View Full Version : Denon HD2500 using an external drive
Solitaire Events Ltd
11-07-2010, 10:24 AM
I had a slight problem last night, in that my internal drive either died or came loose, as it stopped working on me - luckily VDJ was on standby.
Anyway, before I have a look at it and take the caddy out to check to see if anything is loose, I was thinking that it would be safer for transport to use an external drive and plug in on the night.
I've never used an external drive with it, so after you have created the initial database, do you have to do this every time you turn on, or does it recognise the database once you have created it?
Shakermaker Promotions
11-07-2010, 10:38 AM
Darren, I have 2 x External HD's that are copies of eachother. USB1 and USB2 on the Denon. They are both powered HD's, both connected to a USB Hub and are gaffer taped into the flightcase. They can't move about. They are always connected to the USB Hub all the time. I turn on the Denon, it recognises them and away I go.
Just update it with your new tracks as and when and simply turn it on and it should be fine.
Shaun
11-07-2010, 10:41 AM
I've never used an external drive with it, so after you have created the initial database, do you have to do this every time you turn on, or does it recognise the database once you have created it?
Once the database is initially created it'll recognise it every time; the database remains on the external HDD just the same as it does on the Denons internal HDD. All you have to do when you turn it on is select the external drive via the source button.
Tonsk
11-07-2010, 10:46 AM
Once you've registered all the files on the external drive, the HD2500 will recognise it immediately everytime it's plugged in.
Solitaire Events Ltd
11-07-2010, 10:48 AM
Cool, thanks chaps.
Gary - I have been having a few little problems with the hard drive for a couple of months and I asked Gary from Denon about the problems and he said it sounds like that the drive has unseated itself and come loose. He said it was possible this has happened as it is inside a case being chucked about, in and out of venues.
I will have a looky tomorrow.
Excalibur
11-07-2010, 10:48 AM
I had a slight problem last night, in that my internal drive either died or came loose, as it stopped working on me - luckily VDJ was on standby.
Anyway, before I have a look at it and take the caddy out to check to see if anything is loose, I was thinking that it would be safer for transport to use an external drive and plug in on the night.
I've never used an external drive with it, so after you have created the initial database, do you have to do this every time you turn on, or does it recognise the database once you have created it?
To quote one of your heroes:
" Jer jer jer jiggle it, Granville". :D :D :D :D :D
As later posters have said, if you examine any external HD from any system in windows explorer, there will be some form of .db ( database) file showing. And two things, loose Internal HD's is apparently not uncommon, and for the external:
POWER EVERYTHING, BELKIN HUB.
Once the database is initially created it'll recognise it every time; the database remains on the external HDD just the same as it does on the Denons internal HDD. All you have to do when you turn it on is select the external drive via the source button.
Thats says it all. However, watch for your external HD going to sleep if you have a spell of it doing nothing (being on CD or running the vocal artist as I do) as it can take a good 15 seconds to come back to life and that feels like a life time.
That particular problem was diagnosed by MDD for me - A wealth of knowledge for a not at all princely sum of £1.00 a month (optional of course, but a very wise and sound investment)
Oh and Denon only likes Belkin powered hubs for external HD units - I initially ignored this advice thinking it can't be true, but it is indeed true.
Solitaire Events Ltd
11-07-2010, 11:00 AM
Just to avoid me buying something that I don't need - when you say powered hub, are you talking about a hub with external power or a hub that is powered from the laptop USB etc?
Shakermaker Promotions
11-07-2010, 11:03 AM
Gary from Denon, yes I know him, used to work with him ages ago. He's half the man he used to be and very helpful and full of knowledge.
One of my External HD's is (as above) a Seagate 500gb and I remember when I got it I was a bit worried as I had set up and left the Denon on whilst I did everything else. I went to select USB2 (Seagate) and it wasn't there. It turned out that after having a look around various sites (and on here I think?) that the Seagate HD has a timer thing on it. You can disable this...so I did!
Everything is powered in my flightcase. Both External HD's, the USB Hub etc. I was told that it was the best way to go. As for movement within the flightcase. Honestly, these are gaffered in so tightly that David Blaine wouldn't be able to get out.
Darren - Powered Hub, something like a Belkin or HP that comes with an adaptor. I have a six way extension lead that is secured in the flightcase that has the Mixer, Denon, 2 x HD's, Powered Hub and also Radio Mic receiver plugged in.
Solitaire Events Ltd
11-07-2010, 11:07 AM
So recommendations for a couple of 250g external drives then please? I don't need anything bigger than that for this.
