maximum capacity usb size I should use with my SX700?

[patrick.r99]

hi everyone! I'm wondering, what is the maximum capacity usb size I should use with my SX700? Currently using a 16gig one, but it's close to filling up completely.

[johan]

I use a Kingston DataTraveler 32 GB (model DT20) USB 2.0 Flash Drive on my SX700 and this works perfectly. I guess you can also use larger sizes but you just need some luck that the stick is compatible with you keyboard!

[meyrick]

Hi patrick.r99
Can't vouch for this personally as I have the SX900, but I use SanDisk 128 Gb USB. I have used smaller, like 32 and 64Gb but like you I find them too small. I am sure the quality is of importance for performance as they do deteriorate with use. I would also suggests using a 4 port switchable power hub to save damage by continual changes to the USB ports on the keyboard.
Just my thoughts.

Regards
meyrick

[Divemaster]

I use a selection of mostly San Disk Cruzer memory sticks, in different colours. From larger ones at 64Gb to my more usual 16Gb ones.

This makes them easy to identify, and so it's easy to put in the one I want prior to playing, rather than having everything on one stick. Also, the risk of data loss is reduced if you don't put "all your eggs in one basket" so to speak.

ALWAYS back up your data on the sticks to your pc. I routinely do this, and I also have a 2TB External Drive on which I keep backups of everything. It's too easy to lose hours of work or data. I'm heavily into repairing pc's and believe me, this is the best advice you'll get.

If you do this, and a stick goes crook, you can knock out another copy very quickly without any hassle.

And IF you perform, or gig, then always carry spare copies of any usb sticks you're going to use anyway.....Just in case.

[GregB]

With the older arrangers, there were odd limitations on the USB drives.  I don't have an SX (yet), but I would expect that these issues have (mostly) gone away now that Yamaha has started using a Linux kernel for the OS in these keyboards.  I would guess you could connect almost any standard USB storage device to the SX keyboards, including hard drives.  But, yes, Divemaster's advice is good: keep backups just in case.

I should add - there are likely limitations on the amperage available on the USB port; if the ports are not standards-compliant, that may cause issues with some USB-port powered devices.  (I even had a problem USB stick that would short out USB ports; it was a Verbatim Micro stick that was entirely flat, and once the contact side finish started to get worn down, it would briefly short out USB ports when inserted or removed.  Most ports would handle this with no problem, due to a proper current-limiting feature; however, it would cause Macbooks to reboot and it even damaged the USB port on an HP printer.)  So it's probably a good idea to stick to ordinary USB sticks unless you've researched this a bit.

- Greg