microSD Card becoming difficult to remove

cpl42

I'm not sure whether this issue has been raised before, if so, please point me to the discussion thread.

I've been noticing that my microSD card is now barely protruding beyond my Plus's casing when released. Whereas I used to be able to grip it with my fingernails to remove it, I am now resorting to requiring a pair of small tweezers to do this. The card "clicks" into and out of its slot O.K., and I am able to write to it without drama in an a.p. session. But, getting it out of its slot to transfer files has been getting harder, and I'd like to fix this if possible before it becomes too difficult. (Connecting a PC to the USB-C slot is almost too bothersome for me to do.)

Any suggestions?
Paul.

Kevin_A

I stopped using mine and use a thumb drive now as my finger nails are just too short to do the finicky removal. Much easier!

cpl42

Thanks for your suggestion, Kevin. Unfortuntely, I have all my USB2 slots committed for controlling gear, although not all at the same time. I can still get my finger/thumbnail to work, but it would be nice to have a card ejection spring system that really works.

Has anyone done some maintenance work on this slot?

Kevin_A

cpl42 are you using both main camera usb ports? Maybe unplug one on the asiair and route it to the camera… then use a stick in the asiair. It really depends on how many you have. At least they could move the card out when installed a few more mm outwards… that would help.

cpl42

Thanks again, Kevin. Yes, as I indicated, I am not using all 4 USB slots simultaneously, and could assign one to a thumb drive. It would mean switching from one slot to another when I switch to my other 'scope rig, but this is just an annoying inconvenience.

I decided to get in touch with my vendor who agreed with me from my description of the problem that the microSD slot was probably faulty. As the unit is still well within its 2-year warranty period, they advised me to return it for repairs. I have decided to do this as I may need to be using all 4 USB ports together some day, and having the microSD slot working would allow me greater flexibility. I'm going to be out of a.p. commission for some weeks (groan), but I deem the result worth it.

If anything of note turns up in this case, I'll add another posting to this thread. But for now, it's going to be in the hands of my vendor/ZWO.

Paul.