So recommendations for a couple of 250g external drives then please? I don't need anything bigger than that for this.
Get the Seagate 500gb's. Good value and work very well. Also durable units.
CRAZY K
11-07-2010, 11:15 AM
To quote one of your heroes:
" Jer jer jer jiggle it, Granville". :D :D :D :D :D
As later posters have said, if you examine any external HD from any system in windows explorer, there will be some form of .db ( database) file showing. And two things, loose Internal HD's is apparently not uncommon, and for the external:
POWER EVERYTHING, BELKIN HUB.
I thought you usually used a laptop Darren--your preferred weapon of choice.
I dont gig as much as you but have found the Cortex to be 100 per cent for the last 3.5 years combined with a stand alone Seagate Hard Drive which is transported carefully in a flight case and not wrapped in cotton wool--but almost as good---wrapping foam:D
Doesnt stop the flightcase getting bashed about though:eek:
Should be interesting to see which products go the longest without breakdown seeing as several of us started on digital in varying forms about the same time--Denon, Cortex, D2 etc.
Excalibur
11-07-2010, 11:15 AM
Mains power to everything.
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_5&products_id=107469
Cheap enough?
Hard drives? For every poster who recommends one type, someone will suggest avoiding like the plague.
Maxtor have been totally and absolutely bulletproof for me.
Shakermaker Promotions
11-07-2010, 11:18 AM
I'd fully recommend the Seagate and for the price they are now, get a 500g one Darren.
I'm guessing that there will be the whole FAT32, NTFS thing again on the horizon but it's easy to sort out.
Solitaire Events Ltd
11-07-2010, 11:24 AM
Mains power to everything.
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_5&products_id=107469
Cheap enough?
Ordered a couple, thanks Peter.
I'd fully recommend the Seagate and for the price they are now, get a 500g one Darren.
I'm guessing that there will be the whole FAT32, NTFS thing again on the horizon but it's easy to sort out.
Which one is needed - can't remember now! :o
Shaun
11-07-2010, 11:36 AM
From memory I'm pretty sure it's FAT32.
Re: the whole powered vs unpowerewd hub. I've run a non powered one since day one and never had an issue.
Spirits High
11-07-2010, 02:33 PM
Mains power to everything.
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_5&products_id=107469
Nice steer there Peter, ordered 2 myself ;)
Re: the whole powered vs unpowerewd hub. I've run a non powered one since day one and never had an issue.
Always used powered hubs. I'd be worried it wouldn't work properly after all this time using powered ones :D
Excalibur
11-07-2010, 03:47 PM
From memory I'm pretty sure it's FAT32.
Re: the whole powered vs unpowerewd hub. I've run a non powered one since day one and never had an issue.
And from memory, I think Vectis also flies in the face of perceived wisdom in this matter, but being a Sceptical Old Git, I'm taking no chances. The theory is that having all units self powered stops the HDC from having to supply high currents, and gives it a much easier life.
Vectis
11-07-2010, 05:26 PM
Freecom Toughdrive Pro. Encased in rubber and robust as anything. Self-power quite happily from my d2, iDJ2, laptops, macs and everything else I've ever plugged them into.
There'll be a few for sale shortly...
Excalibur
11-07-2010, 05:41 PM
Freecom Toughdrive Pro. Encased in rubber and robust as anything. Self-power quite happily from my d2, iDJ2, laptops, macs and everything else I've ever plugged them into.
There'll be a few for sale shortly...
I'm tempted to say: " Leave the 30,000 mp3's on, and I'll have a couple", but somebody would think I was being serious, so I won't. :D
I'm possibly going to have to look into these type of drives for convenience.
Vectis
11-07-2010, 06:02 PM
I'm tempted to say: " Leave the 30,000 mp3's on, and I'll have a couple", but somebody would think I was being serious, so I won't. :D
I'm possibly going to have to look into these type of drives for convenience.
:eek: Peter I'm flabbergasted :eek:
... I only keep 4,995 songs on them :D
Penfold42
11-07-2010, 06:13 PM
Freecom
I use standard freecom....never had a problem with these. :)
Shaun
11-07-2010, 06:21 PM
I use standard freecom....never had a problem with these. :)
I use the standard freecom too. Perfect for my needs.
Excalibur
11-07-2010, 06:25 PM
I use standard freecom....never had a problem with these. :)
I use the standard freecom too. Perfect for my needs.
Are these portables, or mains powered? :confused:
Penfold42
11-07-2010, 06:26 PM
Are these portables, or mains powered? :confused:
Sorry should have pointed out - powered, but still very good. :)
Solitaire Events Ltd
12-07-2010, 01:37 PM
Well, I think this story has a happy ending!
