Media Sources connected by USB

[maisbitt]

Although I got some MP3 CDs set up for the RCD510 unit, I decided to buy a USB memory stick to plug in through the USB, rather than keep my Ipod in the car. I got a 16Gb Sandisk Cruzer for £17.49 from Amazon, and it works a treat.

The folder navigation is about 1.5 times quicker than with an MP3 CD (I found the wait very frustrating between presses of the touch screen with the CD). At about £1 per GB of storage, it's very cost effective (I think that the 32Gb sticks aren't so much of a bargain though - the price seems to go up exponentially with storage capacity above the 16Gb level).

Just thought that i'd share the experience in case anyone else has wondered about using their USB media in socket.

[jonallen628]

Exact same kit i have been using since Jan without a problem, like you say really good value. My 16GB is now nearly full so may upgrade to a 32GB shortly. What file types did you go for on the USB stick? Did you go Variable bit rate MP3?

[maisbitt]

Jonallen: Variable bitrate MP3's used, with a tidy folder system: Artist>Album>Song.

I won't be rushing for the 32Gb version though, they're generally over £2 per Gb once you go over the 16Gb barrier. It would be as cheap to buy 2 x 16Gb sticks as it would be to buy 1 x 32Gb stick right now, but prices are always dropping on storage.

[Spiney]

I just bought a 16Gb card (I've got to have something to play with whilst I'm waiting for the car). Did I do wrong do you think?

[maisbitt]

Spiney: By card, do you mean an SD card, or a USB stick? If you do mean an SD card, 16GB capacity must be an HCSD card.

The manual says you can't use these in 1 part, then says you can in another section. I think if you have satnav version of RCD510 you can play normal SD cards (max 4GB capacity) but not HCSD cards. I think the non-satnav version plays both. (Someone may correct me on that - i've not tried it out).

The USB sticks are cheaper per Gb than the equivalent SD card.

At current prices, a 16Gb USB stick is the most cost effective method of storage - got a Sandisk one (Cruzer) for £17.49. You're looking at around £60 for a 32Gb one at the moment.

[Spiney]

Sorry maisbitt,

Thanks for the feedback Yep, meant an HCSD card. As I understand it you are correct, the non nav version of the 510 will support HCSD and full blown job tops out at 4Gb on SD.

16Gb is plenty for my Hendrix, Jethro Tull etc collection....Whoops, showing my age!

[startide]

I found a 16GB SDHC card to be very slow on my RCD510 (it seemed like >60 secs from switch on before it started playing) - a 16GB USB stick is almost instant.

[scirocco1974]

i have a 130 gb passport harddrive connected and it works great takes seconds to connect and holds hundreds of albums got it off e bay for thirty quid

[JohnC]

I bough the Sony 16GB MicroVault USB from Tesco when they were cheap, the response is instant.

I'd avoid the new style (nore expensive) USB sticks with built-in password protection/encryption, and the many fakes on E-bay......

[jonallen628]

i have a 130 gb passport harddrive connected and it works great takes seconds to connect and holds hundreds of albums got it off e bay for thirty quid

When you switch the car on / off does it remember which track you were listening to last or does it default back to the first song in the folder list?

If it "resumes" each time the car is powered on / off i would be interested to know exactly what model you have. I have a passport hard drive which i bought recently and it doesn't "resume" when the car is powered on / off.

[scirocco1974]

yes it does resume the last track played when switched on the model is WD Western Digital Passport 120GB External Hard Drive.

[ZephyR]

16Gb is plenty for my Hendrix, Jethro Tull etc collection....Whoops, showing my age!

Hee, hee ! Me too
Although I'm waiting for my Roc to arrive before I buy a big SD card I have created some playlists ready to transfer when the time comes - you know, a bit of Floyd, Stones, Led Zep, etc.
I reckoned that with the way memory prices are continually falling the and the long wait for the Roc I'd get more Gigs per pound after it had arrived