SD Card Backup

Prerequisites

RAK Hotspot
USB microSD Card Reader
32 GB or larger microSD Card (optional, to store the backup). To maintain similar performance we recommend a UHS-I compliant microSD card, for example, Sandisk™ High Endurance or Extreme.

warning

Handle the microSD card from the Hotspot with care, as it is fragile. Using small pliers is highly recommended for safe removal.

Figure 1: Download SD Clone

After downloading, open the application. You will be prompted to choose between purchasing the full version or continuing with the trial. Select the trial option.

Figure 1: Select Clone Trial or Buy Option

Insert your card, and if the message shown in the following figure appears, click OK.

Figure 1: SD Clone Authentication

Next, the application will request access to your SD storage, click "OK" in both windows.

Figure 1: Access SD Storage

Figure 1: Allow SD Clone to Access Files

Figure 1: Save Image

This will open a window where you can select the location to save your image. Once you click the blue Save button, the backup process will begin.

Figure 1: Select File Folder

Figure 1: Ongoing Cloning Process

A notification window will appear once the cloning process is complete. In this example, it took approximately 40 minutes to back up a 32 GB card containing a Helium Hotspot image.

Figure 1: Clone Complete

Figure 1: Select Storage Device

Figure 1: Select Image

Press the Restore to Volume... button. In the new window, you will be asked to confirm one final time; click the Restore button to start the process.

Figure 1: Restore Image to Volume

Start by downloading Win32 Disk Imager. Unzip the archive and install it.
Once done, you should see the same window as shown in Figure 12. The interface is minimalistic and easy to use.

Figure 1: Download Win32 Disk Imager

Select the drive letter corresponding to the drive where your card is located. This is where the image will be copied from.

Figure 1: Select Storage Device

Provide the path to the file where the data will be backed up. You can do this either by entering it manually in the text box or by clicking the folder icon.

Figure 1: Select Image File Path

If you choose the second option, navigate to the desired location and enter a name in the text box. Make sure to add the .img extension to the file name, then click the Open button.

Figure 1: Enter Image File Name

Finally, with the path and filename set, start the backup process by clicking the Read button.

Figure 1: Start the Backup Process

The progress bar will start filling up, indicating the completion level of the process. The time required will vary depending on the size of your image and the card's speed.