I took the drive out this morning and it felt a little loose, so I have reseated it and it created a database and appears to be fine.
I have also bought a Freecom Toughdrive Pro and powered hub incase it ever happens again.
Thanks all for the suggestions.
Penfold42
12-07-2010, 04:22 PM
Good job I was there to help....:D
Excalibur
12-07-2010, 05:01 PM
Well, I think this story has a happy ending!
I took the drive out this morning and it felt a little loose, so I have reseated it and it created a database and appears to be fine.
.
As in the excellent advice:
" Jer jer jer jiggle it, Granville". :D :D :D :D :D
Solitaire Events Ltd
29-07-2010, 03:31 PM
.
I have also bought a Freecom Toughdrive Pro and powered hub incase it ever happens again.
Which I have just tried in a powered and non powered hub and it doesn't work without power to it.
I'm sure Martin said he used his without power - perhaps you could confirm for me Martin?
Excalibur
29-07-2010, 03:47 PM
Which I have just tried in a powered and non powered hub and it doesn't work without power to it.
I'm sure Martin said he used his without power - perhaps you could confirm for me Martin?
See. Which sage old gentleman said " Power everything". :whistle: Like I said, I've never got an unpowered drive to work with the Cortex at all. :confused:
Shaun
29-07-2010, 04:14 PM
Which I have just tried in a powered and non powered hub and it doesn't work without power to it.
I'm sure Martin said he used his without power - perhaps you could confirm for me Martin?
Daz, I use mine without a powered hub. Works perfect. Not too sure what make of hub it is, but I can look tomorrow for you if you like. I think the hub is a powered one though, I just don't have the power cable plugged into it as I mislaid it a while back.
Excalibur
29-07-2010, 04:26 PM
Daz, I use mine without a powered hub. Works perfect. Not too sure what make of hub it is, but I can look tomorrow for you if you like. I think the hub is a powered one though, I just don't have the power cable plugged into it as I mislaid it a while back.
You're never running an unpowered drive with an unpowered hub, surely?:confused: :confused:
There's always an exception that proves the rule. ( I was going to say " smartarse", but decided against it.):D :D :D
Vectis
29-07-2010, 05:29 PM
Darren
I have three Freecom Toughdrive Pros and all work unpowered with my d2, iDJ2, laptop and macs.
I think they're all 160GB but have a feeling one might be 250GB as it was bought a while after the first two.
The drives within are Fujitsu and Samsung IIRC.
HTH
Shaun
29-07-2010, 05:33 PM
You're never running an unpowered drive with an unpowered hub, surely?:confused: :confused:
There's always an exception that proves the rule. ( I was going to say " smartarse", but decided against it.):D :D :D
Perhaps I should read the thread more carefully before replying. :o
Powered external HDD, unpowered hub.
Solitaire Events Ltd
29-07-2010, 08:31 PM
Daz, I use mine without a powered hub. Works perfect. Not too sure what make of hub it is, but I can look tomorrow for you if you like. I think the hub is a powered one though, I just don't have the power cable plugged into it as I mislaid it a while back.
Well I tried both powered and unpowered and neither worked.
Darren
I have three Freecom Toughdrive Pros and all work unpowered with my d2, iDJ2, laptop and macs.
I think they're all 160GB but have a feeling one might be 250GB as it was bought a while after the first two.
The drives within are Fujitsu and Samsung IIRC.
HTH
This one is a 250Gb and just doesn't show up when it is plugged in to the hub, powered or non powered. :(
I tried it on laptops and desktops and it's fine.
See. Which sage old gentleman said " Power everything". :whistle: Like I said, I've never got an unpowered drive to work with the Cortex at all. :confused:
Listen to this man. He made my HD2500 work perfect and he doesn't even like them. If he says do this, then its the correct path. I did try a variation and came a cropper.
By the way Peter I still owe you one of your random gravity fed beers when I get to meet you.
Well I tried both powered and unpowered and neither worked.
This one is a 250Gb and just doesn't show up when it is plugged in to the hub, powered or non powered. :(
I tried it on laptops and desktops and it's fine.
Belkin Powered hub I hope or you have no chance.
Solitaire Events Ltd
29-07-2010, 09:02 PM
Belkin Powered hub I hope or you have no chance.
I'm not sure the make is important, but as I have already posted, I tried powered and unpowered hubs.
I'm not sure the make is important, but as I have already posted, I tried powered and unpowered hubs.
