Topic: SD Card Formatting

[ITGEEK]

I was curious about the formatting of SD cards.
I did a Web search and this is what I found on EHOW:

You may notice an increase in the transfer speed of the SD card if you
set it to FAT32; however, most electronic devices such as digital cameras
will not recognize the card if it isn't set to FAT16.

I know that Rickard found some recording problems with faster cards.
Has anybody explored formatting the cards in FAT16 as opposed to FAT32?
This could lead to some interesting information.

Greg?
What do the Humminbird techs say as to the very best SD format type for use in
all HB units?  Is it FAT16 or FAT32?

I know when I bought my cards, they were already formatted.
If the default format is FAT16 and the units can use FAT32,
we may be able to gain a little speed in recording and playback.

We've always got to be looking for an improvement in performance,
don't you all agree?

[Humminbird_Greg]

ITG,
I think that the FAT system used is determined by the type of memory card used.  I think that FAT16 is used for SD memory cards (2GB and smaller) while FAT32 is used for SDHC memory cards (2GB and larger).  I tried finding an answer for this on the internet and now seemed more confused than when I started.  I think that it gets back to file size here with the dividing line being the 2GB (and smaller) SD cards and the 2G (and larger) SDHC memory cards.

[Moose1am]

Greg:
You and I have discussed this in the past on other forums.  I am using a Asus Computer with Windows 7 Home  64 bit.  It's default formate is NFT or new file technology something.   I use my computer's built in SDHC card reader slot to formate my SDHC cards.  These are the SDHC cards that I use with my Humminbird Unit.
But I use my SDHC cards for other devices as well.  One is my Canon Camera.  When I want to format an SDHC card for use with my cannon camera I use the camera to format the SDHC card.  I have no idea which file system is used in the Canon Card Format Process. FAT 32 I would guess but really don't know.  I'll have to ask some one in the canon forums and see if anyone there knows.
We also talked about how the files can be corrupted in the downloading process.  Most people don't think about this happening but from my experiences with downloading lots of huge files it's a possibility.   Especially if you don't turn off your virus protection software and close your firewalls before you download these files over the internet using your computer.
It would behove Humminbird to post this type of information on the FAQ section.   I would also hope that Cannon would do the same thing.  I'm talking about the file system that they want to use for formating the SD and SDHC cards used for their equipment.
My Windows 7 Operating System gives me the option to format in NFTS or FAT 32.  At least that's what I think it does.  I don't format anything that often. 
Right now I can't remember if the Humminbird 898 c SI unit's control head software allows us to Format the SDHC cards in the control head.  If so then that solves the problem I guess.
 

[Humminbird_Greg]

Moose,
The memory cards cannot be formatted by the unit. 

[sonar2000]

Something else for the wish list.  Other products can do this....

Chuck

[stillbear]

HB PC formats your card.   Gary

[sonar2000]

It would be nice if the unit could.  I can on other products...which is easier than going to a computer...
I just think the unit with a little software can do it..  The hardware is already there...
I guess if we are asking then maybe our cell phones should do this also..

chuck