I have been only using the top slot in my Solitaire since day one. Never the bottom slot which has always had the sled removed (for better cooling). For what ever reason ? ? ? the top slot has become more difficult to install a different sled. I have 3 sleds and they are all difficult to install ? ? ?
So, I was wondering if I can turn off machine, remove the sled from the top slot, install into the bottom slot and work from there?
Casablanca Unit: 1 casablanca solitaire most software. liberty plus all software one S4000 pro most software. One S4000 pro all software. 6 panasonic and 2 sony 3ccd cams. running Se9 on solitare and bogart 3.2 on both S4000's.
Ron I have never used my bottom sleds and like you only use one at a time. I know you have to do something to have the solitare know you are using the bottom sled. I think that Chet may have something on his website about it. If you are a member of Cassablanca expert you could email Chet and he could guide you to the place where the info is.
Casablanca Unit: 1 saphir with 10 Bogart 1 Solitaire Plus SE 9.1 Loaded 1 Solitaire SE 9.1 Loaded 2 sony HD cameras 4 Sony VX2100 Canon XSI SLR 2 Canon Rebel T1i Terabyte external drive
I have two solitaires running SE 8,1 On my plus machine I have always had both sleds in the machine and when I wanted to change to the bottom sled I would go to system setting and "change harddrives - or somethingto that effect." It gives you a choice of top or bottom and then will restart the machine and recognize the sled you pick. I have both sleds with 8.1 and you must have both sleds in the machine when turning it on. Hope this helps. I have switched sleds in the machine quite often without any difficulty.
The Solitaire that isn't a "plus" doesn't do this.
I've been switching back and forth for years also, via the choose HD with my Solitaire. It is not a plus unit. As to the original question of just using the bottom sled, I'm not certain, but don't think it works without a drive in the top spot.
For heavy users I'd always suggest removing the bottom caddy (sled) as it does allow more air to circulate.
Shine a torch (flashlight) into where the caddy's slot in and compare the rows of gold pins top and bottom - see if any of the top ones are bent
You can use just the bottom slot but the 'not seeing drive' problem occurs if it's has been used with two before - they sort of pair off together.
Updating the System software will normally allow the Soli to see the drive in the bottom slot if it's updated with the drive in that slot.