RNS-510 HDD replacement/SSD swap DIY

[ian.perry]

Thanks kamold. I grabbed an old laptop and a couple low-level HDD tools. The SSD was wiped but had a Windows boot sector loaded, so I zeroed out the whole thing and did a bad block scan. I installed the 4020 firmware again and it failed - but the 3970 firmware from the custom POI thread worked!

Looks like the 4020 disc just can't create the partition tables (which explained why when I installed it on the 40GB it stayed as 50/25/25). Now that 3970 is installed I'm doing the upgrade; hopefully with the 90/5/5 partition table in place it will upgrade smoothly.

Thought it would be a good idea to add this here, since I got my RNS510 from carsystems.pl with 4020 installed so was reluctant to downgrade. Hopefully someone else benefits from my experience!

[kamold]

You'll need to test the SSD using some low level disk utilities.
If you aren't familiar with something like Hiren's boot CD and its tools maybe ask someone who is. If you are test the drive and maybe do a wipe of the drive prior to trying to use it again.
The RNS510 should be able to destroy any existing partition info on the drive however its only fairly basic so if the drive has any media errors it may not handle them very well. Disk scan utilities should be able to force the SSD controller to reassign any bad 'blocks' (which are in fact MLC cells) so that the RNS can write to the drive.

[ian.perry]

Hi guys,

Done the swap and not had much luck unfortunately

I got the 64GB SSD in and used the 4020 firmware file from the other thread on the forum, but the firmware installation keeps failing on the HDD section at 6%. I used the recovery image so I could have a look, and the SSD is reporting size/model/serial correctly which means I didn't get the pins wrong, and I've successfully used the same firmware CD on that unit with the HDD... any ideas?

I've put the original 40GB back in for now which is working fine. It's such a cinch to swap the drives thanks to the wonderful guide!

[Ozsko]

Since Kamold installed my 128gig drive I have found that I use it for more than music. I have installed talking books, podcasts and audio documentaries on it besides the music and find that it makes a nice change listening to this sort of stuff instead of music all the time. I haven't gotten anywhere near filling it but then I never expected to so that does not worry me. The only thing I have doubt about is these drives having TRIM support as I can't find it stated that they do. I wish that the RNS had a comm port to load and manage the files but some things we have to put up with I guess.

[kamold]

As far as I am aware they are still using 40gb pata drives. They are not laptops, they don't use the latest and greatest. They are now an old generation automotive electronics device.
They could use a low cost sata to pata bridge but why add cost when you don't need to?

Sent using electrickery

[Deadly_headmen]

Are the H versions still using Pata/IDE or have VW finally realised its 2012 and moved to SATA?

[johnc]

Cheers Mick. Thankfully one of them is. Ben's unit it being a right ****. Funnily enough, it's the only unit I've done that doesn't have an SSD.

[mikinoz]

Exploded Component Overview:

It has been a while and I should say this unit is still going strong with the SSD in it. So thanks again John for the install.

[johnc]

Thanks. I wouldn't think so, although I've never found its speed all that limited to be honest. Either via the keypad or voice control. That would be more processor dependent.

[thezoneR32]

Hi John, fantastic thread. Is the destination entry quicker with the ssd?

[SuperMario]

Awesome thanks 64GB it is then

[johnc]

Sure…

128GB KingSpec 2.5" PATA/IDE SSD Solid State Disk (MLC Flash)

Although I recommend the 64GB version of this model as it is better value.

[SuperMario]

Can you recommend a SSD drive?..
I'm going to take a chance with the old drive

[johnc]

Let me check. I will get back to you.

Edit: It should work, but it's not an SSD drive, and it's not a shock proof drive like the standard RNS-510 drives. I would advise against it, but it is your decision. It is more likely to fail due to vibration, and you won't see any of the speed improvements you would with an SSD.

[SuperMario]

Where is the HDD pic.. http://i44.tinypic.com/156wtvb.jpg

Thanks for a fast reply i appreciate it alot