Hard drives for recorder

[pdastoor]

I am looking to upgrade the hard drives on 3 of my recording devices. Problem is I don't know which hard drive to get, like not sure the model number or anything but here is all the info I have:

Device 1
- iRiver h10 5GB version uses (ST650211FX, ST660211FX, & ST650211FX)

Device 2
- iRiver h120 uses 20gb version uses (MK2004GAL)

Device 3
- iRiver h10 20GB version uses (HTC426020G7CE00)

I want to upgrade Device 1's hard drive anywhere from 40GB-120GB but have no idea which manufacturer has it and where to buy it.

I want to upgrade Device 2 and Device 3's hard drives anywhere from 60GB-120GB but have no idea which manufacturer has it and where to buy it.

Does anyone know exactly which one, I did research but I am not that good with hard ware. I just want to buy that harddrive so please tell me which one to buy.

[peteswensson]

I can advise you on Device 2 (iRiver H120).

Only one manufacturer makes (actually, made) a compatible 1.8-inch hard drive for this device, Toshiba.  Since they are not still available through standard retail outlets, you will need to shop on eBay.

There are two main additional considerations: 1) thickness, and 2) connector. 

1) Thickness: Toshiba made single-platter drives that were 5 mm thick, and double-platter ones that were 8 mm thick.  Your existing 20GB drive is a 5 mm thick model, so you are limited to what is available among those models (their model numbers all end in GAL).  You can get the Toshiba MK4007GAL and simply swap it in for the MK2004GAL already there, but it will only give you 40GB, less than the 60GB to 120GB you want.  But it is really easy and uncomplicated to do.

2) Connector: Your MK2004GAL has a 50-pin connector, like the MK4007GAL.  You can get a larger capacity drive if you are willing to use a more modern ZIF ribbon connector model, the Toshiba MK8025GAL (80GB), for about $35-$50 on eBay.  Of course this also requires you to get an adaptor, and there is only one model I know of that fits easily (others are too big), made by Libmart of South Korea, available on eBay for what seems like way too much money ($29 US plus $15 shipping).  Search ebay for "zif hdd to 1.8 inch toshiba converter."

Best of luck in your efforts!

--Pete Swensson

PS -- You will also need to format whatever drive you get in the FAT32 file format.  This is also an old-fashioned file format, and neither Windows 7 nor 8 will do this for you using their built-in Format utility.  So you will have to download some freeware -- I use EASEUS Partition Master, which you can Google.

[monoid]

Device 2:
Beside options described by peteswensson you may install SSD disc. It consumes less, I guess (I made no comparison measurements) and it is silent, no sound of spinning HDD. It is handy, if you use it also as dictaphone (without external microphone).

It is possible to get 120 GB SSD, 1.8 inch, 50-pin IDE. So, you just remove old HDD and plug in SDD. I did it and it works. I described my mod in this forum.

Or you may buy SSD with different connector and reduction. I do not know if it works....

Also SD memory card and reduction may be used or CompactFlash (and reduction ??).

[JaroMi]

As monoid said : SSD 128G.
I use KingSpec KSD-CF18.6-128MS for about 120 euros from amazon -great, Lo profiles (5mm thick - as Toshiba GAL)
or
Toshiba MK1634 GAL plus zif-50ide converter -160GB, Lo profile HDD.
I have KingSpec since a week, so it works perfectly but ...how long? As an previous HDD's?

Write endurance- -8years @100GBytes write and erase per day
 I don't think so.
Jaromir