HELP! Problem Formatting P2 Store!

[JoshuaOne]

Hi friends,

I'm a mac user using my P2 store for the first time and have successfully transferred 10 4gig P2 cards worth of data to the drive. I have also successfully imported the content via FCP 5 and backed this up to a FW drive. I'm stoked on this set-up and the footage is FANTASTIC.

Here is my problem though...
When I follow the directions to reformat my P2 store nothing is happening.
For one thing, when I press the front HDD button (weak design) I get no change in the lights. I have applied a moderate amount of pressure - but not really jammed the pen cap in there that I am using.... The directions I have say this:

1. With the unit on, press and hold the HDD button for at least 2 seconds.
(lights are supposed to come on - but do not for me)
2. Within 2 seconds press the start button.

Again - I get nothing.
I noticed my unit says AJ-PCS060, and my instructions say AJ-PCS060G.

Any suggestions are most welcome.
Thanks guys...

[filmstox]

JoshuaOne,

Sorry your P2 Store is giving you trouble. On both units I've used, the format button has the same feel as the P2C button. There is a bit of a tactile click when you've actually pressed the button. I use a paper clip or fine tip sharpie for hitting mine. A ball point pen can't quite get in there enough. After you've pressed it, the lights will all blink orange at which point you press the start button to begin the format. It sounds like you aren't making contact with the button inside. I'm actually glad they made this particular button a little tough to get at when you consider what you're doing, an accidental reformat would make for a very bad day.

Let us know if you get it working.

-filmstox

[monolith]

Yeah - use a paper clip. I had the same issue. Terrifying, ain't it?

[JoshuaOne]

Thanks guys.
You were spot on.
Paperclip worked great.
I'm surprised this wasn't included in the box!

Yeah a bit scary, especially coming from the Mac side of things.
There was a "low battery" scare yesterday - and I was convinced I had lost 2 days worth of shots! But all is well...

The trials of adopting new technology I guess.
What a welcome relief from the low quality and logging drudgery of DV shooting.
Now if only we could pre-name clips with a USB/FW keyboard plugged directly into the camera ahead of time! (Keep dreaming right?)

Thanks again!
-Joshua

[puredrifting]

Yes, beware P2 store users, if your battery is low on the store, it will give you a flashing error light and you will have a coronary, thinking that you have lost your footage. As long as you put on a fresh battery or go to AC power, you will be fine.

This has happened on several shoots I have been on and everyone always panics but in reality, it has worked out fine everytime, so far...

Dan