongly that the right cables will work fine. Best of luck, cos if someone can convince me the 128GB version can work on Rev A , I would seriously consider CUTTING the rectangular hole in the bottom cover just to fit this drive!. While doing so, will take a mold to make a carbon fibre cover that will clear 3 extra mm needed!. :D

Let us know once you got it working. It will give Rev B machines a run for their money! :)

[mac jones]

Guys. Thanks for posting your experiences with the RunCore. I hope it is the ZIF2 cables that are the problem.
As for the 5V issue, I think the drive has the tolerance of up to 5V but will function at 3.3V or less normally. TTL logic in the controller chip typically handle such a thing, so typo or not it should not be a factor in your tests.
As you mention variances in thickness in the cables, I suspect strongly that the right cables will work fine. Best of luck, cos if someone can convince me the 128GB version can work on Rev A , I would seriously consider CUTTING the rectangular hole in the bottom cover just to fit this drive!. While doing so, will take a mold to make a carbon fibre cover that will clear 3 extra mm needed!. :D

Let us know once you got it working. It will give Rev B machines a run for their money! :)

unless they either redesign it, or make some type of adapter to work with a non-satndard ZIF cable like the one in the AIR it's not going to work.

Both of those scenarios are unlikely for the near future I would think.

[Over Achiever]

An update from MDD (in the HP forum)
Yes definitely wait [to RMA the drives]. Jack from Runcore is like 100% on this. He is sending images of the cables soon maybe by morning we will have them but not sure about it. They are on a weeklong break right now so this happened at the worst time for him but he is being very proactive. We probably will not get the cables until late next week due to the Chinese New Year holiday.

JKKMobile has found the drive works for some systems and not for others. He also noted that The connector is now different than on my samples.

[mac jones]

An update from MDD (in the HP forum)


JKKMobile has found the drive works for some systems and not for others. He also noted that

Thanks for that

These drives that they are now shipping will not work in the AIR.

JK originally got a sample that had a different ZIF that may or may not have worked in the AIR (we will never know)

So now Runcore is sending out special ZIF cables that will supposedly work with some of the Netbooks. These look like they are the standard ZIF cables with the blue ends but with some modifications, i'm guessing. But these cables are not at all like the cable in the Air. The Air uses a unique design that Runcore is not going to send out-no way.

So these drives as they are are no good -period.

If they eventually change the connector then that might work and they may do so as they are at least owning up to the blunder, apparently.

But the problem is that if this new special cable they send out shuts up enough of the moaners then there will be no incentive to retool the connector hardware.

Lets hope this fix is a failure so they they will change the connector :D

[justit]

JK originally got a sample that had a different ZIF that may or may not have worked in the AIR (we will never know) :D

Could someone use the existing Rev A SSD cable with this new drive? Or is it that the drive connector on the Runcore SSD is incompatable?

[mac jones]

Oh this just keeps getting better.

What I gather now is that the connector on the shipped version is "twisted"
(or flipped around, converse, or whatever)

In other words...a total mess.

So they are sending special twisted cables for all of them.

(i've packed mine already)

[Over Achiever]

Hmm. But if the problem is on the SSD itself, we should get the option to return it for a new one. It sounds like this problem was on a batch of SSDs, not all currently shipping SSDs.

[Over Achiever]

Hey everyone,

The Runcore problem has been fixed. We found that the ZIF connector on the Runcore SSD is conversed, so everyone needs what is commonly known as a twisted ZIF cable, it has the leads on the top of one end and the bottom of the other end. We will be getting these cables and shipping them to you as soon as possible.

We have already confirmed 100% that with this fix, these will work flawlessly in the HP mini 1000 and the Everun Note.

If your computer is not one of these two, here are some options:

1) If the ZIF connector in your computer is completely removable, we have confidence that the twisted ZIF connector will work fine, and we are more than happy to ship you one when we get them.

2) The new batch of runcore drives will work in all computers, so we are more than happy to issue you an RMA and replace it for you when the new batch comes in.

If you choose option 1, sit tight, because we will ship your twisted ZIF connector to you shortly. If you choose option 2, please contact Chris either by phone at 1-866-217-1800 (315-343-0090) or via email at orders@mydigitaldiscount.com.

We thank all of you for your continued patience and support of our store, and we appreciate you helping us make Runcore the name to look for when someone says SSD.

Douglas Hare
Mydigitaldiscount.com
I would assume option 2 should work for the Macbook Air, and that the problem was isolated to the previous batch of SSD hard drives they shipped out late last week.

[mac jones]

We can thank the incredible support from Mydigitaldiscount.com (they are all over this issue)

I just hope the 'Next batch' is going to be relatively soon.

So go ahead an email them to order (great price)

[Over Achiever]

How well was your 64 GB fit in the Macbook Air? I currently have a Dell XT and the 8 mm fits but I can't put the bracket over it (the hard drive sits open underneath the battery.

I suppose some should wait and see if the new batch actually works before pulling the trigger? Are you going to RMA your drive?

[mac jones]

How well was your 64 GB fit in the Macbook Air? I currently have a Dell XT and the 8 mm fits but I can't put the bracket over it (the hard drive sits open underneath the battery.

