why doesn't this work?

[Bokes]

I dump my P2 files on to the P2 store and I am able to import into FCP- no problem.
O.K.
I will be on location for several days and plan on dumping from the P2 store to externals via a powerbook (G4). (I realize I can use the card slot and avoid the P2 store, but I want to keep things moving and the P2 store seems the best way, until we have a long break and I can dump down)
I tried transferring footage from the P2 store to the external (G-tech 800fw). The files transfer (contents and last clip). But when I try to import into into FCP from the external- nothing shows up.

I have used this external before- transferring direct from P2 card- and it worked fine.

In other words:
P2 card- card slot- external drive- FCP = O.K.
P2 card- P2 store- FCP = O.K.
P2 card- P2 store- external drive- FCP = No good. No files show up in FCP preview.

[Mike McNeese]

Why not just do this instead:

P2 Card > P2 Store > Import into FCP and set it to place it on the EXT HDD?

I did this for a 5-day shoot a couple weeks ago and it worked like a charm. Plus, I KNEW that FCP had QT files that were ready to edit before I ever re-formatted a P2 card.

[Bokes]

Yes. I can do that- but using a powerbook- shouldn't you be able to transfer the files direct from the P2 store onto an external? Or does it just not work.

I was planning on dumping the files from the external into my Quad FCP station and edit off the second dedicated internal.

I'll have to test some more.

[BenB]

Ok, quick question, when you say nothing shows up, can you be more specific? You manually have to show FCP where the files are. Unlike a P2 card, using a hard drive, like your media drive or an FS-100, you have to manually tell FCP where the files are.

OR, are you pointing to the files and FCP is just not seeing any clips in that CONTENTS folder? Are you copying both that folder and the LASTCLIP.txt file together?

[Bokes]

BenB,
Ok I figured out to set path through FCP for external. It's funny- I never had to point it to the P2 store- it always found it automatically.
One more thing that's bugging me:
how do you delete LASTCLIP.txt from the drive or desktop?
Or better yet- how do you unlock?
I drag it to the trash and select EMPTY TRASH and I get a prompt telling me it's LASTCLIP.txt is locked.
How do you unlock so you can trash it?

I heard you right click on it and it gives you option to unlock. I'm on a Mac and I see no such option.
How do I unlock LASTCLIP.txt?

[BenB]

If you are on a Mac, right click (apple key + click for one button mice) and Get Info. In that window is the lock check box. It's under the General heading. The headings can open and close via the Disclosure Triangle next to the heading name.

Or, you can move it to the Trash and hold down the Option key.

As I said before, non-P2 devices such as the FS-100 don't show up automatically in the P2 Import window, as they are not P2 devices, just regular hard drives. FCP looks for P2 hardware, such as P2 cards and P2 Store. Everything else is just a regular hard drive volume.