How about connecting a 2.5" HDD to a H320 engine?

[ihatelongnicksevenmore]

It is just an idea I've been toying with, fearing the impending death of my H320 HDD and not seeing a clear and straightforward upgrade path suitable for a non techie...

The FAQ thread [Q] Is it possible to upgrade the hard drive in my 3xx series player? [http://www.misticriver.net/showthread.php?t=9308] states, among ohter things, that it can be done on a H140 with a 3.5" HDD -- but that is way too bulky for my taste. (see Winch's thread @ H140 using 80gb 3.5" drive)

On the other hand, and since I do most of my DAP listening in my car, a 2.5" HDD form factor isn't that much bigger from the iRiver's 1.8". There are a few problems though:

1. an adapter to convert the pcmcia IDE connection to 2.5" is needed;
2. it doesn't fit into the H320 box, so another must be built;
3. without Rockbox, there is a 9999 song limit so you either put Rockbox in or limit the drive to 100 GB (about ~10000 songs x 10 MB each).

The first item is my bigger show stopper, since I am not particularly electronics skilled -- I welcome all suggestions on dealing with this.

I reckon the second item would be easier to overcome, with a little imagination and a lot of work.

On the third issue, from a layman point of view methinks Rockbox doesn't look mature enough for technically challenged people, so I would rather stick with the standard firmware -- and also because 2.5" HDD prices rise steeply from the 100 GB mark up.

I have looked at other avenues like and 1.8" upgrade (wich one, difficult to get, tricky and risky...), switching to an IPOD (expensive, shitty sound, no OGG) or a PMP (also expensive, limited functionality for music playing), but didn't quite like the odds. So your input is highly appreciated on this.

TIA

[musichound]

I canot offer assistance in what you need to do, but I must point out that you indicated if you switched to the ipod it would be expensive and the sound is not good.

I beg to differ, but if you add up the costs involved in your project wouldn't it be about the same as purchasing a new DAP? And speaking of how expensive the ipod is, $349.00 (U.S.) for 80GB is pretty much on the mark and is a very good value. Also, the sound of the new iPods is vastly improved. The main problem with the ipod I see is the lack of OGG support. That would be the main reason to shy away from it, but on all other counts it is a pretty good performer.

Hopefully someone can provide you insight on how to install the hard drive. There should be converters available from local electronic stores. When formatting the hard drive you would definately need a third party utility such as Swiss Knife. The built in formatter would not be an option.

[ihatelongnicksevenmore]

Local cost for the IPOD 80 GB is around 380 EUR which is like 2 to 3 2.5" HDD.

About the sound, as I don't own one, does it have equalizer presets, SRS & WOW? The two line outs (one for headphones, the other for AUX connections)? And yes, no OGG, no show, since that is a large part of my music collection (should I have mentioned that my H320 is full... ).

There should be converters available from local electronic stores.

Do you know of any such converters?

Thanks for your suggestions...

[musichound]

No SRS and WOW but it has equilizer presets. There is no custom EQ either, and there is a single headphone jack. There are accessories that will provide a true line out.

As for converters, I do not know of any but I am pretty sure they are available.

[the_winch]

I've only seen adapters like this
http://www.span.com/catalog/product_...oducts_id=4267
that allow you to connect a 1.8" drive to a 2.5" or 3.5" ide cable.
I'm not sure anybody sells an adapter to connect a 2.5" drive to a 1.8" connector.

I think you would probably have to make your own adapter.

Also you will have to work something out to power the 2.5" drive as they need 5v while the 1.8" drives use 3.3v.

[exile_1984]

wish it was possible to jus get a 1.8" hdd for it.

maybe 1 day hdd maybe that size