I suppose some should wait and see if the new batch actually works before pulling the trigger? Are you going to RMA your drive?

It fits

I'm just going to have them send a replacement. If that doesn't work, I'll send that back.

These guys at MDD are fine to deal with so i'm not worried.

I'm just really impressed by the speed at which this has been addressed

Must be some sort of record :D

( or maybe i'm slowing down )

[fteoath64]

Yea!. Twisted cable, the simplest thing are usually the most frustrating. At least the light at the end of that tunnel is showing.

Well, why such a speedy response ?. remember the OCZ fiasco with NewEgg ?. It spread like wild-fire and many people got burned. If the manufacturer wants the first batch of users to be "field beta testers" just say so and threat them well. This will sell in great volume if the product is as good as it says and priced reasonably. We are holding up hope that RunCore would be one who will break this barrier and do well in the market. :)

[italiansauce88]

Thanks to MacJones for having the balls to give this a try and let everyone know the issues. Good luck on the new SSD and keep us posted!

[Over Achiever]

Well, I've completed my RMA and the drive is on it's way back to MDD. They're hoping to get the new drives in a week or so.

OA

[Over Achiever]

Dear Valued Customer,



Thanks once again for your patience and understanding with all the problems we've had regarding the 1.8 inch zif drives. You have all been outstanding. However, it turns out now there has been a problem with the voltage due to a faulty resister inside the drive, and we need to recall them. A lot of you have already sent your units back and are kindly waiting for a replacement. Those replacements should be fixed, tested and ready to ship within the next two weeks.



Obviously if you have already shipped yours back, please disregard this email. Those of you who still have one to send back... please either call us to set up an RMA, or fill out the following form with ZIFRETURN as the RMA# and please include in the comments section, the exact model number of the computer you will be using the drive in. Here is a link to the form:



http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/PDFs/MDDProductReturnForm.pdf




Douglas Hare
MyDigitalDiscount.com
Phone: 315-343-0090
Toll Free: 1-866-217-1800

[rhyx]

How much are people paying for these drives?

[dschur]

How much are people paying for these drives?

Apparently, too much :(

I too, sent the drive I paid $200 for back to MyDigitalDiscount. I have yet to hear a word on when a functional device I paid for over a month ago will be sent back to me. I had to eat the return shipping cost.

None of my emails get replies from Doug or anyone else at MyDigitalDiscount.

My advice - if your not in the game on this one, enjoy the view from the sidelines - I can't recommend getting involved with MyDigitalDiscount, or RunCore.

[robotica]

on the subject of ssd ..
I am selling my 128 from my MBA although i believe they changed the connector to SATA in RevB?
Can anyone confirm?

[johnhirsch]

Apparently, too much :(

I too, sent the drive I paid $200 for back to MyDigitalDiscount. I have yet to hear a word on when a functional device I paid for over a month ago will be sent back to me. I had to eat the return shipping cost.

None of my emails get replies from Doug or anyone else at MyDigitalDiscount.

My advice - if your not in the game on this one, enjoy the view from the sidelines - I can't recommend getting involved with MyDigitalDiscount, or RunCore.

I've had a very dissimilar experience with MyDigitalDiscount. Chris from their team has been extremely responsive and forthcoming with information. Looks to be late next week that I should be getting my replacement drive.

[dsevo]

Any updates?

[mac jones]

Any updates?

I expect MDD to email us when (or if) they get the new ones.

I'm not to excited. There may be other things wrong with them.

I mean, 5V? What is that about?

People are speculating about this 5V thing but it's pathetic (and I doubt it's some worst case senario and it's really 3.3V but they decided to write 5V in big letters right on the drive because they are geniuses and worry about voltage surges that might occur if your machine is hit by lightning. There's not a single machine that needs 5V in the 1.8" format that I know of)

The whole thing is very lame....really.

[johnhirsch]

Just got the replacement SSD back from mydigitaldiscount and... no good. First the drive wasn't recognized using the usb cable and then it also was not recognized with the zif connection. This experiment is over.

[fteoath64]

How could those idiots send out these SSDs without even plugging the darn thing in first ?. What a way for a business to be asked to close down due to just plain stupidity.

Jhirsh, such a disappointment. But right call tho, it just ain't going to work if a bunch of freaking idiots simply whack things together hoping the problem will go away!. What a bummer. Now: Runcore - stay away. one less manufacturer to worry about.
:mad:

[Over Achiever]

Yeah I got my replacement today and while it works from the USB standpoint, the ZIF connector on the SSD is the same as before. They did provide two ZIF cables, so if I somehow am able to access the motherboard then I suppose the drive will work.

I'm going to try to open up my computer later tonight, but I sent MDD an e-mail so we'll see what their response is in the meantime.

[Over Achiever]

I was reading the HP Mini forums and these drives that they just sent out are specific to the HP Mini O_o. The next next batch are the correct ones ... I'm starting to lose my patience.

[Glasairmell]

MyDigitalDicount is providing excellent customer service on this. This is a manufacturing issue and they are rising to the occasion to resolve it.

