As long as it's a Z3 image. My only concern with your unit is that the U.S. and European models are infinitely different. If you use the Z3 image from this forum you HIGHLY risk bricking your head unit, and I really warn against using it. However, if you are able to pull an Acronis image (kind of like the one we have here) from a European model, that would work great for what you need.
As long as it's a Z3 image. My only concern with your unit is that the U.S. and European models are infinitely different. If you use the Z3 image from this forum you HIGHLY risk bricking your head unit, and I really warn against using it. However, if you are able to pull an Acronis image (kind of like the one we have here) from a European model, that would work great for what you need.
I mentioned Z2 and Z3 just for naming 
I was referring the HD3->HD3II upgraded unit.
There is a member here with his unit upgraded via dvd disc!
That would surely work for you. Should probably ask him if his drive's unlocked and if you can get an image from him.
Is the map database on CNDV-800HD the same as what is currently on Z3's? If it is, I'll just buy a hard drive from garrett. Thanks.
bean,
The hdd that garret sells has an exact, bit-for-bit copy of the Z3 software and maps on it. I highly recommend his products and service.
Thanks captain. Now I guess I have to get the 2 wire bypass done on my May 06' Z1 for the bypass to work. I've read that many faster/larger drives have reset issues. I'm glad to hear that garrett's drives don't suffer from this problem.
It's been a long time since I checked up on hacks for the Z series. I'm glad I did!
The bypass is really easy to do yourself. I'm car illiterate (I like computers way better) and the most difficulty I had was getting the dash out of my 4Runner. The rest was cake.
I have sucessfully updated a HD1BT to HD3-II HD3-2 firmware software. I bought a HD3-II and a HD1BT and followed the instructions on this forum for Z1 - Z3 upgrade. I used a Toshiba MK6034GAX 60GB disk with enlarged music partition. Will try Toshiba MK8032GAX 80GB disk soon (1-2 weeks).
The update DVD´s from Pioneer are different for US and European models. They have to be, since they upgrade firmware/software for different units and update different maps..
The HD3-II image I copied and used to upgrade my HD1BT was not a virgin image of a new unit. The HD3-II had been used. The update process took about 20 minutes once I put in the new drive and started up the unit. I didn´t try to turn it off while updating but I guess it would start over the next time the unit was turned on.
What are then latest maps available for those whom need an upgrade?
I´m not sure if I am the right person to answer, I´m guessing you want to know what are the latest US maps? That would be the maps that are included in a new or upgraded to Avic Z3. They also come as an official Pioneer upgrade DVD, CNDV-800HD wich costs about 110$. There are instructions on low cost DIY upgrade on this forum. The easy way is to get one of garrettomey´s custom drives.