epretorious Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 (edited) I have an extra 2.5" IDE HDD (i.e., a laptop hard disk) that I'd like to use as an external HDD and I found the Vantec Nexstar 3 USB 2.0 External 2.5" Hard Drive enclosure (model #NST-260U2) at a store near my home. Before I spent my hard-earned money to purchase this item, though, I'd like to know if this device is supported by Mandriva 2006.0. (I already google'd and I already searched the Linux USB database but did not find anything conclusive.) Has anyone successfully used this device with Mandriva 2006.0? Edited November 29, 2005 by epretorious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarecrow Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 So far I haven't met an external USB enclosure which had issues with the current Linux kernels. The only chance to have trouble are external cases and sticks with built-in encryption chips, which require special windows software to operate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epretorious Posted November 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 Thanks, scarecrow. I haven't met an external USB enclusure that actually worked with the current Linux kernels! :o But - that being said - I can't actually confirm that those enclusures were 100% functional either. :unsure: I'll give it a try and post the results here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epretorious Posted November 30, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2005 I'll give it a try and post the results here. Not only does it NOT work, it causes the entire system to choke! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarecrow Posted November 30, 2005 Report Share Posted November 30, 2005 How's the HD jumper set? Put it as master, not cable select, and also get sure that things like "Plug & Pray OS" and "legacy USB" are disabled within system BIOS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aRTee Posted November 30, 2005 Report Share Posted November 30, 2005 Wow, strange it doesn't work - I have used lots of USB storage devices, since the 2.6 kernels it has not been a problem, and since Mdk 10.1 it's been rather smooth sailing. I've used Cutie external cases with laptop sized drives, and other cases too, small and large... I actually didn't know some devices didn't work properly. Normally, when it says: needs no driver for WinXP, it is usb-storage compliant, and should work fine with Linux. Anything that does need drivers in WinXP may be problematic. What does the box of your case say? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epretorious Posted November 30, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2005 (edited) How's the HD jumper set? Put it as master, not cable select, and also get sure that things like "Plug & Pray OS" and "legacy USB" are disabled within system BIOS. Thanks, Scarecrow. * I confirmed that the HDD is configured as master. * I disabled "legacy USB". (It was enabled prior.) * My BIOS does not have a feature for "PNP". The failure mode is different now that "legacy USB" is disabled- It's much quieter: kernel: usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 6 kernel: usb 1-1: device descriptor read/8, error -110 kernel: usb 1-1: device descriptor read/8, error -110 kernel: usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 7 kernel: usb 1-1: device not accepting address 7, error -71 kernel: usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 8 kernel: usb 1-1: device descriptor read/64, error -71 kernel: usb 1-1: device descriptor read/64, error -71 kernel: usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 9 kernel: usb 1-1: device descriptor read/64, error -71 kernel: usb 1-1: device descriptor read/64, error -71 kernel: hub 1-0:1.0: over-current change on port 1 last message repeated 92 times When "legacy USB" was enabled, the failure was much more verbose: kernel: usb 1-1: USB disconnect, address 3 <-- disconnected USB mouse hal.hotplug[19327]: DEVPATH is not set kernel: usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 4 kernel: usb 1-1: device descriptor read/8, error -84 kernel: usb 1-1: device descriptor read/8, error -71 kernel: usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 5 kernel: usb 1-1: device descriptor read/64, error -71 kernel: usb 1-1: device descriptor read/64, error -71 kernel: usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 6 kernel: hub 1-0:1.0: over-current change on port 1 kernel: Initializing USB Mass Storage driver... kernel: scsi0 : SCSI emulation for USB Mass Storage devices kernel: usbcore: registered new driver usb-storage kernel: USB Mass Storage support registered. udev[12866]: run_program: exec of program failed kernel: Vendor: TOSHIBA Model: MK4025GAS Rev: KA10 kernel: Type: Direct-Access ANSI SCSI revision: 00 kernel: SCSI device sda: 78140160 512-byte hdwr sectors (40008 MB) kernel: sda: assuming drive cache: write through kernel: SCSI device sda: 78140160 512-byte hdwr sectors (40008 MB) kernel: sda: assuming drive cache: write