External USB Hard Drives.. Anyone using them?

[thmupr]

I was wondering if the Kenwood DNX-5120 or the Pioneer AVIC-F90BT can support an external hard drive without the use of another power source? Seagate and others make some nice USB only drives, I was wondering if they would work with these units. Any idea? Thanks Chris

[pentavolvo]

its hit or miss regarding if it will power up. i have always used the usb only drives and what i do is just put a usb hub inline and run power to the hub so that it can power the drive

[PR1AWRet]

Not sure if this helps you, but I run a CLARION DXZ785USB. I hook up my external hard drive with the single USB plug and the HU powers it without a problem.

[heavymetals]

I have a 16 gig memory stick plugged in and I haven't heard the same song yet.

[gibear2k5]

Originally Posted by pentavolvo

its hit or miss regarding if it will power up. i have always used the usb only drives and what i do is just put a usb hub inline and run power to the hub so that it can power the drive

Like he said but I used the following to power my 320GB drive:

- Multi-use car charger w/ dual USB ports. (attached inside glove box) 15 bucks @ Amazon



- Cigarette lighter socket. 2 dollar @ Amazon



- 3ft. USB 2.0 Y cable, A male x2 to Mini male x1, for 2.5" drives. 2.50 @ Newegg

[pentavolvo]

pretty much how i do it, what i actually do is get a laptop harddrive or use an old one, get a 10 dollars enclosure off ebay (straight from china etc) it comes with the y adapter like that then i order a cig lighter to usb adapter off ebay and burry it in the dash, same concept as u

[markcz]

Just out of curiosity, how does a hard drive loaded with MP3's stashed in the glove box compare to having an actual iPod connected to the same HU.

I'm currently using a 60GB 5th gen Video iPod with my AVIC-D3 (and don't plan on anything changing any time soon), and I love it. I have over 4,000 songs on it, so searching by artist or song (from the HU) can be a bit tedious, but with a few well set up play lists I don't really have to worry about searching for anything any more.

Other than being a few bucks cheaper, is there any advantage to the hard drive vs. iPod?

[pentavolvo]

IMO ipod is better, the user interface for ipod on the kenwood and pionner is better then for usb

[gibear2k5]

Originally Posted by pentavolvo

IMO ipod is better, the user interface for ipod on the kenwood and pionner is better then for usb

Only real benefit is CHEAP storage space...

[markcz]

That's kinda what I figured you'd say, thanks guys.

[thmupr]

Thanks for the info guys, I'm going to try a 160GB I have.

[pentavolvo]

format it fat32