SAGE RTU CPUs — CF/PCMCIA Card Compatibility and Boot Sector Requirement
Issue:
Standard off‑the‑shelf CompactFlash (CF) or PCMCIA cards do not work in SAGE RTU CPUs.
Product:
SAGE Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) — CPU modules that use CF/PCMCIA storage media.
Environment:
RTU CPU requiring a CF or PCMCIA card; media prepared by manually copying files via a card reader (no factory programming).
Cause:
Off‑the‑shelf CF/PCMCIA cards lack the special boot routine stored in Sector 0 (boot sector) that the SAGE RTU CPU requires to initialize. This boot sector is not created or replicated by simply copying files using a card reader, resulting in a non‑bootable card.
Resolution:
- Use factory‑programmed media: Install CF/PCMCIA cards that are pre‑programmed for SAGE RTUs. Example: CF part number C3414‑S02‑10001.
- Do not clone by file copy: Avoid preparing cards by copying files; this does not reproduce the required boot sector.
- Procurement: Contact an authorized distributor or your SAGE RTU support representative to obtain compatible, pre‑configured cards.
- After installation: Insert the factory‑programmed card into the RTU CPU and power‑cycle to confirm proper initialization.