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External Freecom drive not recognized

Hi,

I have a couple of new external Freecom 1.5 TB USB drives, and neither is recognized by my TC (running v7.4.2). They do not show up in the disks panel of the airport utility, only the internal drive does. Nothing in the log window either.

They are recognized on my MBP, and work fine there. I have tried repartitioning them (they came as MBR, so I tried GUID and APM). I tried 1 or 2 partitions. No luck. I have another 1 TB IOmega drive that works fine on the TC, so I assume the USB port on the TC is okay.

Any suggestions? Is the TC picky on the model/brand of the external drive?

Thanks,
Ben

MBP 17" 2.5 GHz, PM DP G5 2 GHz, iPhone 3G, Mac OS X (10.6.1)

Posted on Sep 26, 2009 9:53 AM

Reply
20 replies

Oct 1, 2009 8:00 AM in response to Nedd

The setup guide for the TC it doesn't mention any specific requirements for an external USB drive. In the support articles here at apple.com I could only find that it should be a self-powered USB2 device. Well, that's what these Freecom drives are.

Nedd, do you also have a Freecom drive, or is it a different brand?

Ben

Oct 1, 2009 8:59 AM in response to Benst

It is same as you have, I suppose: Freecom XS 1.5TB (€99,-). Only funny thing I found about this drive is that I couldn't find the real name of the disk inside; it is always stating it is a freecom disk, also we all know they don't produce actual disks. It can only be Hitachi, Seagate, Samsung, WD.....so somehow it could be a small bios or firmware that protect the "real" identity and also confuse AE.

Oct 2, 2009 8:35 AM in response to Benst

I just spoke to a UK Freecom tech support and since drive is working ok when connected directly to the usb port on the computer, they wouldn't go much further with support. He had idea that AE might have problem with drives larger then 1 TB. Could this be right? Is there someone using larger disks on Airport Extreme? I am going to try to format it into two partitions.

Oct 2, 2009 9:27 AM in response to Benst

Didn't work here either. Ben, you are using TimeCapsule? I have Airport Extreme, so it looks more and more to be in fact Apple who doesn't communicate with these disk's. Just to add I also tried to connect while boot in 10.5.8, but that didn't help.AE Firmware is right now 7.4.1 but also 7.4.2 didn't help.
I think I am going to start new topic about the size of airdisks.

Oct 18, 2009 12:06 PM in response to Benst

I can confirm that I have the same issue. I have a Freecom Hard Drive XS 1TB connected to an AirPort Extreme (Gigabit). It does not show up in the AirPort Utility for configuring as a Time Machine backup device. Have also tried:

1/ Splitting the drive into two partitions (no go)
2/ Using other (non-Freecom) external drives (all work)
3/ Tried using with my MacBook Pro (works fine as a normal external drive)

What on Earth is going on? I'm going to have to take this drive back and get a refund, then try another brand.

Oct 28, 2009 2:43 AM in response to Durandal Api

Same problem here too. Just purchased a Freecom XS 1TB and whilst I can access this when plugged in directly, it does not appear via my Airport Extreme (7.4.2). Another drive is showing OK. I really don't know where to turn next - yes it works when directly connected but I specifically bought this to hang off the Airport Extreme! This was discussed with the store so I may have some recourse there.

External Freecom drive not recognized

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