Its is very important with the HD2500. Get a Belkin powered hub and your problems are solved. Don't question why as I don't know why, it is just so.
Ask Peter!!!!
The hub MUST be Belkin okay - it just must be. My other make didn't work either as I ignored that nonesense advice too. Bought Belkin now rockin' and rollin'.
It is just so and Peter will confirm.
Solitaire Events Ltd
29-07-2010, 09:13 PM
Its is very important with the HD2500. Get a Belkin powered hub and your problems are solved. Don't question why as I don't know why, it is just so.
Ask Peter!!!!
The hub MUST be Belkin okay - it just must be. My other make didn't work either as I ignored that nonesense advice too. Bought Belkin now rockin' and rollin'.
It is just so and Peter will confirm.
I've been using the HD2500 for almost 3 years and use a non powered Denon hub without problems. This is the first time I have plugged an external drive into it and as I mentioned, I have tried powered and non powered and neither worked with the external drive.
And yes, the powered hub is Belkin, so I haven't ignored anything or taken advice from a man who has never owned the Denon...;)
I've been using the HD2500 for almost 3 years and use a non powered Denon hub without problems. This is the first time I have plugged an external drive into it and as I mentioned, I have tried powered and non powered and neither worked with the external drive.
And yes, the powered hub is Belkin, so I haven't ignored anything or taken advice from a man who has never owned the Denon...;)
Hmmm - Interesting.
Well I'm stumped then!
I have only been using the HD2500 for 6 months, but have two external HD's hanging off it and can read off both as well as my internal hard drive. The man who has never owned a Denon made mine work just fine ;)
I won't suggest the obvious in terms of database creation, etc. Or that its just a 4 port hub and not the 7.
Solitaire Events Ltd
29-07-2010, 09:26 PM
I can't create a database if the drive isn't there!
Excalibur
29-07-2010, 09:33 PM
I can't create a database if the drive isn't there!
That's just nitpicking. :p :D :D :D
Darren, I'm way out of my sphere of knowledge here. All I know is apparently Belkin is the only hub the Denon likes when it comes to hard drives. That comes from the Denon forum, not me. As I've said, Cortex likes Denon as well.
And I'm sorry to repeat myself, but if there's one cast iron, sure fire, set in stone, guaranteed way to make it all work:
You know what's coming, don't you
wait for it
power everything.
Corabar Steve
29-07-2010, 09:35 PM
All I know is apparently Belkin is the only hub the Denon likes when it comes to hard drives.
How do you account for my 2 Advent hubs then?
Excalibur
29-07-2010, 09:46 PM
How do you account for my 2 Advent hubs then?
Having given the matter due consideration, having weighed up the pros and cons, evaluated all available information, correlated and compared data from various sources, and spent time, effort, and money deliberating this thorny subject, I have come to the conclusion, that all I can say is:
Bog off, smartarse. :p :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Darren - process of elimination to fault find then.
Use the Denon software on your laptop to create the database rather than using the HD2500 to do it. Software is on the Denon web site - you need the latest version as the one that came with your HD2500 has been superceded.
Once you have done that does the drive work direct into the USB port on the HD2500 and not via a hub? If so now try it again via the hub - if you can't find it then its the hub.
Try them two, but do the database first.
EDIT - Other point is drive should be FAT32 formated. I did mine via the HD2500 by plugging direct into the USB hub and using the utility menu to format it. Obviously this will only work if your HD2500 recognises the drive direct into its USB port.
Solitaire Events Ltd
30-07-2010, 08:21 AM
Darren - process of elimination to fault find then.
Use the Denon software on your laptop to create the database rather than using the HD2500 to do it. Software is on the Denon web site - you need the latest version as the one that came with your HD2500 has been superceded.
Once you have done that does the drive work direct into the USB port on the HD2500 and not via a hub? If so now try it again via the hub - if you can't find it then its the hub.
Try them two, but do the database first.
EDIT - Other point is drive should be FAT32 formated. I did mine via the HD2500 by plugging direct into the USB hub and using the utility menu to format it. Obviously this will only work if your HD2500 recognises the drive direct into its USB port.
The drive is already Fat32, so it can't be that.
I will try plugging directly into the player without the hub and see if it finds it.
Question for those who have files on the internal as well as an external, does the external show up as USB1 etc and the internal drive as HD?
The drive is already Fat32, so it can't be that.
I will try plugging directly into the player without the hub and see if it finds it.
Question for those who have files on the internal as well as an external, does the external show up as USB1 etc and the internal drive as HD?
Yep, the internal is HDD and external is USB1.
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