Auto-spindown for external disks...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tor Tveitane
  • Start date Start date
T

Tor Tveitane

Hi,

I plan to purchase a Linksys NSLU2 and a couple of USB disks (Maxtor
OneTouch?) to connect to it.

I want to use this setup for backup purposes. However I need the drives to
automatically stop rotating after a defined number of minutes with no disk
activity. I don't want them to spin 24/7 as I just need to backup stuff
once each day.

Does the disk auto-spindown functionality depend on the drive's IDE
controller or would the drives need 'stop' commands transmitted across the
USB link?

Does anyone here know if the above scenario will support auto-spindown of
the drives? Do you have any (other) suggestions to achieve what I describe?

Thanks for any comments or tips (also on which external disk brand /models
which are most reliable ;-)

best regards

Tor
 
I plan to purchase a Linksys NSLU2 and a couple of USB disks (Maxtor
OneTouch?) to connect to it.

I want to use this setup for backup purposes. However I need the drives to
automatically stop rotating after a defined number of minutes with no disk
activity. I don't want them to spin 24/7 as I just need to backup stuff
once each day.

Does the disk auto-spindown functionality depend on the drive's IDE
controller or would the drives need 'stop' commands transmitted across the
USB link?
Click to expand...

Not sure, but I doubt if such a command would be honored.
Does anyone here know if the above scenario will support auto-spindown of
the drives? Do you have any (other) suggestions to achieve what I describe?
Click to expand...

Well, I would suggest an old fashioned mains-operated timer.
(The ones you use to switch on the garage lights)

Have both your USB powersupplies and the Linksys power operated
by the timer.
You set the timer to switch on at say 7 pm. Schedule your backup
job at 7:15 pm.
Set the timer to switch off at say 8 pm. (Depends on how long it
takes to make a backup.)

Advantages:
- Wear is on the timer, and that's a disposable item
- Zero power use by your harddisks and the Linksys box
- Some degree of protection against mains born troubles, as the
units are fully switched of.

For a real life situation I would even wire a relay in line to
the USB link. Power that relay by the same timer.

When not actually in use, the unit is fully insulated from any
system, so it is as save as one can get while in the same room
:-)
 
Well, I would suggest an old fashioned mains-operated timer.
Click to expand...


Thanks but unfortunately the NSLU2 unit need to be physically switched on
(pushbutton) after a powercut. So this is not an option.

regards

Tor
 
Hi,

I plan to purchase a Linksys NSLU2 and a couple of USB disks (Maxtor
OneTouch?) to connect to it.

I want to use this setup for backup purposes. However I need the drives to
automatically stop rotating after a defined number of minutes with no disk
activity. I don't want them to spin 24/7 as I just need to backup stuff
once each day.

Does the disk auto-spindown functionality depend on the drive's IDE
controller or would the drives need 'stop' commands transmitted across the
USB link?

Does anyone here know if the above scenario will support auto-spindown of
the drives? Do you have any (other) suggestions to achieve what I describe?

Thanks for any comments or tips (also on which external disk brand /models
which are most reliable ;-)

best regards

Tor
Click to expand...

For once-a-day backup you should unplug and power off the
external enclosures, NOT merely spin them down. A spun down
drive still consumes power, produces heat in some chips, and
is vulnerable to power problems (surges/etc) or virus/other
data access issues.
 
For once-a-day backup you should unplug and power off the
external enclosures, NOT merely spin them down. A spun down
drive still consumes power, produces heat in some chips, and
is vulnerable to power problems (surges/etc) or virus/other
data access issues.
Click to expand...

I agree, but these enclusures are located in a fire- and burglar-proof
cellar and I don't have the possibility to access them once a day. In this
case I'm merely concerned with the mechanical wear of spinning disks
(bearings etc) and I just want this spindown feature.

Any other who knows more about the nature on how, say, winxp executes the
'drive power down after x minutes' 'feature'?

rgds

Tor
 
I agree, but these enclusures are located in a fire- and burglar-proof
cellar and I don't have the possibility to access them once a day. In this
case I'm merely concerned with the mechanical wear of spinning disks
(bearings etc) and I just want this spindown feature.

Any other who knows more about the nature on how, say, winxp executes the
'drive power down after x minutes' 'feature'?
Click to expand...


Have you looked at the Onetouch utility? It's supposed to
allow setting the spin-down interval.
 
Have you looked at the Onetouch utility? It's supposed to
allow setting the spin-down interval.
Click to expand...

No, I haven't. Mainly because these drives are connected to a Linksys NSLU2
ethernet to USB device. I thought the OneTouch was intended for drives
directly USB connected to a windows computer...?

Tor
 
No, I haven't. Mainly because these drives are connected to a Linksys NSLU2
ethernet to USB device. I thought the OneTouch was intended for drives
directly USB connected to a windows computer...?

Tor
Click to expand...


If you're settled on getting the Onetouch drives then go
ahead and get them then try it. You're right that it
probably won't work, that it may require sending command
from the host (which is the Linksys NAS box). Unless you
feel up to reprogramming it's firmware your choices would
then be not being able to do it or determining if the
Linksys kit itself offers the feature.

Frankly I don't understand your choice about keeping these
parts in the cellar, as any fire-prevention risk is going to
be outweighed by the overheating risk in a USB enclosure, or
does the onetouch have a good fanned ventilation system?
 
Back
Top