thought this would be the best place to ask this question, hopefully someone here can solve my dilemma

i have the JVC AVX headunit, which has USB input, the only problem is that all USB HDD's are either externally powered or require 2 USB ports (one for power, other for data) and the JVC only has the 1.

how could i setup a power supply to either run powered USB drive, or setup something so i could power it via USB.

i have heard of USB hubs, but these suffer the same problem (either externally powered, and i dont think the HDD would be compatible with one)

any ideas would be great

cheers

Inverter to power the HDD via the supported cables.

Car adaptor: 12V to USB charger (usually looks like a phone/ipod charger) - this takes car of the electronics/regulators you need. (although you could build it yourself for a few $)
Make sure it can supply enough current for your drive.
Wire that to the IDE->USB adaptor power supply pins.

http://www.netpcdirect.co.uk/usb_car_charger_adapter.php

Im pretty sure you can get something like this from Autobarn or supacheap - ive seen the advertised, possibly with inbuilt FM transmitter

Get a few $10 1GB USB thumb drives from anywhere or maybe a 4gb drive for $50....

This will allow you to run it off the headunit without the need for any other equipment

Just a thought non the less

Im with andrew for the price of USB flash drives these days. no moving parts etc

7.95 for a 1A 5V usb to cig adapter from jaycar. if u want to try it.

MP3042 is your man! what a bargan - you wouldnt bother trying to make such a device at that kinda coin

16gig thumbdrives are available now too!

im not sure if all HU's with a USB port on the front would run a 4-8-16gig thumb drives. some cant handle it.

cant comment on the JVC