Capturing Memories

I dug deeper and I found the answer, It comes down to putting the device into HiMD mode, Which means I have to disconnect it from the computer, Which means I have to get a gumstick battery, Darn it. Here is the steps in case someone bumps into this thread: To access a HiMD device in unrestricted mode, you need to: Connect the HiMD device to the computer, while it's in MD mode (either with a regular MD inside, which has at least one track, or just set to MD disc mode and without a disc) Connect it to WebMinidisc, as you would do if you wanted to use normal NetMD mode. Open the '3 dots' menu, select settings, then 'enable homebrew mode shortcuts', then close the settings (this step needs to be done only once) Open the '3 dots' menu, select homebrew shortcuts, then 'Switch to HiMD unrestricted mode'* At this point, you'll see Web MiniDisc's loading screen, then a 'Loaded.' dialog will appear. After closing the dialog you'll be put back at the 'connect' screen. --- At this point the exploit is already loaded onto the device and it will stay loaded until the device goes to sleep, unplugging the USB cable will not erase the exploit --- Insert a HiMD disc (either a HiMD formatted MD with at least one track, or a blank one with the device set to HiMD mode) (Windows only) Install Zadig again for this new HiMD device. It should have 0x5341 as the VID. (Linux only) Add a udev rule for the new device: SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="5341", ATTR{idProduct}=="5256", MODE:="0666" Click the downwards-pointing arrow next to the connect button, then select HiMD (Unrestricted). A WebUSB dialog will appear. Select your device, then wait. Make sure the device is called "HiMD", and not "NetMD/HiMD". You might need to wait a few seconds for the "HiMD" device to appear. Done. You can now upload ATRAC3/3+/PCM/MP3 audio *If the 'Switch to HiMD unrestricted mode' is greyed out, it means your device isn't supported yet and you'll need to download its firmware and send it to the developer, so that it can be reverse engineered. To download the firmware, click on 'Enter Homebrew Mode' in the same menu, then once the homebrew mode loads, open the menu again and select "Read Firmware". It might take a while.

I have a blank 80 min MD disc and trying to format it in HiMD format, When I select HiMD Full it gives me this error: Failed to execute 'reset' on 'USBDevice': Unable to reset the device. When I try to connect as HiMD restricted it directs me to a folder looking for a file, I read the WiKi but did not quite understand it. I'm using the Sony MZ-NH3D via USB cable. Any help ?

Definitely the paste fix doesn't work, Had to clean it all up and go the solder way, I had a hard time getting the solder to stick to the copper pads, Tried two different flux, still no go, it just creates a giant ball of soldier, Put a piece of de-soldering wire mesh and it held it together, Now I was able to wipe a disc, Still not sure about the HiMD protect switch, but that's not a big concern to me right now.

I applied the conductive paste and it did not do the trick, Still getting write protected message and wipe disc is grayed out. It's either very high resistance or needs to solidify first. Before applying it, I cleaned the copper pads with cotton swabs and alcohol, then scratched them for better adhesion, Filled the switch cavity with the paste using a supplied needle, It's still wet now, hoping that it will work, but I'll give it another shot when it dries up, Not keeping my hopes up.

In an effort to simplify the process of MD tracks transfer to computer using the Web MiniDisc Pro app, I'm using the built-in conversion on the fly to uncompressed WAV feature, Then from WAV to losslessely compressed FLAC using dbpoweramp app. How good this conversion is in terms of audio quality versus transferring the native file format and convert later to uncompressed WAV then lossless compressed FLAC?

I will make the switch work whether the transfer requires it or not, I ordered a conductive paste, I will update the thread when I apply it. I have to admit that I have no clue about the technical stuff you were talking about. But I don't use Sonic Stage so I'm assuming that all netMD HiMD devices work the same way with Web MD Pro and homebrew mode option can remove copy protection.

The third and the easiest solution that just popped in my mind is using an electrically conductive paste, However not sure if it can be removed later on since it's an adhesive.

Hi folks, I recently acquired a Sony MZ-NH3D for transferring files to computer, When the seller said it plays back only it doesn't record I was okay with it because my goal was transferring to computer not recording, When I received it I found out that the reason is because the record/erase protection switch is missing, the switch housing is still there except one out of 4 tabs that hold the spring and contact button is broken which could indicate it had snapped off previously. Now my problem with this is that some people do ask for personal recordings to be erased if they don't want the media back after the transfer, But with the switch non functioning I'm no longer able to erase the mini discs. I can go two ways in repairing it, The hard way or the easy almost impossible way, The hard way is to short out the 3 legs of the switch (one ground, one HiMD protect, one MD protect, this is a dual function single switch). It's hard because of the space around the switch which could mean taking it a part to avoid damaging other components with the soldering iron. The easy way (at least I assume) is find a candidate cheap model or broken with a good switch, Remove the top part of the switch and snap it back on in my player, But I have to find out what models used the exact same switch, I'm assuming all HiMD devices used this dual sensing function switch setup but not sure. So my question is, Do you know any model used this switch? or at least look at your model under the disc lid and tell me if it looks like the picture I posted below. Here is some info about the switch from the MZ-NH1 service manual which I know it's a sister model with some extra features, Switch# on the PCB: S891, Switch model: 1-786-672-21, Switch type: Push (2 KEY) (Protect detect).

I see, I had to enable home brew though to switch from recording to downloading but like you said I didn't need to enter home brew yet.

What is Home Brew feature in WebMD Pro and when do I need it? Yes I read the Wiki but it is very brief.

Back to my original question, So besides MD Data, netMD HiMD device can upload every MD/HiMD music format ever existed assuming it is compatible with WMD Pro?

Here is an answer to this from 2004:

I think netMD HiMD devices are compatible with Data MD. In fact HiMD is an extension of development of the MD Data.

Yes I meant downloading, not real time streaming.

I assume by Data you mean a drive in windows explorer? Any HiMD device should do that without needing any app, Whether I will be able to decode those files, that's a different story.