8 replies to this topic

[anudanan]

I´ve a fantec QB-35 US2 HDD box for 4 disks working over USB or eSATA (wth port multiplier for eSATA) The box works fine under windows and USB, all 4 hdd work fine
But with the openpli 2.0 and linux 2.6.18 and et9000 with USB only the first hdd was know by the box. The chips inside the fantec are JMicron 321 und JMicron 539 Chip.

Do you know about problems with more than one hdds with these usb/sata bridge chips under kernel 2.6.18

is it fixed with newer kernel 3.2.x oder 3.3.x

I´ve not updated my openpli 2.0 system in the past because it work very stable for me

[pieterg]

then now might be a good time to update I guess?

edit: sorry, I misread what you said. I thought you claimed "it is fixed with newer kernel 3.2.x oder 3.3.x".
but that was your question I guess.

But still, only one way to find out

Edited by pieterg, 20 April 2012 - 21:03.

[anudanan]

I´ve tested it with the latest pli2.1 image but it doesn´t work. I think the reason is there is no support inside the kernel for the jmicron sata multiport chip 321. This chip is behind the usb/sata jmircron chip 539 and is able to manage up to 5 hdds over one sata-2 channel.

Edited by anudanan, 21 April 2012 - 13:03.

[pieterg]

Do you have any idea which sort of driver should be needed in the linux kernel?

On the fantec website, I do not find any specific requirements. They claim linux support.

One remark which might be important:
"For JBOD mode via eSATA port a controller with port multipier (PM) is required."

However, in the linux 3.3.0 kernel, we already have CONFIG_SATA_PMP (SATA Port Multiplier support) enabled.

[anudanan]

I´ve tested it only with USB not with eSATA. Do you mean there is a different between Port Multiplier over eSATA and over USB-SATA Bridge and then SATA Port Multiplier?
I think there might by no difference because also the SATA driver is needed ober USB. The chips insode the box are the two micron chips 321 and 539

Edited by anudanan, 21 April 2012 - 13:48.

[pieterg]

with eSATA I think you have to rely on port multiplier support in the sata controller.
Whereas with usb the sata controller is inside the external device.

So if you use USB, I think some custom usbstorage driver might be needed.

[anudanan]

Do you think the sata controller inside the BCM7405 supports port multiplier so there is a chance for working with eSATA and fantec QB-34US2 and 4 HDDs? I can make tomorrow a next test because I must change the openpli version for that in my et9000 but now the et9000 ist busy with movie recordings.

But know I think a better way to use more disk space is to install a NAS device but that costs more money and powerconsumption than a fantec and the et9000. But on the other side a NAS solution needs not so much CPU power from one BCM7405 inside one et9000 when I would like to share the movies with 3 SAT receiver boxes (2 x et9000, 2 x DM500hd)

Edited by anudanan, 21 April 2012 - 14:33.

[pieterg]

There do not seem to be many sata controllers with PM support, so I wouldn't count on the broadcom controller to support it.

[anudanan]

Thank you for your discussion. I will send the fantec back and order a NAS device for 4 HDDs