Topic: Sony PCM-A10 Problem transfering files

[Jofa]

Hi,

i did some recordings last night but when I'm connecting the A10 to the laptop (USB) it doesn't work. I haven't got that problem before, but now I can't access the files on the internal memory of the A10. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Robert

[nulldogmas]

i did some recordings last night but when I'm connecting the A10 to the laptop (USB) it doesn't work. I haven't got that problem before, but now I can't access the files on the internal memory of the A10. Any suggestions?

"It doesn't work" meaning the A10 doesn't show up as an external drive? Or it does show up and there are no files visible? Have you tried connecting to a different computer? Do other devices show up when connected to the same USB port? Does the A10 charge when plugged into the port?

[Jofa]

i did some recordings last night but when I'm connecting the A10 to the laptop (USB) it doesn't work. I haven't got that problem before, but now I can't access the files on the internal memory of the A10. Any suggestions?

"It doesn't work" meaning the A10 doesn't show up as an external drive? Or it does show up and there are no files visible? Have you tried connecting to a different computer? Do other devices show up when connected to the same USB port? Does the A10 charge when plugged into the port?

Thanks for your reply. The A10 doesn't show up as an external drive and I've tried 3 different computers, other devices show up when i connect them on the same USB port. The A10 chrge when I plug it in.

[nulldogmas]

Thanks for your reply. The A10 doesn't show up as an external drive and I've tried 3 different computers, other devices show up when i connect them on the same USB port. The A10 chrge when I plug it in.

That is indeed weird, and not something I've experienced. You can try all the usual USB troubleshooting — turn everything off and on, blow compressed air into all ports — but beyond that you may need to see about getting the A10 serviced.

In the meantime, maybe play the recordings out through the headphone jack to another recorder, so you at least have a backup of them if they can't be retrieved via USB? It won't be a straight digital transfer, but it should be pretty close.

[Twenty8]

All good suggestions.

I have the general impression you may have recorded to internal storage.  If you recorded to an SD card, use a card reader.

[dallman]

Are you able to play the file on your A10?

On a different note have you tried this? (from the A10 Manual):

Installing Sound Organizer 2
Install Sound Organizer on your computer.
Sound Organizer allows you to exchange files between your
linear PCM recorder and your computer.
Songs imported from music CDs and other media, MP3 and other audio
files imported to a computer can also be played and transferred to the
linear PCM recorder.
 Notes
• Sound Organizer is compatible with Windows computers only. It is not
compatible with Mac.
• This linear PCM recorder is compatible with Sound Organizer 2 only.
• If you format the built-in memory, all data stored there will be deleted. (The
Sound Organizer software installer will also be deleted.)
¼
• When installing Sound Organizer, log in to an account with administrator
privileges.
• The installation procedure varies depending on the Windows version. The
following procedure uses Windows 10 as an example.
 Follow the instructions in “Charge” to connect your
linear PCM recorder to a computer.
 Make sure the linear PCM recorder is successfully detected by the
computer.
“Connecting” appears and stays on the linear PCM recorder's display
window while the linear PCM recorder is connected to the computer.
 Right-click at the bottom left corner of the desktop, and then click
[File Explorer] on the menu.
 Double-click [PCMRECORDER] - [FOR WINDOWS].
 Double-click [SoundOrganizer_V2001] (or [SoundOrganizer_V2001.
exe]).
Follow the computer's on-screen instructions.
 When the [Welcome to Sound Organizer 2 Installer] window
appears, click [Next].
 Make sure that you accept the terms of the license agreement,
select [I accept the terms in the license agreement], and then click
[Next].
 When the [Setup Type] window appears, select [Standard] or
[Custom], and then click [Next].
Follow the instructions on the screen and set the installation settings
when you select [Custom].
 When the [Ready to Install the Program] window appears, click
[Install].
The installation starts.
 When the [Sound Organizer 2 has been installed successfully.]
window appears, check [Launch Sound Organizer 2 Now], and
then click [Finish].
 Note
You may need to restart your computer after installing Sound Organizer 2.

[Jofa]

All good suggestions.

I have the general impression you may have recorded to internal storage.  If you recorded to an SD card, use a card reader.

Yes, files saved to internal storage.

[thomasdk7]

Have you tried to copy it from internal to an sd card?
https://helpguide.sony.net/icd/pcma10/v1/en2/contents/TP0001668755.html

[Jofa]

Thanks for your reply. The A10 doesn't show up as an external drive and I've tried 3 different computers, other devices show up when i connect them on the same USB port. The A10 chrge when I plug it in.

That is indeed weird, and not something I've experienced. You can try all the usual USB troubleshooting — turn everything off and on, blow compressed air into all ports — but beyond that you may need to see about getting the A10 serviced.

In the meantime, maybe play the recordings out through the headphone jack to another recorder, so you at least have a backup of them if they can't be retrieved via USB? It won't be a straight digital transfer, but it should be pretty close.

Thanks for the advice, i’ve managed to get the files from the internal storage on the A10 by playing them out through the headphone jack 😊

[Jofa]

Have you tried to copy it from internal to an sd card?
https://helpguide.sony.net/icd/pcma10/v1/en2/contents/TP0001668755.html

Ahhh, that might be the solution. I’ll definitely give it a try. Thanks for the advice!

[flask]

Have you tried rebooting the computer while the A10 is still plugged into the USB port?

[RyanJ]

Have you tried to copy it from internal to an sd card?
https://helpguide.sony.net/icd/pcma10/v1/en2/contents/TP0001668755.html

Ahhh, that might be the solution. I’ll definitely give it a try. Thanks for the advice!

Yeah, this will work. Takes some time. But should have no issue.

[Jofa]

Problem solved! Managed to copy the files from the internal memory of the A10 to a micro SD.
Thanks for all your advices, much appreciated!

[jj69]

This just happened to my PCM-A10!  Thank you to thomasdk7 for the solution. 

I'm sorry, but this A10 is the LEAST RELIABLE Sony product I have ever owned.  This is literally my EIGHTH* PCM-A10.  For comparison's sake, I used the previous PCM-M10 for close to a decade, during which I went through exactly two of them.  As they age, these PCM recorders eventually do wear out (the buttons become intermittent, etc).  I understand normal wear and tear, but the A10 is on a whole other level.  Yes, it's a great little unit in most ways, but my advice is to make sure you buy it from someplace with a LONG return/exchange policy!   

* In fairness, the first seven were apparently killed by one specific model of 12V battery box that would eventually short out the RIGHT channel through the Line In jack.  That very same model of battery box never caused a problem with the PCM-M10, Roland R-05 or Roland R-07.  However, it killed 6 PCM-A10's owned by fellow taper who used the same gear I use, and it also just killed his Olympus LS-P5.  My guess that the PCM-A10 and LS-P5 use the same cheap off the shelf ICs.  Sony used to make all of their ICs in house.  The A10 is the first Sony model with off the shelf ICs. 

[goodcooker]

Why would you keep using a faulty battery box that has killed over half a dozen recorders? That's not Sony's problem that's you.