Adding 2nd Hard Drive To DVMRE-4eZT 80GB

[backfocus 0]

I have read many posts regarding upgrading the hard drives. However, it looks like what most of you are doing is upgrading the first hard drive or all drives. I would like to add another 80GB drive. The original is a Maxtor 4R080J0 (Maxtor Diamond Max 16 80GB, ATA 133, 5400 RPM).

 

Based on what GE training staff said today (I am attending week of GE training this week). Both drives need to be the same. The jumper cable is there. It looks like all I have to do is buy drive (currently available for $45-$70) set hard drive jumper for slave and bolt to box. Do I have to do anything else (i.e. change suitcase jumpers on hard drive, upgrade firmware, etc.).

 

Thanks for your help [/b]

[Metal Shaper Man 0]

I don’t have much experience, but, I just upgraded two DVR.s.. One is a Sony HSR-X 200 and the other a Panasonic WJ-HD316.

 

As for the Sony, I had trouble with it from day one. I called Sony and they were of no help. They could only tell me I was pushing the wrong buttons. Figuring that I had nothing to lose, I replaced the existing Maxtor 5400 rpm HDD.

 

The local PC stores didn’t have any 5400 rpm HDD or any model matching the old HDD. However, the PC tech’s said that changing the speed didn’t make much difference. But, I should match the speed of both HDD’s due to the info transfer rate. So, I replaced the 80 GB HDD and upgraded with a second 80 GB HDD both at 7200 rpm.

 

As for the Sony, I still have question in regard to the master and slave settings? Nevertheless, I set the HDD,s as one master and the other a slave. The unit now works very well.

 

When I upgraded the Panasonic WJ-HD316, I called Panasonic. The Tech. said I could use the 7200 rpm HDD’s but, there could be a heat problem due to the increase in speed. I understood what he was saying, however, I think he was just protecting himself and/or the company???

 

The Panasonic tech. also told me that both HDD’s should be set as master because the WJ-HD300 series are programed for those settings. According to Panasonic, not all their DVR models HDD,s are set the same in regard to master and slave.. Therefore, I would check with the manufacturer or someone with experience like those you will find on this forum in regard to the master-slave HDD setting for your DVR model.

 

I must add, the cable in the Sony had an extra connector for connecting the extra HDD plus an extra for the power. It was one cable coming for the circuit board with a black connector for the HDD that was already there and a green connector for the exta HDD.

 

The Panasonic had two cables coming from the circuit board, both with black connectors and one extra power cord.

 

That may answer the question as to why the Sony HDD,s were configuried Master and Slave and the Panasonic configuried Master and Master.

 

I hope my recent experience helps.