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 softwaremcein 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 theduramaxforum. I have aduramaxand thePontiac 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-BBest

SP23-CVetronix

SP23- D Newest

I did the SP23-B. From what I was abletranslatethey 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

http://blog.obd2eshop.com/

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