The drive I received yesterday did not work because it has a pin layout for the HP 1000. MDD are paying to have it returned and I will wait until the correct pin layout drive arrives.

I have an aircraft application for this drive because altitude affects normal HDs. This is the best solution going for us right now and I am going to patiently wait unless someone can post a better alternative here.

Mell

[Nak]

I just noticed that MyDigitalDiscount is now saying that the RunCore 1.8" SSDs are 3.3V drives.

[mac jones]

I just noticed that MyDigitalDiscount is now saying that the RunCore 1.8" SSDs are 3.3V drives.

Oh good. So i guess they never were 5V and they just wrote 5V on them by mistake then.

[Over Achiever]

Oh good. So i guess they never were 5V and they just wrote 5V on them by mistake then.

The drives still say 5V on them, but I think they should still work.

[louden]

I've been following this issue over on myhpmini.

So, it looks like they not only put the wrong type of connectors in these devices, they also put them in backwards.

I think I'll wait a couple of weeks before attempting to try this disk swap...

[italiansauce88]

Any updates on this issue? Or on SSDs for the Rev. A????

From what I've seen on these forums, only a handful of people have had success. Why does this machine have a snake-bitten dark cloud over it?

[mphuie]

I was reading the HP Mini forums and these drives that they just sent out are specific to the HP Mini O_o. The next next batch are the correct ones ... I'm starting to lose my patience.

I noticed the runcores are back in stock on MDD so I called them about the Macbook Air ones. I talked to Chris and he says they are in testing now and they should have them in stock in 2 weeks.

They will have 2 connectors, one generic for the MBA and another that supports the HP Mini.

[italiansauce88]

Back from the dead!!!!!!!!! Finally we're discussing something important and interesting on the MBA forum.

[dudup]

I noticed the runcores are back in stock on MDD so I called them about the Macbook Air ones. I talked to Chris and he says they are in testing now and they should have them in stock in 2 weeks.

They will have 2 connectors, one generic for the MBA and another that supports the HP Mini.

OMG, WANT!

This would make me so happier about my Rev. A, which I plan to keep even after upgrading to a forthcoming Rev. C.

[h.21]

EDIT: That's what I get for walking away from the computer while writing a post. I still think it's the ZIF connector though, it fits very loose on my computer.

If it's zero insertion force, is it not logical to assume that there would be zero "removal" force as well?

[dschur]

After 4 months of waiting since my order the first week of January, 2 returns, and an update every time I contacted MyDigitalDiscount that "They should be ready in about 2 weeks", I gave up and cancelled my order last week.

My last "2 week" update from Doug was 4/2/09, that was after I inquired on the 3/19 "2 week" update that came and went. Good luck to anyone still waiting, but I'm out. They sure sounded good.

[zooyorq]

Just an update to this. I just ordered the SSD from Runcore which states on their website its compatible with Mac Air Rev A's. Of course AFTER I recieved the drive they notified me via email that it infact doesn't work with Rev A Macbook Airs.

What the heck.. this issues been going on since Jan? Its now Sept? I have no faith they'll be fixing it anytime soon. I'll be returning mine.

I honestly thought it was a scam after I was redirected to "mydigitalsomethingoranother.com" and then recieved that email. I figured I wouldn't even see the drive in the mail.. or possibly a piece of cement in a box.

What a joke.

[Nak]

Get the PhotoFlash from DVNation - works great in the MBA Rev A.

Nak

[VirtualRain]

This was also recently announced which may work for the MBA...

http://www.tcmagazine.com/comments.php?shownews=29334&catid=2

HANA Micron has announced that it will be soon expanding its storage offer with a 1.8-inch solid state drive boasting 64GB of space. Seen below, the upcoming drive has a PATA 40pin ZIF interface, MLC (multi-level cell) NAND flash memory chip, an Indilinx Barefoot controller, 64MB of cache memory, and provides read and write speeds of up to 100 MB/s and 90 MB/s, respectively.

The 64GB HANA SSD is paired up with a one-year warranty and will start selling in Japan a week from today for about 320GB.[sic]

http://www.tcmagazine.com/images/news/Hardware/Other/HANA_Micron_64GB_1.8-inch_SSD_01.jpg

[Runcore]

Following up on this thread for those of you that may be subscribed and have not been to the forum in a while.

The new Runcore Pro IV Zif SSD for MBA is working amazingly in the MBA. In fact there are reports of upgraded MBA Rev A's being faster than a brand new MBA Rev C SSD out of the box.

Check out the newer threads on the Runcore SSD.

Matt Dawson
Runcore

[Shrek-Moscow]

Following up on this thread for those of you that may be subscribed and have not been to the forum in a while.

The new Runcore Pro IV Zif SSD for MBA is working amazingly in the MBA. In fact there are reports of upgraded MBA Rev A's being faster than a brand new MBA Rev C SSD out of the box.

Check out the newer threads on the Runcore SSD.

Matt Dawson
Runcore

Thanks Matt, I really believe you in fact I'm trying to buy a new RunCore SSD from MyDigitalDiscount but I'm having serious problems to get my order processed and the item shipped.

I'm getting crazy!