80GB HDD, FAT32 formatted w/ USB case used as MP3 device in car problem

[RepoDraghon]

OK, well let me explain more... I had a brilliant idea to use my old PS3 HDD as an MP3 storage device that I can plug into my car stereo via USB. The case is USB powered and it works in the car as intended!!! The problem is, the Stereo will only play the 1st 255 songs. Is this a limit of what the Stereo can view or is there something I need to do to the HDD for the stereo to work with the 800+ songs I have? Is 255 a physical limit maybe like it's only reading the 1st 4GB of the drive? or what?

 

[ThatVietGuy]

It could be because you're using a mechanical drive that's causing the issue? Do you have any spare USB flash drives to test?

I know my care is picky about what I use, even when it comes to flash drives.

 

[RepoDraghon]

not one with 80GB... I have an 8GB MP3 Player but I cannot for some reason now load and unload songs on it anymore... still works but I can't test it over 255 songs

 

[ThatVietGuy]

It could also how it's arranged. If you have too many folders the system might not like it.

Honestly, I think your first assumption is the right one. What car/system are you using?

 

[RepoDraghon]

Kenwood KDC-155U

 

[ThatVietGuy]

http://www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/audiofile/index.php?lang=english&model=KDC-155U --> Under "Limitation of structure for the file and the folder"

Looks like the 255 limit is applicable to folders. Is everything you have thrown into one folder?

 

[RepoDraghon]

yeah, everything is straight from the computer, all individual folders... I'll try putting it all in 1 folder...

 

[RepoDraghon]

Nope, looks like everything is in 1 folder... so the folder issue is not an issue...

 

[RepoDraghon]

ok, wait, if I read this correct, it's 8 folder Layers (dunno what that is) I can have, 255 folders and 255 songs in each folder so I actually have to divide up the songs into folders

 

[RepoDraghon]

YUP! that fixed it... I now have 4 folders with about 255 songs in each cept the 4th folder which has about 50. I also figured out I have to HOLD the random button a couple seconds to random ALL, if I just click it it randoms just the folder I'm currently in... THANKS for the site with the info, BIG help!