External USB Hard Drives.. Anyone using them?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 812
Likes: 1
From: Sherman Texas
External USB Hard Drives.. Anyone using them?
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
Thanks
Chris
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,718
Likes: 20
From: Dyer IN
Cruise-In IX Veteran
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
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 14
From: Mechanicsville Maryland
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
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,718
Likes: 20
From: Dyer IN
Cruise-In IX Veteran
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
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
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?
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?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 14
From: Mechanicsville Maryland
Only real benefit is CHEAP storage space...