e-LCR Lockable Card Reader

After the hugely successful release and take-up of the original E-Films MxR, we continued our  research into how we could improve it.

There were 3 recurring problems users wanted us to address:

1. The need for a lockable card
   Users told us they were leaving the SDHC card inside the MxR, and treating that combination as a one-for-one replacement for SxS cards. They wanted to treat
   MxR and memory as a single unit. Some users went further and said they wanted the push in / push out mechanism removed, to avoid accidental disengagement.
2. The requirement for longer record times beyond 16GB
   An increasing number of users have been asking us for recommendations on which 32GB SDHC cards are compatible with the MxR. The only card we have found which worked was the Transcend 32GB.
   
   
3. Being able to write contents of card on a disposable label
   The last recurring request came from those users who were already treating the MxR as a single unit by not removing the memory. They wanted a simple means to be able to write the card contents on the card itself. They wanted to be able to write easily onto a label, and when it was full, replace it with another label, the same way they were used to treating tape.

Introducing the e-LCR

The e-LCR is the culmination of our research in how to improve the original MxR.

We removed the push in / push out mechanism, and replaced it with a semi permanent locking mechanism, that allows the user to insert the card, but only remove it by a determined effort.

We looked at permanently locking the card inside the casing, but believed that gave our users no choice at all. Why not give the user the choice in changing or updating the SDHC card in the future, with the security of a no-goof lock?

We also took the opportunity to reverse the SDHC insertion mechanism, so we could see the memory card face up as it went in.

By revising the PCB we are now able to provide full support for the Sandisk Ultra II 32GB, which joins the Transcend 32GB as being the new standard in recording for the EX-series camera, offering up to 2 hours of recording.

We also replaced the casing, which allows us to have a face label, and a reverse label. Each e-LCR comes with a sheet with 10 labels which have preprinted date and description fields, so that users can record what is on the card, and when full remove the label and replace.

We think that the e-LCR represents an exciting step forward in media recording for the EX series cameras. With the revision of the PCB we are well prepared for larger SDHC sizes in the future.

Specifications

The e-LCR supports all SD formats and all HD formats (1080i and 720P). The e-LCR uses the USB 2.0 protocol to record from the EX1 and EX3 cameras.

Support SDHC without adapter
Interface: Hi-Speed USB
Operation Voltage: +5.0V - +3.0V (+/-5% wide range power supply)

System Environment:
Operating Temprature: 0C -70C
Operating Humidity: 20% - 85%

System Requirements:
Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista and Mac OS 8.6, 9.X, 10.1.2 or above (Driver is needed for 98SE)