6900 Super Combo HDD Problems

[stand]

I've purchased a Maxtor 1.5 Terabyte storage USB drive, which I have formatted on my PC to FAT32. The unit works fine after two or three shut offs of the Technomate receiver (not the power) but then will not work - screen states "USB drive is not ready" and if I do a check disk it says "Check disk failed". Does any one know if there is any remedy other than changing the Maxtor unit?

[thecaretaker]

If it is like mine, seperately powered (not from USB) you must always turn the TM6900 off first (never turn the drive off with the box on). If you connect it to your PC, add a file (any old file eg a text file) then delete it, it will then work again in the TM6900.

Again, when switching on, always turn the drive on first, wait a few seconds for it to spin up, then turn the TM6900 on. Keep to this rule and I've not had any problems.

Hope that helps.

Just checking, you need to format the drive using a FAT32 tool or the maximum size available on the disk will be restricted. But from what you have said, I think you are OK with that.

I was told never to use the TM6900's disk check as it only works with the smaller restricted space (like what would be on a usb stick).

[Giga]

my setup now is like this: mains > Power Master 525U (Power switching controlled by USB signal) with the TM 6900 HD combo super in the main connection. all the other equipment (TV, surround amplifier, USB harddisc powersuply, subwoofer) in the USB controlled outlets.
From the Technomate USB rear port > to USB port on Power Master 525U (cable USB plug A to USB plug A, no USB sockets on this cable). From Power Master 525U USB port to HardDisc USB port. When the TM usb gets power the Automatic power switching kicks in and switches on all the other equipment. Think you can find simular equipment in your local computer store.

http://www.trust.com/products/product_detail.aspx?item=13592

[stand]

Many thanks to The Caretaker, adding and removing a file gets it going again, although this is not a permanent solution. I've run the machine for a few days since without problems, but the message "USB not ready" has re-occurred this morning, necessitating disconnection, addiing and deleting a file and reconnecting. Presumably, I will have to live with this.

[stand]

I read Giga's comments with interest. My satellite system is permanently on standby to avoid resetting times etc. But many thanks for the comments.

[thecaretaker]

Many thanks to The Caretaker, adding and removing a file gets it going again, although this is not a permanent solution. I've run the machine for a few days since without problems, but the message "USB not ready" has re-occurred this morning, necessitating disconnection, addiing and deleting a file and reconnecting. Presumably, I will have to live with this.

Also read your other reply. The only way I keep mine stable is to always put the TM6900 into standby before switching off the hard drive. Doing it the other way round (turning drive off with TM6900 on) seems to mess it up everytime.

Likewise, the disk needs to spin up before switching TM6900 on or the same happens.

I've got used to it, but the family haven't and I'm always having to fix it. I've got a perminant usb cable from the PC next to the hard drive to fix it when the ankle biters have messed it up. It is an annoyance.

[Giga]

I read Giga's comments with interest. My satellite system is permanently on standby to avoid resetting times etc. But many thanks for the comments.

when on standby the other main outlets don't get power. Only switching from standby to on powers up the usb port on the technomate, making the powerstrip switching on the remaining main outlets.

disadvantage: when you remove the usb drive: only the technomate powers up.

when live recording is used: when the usb drive goes in to deep sleep, it sometimes wakes up with pressing the record button, not always however. so switching to standby and back on resolves this issue.

With USB keys, sometimes you need to remove these before switching on or going from standby to on.
the power strip does not work with USB keys.