Avatar of mcgilvra
mcgilvra

asked on 

How to read an SD card with an iPhone/iPad

Need to get files from an SD Card into iPhone and/or iPad. The SD card readers I have found will only read files that are photos or video.  This seems to be more of a phone firmware limitation than an accessory limitation.  I'd like to be able to read any type of file, but I specifically need to read CSV files.  

The scenario is this: we have a flight data recording system writing to an SD card.  If the pilot is working remotely, he needs to send data back to headquarters upon landing.  Many pilots have iPhones so we want them to be able to use their iPhone to grab the data from the SD and email it back to HQ.

Thanks.
Apple HardwareApple OSApple Software

Avatar of undefined
Last Comment
mcgilvra
SOLUTION
Avatar of strung
strung
Flag of Canada image

Blurred text
THIS SOLUTION IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS.
View this solution by signing up for a free trial.
Members can start a 7-Day free trial and enjoy unlimited access to the platform.
See Pricing Options
Start Free Trial
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of strung
strung
Flag of Canada image

Blurred text
THIS SOLUTION IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS.
View this solution by signing up for a free trial.
Members can start a 7-Day free trial and enjoy unlimited access to the platform.
Avatar of stevepcguy
stevepcguy
Flag of United States of America image

Apple, in their infinite wisdom, decided that they did not want to incorporate the use of SD cards in their proprietary devices. Yes, it is a phone firmware limitation. The only way that I can think of to get the file onto the iPhone is to use a PC or mac as an intermediary device: Plug the iPhone into the PC, and do a data transfer from the SD card (inside or connected to the PC), to the iPhone. Even then, you wouldn't be able to browse for a CSV file on the iPhone and send it.

And if you have a PC and Internet access, that really negates the need for an iPhone.

I believe that the answer to this is "You can't get there from here". I wouldn't mind being proven wrong, however.
SOLUTION
Avatar of strung
strung
Flag of Canada image

Blurred text
THIS SOLUTION IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS.
View this solution by signing up for a free trial.
Members can start a 7-Day free trial and enjoy unlimited access to the platform.
Avatar of mcgilvra
mcgilvra

ASKER

Thanks strung, this may work, but it does not say it supports .CSV files which is our immediate need.  I am really looking for a solution that doesn't care what the file type is, it just transfers it.
Avatar of strung
strung
Flag of Canada image

The Zoomit apparently can read text files, which is what a CSV file is:

http://www.zoommediaplus.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=222

You simply ask the manufacturer it it will do what you want, or post a query to their forum:

http://www.zoommediaplus.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=3&sid=1a598157f75ec7879e23751a247b7df0
Avatar of strung
strung
Flag of Canada image

My impression is that Airstash should work too, but again, check with the manufacturer:

http://support.airstash.com/anonymous_requests/new
Avatar of mcgilvra
mcgilvra

ASKER

Thanks much strung.  The article that pointed to the AirStash and Kingston MobileLite was most useful.
Apple OS
Apple OS

Apple's early computers ran on a variety of operating systems, including a Pascal version and one based on CP/M, before releasing its ProDOS with the advent of its 16-bit computer. With the release of the Lisa, which had its own OS, Apple and computing entered the graphical age; it was followed by the Macintosh, which offered a series of "System" operating systems. Other Mac operating systems included PowerPC until Apple acquired NeXT and folded it into the Mac OS. Current operating systems for Apple devices are Mac OS-X and iOS.

13K
Questions
--
Followers
--
Top Experts
Get a personalized solution from industry experts
Ask the experts
Read over 600 more reviews

TRUSTED BY

IBM logoIntel logoMicrosoft logoUbisoft logoSAP logo
Qualcomm logoCitrix Systems logoWorkday logoErnst & Young logo
High performer badgeUsers love us badge
LinkedIn logoFacebook logoX logoInstagram logoTikTok logoYouTube logo