USB HD problems

[radub]

Hi folks,
I got myself this great router, and I must say I'm pretty happy with it.
I've added Oleg's last firmware, and now I try to add an external USB HD. I took one that powers from the USB bus (2.5' laptop type), so I've plugged both plugs in the router (power and data).
But there's no /dev/disks (and nothing in /dev/sata, either). I've insmod'ed scsi_mod, sd_mod, usb-storage. This is what I get in dmesg when I plug the disc in:
Jan 30 16:19:06 kernel: hub.c: new USB device 01:03.2-2, assigned address 3
Jan 30 16:19:06 kernel: usb.c: USB device 3 (vend/prod 0x13fd/0x161f) is not claimed by any active driver.
So where's the problem?

[Serpent]

Hi Radu,
Probably the router's USB port doesn't provide enough power for your disk model. Try to connect the power cable into a PC or laptop USB port (only for testing purpose), leaving the data cable into the router.
And look for disk in /dev/discs... ;)

Good luck!

[radub]

Thank you, that worked!
In other news, i hat to unplug all my USB stuff in order to feed that disk. So I replaced the USB power with a cellphone recharger, but I wonder, does this kind of recharger lasts when being used continuously? (like it doesn't melts of burns?)

[al37919]

it depends... Check with oscilloscope the output of the recharger. If it is DC, then it's OK. If not --- better avoid it. If you can't check --- also better avoid it. On the other hand --- if nothing died yet --- supposedly it's DC, but you are a risky guy ;)

[Serpent]

Usually, cellphone chargers have a label with rated output.
If yours is rated less than 500 mA it will not last too long.

But you can find a cheap box (~15 Eur), aluminium made Spire GigaPod VIII - SP105SL(/SK),
http://www.spirecoolers.com/main/product_detail.asp?ProdID=601#
which also support spin-down of HDD after some time of inactivity. And have his own external power supply.

[radub]

Thanks for all the tips.
I finally returned the 2.5' HD and brought a 3.5' HD with external power - guess it's the best choice.