Just bought a LYRA RD2201A from ComputerGeeks.COM. A card reader came along with this package that hooks up to the printer/PS2 ports. In order to store songs in the compact flash memory I am told I need a full duplex sound card. Is there a better way to convert files using an up to date card reader? Do I need a new sound card either way? I can delete files from the card but not transfer new music to the compact flash card. Thanks.. :-)

You can try special software

The RCA LYRA RD2201A uses an encryption software utility to encode and load audio files to the Compact Flash card. Along with the audio files, the software writes a directory on the CF card (named "PMP") that contains a decrypting program used by the LYRA player (WMA.exe). This encryption scheme prevents you from loading your LYRA without the special Reader/Writer adapter, and also prevents you from playing the encrypted files back without the LYRA player. A work-around is available, which allows you to use any CF reader/Writer to load .WMA files to your LYRA player CF card, and to play them. This free software is available from: www.mpex.net/software/details/lyra_wma.html The web page is in German, but you just have to find and press the "Download" button. You can probably find the same program elsewhere - just search for "LYRA WMA". I recently bought a LYRA from GEEKS, and it works fine with this utility. WMA files used with this driver are limited to sample rates of from 64kB to 128kB. Other rates just produce silence. I get about 7.5 hours of audio books on a 256MB CF card. To make your .WMA files, you might like to try GOLDWAVE. This is the best audio recorder/editor/converter I know of. A free trial is available from goldwave.com.

a friend of mine just gave me her's old lyra rd2201a with a 64mb viking flash card in it but the card has been formated and i do not have the software to make playable by lyra again the card is completly blank and no pmp folders or anything like that is in the card, what can i do?