power down USB hard disk

[Andy Fish]

Hi,

I have a USB hard disk that I hardly ever access but I need to keep
connected all the time (because it backs up automatically every night)

any way of ensuring this device automatically powers down after a certain
period of inactivity ?

Andy

 

[Anonymous]

Are you sure it's not? I have a similar setup, (looks like
this:
http://presentationmaster.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=53423 )
..

After a short period of inactivity, I can hear the unit spin
down. Actually, I should say, after a period of inactivity,
I can hear the unit spin up in response to new system
request(s). The system will wait momentarily for this unit
while the reactivation completes. Is that what you mean?

 

[dobey]

Hi,

I have a USB hard disk that I hardly ever access but I need to keep
connected all the time (because it backs up automatically every night)

any way of ensuring this device automatically powers down after a certain
period of inactivity ?

Andy

I believe the USB device must support this on board. From what I understand
most do not.

Maybe you should ask the manufacturer.

You might find this article useful. It's an update from an earlier article
which is referenced on the page.
http://dansdata.blogsome.com/2007/05/03/the-continuing-quest-for-a-decent-usb-drive-box/