I bought one of Garret's HDDs because my Z1 had frozen and the update disc from Pioneer didn't do squat. Garret's HDD was easy to install. The GPS still didn't work for me, but for a different reason. Still, Garret answered all my e-mails and gave me suggestions until I figured out the problem. I felt bad bugging him, but he gave me a great product and great service, above and beyond the call of duty.

P.S. My second problem was that, once I switched HDDs, I wasn't getting any Sirius/XM signal and my GPS was trapped in Los Angeles, like many people have experienced. Turns out the antenna was bad and had to be replaced. It had been on the top of my truck since I got it, but maybe the Philadelphia weather and the heavy mileage wore it down faster than in nicer climates. Anyway, the replacement is on my dash and works perfectly.

I just wanted to add my "Thanks!" to Garrett for his HDD... I finally installed it and everything worked out great!

Wanted to thank Garret for the great job he did modifying my Z2 HDD. Not only did he remove the Pioneer Header and footer from my startup screen, but he also installed 20 custom backgrounds on it, updated my XM logos and had it back to me three days later!

Thanks for the great communication and quick service!

Paul

Gerret is a class guy that answers even the stupid questions....

Appreciate the great HD and quick response.

Anyone considering upgrading, don't hesitate. I will send my friends his way

thanks!

David

Would you say the best and cheapest way to to is to buy a new Z2 and then purchase Gerret's updated hard drive? After reading 11 pages of this thread it seems there are more benefits with purchasing a hard drive from him as opposed to purchasing a new Z3....does that make sense to anyone?

A new Z3 will not give you these benefits:

1. Faster drive for slightly fast boot times

2. Larger music partition for ripping cd's

3. Latest Gracenotes update (CDDB)

4. Unlocked drive for future updates, etc

5. XM channel logos that work (provided by member Vandal)

6. Clean splash screen without the Pioneer banner and teleatlas copyright stuff.

Other than these items, the updated drive and Z3 drive are the same.

A new Z3 will not give you these benefits:

1. Faster drive for slightly fast boot times

2. Larger music partition for ripping cd's

3. Latest Gracenotes update (CDDB)

4. Unlocked drive for future updates, etc

5. XM channel logos that work (provided by member Vandal)

6. Clean splash screen without the Pioneer banner and teleatlas copyright stuff.

 

Other than these items, the updated drive and Z3 drive are the same.

I am a little confused only because I thought an "updated drive" from you would give these benefits PLUS give it all the goodies a Z3 would have.

From what you stated it seems as though it makes sense to get a Z2 and one of your drives.

A new Z3 will not give you these benefits:

1. Faster drive for slightly fast boot times

2. Larger music partition for ripping cd's

3. Latest Gracenotes update (CDDB)

4. Unlocked drive for future updates, etc

5. XM channel logos that work (provided by member Vandal)

6. Clean splash screen without the Pioneer banner and teleatlas copyright stuff.

 

Other than these items, the updated drive and Z3 drive are the same.

 

I am a little confused only because I thought an "updated drive" from you would give these benefits PLUS give it all the goodies a Z3 would have.

 

From what you stated it seems as though it makes sense to get a Z2 and one of your drives.

Yes, my drives have everything listed above PLUS all the Z3 maps and firmware. I was just stating the items that you wound NOT get with a stock Z3.

Everyone, I want to let every one to know and exellent experience I had with garret on my HD upgrade z2 to z3. garret always responded to my E-mails fast,and good comunication,I got the HD back super fast.it was a pleasure doing business with garret.I highly recommend him.

I too had a perfect experience with Garret, Fires up fast and I love having all the XM images...

Good stuff and priced fairly! Thumbs up!!

Are Sirius images available, as opposed to XM?

Sirius does not use channel logos. Only text...

So if I have Sirius then I do not have to get the XM images, is that correct? Or does the hard drive automatically come with the images?

Sirius does not use channel logos. Nothing to come with and nothing to update...

hey guyz...

I ordered a drive from Garret a few days ago and it was a very smooth transaction, very easy to deal with, and also extremely quick in responding to my emails... i am currently out of town but i plan on getting back Tuesday and installing the hard drive right when i get back, but there is not a doubt in my mind that its going to work perfectly... cant wait!!!

Thanks Garret

Moe

Anyone ever do any serious off-roading with the new drives offered? I have been debating right now between getting a new drive or just having my existing drive updated for quite a few months. However, now that I have moved and settled down (note: retired:D ), I am ready to either purchase a new one or have my existing one updated.

The existing drive has not been a problem in some serious off roading areas, never skipped or even hesitated when receiving XM or when playing existing music stored on the drive. Hate to loose my music when in the middle of a desert.

Any experiences will be appreciated.

I ordered one of Garrett's drives on Monday and it is already installed. Everything went great and it was a breeze doing business with him. Justin

Hey, just ordered and installed one of Garret's drives, Great drive, easy to deal with! I would recommend for anyone to purchase from Garret.

Thanks

I wanted to give praise to Garret. He replied to all my email/pms faster then any online orders I have ever made through anywhere. I sent paypal payment and received shipping notification within minutes and he replied with separate pm and email to let me know the drive was coming as well. I received drive the next morning to my door. I installed in the evening using the great tiny turner screwdriver/torque which he provided with no issues. Booted up Avic Z series on new Z3 60GB setup and everything worked flawlessly. Havent had any of the issues I had with Z2 ..of course its been one day but my Z2 drive was totally failing. Thanks for everything Garret. highly recommend this upgrade and highest recommendation in dealings with Garret. A++++++++ for internet experience...thanks again.

I just ordered my drive, AWESOME service! I cant wait to get back home to install the drive in my truck!! if I ever get another Z im so going to get another drive.. Thanks alot!!

For those who are considering upgrading to a larger hard drive, or having their drive upgraded, Garret's service is outstanding and his response to emails is quick and thorough, excellent communication.

I received my new 40gb hard drive from Garret yesterday, and I installed the unit in 10 minutes.

Garret included the torx socket to remove the hard drive, and as others on the forums stated be sure to use the correct size phillip screwdriver when removing the old drive from the hard drive support bracket.

Plug and play and unit operated just like new.

Dkal2980

This message is directed to anyone who is considering upgrading / purchasing one of Garret's Drives, don't hesitate! I just purchased a 60gb upgrade drive from Garret and sent him my stock drive to copy over my music / personal information. I sent my drive out on MONDAY and got my stock drive along with the upgraded drive back on WEDNESDAY! Unbelievable cooperation throughout the process with Garret, flawless work, easy to contact for questions / information, not to mention incredibly fast turn around / shipping times!! Very pleased with my drive(s) and the whole purchase experience with Garret. I recommend to anyone considering purchasing one of these drives / upgrading their existing drives to do it, it is more then worth it!!! Garret was even nice enough to upgrade my stock drive prior to shipping it back as I explained to him that I would hang on to it as a backup. Thanks again for all of your help and hard work Garret, you're the man!

Thanks for the harddrive Garret I am truly happy with my purchase you have super fast shipping thanks again

Hey Garret---Do you have any more of these Z-3 drives?? I have original Z-2 and would like a plug and play Z-3 drive for it

Thx in advance

Yes, I do. Click the link in my sig below.