USB Stick Copystation

Details

Entry level solution for the duplication of data images to up to seven USB memory sticks and USB devices simultaneously.

This system consists of an active USB 2.0 hi-speed hub with altec copy software (correct functioning only guaranteed with supplied model of USB hub).

The system requirements for using the CopyStation include a PC with Windows7, Vista or Windows XP, a free USB connector, seven available drive letters and administrative rights for the software.

 

Compatible media

The following storage media can be used in the USB Stick CopyStation:

• USB 2.0 memory sticks and devices

• USB 1.1 memory sticks and devices

The USB sticks must be less than 11 mm in width, if all seven USB slots are to be used. There are no restrictions concerning the lengths of the USB sticks used. USB Devices are connected by USB cable.

We strongly recommend that you only use USB memory sticks from international brand manufacturers such as SanDisk, Lexar or Transcend.

 

Copying speed

The CopyStation’s transfer rate is approx. 40 MB/sec. under ideal conditions. For example, copying of seven USB sticks with 512 MB each takes less than 2 minutes (speed depends on USB stick type and USB connection).

 

Copying methods

Three different copying methods are available for copying the data – copying of entire data images, copying of short images and the so-called file copying method.

Short Image Copy - only the data sectors which are currently beeing used are copied - that saves time if the master (source) memory media is only partly filled with user data.

File copy - this means that copies of specific file directories or files as well as of possibly existing subdirectories are created.

Optional software interface for data exchange with external application to allow customization of individual USB sticks, e.g. serialization or data encryption.

This copying system benefits from the know-how and experience resulting from more than 10 years of CopyStation development at altec.

 

Application

Typical markets for programmable storage media

Data required periodically by field workers can be copied to USB memory sticks and distributed to the employees.

For marketing and advertising: USB memory sticks can be programmed with images and product materials such as films, catalogues or interactive applications.

Programs, updates and data from the sectors of mechanical engineering and medical technology can be copied to memory media for use in automation, control and laboratory equipment

The marketing possibilities for storing music, audio books and videos on memory media are increasing steadily due to the drop in price of the media.

Mobile memory media are increasingly used to store games and software.

Typical customers for CopyStations

• Companies with field workers

• Advertising and event agencies

• Marketing departments

• CD/DVD copy service companies

• Fulfilment centres

• Development and support departments

• Music and audio book publishing companies

• Distributors of films

• Distributors of games

• Software manufacturers

We also offer the programming of memory media as a copying service.

 

SOFTWARE

Our copying software, which was developed in-house, has the same «Look & Feel» in all CopyStation models.

The user interface can be switched between German and English – further languages are available as an option.

The Job Wizard is a key part of the software. It is used to specify all parameters of the copy job – name of the card image, number of copies, whether verification is required and configuration of the software options.

 

Software options

1.) Software option to create and copy short images. The short image copy option creates smaller image files if the master (source ) memory media is only partly filled with user data. This results in faster programming of the target memory media.

2.) Optional software interface for data exchange with external application to allow customization of individual USB sticks, e.g. serialization or data encryption.

3.) File Copy option to copy files from a specified directory to USB sticks, which are supported by Windows, instead of copying from an image file. The sub-directory structure (if present) is also copied.

 

Copying methods

The USB Stick CopyStation provides three different copying methods for copying the data:

 

1.) Image Copy (default method) – an image of the entire contents of the memory media is created and then copied to the target memory media.

Advantages: A 1:1 copy of the memory media is created. Accordingly, all sectors of the target memory media are overwritten. This method is supported by all memory media file systems.

Disadvantages: Copying is relatively time consuming because all of the bytes of the original memory medium are copied.

 

2.) Short Image Copy (option) – only the data sectors which are currently being used are copied.

Advantages: Significant time-saving if the master (source ) memory media is only partly filled with user data.

Disadvantages: If the target memory media has already been used, some of the unused blocks may still contain old data. For maximum benefit, the data on the source memory media should not be fragmented. This software option works only with FAT formatted memory media.

 

3.) File Copy (option) – this means that copies of a specific file directory or file are created. This is not a 1:1 copy of the memory master.

Advantages: The copying speed is – if the amount of data is smaller than the image – faster than when copying an image. There is no need to create an image file.

Disadvantages: This copying method only works with windows-supported file systems.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Hardware:

Interface : USB 2.0 Hi-Speed

Slots : for seven USB Sticks and USB devices connected by USB cable; 11.5 mm gap between the Slots

Dimensions : 99.6 x 59.5 x 25.7mm (WxDxH)

Environmental Specifications:

Humidity : 5% to 95%, non-condesing

Temperature : 0° to +40°C (operating)

Power Requirements:

Power : USB Bus powered or via power supply with 3A at 4V (100-230V) 

Performance:

 >40 MB/s*; 7 USB-Sticks à 512 MB

Data transfer rate : in approx. 2 min. (speed depends on USB stick type and USB connection)

Software:

Compatible with:Windows 7, Vista and XP