External USB Backup used as a PVR for Dreamlink

[lionking]

I have been going through various External USB Backups for the Dreamlink T5 and other Dreamlink Models.

There are self powered ones that don't need external power, and ones that you need to plug in for external power.

I have gone through Seagate and Lacie USB Backups that needed external power.

I also have used Seagate and WD self powered ones.

Storage was anywhere from 500GB up to 1TB.

Also there was no difference on when the Dreamlink had to be hard booted switch from back when a movie from the Backup could not be played back, and/or erased then when switched back on movie could be played and/or erased.

My question is for all those who have tested these USB Backups which is better a self powered one or one that needs to be plugged in for external power.

Seagate, Western Digital or any other External USB Backup Manufacturer.

Also should the limit be for storage 1.5 TB or could it be up to 2-3TB.

Please reply back to this post and thread.

Thanks in advance.

[Terryl]

I would use the external power one, less strain on the receivers power supply, it has enough to do.

[lionking]

I would use the external power one, less strain on the receivers power supply, it has enough to do.

What manufacture would it be would it matter, and also what limit storage can it be more than 1TB?

Thanks in advance.

[KiowaEagle]

I like Lacie, they seem to be more universally compatible. And as Terryl said, definitely self powered. Power supplies on fta receivers are woefully inadequate.

[lionking]

I like Lacie, they seem to be more universally compatible. And as Terryl said, definitely self powered. Power supplies on fta receivers are woefully inadequate.

It maybe difficult to find Lacie external hard drive in a 1.0TB storage format these days because most of them now are at least 2.0TB or higher.

Would it matter if the storage was around 2-3TB for storage so we can stick to an external powered one?

Also most of them are USB 3.0 the old one was USB 2.0 for the receivers, except it can be backwards compatible.

The only one I can find which is external powered and 1.0TB storage is the....Fantom Drives 1TB GForce3 USB 3.0/eSATA Aluminum External Hard Drive (GF3B1000EU) which can be googled.

Any replies will be welcome.

Thanks in advance.

[staticrider]

External power supply is the only way to go. I've had good luck with both WD & Seagate.

[lionking]

External power supply is the only way to go. I've had good luck with both WD & Seagate.

What I would like to know and no one will tell me will anything for WD & Seagate for External power supply would work above 1TB Storage for the Dreamlink.

What I have found if it is Maximum of 1TB Storage with external power they are not new, but refurbished.

Someone please let me know if the Maximum of more than 1TB storage with external power will still work on the DL.

Thanks in advance.

[staticrider]

I built mine with newegg parts.
You need a enclosure with USB interface and preferable a fan for cooling.
Surveillance hard drives are designed for faster access, continues recording and HD video quality.

[lionking]

Sorry everyone, but I still need to know if the storage of the external power usb drive can surpass 1TB because that is what I read a few years back.

This is for all FTA or IKS boxes that recording and HD video quality could not be done properly when it goes over that storage range 500GB-1TB.

When I find out I will know what exactly what manufacture and storage of external power usb drive to purchase.

Thanks in advance.

[airjam]

If over 1TB is not recognized by the receiver then connect it to PC and use a partition tool ( Lots of free tools on the internet )and create a 1TB Fat32 partition. Leave the rest of the drive unallocated. That way any device will only see a 1TB drive.

[jvvh5897]

If the drive is FAT32 then you are limited to much smaller than 1TB--look at what google tells you for a search of "storage size fat32 max". Now your FTA STB is not using Windows OS, but I would think similar limits are in your OS and could be specified in your owner's manual.

[lionking]

If the drive is FAT32 then you are limited to much smaller than 1TB--look at what google tells you for a search of "storage size fat32 max". Now your FTA STB is not using Windows OS, but I would think similar limits are in your OS and could be specified in your owner's manual.

Yes, and that is why I could not use an external drive that needs external power because unfortunately most of them now are more than 1TB unless any manufacturers decide to come out with ones that are no more than 1TB or go back to 500GB.

That is why because most are FAT32 for STB unless someone has an older external USB drive that needs external power that is 500GB maximum for storage.

My best bet you would have to look on fleabay or find a store that sells used or refurbished external USB drives for external power.

The guarantee would only be 30 or maybe even 60 days and if it goes you are out of luck.

Most USB external drives now are at least 1.5 up to 4TB storage unfortunately and they are mostly portable which would not use external power that would not be good.

Thank you for your reply.

[lionking]

Update:

I found an old Lacie External USB external powered hard drive this is only 500GB storage perfect for FAT32.

I used EaseUS Partition Master to FORMAT to FAT32 and convert to Primary Drive.

The only issue is it has the same external power supply that my Dreamlink T5 HD had and it rebooted.

I don't know if it was the DL T5 that rebooted by itself or the Lacie.

I have tried to do a FORMAT straight from the DL for the Lacie hopefully that helps.

Has anyone else has that issue with their External USB external powered HD?

Maybe I have to put the same power supply that I put on the DL T5 for the Lacie.

Please reply back on this.

Thanks in advance.

[lionking]

By the way since the last Update the reboot had nothing to do with the External USB external powered hard drive.

I guess by doing another FORMAT using the DL T5 helped.

There is no need of replacing the power supply for the Lacie.

Sorry for the wrong info because of jumping the gun.

Thanks in advance.