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Does the USB port support...

15K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  jessehouwing 
#1 ·
A few question about the USB port, the dealership couldn't answer me...
- can you connect a usb hub or Y-Splitter to charge your phone *and* connect a usb key at the same time?
- can you connect a 2.5" usb harddrive and power it through the usb port alone?
- is the usb port powered even if you're not playing music from it?
- is the usb port powered when the car is turned off?
- can it play from a Samsung Galaxy S2? (it mounts more than one drive when connected through USB) or will I need to use Bluetooth streaming?
- Is there a size limit to the disk or will any size do? (limited to fat32 max size f course)

And a similar question about the bluetooth carkit, will it allow you to attach two phones at the same time? I usually travel with both a company and a personal phone :).
 
#2 ·
I know the USB port is powered when the ignition is on or the engine is running. So, yes - your device will be powered in those scenarios even though no music is playing.

A USB hub or splitter is possible and should be able to power and/or run both devices connected. Have not tested this myself though.

Good idea on the double phone connection. Despite being able to have up to ten phones registered to the car, it will only connect one at a time ( you can connect a phone and stream music from another according to the manual). When my girlfriend and I step into the car together, it will automatically connect with the phone last connected. If we want to connect another device we use the menu to switch.

The remaining questions I'm not sure of.
 
#3 ·
To add, I came across a user in a different V40 forum that is using 2.5" hard disk (1TB). So it is possible, but seems some Western Digital disks do not work (reason is not clear)

Also note that some users are reporting that the player does not handle mp3s with variable bit rates (VBR) very well.
 
#4 ·
vforty said:
To add, I came across a user in a different V40 forum that is using 2.5" hard disk (1TB). So it is possible, but seems some Western Digital disks do not work (reason is not clear)

Also note that some users are reporting that the player does not handle mp3s with variable bit rates (VBR) very well.
It probably depends on the amount of power needed to let the platters spin. Some drives can work with just a tad little than others.

The second item is a little worrisome... most of my songs are vbr...
 
#5 ·
vforty said:
To add, I came across a user in a different V40 forum that is using 2.5" hard disk (1TB). So it is possible, but seems some Western Digital disks do not work (reason is not clear)

Also note that some users are reporting that the player does not handle mp3s with variable bit rates (VBR) very well.
Another thing that might affect the readability of the drive is if it's formatted as "FAT32" vs "NTFS". I cannot confirm this for V40 but many other players, tvs, etc. are not capable of reading "NTFS" formatted drives.
 
#6 ·
I have absolutely no problems with VBR. Although on the high performance / premium sound system I would recommend 320 kbps (CBR) anyway for optimal use of the quality this system offers.
Try the difference between a 128 single pass VBR file compared to a 320 kpbs file you'll know what I'm talking about.
 
#7 ·
The Manual for the v40 mentions that a USB hub is supported. The issue with the WD drives is probably that it requires too much power. More than the single USB port can provide.

Bluetooth streaming works from the S2. It works as well when connecting over USB. The audio system will show multiple USB drives and you need to select the one to play from. Perfect!
 
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