External Hard Drive v USB Memory Stick

[techygirl]

I have a Formuler 1 box which I have added an external HDD which now only works intermittently. I initially thought there was something wrong with HDD and got a new one but still had problems. I then read a post on here which suggested that external HDDs should be externally powered which I guess is my problem.

I mainly use the HDD for scheduled backups and flashing with only the very occasional programme recording. So could I replace the HDD with a memory stick and would that solve my problems? And if so, what would be the maximum size to use?

[Andy_Hazza]

Is the External HDD a powered one?


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[Andy_Hazza]

As yours is not powered, that is the most likely cause of your issue. In boxes where no Internal HDD are possible, I always use a high capacity usb flash drive. I currently have a 128GB Kingston flash drive in my Vu+ Zero 4K and works well. I think they even do a 256GB flash drive too.


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[bellejt]

256 GB is affordable in china prices.Even 512 GB is on marked now but mayor prices.

[birdman]

I have a Formuler 1 box which I have added an external HDD which now only works intermittently. I initially thought there was something wrong with HDD and got a new one but still had problems. I then read a post on here which suggested that external HDDs should be externally powered which I guess is my problem.

If it's designed as an external HDD then I'd expect it to work. However, if you think it's a power issue then try running it through a powered USB hub?

[techygirl]

Thanks all, I take it that a USB flash drive works just the same and I can do scheduled backups and flash updates via Image Manager. I will just get a large one. This appears to be the easy option.

Birdman my latest HDD is one of these (see picture). When you say about running it through a powered USB hub, do you mean one of those to the right in the attached picture which plugs into the mains? If so then how do I connect it to my F1 box?
HDD Hub1.jpg

[birdman]

Birdman my latest HDD is one of these (see picture).

So it should work when plugged in to a USB port. I've never had any problems with such devices (although I've never used them on a PVR) except on a device whose USB port was documented as providing insufficient power to drive such a device, so I ran it through a powered hub (for >6 years...).

When you say about running it through a powered USB hub, do you mean one of those to the right in the attached picture which plugs into the mains? If so then how do I connect it to my F1 box?

You connect the HDD to the (powered) USB hub then connect the hub to the box. i.e. what you'd expect to do...

[techygirl]

I am not normally this thick but ...... I thought that the USB hub pictured was only one way, ie power comes from the mains then it charges anything connected to it by USB.

[ccs]

A usb hub can be used as a charger, but a usb charger cannot be used as a hub, so it depends what you've got.

[techygirl]

Oh right. I am guessing then that this is a USB charger then and not a hub.

USB Hub.jpg

[birdman]

Looks like it's just a charger.

The Formuler F1 has a USB2 port (which appears to be specifically labelled that it has a 500mA max output, which may be the issue - although that's what the USB2 spec says, many ports will supply more than that and an external USB drive often needs ~800).
If you're not using the second rear USB port you could also try using a Y USB cable, which will draw power from both ports.

I probably have an unused one lying around.... [EDIT - I do, but it ends in a mini-USB plug..]

[techygirl]

Right, think I understand. Both USB ports are marked 500mA max so by putting in a Y USB cable it would draw 2 x 500mA so I would plug in the HDD into the other end of the Y cable and it should hopefully have enough power.


Formuler 1.jpg

[bellejt]

yes ,I use this all the time for external HDD's.Even if they do not need that power.

[birdman]

Right, think I understand. Both USB ports are marked 500mA max so by putting in a Y USB cable it would draw 2 x 500mA so I would plug in the HDD into the other end of the Y cable and it should hopefully have enough power.

Yes.
So the issue is what size of socket to you have on the HDD?

[techygirl]

Yes.
So the issue is what size of socket to you have on the HDD?

Its just the ordinary mini usb. I take it that it is better to get a y cable that fits directly into the HDD rather than use a generic y cable (2 male, 1 female USB) and plug in the HDD cable.