FloridaE55

Hi,

I just wanted to ask if anybody knows if the 2008 S-Class (the PCMCIA-slot, with matching adapter) can be used with a SDHC-Card or only with the lower capacity SD-Cards? If so, what's the size-limit the system could read? 16GB or 32GB? I know that CF-Cards would be a solution as well but I prefer SDHC/SD because they fit other MB-slots as well (i.e. GL-Class). I assume the newer MY2009 GL Command can handle HC, but I'm not sure about the "old" S-Class...

Thanks in advance!

Diesel Benz

The PCMCIA interface as such supports memory card formats that we are not aware of today, as long as you use the proper adapter (which we may not know of today).

I have used both Compact Flash (16 GB) and SD HC cards (the biggest I have is 8 GB). Forum members report using 32 GB Compact Flash cards, I have not seen one for SD HC but I don't see why it would not work. Just that the maximum number of songs makes a card bigger than 16 GB a bit useless, unless you have a lot of classical music with huge MP3 files.

I actually do not know about the new NTG2.5 device with an SD card slot, perhaps it only supports SD cards, there must be some experience at the W211 section at least.

By the way, W212 seemed to go back to the "old" PCMCIA interface, which is good in my opinion.

FloridaE55

Thanks, Diesel Benz!

After longer investigations, I think the best way on the S-Class is to use a PCMCIA-Adapter and a CF-Card (16GB) and on the GL-Class, a SDHC-Card (16GB). There is no adapter necessary because the GL is equipped with a smaller SD-Card slot.

There are a few 32GB SDHC-Cards out there but some peope report that their adapter didn't support that size (8GB max.) and since I read that the system on the S-Class only supports up to 255 files, 16GB should be sufficient.

Thanks again!

Diesel Benz

You mean 255 folders? Nested folders are also supported, so it really is the max number of files that matters. I don't remember the max number of files but it was something where 16GB would typically be sufficient.

FloridaE55

Oh, my mistake - I certainly meant folders. Yes, since it's a limit of 255 folders on each "level" (artist, album etc.), the issue is the limitation of files (tracks) of the system.

Mat

Yes - just now gave up on a 8 GB SDHC card - dud !

JonMBZ

I have tried a few SD HC cards and none have worked at all not even a 4GB one. I have had good success will all CF cards I have used, but sandisk discontinued their adapter so it's not easy to find them anymore.

paladiumonblack

You can get them on e-bay from China for about $20.

Diesel Benz

In this case your SD card adapter cannot be the SD HC capable version. I have both the CF and the SD HC adapter from Sandisk and both work find with my W221.

It really looks like Sandisk discontinued their PCMCIA adapter (but there are so many other manufacturers). I guess I should buy these from eBay and sell at a good price:
http://cgi.ebay.de/SanDisk-PCMCIA-Fl...em220360388345

stutenn

Has anyone had luck using a PCMCIA to USB adapter on the S-class (2009) so you can plug in a thumb drive with MP3's?

Mat

I am still having trouble with this stupid PCMCIA adapter - got another one and used 2GB SD card (normal not HDSC) - loaded a few mp3s and now its giving me this error:
"Audio/Video Format Unknown" - any help will be apprecaited
Thanks -
PS- I have taken it as a personal challenge to make this ridiculous thing work

Diesel Benz

Glad to hear you are not going to give up, it really should not be that difficult but for some odd reason it appears for you.

Did you already describe how you got the MP3 files, just to be sure the MP3 format is right (it usually should be but there are some restrictions)?

I could email you a sample file that plays on my car if cannot figure out what is wrong with your samples. Or I can try your samples in my car if you wish.

I assume it is not an issue with the card formatting now (FAT16 or FAT32).

gyzmo123

I gave up the PCMCIA idea after ordering the PCMCIA CF card reader (viking) and 4GB CF card. It didn't work I will give it another go at if if someone tells me where I can order the CF card and the card reader....

Mat

That'll be great DB - I would appreciate if you could email me a sample - The card is a FAT32 formated sandisk 2 GB SD card

TDwayne69

I was having a lot of issues myself until I picked up the Transcend CompactFlash Card 4GB Compact Flash Card (266X Speed) and the PCMCIA ATA Adapter, I've been completely satisfied. Checkout this website, the prices are very reasonable; http://ec.transcendusa.com/product/I...emID=TS4GCF266

Mat

Thanks Dwayne - the problem with CF card is - I do not have a laptop with a CF reader builtin so I'll have to buy and external reader/writer - what an inconvenience - all newer laptops have an SD card writer builtin - that's why I went with the SD-PCMCIA adapter - What makes me mad - is after paying $110K for a car - one shouldn't have to struggle for trivial things like these - very frustrating indeed

TDwayne69

Hey Mat,

I totally agree with you, I was just lucky to have a desktop with a multi-slot format for SD, CF, and various other memory card formats. I did get a few SD card to read correctly, but unfortunately they were all low capacity (nothing more than 2Gb).

Diesel Benz

Do you really mean you would want to see all those slots in your car? Including the potential lack of SD HC support?

To me the PCMCIA interface it the only correct one. Owners have different preferences for memory cards, some use small micro SD-HC cards with cell phones, some use Compact flash because that is popular on digital SLRs.

With the NTG2.5 MB went to SD cards but they seem to have turned back to PCMCIA with some later devices.

Diesel Benz

I am surprised about the fact that there seem to be some adapters that are not compatible. I did not pay attention myself but just bought a Sandisk CF adapter (those are very common) and all my CF cards work with it (also in the car). I also have one other, very old PCMCIA to CF adapter and this too works.

I wanted to try the SD HC cards and bought the SD HC capable Sandisk adapter too and all my SD and SD HC cards work with that adapter in the car.

Those few who have found an incompatible adapter must be really unlucky (reading forum posts, one can see at least a few unlucky owners).

Diesel Benz

I found one 4 GB SD HC card that I've been using in the car. This one appeared to be FAT32 formatted. I also found a 2 GB SD card that was FAT16 formatted. Both work in my car (as they should according to the user manual).

I've copied a sample file to my laptop but another option would be to download MP3 music from MB Mixed Tape:
http://www.mercedes-benz.tv/index.php

I've forgotten to test different audio formats, originally W221 only supported MP3 but I thought Windows media support was added with a Comand SW update at some point.

TDwayne69

By no means am I saying that I would like to se a mulit slotted unit it the car, I'm merely stating that this is the set up for one of my PCs. One thing that I have noticed after reading a few of threads, on many occasions the PCMCIA adapter itself is the issue.

Diesel Benz

OK, I was not sure if you would have wanted to see all slots at the car.

I agree, the adapter is often the issue, if there are issues.

ragjr2

Mat,

I had the same problem with my PCMCIA Adapter reading the 2GB or larger SD cards. After researching it, I found that only the 1GB or smaller SD cards will work. I created music files on a 1GB inserted it into the adapter and then into the car and everything works great. Hope this helps.

jt141

I bought a generic PCMCIA card adaptor from ebay and an SD card loaded up the MP3's which play on other devices but the C220D cannot read it in fact if doesnt even recognise it.
Cant figure out the problem does anyone know?

Diesel Benz

I assume you were not able to read those SD cards either with this adapter inserted to a laptop? Sounds like lack of SD HC support on that adapter although usually 2GB SD cards are still standard, not SD HC.