Topic: Sony PCM-M10 (part V)

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Does anyone use an external battery?  I know it has long AA life but just wondering if there is a good one out there.

There is some elegance in the m10 being powered with 3.0 volts instead of 5.0, or something else.  That elegance is the mighty Alkaline D cell battery... Remember "flashlight" batteries?   They're 15K-18K mAH!  So you can make cheap battery packs that last nearly forever..

So if we ballpark assume that it is 5X more capacity than the AA, that's something like 125, maybe 180 hours of running.  Most people here don't care about that stuff, but it can be very useful.

What the m10 seems to lack is the ability to wake-up on a schedule and record a specific duration.  Other recorders, like the Olympus, have that ability and it is hugely useful to nature recordists, scientists, etc.  I wish the m10 did that.

[tgakidis]

So what microSD brand do people use?  Any issues with 16 or 32 gig cards?

[bryonsos]

So what microSD brand do people use?  Any issues with 16 or 32 gig cards?

Here's a recent summary:

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=147879.msg1894019

[tgakidis]

So what microSD brand do people use?  Any issues with 16 or 32 gig cards?

Here's a recent summary:

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=147879.msg1894019

Thanks!

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Anyone else having trouble with a sticky hold/on-off button?

The off setting is spring loaded, but I find the spring is not sufficient to overcome the stickiness in the switch.  When turning hold off, I need to be very careful not to slide it too far - otherwise it sticks in the off setting and the unit shuts down.  It then takes quite a while to start back up, due to memory checks, etc.

I tried working the switch back and forth, and that helped... But only temporarily.  I find it is again sticky.

[George]

Nope, no issues at all...but mind you, I've only taped like 3-4 shows with this recorder so far. 

[darby]

Anyone else having trouble with a sticky hold/on-off button?

The off setting is spring loaded, but I find the spring is not sufficient to overcome the stickiness in the switch.  When turning hold off, I need to be very careful not to slide it too far - otherwise it sticks in the off setting and the unit shuts down.  It then takes quite a while to start back up, due to memory checks, etc.

I tried working the switch back and forth, and that helped... But only temporarily.  I find it is again sticky.

having owned 2 units now for over a year... no

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Dang.  If I slide it to off, it stays at off and does not spring back to neutral.

I don't really want to try lubing it... and I don't want to wear it out trying to loosen it.

Wonder if b&h will give me any hassle about exchanging it.  I'm waiting for a callback from Sony.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Just spoke to Sony.  The unit that the rep checked also seemed to have this issue. Basically, that when moved into the "off" position, the switch stays there and does not spring back to the center position.

I appreciate the two responses.  It'd be helpful if others could check this and report.  Thanks!

[yousef]

Not had this issue as yet. I've only used my unit out in the field half a dozen times at most though so I've not really used that hold switch too much.

[earmonger]

I don't have this problem.  The spring takes it back to the center.  But I don't bother with the Hold button since I keep the unit in a belt pack.

I tried it for you, though, and even when I unclick Hold and push it down to the end of the slot, I have to hold it for a full 3 seconds before power shuts down, making it very difficult to accidentally shut off the PCM-M10.

If your unit is under warranty Sony should fix/replace it.

[rastasean]

I also do not have this issue and I have had mine for about a year and a half.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Thanks!

Got the RMA, sending it back.  Hope the new one doesn't have the issue.  And I also hope they don't give me any grief about the condition, since it is no longer "as new" - I've been using it for a couple weeks.  The paint on the front of the m10 can scratch, where the r09 is molded plastic and doesn't show minor scratches.

It isn't a Huge problem, but it is a problem.  Especially with a 16GB card, because it slows the boot process significantly.  When the subject you are recording is ready, and you switch off hold and end up shutting down.. it's awkward to say "wait - I'm not ready, I need to restart the recorder!"  Awkward!  And if it's a performer coming on stage, you can't say wait.   And at 24/96, I am less inclined to roll continuously.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Did some searches, but haven't found a silicone (or other) skin for the m10.  Anyone seen anything?

Cases are okay, but they don't allow access to controls and meters.  Since the m10 has some metal bits, I'd like to not worry about it scratching other gear, etc.

[F.O.Bean]

Have had no problems with the switch in any position.

Also....I cut a tiny, exact size piece of Velcro and fastened it on top of the slider (ditto the two tiny volume controls). The velcro (rough side) adds more 'body" and makes it easier to manipulate the small switch(s).

A lesson learned and carried over from using MinDisc portables. The velcro should stay on for a long time.

I cant picture this. Got a pic?