through kernel: /dev/scsi/host0/bus0/target0/lun0: p1 p2 kernel: Attached scsi disk sda at scsi0, channel 0, id 0, lun 0 pam_console.dev[12901]: Restoring console permissions for /dev/sda /dev/discs/disc1/disc /dev/scsi/host0/bus0/target0/lun0/disc pam_console.dev[12926]: Restoring console permissions for /dev/sda1 /dev/discs/disc1/part1 /dev/scsi/host0/bus0/target0/lun0/part1 pam_console.dev[12938]: Restoring console permissions for /dev/sda2 /dev/discs/disc1/part2 /dev/scsi/host0/bus0/target0/lun0/part2 kernel: hub 1-0:1.0: port 1 disabled by hub (EMI?), re-enabling... kernel: hub 1-0:1.0: over-current change on port 1 kernel: usb 1-1: USB disconnect, address 6 kernel: usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 7 kernel: usb 1-1: can't set config #1, error -84 kernel: usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 8 kernel: usb 1-1: can't set config #1, error -71 kernel: usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 9 kernel: usb 1-1: device descriptor read/all, error -71 kernel: usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 10 kernel: scsi1 : SCSI emulation for USB Mass Storage devices kernel: hub 1-0:1.0: over-current change on port 1 udev[13027]: run_program: exec of program failed kernel: Vendor: TOSHIBA Model: MK4025GAS Rev: KA10 kernel: Type: Direct-Access ANSI SCSI revision: 00 kernel: SCSI device sda: 78140160 512-byte hdwr sectors (40008 MB) kernel: sda: assuming drive cache: write through kernel: SCSI device sda: 78140160 512-byte hdwr sectors (40008 MB) kernel: sda: assuming drive cache: write through kernel: /dev/scsi/host1/bus0/target0/lun0: p1 p2 kernel: Attached scsi disk sda at scsi1, channel 0, id 0, lun 0 pam_console.dev[13083]: Restoring console permissions for /dev/sda /dev/discs/disc1/disc /dev/scsi/host1/bus0/target0/lun0/disc pam_console.dev[13104]: Restoring console permissions for /dev/sda1 /dev/discs/disc1/part1 /dev/scsi/host1/bus0/target0/lun0/part1 pam_console.dev[13122]: Restoring console permissions for /dev/sda2 /dev/discs/disc1/part2 /dev/scsi/host1/bus0/target0/lun0/part2 kernel: usb 1-1: reset full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 10 kernel: usb 1-1: can't restore configuration #1 (error=-110) kernel: scsi: Device offlined - not ready after error recovery: host 1 channel 0 id 0 lun 0 kernel: SCSI error : <1 0 0 0> return code = 0x50000 kernel: end_request: I/O error, dev sda, sector 63 kernel: Buffer I/O error on device sda1, logical block 0 kernel: scsi1 (0:0): rejecting I/O to offline device kernel: Buffer I/O error on device sda1, logical block 1 kernel: Buffer I/O error on device sda1, logical block 2 kernel: Buffer I/O error on device sda1, logical block 3 kernel: Buffer I/O error on device sda1, logical block 4 Notice that in the when the "legacy USB" was enabled, the kernel did recognize the HDD and attempt to attach to it but there seems to be some problem with UDEV. Both scenarios, however, do have one thing in common: "over-current change on port 1". FWIW: I would be quick to blame the IDE-USB interface except that this device works with Novel Linux Desktop 9 on the same hardware. :huh: Edited November 30, 2005 by epretorious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epretorious Posted December 1, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2005 (edited) FWIW: I would be quick to blame the IDE-USB interface except that this device works with Novel Linux Desktop 9 on the same hardware. :huh: Actually, I have three nearly identical Dell Latitude CPx650 laptops: Two using NLD9 and one using Mandriva 2006.0. Only one of those NLD9 systems correctly recognizes/configures the IDE-USB interface. The other two systems, one using NLD9 and the other using Mandriva 2006.0, have similar failure modes. :dry: FWIW: Both of the failing systems... a. have the same over-current complaint in the logs, b. have very verbose failures when "legacy USB" is enabled, and b. fail to recognize the USB device when "legacy USB" has been disabled. Edited December 1, 2005 by epretorious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epretorious Posted December 1, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2005 From the "Troubleshooting" chapter of the Vantec User Manual: Q: Why does my NexStar 3 work with just one USB connector on some systems, but requires 2 on others?A: USB specifications state that a USB port should provide 500mA of power. However, not all computers, specifically laptops, actually provide that full amount. As such, if your hard drive requires nearly 500mA (0.5A) of power, then some systems may require the use of the second USB connector for additional power. Q: What are the spec's for the power adapter if I need one? A: The power supply shoud be 5V, with a minimum of 1A, maximum of 2.2A. Checking the specs for my Toshiba HDD, I found that the HDD consumes approx. 4.8W of power (i.e., 5V @ 0.95A). Conclusion: The system's power-supply was the culprit. Evidence: The HDD functions perfectly when used with a 5VDC power adapter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aRTee Posted December 1, 2005 Report Share Posted December 1, 2005 Ah, that explains a lot! Nice to know it works, enjoy Linux! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarecrow Posted December 1, 2005 Report Share Posted December 1, 2005 I don't think you will ever really get any harddisk been powered by the USB bus alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epretorious Posted December 1, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2005 Thanks aRTee & Scarecrow! (I guess that it really is "Too Good to be True" to think that USB could power an IDE HDD and IDE-USB converter.) :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chalex20 Posted December 1, 2005 Report Share Posted December 1, 2005 Judging from the logs, I see that there may be some additional problem here. new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 6 Note full speed and uhci_hcd . It means that all the transfers to and from the device would be performed at USB 1.1 speed ( 12 Mbit/s). If you have the device connected to a port able to support USB2, make sure that ehci_hcd module is loaded - this would enable USB2 transfers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
epretorious Posted December 1, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2005 Thanks, Chalex. Now that things are working correctly, this is what I see in my log files when I connect the enclosure: Dec 1 14:20:00 localhost kernel: usb 1-1: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 11 Dec 1 14:20:00 localhost kernel: scsi2 : SCSI emulation for USB Mass Storage devices Dec 1 14:20:00 localhost udev[11859]: run_program: exec of program failed Dec 1 14:20:05 localhost kernel: Vendor: TOSHIBA Model: MK4025GAS Rev: KA10 Dec 1 14:20:05 localhost kernel: Type: Direct-Access ANSI SCSI revision: 00 Dec 1 14:20:05 localhost kernel: SCSI device sda: 78140160 512-byte hdwr sectors (40008 MB) Dec 1 14:20:05 localhost kernel: sda: assuming drive cache: write through Dec 1 14:20:05 localhost kernel: SCSI device sda: 78140160 512-byte hdwr sectors (40008 MB) Dec 1 14:20:05 localhost kernel: sda: assuming drive cache: write through Dec 1 14:20:06 localhost kernel: /dev/scsi/host2/bus0/target0/lun0: p1 Dec 1 14:20:06 localhost kernel: Attached scsi disk sda at scsi2, channel 0, id 0, lun 0 Dec 1 14:20:06 localhost pam_console.dev[11891]: Restoring console permissions for /dev/sda /dev/discs/disc1/disc /dev/scsi/host2/bus0/target0/lun0/disc Dec 1 14:20:07 localhost pam_console.dev[11910]: Restoring console permissions for /dev/sda1 /dev/discs/disc1/part1 /dev/scsi/host2/bus0/target0/lun0/part1 The following modules are loaded: Module Size Used by nfs 223880 1 lockd 58536 2 nfs nfs_acl 2752 1 nfs sunrpc 128004 4 nfs,lockd,nfs_acl usb_storage 82020 0 vfat 10592 0 fat 45980 1 vfat speedstep_lib 3364 0 freq_table 3460 0 md5 3584 1 ipv6 234016 8 snd_seq_dummy 2532 0 snd_seq_oss 31136 0 snd_seq_midi_event 5696 1 snd_seq_oss snd_seq 46960 5 snd_seq_dummy,snd_seq_oss,snd_seq_midi_event snd_seq_device 6828 3 snd_seq_dummy,snd_seq_oss,snd_seq snd_pcm_oss 48960 0 snd_mixer_oss 16896 1 snd_pcm_oss snd_maestro3 22020 1 snd_ac97_codec 83900 1 snd_maestro3 snd_pcm 79784 3 snd_pcm_oss,snd_maestro3,snd_ac97_codec snd_timer 20548 2 snd_seq,snd_pcm snd_page_alloc 8392 1 snd_pcm snd 46116 11 snd_seq_oss,snd_seq,snd_seq_device,snd_pcm_oss,snd_mixer_oss,snd_maestro3,snd_ac 97_codec,snd_pcm,snd_timer soundcore 7008 1 snd parport_pc 32612 1 lp 10024 0 parport 31976 2 parport_pc,lp af_packet 16392 0 floppy 55444 0 pcnet_cs 16660 1 8390 8000 1 pcnet_cs pcmcia 20648 5 pcnet_cs yenta_socket 20328 3 rsrc_nonstatic 11200 1 yenta_socket pcmcia_core 43300 4 pcnet_cs,pcmcia,yenta_socket,rsrc_nonstatic ide_cd 37988 0 loop 14504 0 intel_agp 20636 1 agpgart 29032 1 intel_agp nvram 7400 0 i8k 5968 0 usbmouse 4160 0 usbhid 44544 0 tsdev 5984 0 uhci_hcd 29136 0 usbcore 108348 5 usb_storage,usbmouse,usbhid,uhci_hcd evdev 7648 0 ext3 124744 3 jbd 48568 1 ext3 sd_mod 16112 0 ahci 8772 0 ata_piix 7108 0 libata 41956 2 ahci,ata_piix scsi_mod 120808 4 usb_storage,sd_mod,ahci,libata I don't see anything about ehci anywhere. Could it just be that my laptop (a Dell Latitude CPxJ650 - circa 2003) isn't USB 2.0 compliant? ADDENDUM: The only specifications that I was able to locate - epinions.com - report that the Latitude CPx J USB controller is USB 1.1-compliant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chalex20 Posted December 2, 2005 Report Share Posted December 2, 2005 Thanks, Chalex. Now that things are working correctly, this is what I see in my log files when I connect the enclosure: I don't see anything about ehci anywhere. Could it just be that my laptop (a Dell Latitude CPxJ650 - circa 2003) isn't USB 2.0 compliant? It may be. Try to load the "ehci_hcd" module forcefully ( issue "modprobe ehci_hcd" as root ), and see what happens. If the controller is detected, good. If the controller is not detected, your enclosure would work slooooooowly :-( . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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