Legacy Network Products

[blackntan]

I have a brand new 1TB CA.  I just created an account and then realized that perhaps I should do any necessary updates first before I start using this thing.  Too many peculiar complaints about bricking the drive after doing an update.  So what, if any, updates (firmware, client software, or otherwise) should I make?  I am using the Maxtor Manager client software from the disc that came with the drive.  Is the software on the Seagate website different at all?  Does anyone recommend a particular firmware upgrade.  So far, for the little time that I have spent playing with this drive, very cool.

Software link:

http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=central-axis-client&vgnextoid=2dfbf80897aba1...

Firmware 3.5.74 link:

http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=central-axis-server&vgnextoid=2be0f80897aba1... 

On an unrelated side note, can anyone point me to instructions on how to force windows 7 to recognize this drive?  I don't plan to do it, but am curious.    

Message Edited by blackntan on 01-19-2010 06:55 PM

[EasyUser]

You can do both, one is for client the other is firmware that running in the box.  If you just bought it, you might not need to upgrade either.  To verify, go to the website and check the current firmware version.

[blackntan]

I am looking for a recommendation for a specific firmware version that people have generally found to be good.  I have seen a few people complain on this forum about some of the firmware as not being desirable.  

As far as the client software, any idea what I gain from uninstalling the current client software and reinstalling the software off the website?  How is it different?

A little more information would be helpful.  I already know I can do both. 

Edit:  I checked my current firmware and I believe it is 3.5.74 (That is what is listed in the web GUI Main Menu in the bottom right corner).  That appears to be the current firmware version, is that correct???) Assuming so, is that a pretty good firmware?  Any reason to downgrade?  Looks like my client software is up to date also.  Is that because of automatic update?  

Message Edited by blackntan on 01-22-2010 12:37 PM

Message Edited by blackntan on 01-22-2010 12:37 PM

Message Edited by blackntan on 01-22-2010 12:38 PM

[EasyUser · Accepted solution]

You are good to go.  The problem people posted here were most likely resulted from upgrading MSSII to CA.  I had the same problem after I upgraded my MSSII.  I solved the problem by rebuilding the disk from scratch, which was a complicated task, after that, everything worked as expected.  In your case, yours was a CA, so there should be no issue for you.

[imy3]

Hi,

I am going to get the MCA drive in a few days and I noticed you got it back a few months so wondering how it is going with it. Any suggestions for updates etc to the unit before I put it to use. Also I have Win 7 so can you attach it directly through USB?

My main task with this drive will be:

- Share (music, videos, pictures) with all the computer on the home network.

- Stream video to the PS3

Thanks!

[EasyUser]

You should attach it through network, the usb is for backup purpose.  You should get the latest version of MCA firmware.  It is very easy to upgrade the firmware.  There is a build-in mediaserver that will stream music, video to PS3.

[imy3]

Thanks for the input.

Got the MCA 1TB drive yesterday, seems like old stock as it still has 3.4.90 firmware on it and is made in Thiland, Upgraded the firmware to 3.5.74 manually as aut update did not work. configured the drive and set it up. Used the included CD for the program it has a date of 04/08 so it is old.

Questions

- Setup the included Media server to stream to PS3. Videos are jittry. Only way to play them smoothly is to pause the video for about 15 secs and then play. Media server does not seem to support mts (high definition videos) files. Is there a way to get them to stream to PS3? is there any other way to play videos on PS3 through this drive?

- Does the sleep mode function work? It does not seem to as the drive constantly ON and does not sleep.

- Has anyone tried to use Large files feature to switch to 4k or 8k size

- Drive does get quite warm. The base is cool but the middle and the top portion is quite warm. It seems drive enclsoure designer forgot a very basic principle that heat rises and so put the hole in the bottom instead of the top. I turned the drive on it front face so the base is facing the back. I think this will cool the drive much better. I am planning to put a usb powered fan to blow air into the base hole to cool it.

- Througput is between 6-8MB/sec which is OK

[EasyUser]

Are you connect to PS3 via wireless?  It is know that streaming mp4 via wireless cause stuterring, if that is the case, try wired connection. If mts doesn't work, try to rename it to ts file.

[imy3]

Yes PS3 is over wireless. I wish it came with N rather then the G.

So you know that the MCA media server can play ts files?

Is there a way to access the MCA(not through the media server)  over the wireless network to PS3 since PS3 can easily play mts files.

[EasyUser]

I think I tried a while back, and it worked.  You can confirm with one file.  The problem was not bandwidth, but PS3's way of handling wireless, N won't help either.  There is no other way that PS3 can access MCA other than network :-(.