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Subject: Forge FAQ
Compiled by foetusized from various sources on the internet and from personal experience, for this first draft.
Please post any additions to be added in this thread.
What is the Rio Forge?
The Forge was the last flash-memory digital audio player made by Rio before they left the DAP market.
Why would I want a flash-memory digital audio player?
A flash-memory player is solid state, which makes it more shock-proof than a hard-drive based DAP. This, and the lighter weight, makes it more compatible with exercise and outdoor activity.
Does the Forge do gapless playback?
No.
What were the features of the Forge?
What was included in the package with a new Rio Forge?
What models were available?
Initially, there were three Forge models: blue (512mb), silver (256mb), and red (128mb). Other than flash memory capacity, the other difference is that the 128mb model didn't allow recording from the FM tuner.
What is the se510?
It is a 512MB Forge, without an MMC/SD memory slot nor an FM tuner, and with a light blue case. It was released later as a budget model.
Can I really use 2GB and 4GB SD cards in my Forge?
The original specs only claimed support for 1GB SD cards, as that was the largest available at the time. Many users have reported success with the larger cards, both name-brand & off-brand varieties. The drawback with the larger cards is that it takes longer to integrate after changing content, and also to start up when there have been no changes.
Will I be able to upgrade my Forge with larger SD cards in the future?
4GB cards are the largest that can be made under the current SD standard. There are extensions to the standard that will allow high density SD cards of 8GB and larger, but they most likely won't work in a Forge.
What batteries can be used with the Forge?
The Forge takes AAA batteries, and includes settings for alkaline and NiMH cells in the Setup menu under Power; it is best to change this to whichever type you are using. I would guess that the new battery types being made for electronic devices (such as Energiser E2) would also work in a Forge. Rechargeable alkaline batteries are also available (the writer uses Pure Energy brand that he purchased over the internet).
What firmware is available for the Forge?
How do I upgrade the firmware?
Download the program, install the software, run the program, and follow the instructions. For best results, before you install new firmware:
I need a manual. Where can I find a copy?
http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/rio/downloads/For…
I'd like to buy a Forge. Where can I get one?
S2G, the authorized repair center for Rio products, sells reconditioned Forges on their site http://system.s2gstore.com/site/RioAudio/index.htm. The larger capacity Forges they have for sale (1GB and 4GB) have been probably been upgraded with an SD card. Accessories such as replacement armbands are also available from S2G. Forges are available with the full set of accessories or the Forge alone.
S2G has also been selling Forges (without accessories) on ebay at a buy-it-now price that is less that on their web site: S2G eBay Store. Or course, there are also used Forges (in various states of operation) and the occasional new-old-stock Forge from other eBay sellers.
Please post any additions to be added in this thread.
What is the Rio Forge?
The Forge was the last flash-memory digital audio player made by Rio before they left the DAP market.
Why would I want a flash-memory digital audio player?
A flash-memory player is solid state, which makes it more shock-proof than a hard-drive based DAP. This, and the lighter weight, makes it more compatible with exercise and outdoor activity.
Does the Forge do gapless playback?
No.
What were the features of the Forge?
- Up to 4.5 gigabytes of storage with optional SD card
- 5-Band equalizer with several presets
- Plays MP3, WMA, Audible, and has a FM tuner
- Built-in mini USB connector
- Mounts as USB mass storage device with a drive letter; users can drag and drop data and music files onto the player in Windows Explorer or included software
- Runs on single AAA NiMH or alkaline battery
- Windows and Mac compatible (the player itself is Linux compatible as well, but not the software)
What was included in the package with a new Rio Forge?
- Carrying Clip with Armband
- Sport Clip Earphones
- 1 AAA Alkaline Battery
- USB 2.0 Cable
- Installation Disk, including manual
- Quick Start Poster
- Warranty Card
What models were available?
Initially, there were three Forge models: blue (512mb), silver (256mb), and red (128mb). Other than flash memory capacity, the other difference is that the 128mb model didn't allow recording from the FM tuner.
What is the se510?
It is a 512MB Forge, without an MMC/SD memory slot nor an FM tuner, and with a light blue case. It was released later as a budget model.
Can I really use 2GB and 4GB SD cards in my Forge?
The original specs only claimed support for 1GB SD cards, as that was the largest available at the time. Many users have reported success with the larger cards, both name-brand & off-brand varieties. The drawback with the larger cards is that it takes longer to integrate after changing content, and also to start up when there have been no changes.
Will I be able to upgrade my Forge with larger SD cards in the future?
4GB cards are the largest that can be made under the current SD standard. There are extensions to the standard that will allow high density SD cards of 8GB and larger, but they most likely won't work in a Forge.
What batteries can be used with the Forge?
The Forge takes AAA batteries, and includes settings for alkaline and NiMH cells in the Setup menu under Power; it is best to change this to whichever type you are using. I would guess that the new battery types being made for electronic devices (such as Energiser E2) would also work in a Forge. Rechargeable alkaline batteries are also available (the writer uses Pure Energy brand that he purchased over the internet).
What firmware is available for the Forge?
- The last firmware release from Rio was v1.33:
http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/rio/pro…?prodID… - Windows and Mac
- v1.66 was released later, with MTP (media transfer protocal) support:
http://www.rioworld.org/files/rio-forge-v1.66.exe - Windows
- v3.04 The Director's Cut, released by Rio enthusiasts, adds several new features:
http://www.content-type.com/1885728727/forge-3.04.exe.htm - Windows
How do I upgrade the firmware?
Download the program, install the software, run the program, and follow the instructions. For best results, before you install new firmware:
- remove any SD or MMC memory cards
- back-up the content in the internal memory (it will be lost)
- re-formatting the internal memory, and also the external memory card before it is reinserted
- Making sure you have a fully charged battery in the Forge
- Trying a different computer or USB cable
- Installing a different version of the firmware of those offered above
- Forcing the player into "UPGRADER" mode by turning it on with the menu button held down, before flashing firmware
I need a manual. Where can I find a copy?
http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/rio/downloads/For…
I'd like to buy a Forge. Where can I get one?
S2G, the authorized repair center for Rio products, sells reconditioned Forges on their site http://system.s2gstore.com/site/RioAudio/index.htm. The larger capacity Forges they have for sale (1GB and 4GB) have been probably been upgraded with an SD card. Accessories such as replacement armbands are also available from S2G. Forges are available with the full set of accessories or the Forge alone.
S2G has also been selling Forges (without accessories) on ebay at a buy-it-now price that is less that on their web site: S2G eBay Store. Or course, there are also used Forges (in various states of operation) and the occasional new-old-stock Forge from other eBay sellers.
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This post was edited 2 times, last on 2008-02-17, 10:47 by 
