SA8300HD - External SATA Drive Works, Please Read Post 1 and Post 1 Links

[mike infinity]

Hmmm.

It doesn't make sense that the PVR would be 'stressed' when using SATA drive and drop data. The signal strength shouldn't matter beyond the bits getting though. Increased signal strength won't allow the PVR to draw a higher data rate than the broadcast rate.

If the PVR is 'busy' and drops data on SATA on a signal that otherwise would not have any dropped data, then increasing the signal strength shouldn't make any difference at all.

Never mind that the whole idea of the SATA IO bogging down the system on simple bit dumps is hard to understand. The SATA bus should have WAY more than enough bandwidth.

I don't disagree with you though...it does appear that using the SATA under some circumstances seems to increase the amount of dropped data on weak signals.

I think these problems are...like everything else...more examples of poor implementation on the part of Scientific Atlanta.

[57]

Anyone wish to try an experiment? Apparently the files (programmes) on the HDD of BEV equipment are not encrypted. See the following thread.

With a "hot swap" of the SATA connector, they could see the files on the computer.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/show...476#post691476

[Jake]

The internal drive is SATA in those STBs (IIRC). Unless you are suggesting the external SATA be tested. Could be worth a try if you have an out of warranty STB.

[57]

Jake, I was thinking of the External HDD, simply unplug the SATA and plug into the computer, everything hot to see if you can access those files. Anyone who did the internal upgrade (or out of warranty) could try the same with the internal drive.

[Liverpud]

Hi guys, just thought I would add my experience with Apricorn.com to the list of success stories.
I picked up my package at FedEX and was surprised I had to pay $29. I read that GST/PST was exempt for US purchases.
Neverhtheless, I paid it but there was no duties/excise tax on top of that, thankfully.


Open up box at home.
Followed instructions from guide.
Power down and unplug 8300 1st, then connect the Apricorn 500GB.
Reconnect and power up 8300. Within 2 mins, screen displayed 'Format drive' ?
YES. Waited for over 2mins and no indication of format completion.
Apricorn 500GB LED light was RED.
Assumed RED was some sort of malfunction.
Checked HDD space and still 89% full.
Power cycle 8300 and same story.
Now, I attempted to power down and up Apricorn 500GB
Still the LED was RED.
Realized it was a mistake to power off Apricorn
Message came up, saying must reboot 8300
Finally, power cycled 8300 1 last time and this time I saw a message
'Ext storage device connected works with this DVR'.
I was relieved. Checked storage and it was 19%.
Moral of my story was, I was sidetracked by the RED light.
RED light made me power cycle Apricorn which is not necessary.
Anyway, after a few power cycles of the 8300, I am up and running.
Thanks again to all. Still cannot believe the LED is RED.Why ? Bright and annoying
Blue or Green I would have no problem with.....What about black electrical tape over it ?

[jlet]

Mine is bright blue and annoying. So I covered most of it with black electrical tape.

[Liverpud]

Yours is blue but is it also Apricorn ? I just want confirmation that red does not symbolize some sort of malfunction, even though my TV power light is also red.

[jlet]

No, I use a WD500GB inside a Vantec NexStar3 enclosure. The blue light flickers to indicate activities. It's just a marketing gimmick.

[RJ2005]

I purchased a DVR Xpander from Apricorn and have had nothing but problems with it. I have a friend who also purchased the unit from a different source but also experiences identical issues.

I connected the DVR Xpander and was able to configure it for use without problem. I was able to record and play back video but then I started to notice that the drive would 'disconnect' from my PVR. In order to get it working, I had to reboot my Rogers PVR once again and the connectivity would then be regained. The problem was it dropped this connection constantly (at least once a day) so I was rebooting my PVR constantly and obviously losing recordings because it would cut out half way through some of them.

I contacted Apricorn directly who thought it was the power adapter and swapped it out for me. This didn't help and I continue to have this issue. I have had the DVR Xpander plugged into my wall socket and also had it on a UPS but neither seemed to make a difference. Has no one else had this issue? As I mentioned, both me and a friend of mine have experienced this exact issue and we both have the Apricorn Xpander drives.

Rocky

[57]

Perhaps the SATA connector is not well connected at one end or the other - check both ends. It's also possible that the drive connector inside the enclosure is "loose".

[RJ2005]

Yes I checked both the connectors and that didn't seem to be the issue. I'm going to try another eSATA cable and then take apart the Xpander caddie itself ... I'm not sure what other options I have here.

Rocky

[macemuscle]

I've had the Apricorn 1TB drive since November and it works flawlessly. BTW the red light indicates that the drive power is on; i.e., the red light is supposed to be on. Also, the light flickers when the HDD is hard at work.

[Liverpud]

Macemuscle, thank you for confirming the power light should be RED. So far, I am very pleased with the HDD. No probs whatsoever. Sorry to hear others are not so lucky. I think the majority of the Apricorn HDD are working fine, so if you happened to get a 'lemon' make sure they fix it or get a reimbursement.

[RJ2005]

I'm basically out of luck with the unit - with all the testing and waiting for cables and such, I've gone past the 'refund' period at the place I purchased it. They basically said tough break.

I'm at the point now where I'm looking to get another drive enclosure because this one has given me no end of problems. The only other thing I can think of (which is a long shot) is the ROGERS PVR is the culprit and something on my digital box is disconnecting the Xpander drive. Not likely but a possibility.

Rocky

[stemfi]

I'm sorry to hear about your problems. Mine has worked perfectly since day 1 with no interruptions. Can you get an exchange?