Add-on drive to TiVo2 from TiVo2

[WSTEMPLE]

I'm taking the 80g drive out of a 1 year old TiVo and Adding it to a new TiVo (exact same models, TDC540080). :cool:

Should I: :rolleyes:
1. Buy the software and reformat the old drive, or just
2. Adjust the jumpers and install the old drive as a secondary? :confused:

I'd appreciate your advise.
Normally I would tinker with this and waste a lot of time :eek: , which, hopefully someone else has already done and will share their experience! :)

[supasta]

1. You have to do this. The TiVo will not simply recognize the second drive and use it. The TiVo actually sees dual-drives as a big single drive. You need to format the drives correctly. Check out InstantCake, MFSLive, or IMO the best option is www.upgrade-instructions.com

2. As noted above, this will not work.

On a side note, read around the forums for different views on dual-drive setups and so on...
IMO one one say it a waste of time to add 80GB to 80GB, when a $250GB drive runs less than $60. Single drives run quieter and cooler and therefore have lower failure rates.

[HomeUser]

1. No need to buy the software, download it free.

2. Yes the jumpers for the second drive needs to be set secondary. You also need an IDE cable with 2 connectors, a 'Y' power adapter to supply power for both drives and a mounting bracket. WeaKnees (http://www.weaknees.com/tbpta5.php) sells a kit with a really nice bracket I recommend you get the cooling fan and PowerTrip for the bracket as well the extra drive will produce more heat and load on the power supply.

For upgrade instructions and where to get the software see Interactive TiVo Upgrade Instructions (http://tivo.upgrade-instructions.com/index.php)

And you will need a PC with EIDE (PATA) drive connectors to prep (format) the second drive.

[classicsat]

3: Forget adding the small drive to a small drive, and get a big drive.
Use the smaller drives as periodic PC drives in USB cases or the like.

[popsjohn]

Will any 250GB drive work or are there certain specifications that work better?

[supasta]

Will any 250GB drive work or are there certain specifications that work better?
Browse around the forum here for more info on that. Seems that everyone has their own preference on that topic for different reasons - but yes ANY HDD will work, so long as it is PATA.

[WSTEMPLE]

Thanks for all the advise.
I'm still going to install the extra 80g.

I was able to eBay one for $20.
It is a very good, quiet unit.
I really needed the extra remote that came with it.
And my family will like the extra storage capacity.

When/if one of the drives fails then I'll upgrade it to a single large drive.

Thanks to all, and thanks for the links!