Sharing a HDD

Marse

Marse

Marse

Associate
Joined
6 Jul 2007
Posts
464
Location
Northumberland
I’m looking at a Satellite Receiver which can write to and read from a USB device eg a HDD - PVR.

It would be convenient to have the PC connected to the HDD at the same time and for either bit of kit to write to and read from the common HDD.

I could obviously keep swapping the leads around at the HDD but it would be easier to leave them permanently connected.

I have an external HDD which has USB and firewire sockets although since it’s in use I would rather buy another one.
Is it possible to get an external HDD with 2 USB sockets?

Would this work or are there other problems of having two bits of kit trying to access a common HDD?
 
Last edited:
Before I give up or do some damage trying

anyone know if this will work - I won't be intentionally writing to/reading from the HDD with both bits of kit at the same time but the OS/Firmware might do something unexpected - I've no idea
 
Last edited:
I've never seen any USB device that allows two systems to connect to it at the same time. The USB device is obviously in communication with the PC it connects too, since the PC does the 'found new hardware' thing so readily, so I would imagine it can only communicate with one thing at once.

There are plenty of USB switch boxes around though. They are intended for sharing a printer between two computers, but may work with HDD's. Some are 'active' offering first come first served access, others have a simple mechanical switch.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom