eSata isn't seen after power outtage

[Steve Rhodes]

Every time (okay, 80-90% ot the time) we get a power glitch or brief outtage that causes our HR20-700 to reboot, it comes up with the internal drive hooked up but does not recognize the external Seagate FAP 750GB drive. We then unplug both and careful start the Seagate FAP 750GB drive first and then the HR20 and everything is fine after that.

If we weren't used to this problem, we'd probably assume that our HR20 has lost our recordings.

Yes, I know I could buy a battery backup. But are others experiencing the same problem with their Seagate FAP 750GB drive? And, is there a solution without buying an uninterruptable power supply?

[Earl Bonovich]

Yes...

The Seagate FAP's seem to have an issue...
that the do things in a way that if both are booted at the same time...

It is not responding to the HR20 fast enough, to let it know that it is there.

You can easily get yourself a UPS for $25, that will give you at least 30 minutes of time.

Or you could spend about $100, and get a UPS that will give you more then an hour of run time.

#1 recommendation I give to any DVR user (Regardless of brand, and external drives)... is to put it on a UPS... after all it is a computer.

[inkahauts]

I think it has to do with the timing on the two units powering up and what it takes for them to recognize each other. Have you ever let it sit after firing it up and just left them on and alone (when the esata isn't registering) just to see if it ever picks it back up on its own? Long story, but I actually had the unit find it and load it on its own last weekend after being left alone for 4 hours when I had accidentally knocked the cable out between the two. The unit froze, I made sure everything was plugged in and rbr. It did not pick it up at startup, and I had to leave. When I came back, low and behold it was working! I really can't explain that one...

[CT_Wiebe]

The "instructions" (on another thread) specifically state that you have to have the eSATA drive powere up and running before you plug it into a unplugged HR20. Then you plug in the HR20.

With a power outage, when the power comes back on, both units will turn on simultaneously. Under these circumstances, the eSATA drive may not be recognized.

inkahauts -- Interesting -- I can't explain that either.

[Indiana627]

Is this just with the Freeagent eStata? Or all eSatas connected to the HR2x? I've been looking at the Cavalry eSata drives. Does anyone know if they have this problem too?

[Richierich]

The problem appears to be because the eSATA drive is powering up and therefore is not detected by the HR20/HR21 so it assumes there is nothing connected to the SATA port so it defers to the internal drive. If your unit has a battery backup, then it will not power off and back up during a brief outage, thereby avoiding this problem.

[mridan]

Do all UPS's have that alarm (constant beep) when there is a power outage,also do you have the option to turn off that noise?