Help Wanted: Retrieving call-sign data from electronic Rolodex

[k4kyv]

I have a little Rolodex electronic business card.  I originally bought it at Rat Shack back in the 90's, and it is rebranded with the Rat-Shack name, but later on I picked up two more at hamfests with the Rolodex name.  One was a miniature unit identical to the Rat-Shack one, and the other was a larger, more cumbersome unit that resembled the rotary Rolodexes that store paper cards.

Two of the units have crapped out, due to intermittent keyboards.  I could transfer data from one to the other by means of a built-in infra-red light and photocell.  Just place the units side-by-side and key in the steps on each unit to send and receive data.  So I had been able to back up the data in the three units and retain it for almost 10 years.  But now that I am down to my last one, I no longer have a back-up.  I have hundreds of names, QTH's and call signs stored in the unit, and being able to recall this information helps tremendously when I contact a station that I haven't worked in a while.

I have no idea what format the digital data uses, but I would like to retrieve it and store it in the computer for back-up.  Also, I have seen more recently manufactured units by other manufacturers that include a USB port that can be used to exchange data with a PC, so I could upgrade and keep a b/u copy of the stored data in the computer..

I am wondering if there might be any way to copy this data from the old Rolodex to computer?  I believe they make optical data transfer devices for regular computers, which may or may not be compatible with the Rolodex, but no-one at any of the local computer stores seems to even have a clue to what I am talking about.  I have not been able to find anything at all on line about the electronic Rolodex.

[Pete, WA2CWA]

I guess this is the current one that's sold by Rolodex. Looks like it has optional PC transfer.
http://www.franklin.com/estore/dictionary/RT-8015/
Why don't you call Rolodex/Sanford and ask if there's a way to move the data out of your old machine:
http://www.rolodex.com/sanford/consumer/rolodex/home/contactUs.jhtml

[W3SLK]

I have the small pocket version of that. I wouldn't mind finding that out myself.

[w3jn]

Why not fix the keyboards?  If it's one of those rubber membrane keyboards usually what happens is the little rubber pad on the contact side of the key gets crap and corruption on it.  Take it apart, and betchya the keypad will come out in one big rubber piece.  Clean the PCB contacts and the carbonized rubber nubbies on the keypad assembly with alcohol and a swab.  Works FB to rejuvenate balky remotes... YMMV on this one.  Good luck!

[KM8AM]

FWIW:

If the conductive material is totally worn off (likely the case), you might try a drop of conductive paint on each pad.

I've done this successfully many times on tv remotes using a pen-type conductive paint, but there are lots of sources including--

MCM Electronics at 1-800-543-4330 lists:
20-3890 - Rubber Keypad Repair Kit - Small Restores electrical conductivity to worn carbon contacts Forms a tough, flexible, wear-resistant surface
Mfr Name: Chemtronics
Mfr Number: CW2605   or:

200-315 - Caikot Conductive Coating, Key Pad Repair Kit, 1g
Conductive Carbon Coating for most surfaces (rubber, epoxy, glass, plastic).
Mfr Name: Caig Laboratories
Mfr Number: K-CK44-G

Ken