Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder

Subject: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: RTim
Date: 17 Aug 11 - 10:28 PM

I have managed to break the only moving part on my H2 recorder:
ie. the hinge on the small "trap door" at the base of the recorder were you insert
the SD card.
This means that the recorder doesn't always recognise there is a card inserted.
Has anyone else had this problem, and did you solve it?
And How?
I don't want to buy a new one just because of this!!

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: Will Fly
Date: 17 Aug 11 - 10:33 PM

Hi Tim - just looked at mine. I've got the SD card cover open as I speak. The card hasn't popped out and the display is stable.

If the card itself is loose, it means that the spring catch which holds the card in place - inside the recorder is probably faulty. The 'door' is merely a cover, and appears to have no place in keeping the card contained.

If that is the problem, sounds like it might have to be a new recorder...

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 17 Aug 11 - 10:36 PM

The curse of Zoom! I tell you, my old H4 is the biggest piece of junk I've ever invested in - crap modelling & overated sound quality. I keep it for line-in mastering & sentimental associations only. Looking out for something for field work right now - I think Olympus do something that at least isn't nasty plastic. That said - I adore our H24. So far, so good anyway....

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Aug 11 - 10:37 PM

I have 'solved' similar problems in the past with just a heavy-duty tape and trying to minimize how often I open that door. If the main reason is to download to the computer, it is also possible to connect using just a USB cable and not removing the card.

(we just got an H2 and are being SO careful)

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: RTim
Date: 17 Aug 11 - 10:58 PM

Hi again all, thanks for your input - it seems the card will NOT stay in place, so the spring to hold in the card must also be broken.
I used to remove my card and put it in a card reader when I was down loading, thinking it was a cool and clever thing to do, but it seems this has weakened the spring and ultimately broken the hinge!!

So - looks like a new recorder! Damn!!!!!

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: Will Fly
Date: 17 Aug 11 - 11:18 PM

I've had my Zooms for 2 years now and had no bother - but I never take the cards out, just attach a USB and download that way.

I still think the sound I get from them is pretty good, though their design could be improved in a few ways.

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: foggers
Date: 17 Aug 11 - 11:44 PM

Bad news about the card not staying in place R Tim - commiserations!

I have had my Zoom 2 for about 2 years, and have been careful with it due to the mediocre build quality....so far so good.

Like Will I don't remove the card to read it, I have always just used a USB.

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Aug 11 - 12:00 AM

You might read thru this page for ideas.

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: Arkie
Date: 18 Aug 11 - 12:25 AM

While preferring to download from the Zoom via the USB cable, for some reason that has been next to impossible. Therefore, removing the card is necessary and the little plastic cover broke within weeks of purchase. So far the card is still working fine after more than a year of use. Since the little "foot" that supports the Zoom holds the plastic cover in place, there have been no more problems. Good to know a replacement cover is possible to obtain.

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 11 - 01:06 PM

Just a thought and - only do it when you are sure that you have everything off the card obviously - have you tried formatting the card in the H2?

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Aug 11 - 08:51 PM

Just a thought. Have you tried a different card? SD cards can get physically knackered after a while so that they don't go into the laptop/card reader/printer/Zoom/telly/camera properly any more. I speak from bitter experience.

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: Silas
Date: 18 Aug 11 - 03:51 AM

I Love my H2. It's very poorley built, but it does the job very well and despite crap build quality, is worth every penny.

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: Will Fly
Date: 18 Aug 11 - 04:28 AM

Hi Arkie - I'm curious as to what the problem is with downloading files from Zoom->computer with a USB cable. Does the computer not appear to recognise the Zoom?

When I attach my Zoom H2 to my Mac laptop, the device is switched on/powered up by the Mac and a disk image icon saying "H2SD" appears on the desktop. I open up the icon and there are the Zoom folders and files on the card.

Is it different on a PC?

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 18 Aug 11 - 05:29 AM

I've got the H4 which is a bit different to the H2 and USB in that when you plug the cable in, the unit can operate as either a USB drive or a USB sound card. Both work perfectly on (OpenSuse) Linux.

For the storage device, using the KDE4 Desktop, "the device notifier" pops up, and offers me a choice of 2 actions, "Open With File Manager" and "Download Photos with Digikam". OK the second isn't relevant to the H4 but it's an action I find very handy for USB drives and I haven't be bothered trying to fine tune the settings.

---

As for the unit itself, the only thing I dislike is the user interface. I find the approx 30x20mm LCD is hard to read and the operation fiddly and non intuitive - It's OK for a straight stereo record but I tend not to look at its other features for this reason.

I believe its replacement, the H4n is much improved in this respect but I can't justify spending £250 on one while my H4 is working.

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Aug 11 - 06:21 AM

Yup, I broke my little door, too. One hinge pin remains, so I can get the door to snap into place. I've always taken the SD chip out of my camera for downloading photos, and I do the same with my Zoom H2. Seems to be faster and easier to manage than using a USB cable.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Tech: Zoom H2 Recorder
From: Maryrrf
Date: 18 Aug 11 - 11:38 AM

I like the H4, bur concur with Jon on its drawbacks. It isn't intuitive or user friendly. Theoretically you can multitrack and mix on it, but that would be a nightmare. Mine has developed a faulty electronic connection - There is a problem where the cord plugs into the Zoom. I still can use it with batteries, but the battery life isn't very long. I think I'd have been happier with the H2, but will check out the H4n when the time comes to replace the H4.