Frequent Asked Question (FAQs)
about hot-swappable HDD system for rugged use BWA-UDOCK1
 

	Meaning of LED display (operation with BWA DVRs): • blue: write protection is enabled • green: cartridge is enabled for writing • red (flashing): file format is not recognized • red (steady): USB is not connected

1) What is so special at your "hot swap"?
Even by continuously video recording, it is possible to exchange the data carrier during operation - easy and without data loss. The writing processes will be stopped, opened files closed, the Linux partition unmounted and the data cartridge ejected. This activity will displayed by LED flashing. A new HDD cartridge will be recognized automatically and recording continued.
 

2) What file format is used?
It is matter of close encapsulated 2.5 inch SATA hard drives. Our DiREX-Pro DVRs support FAT32- or Linux EXT3 file systems (recommended, will be formatted via DVR).
 

3) What data carriers are needed?
BWA-UDOCK1 use HDD cartridges from Imation Inc., available in capacity from 160 up to 640 GB (Q4/2009) via Imation partners. It is more recommend to use Odyssey™-Extreme cartridges - at the moment available via BWA only (ref. question #6).

more about Imation Odyssey™-Extreme
more about Imation Odyssey™
 

4) How is it possible to read out the data?
It is possible to playback video data at PC via following external USB 2.0 adaptation:
• BWA-UDOCK1 (support Write Protection switch);
• Imation mobile USB adaptor (w/o Write Protection).

playback software BWA Multi-Vision
 

5) What special properties provides your product in comparing with consumer solution?
BWA-UDOCK1 is enclosed in fan-less aluminum housing with rugged screwed connectors (USB and power input). The docking station use modified loading mechanism with following modifications:
• enhanced, rugged load/unload mechanical hardware;
• extended power supply range from 9 up to 15 V DC;
• adopted firmware for Linux using with DiREX-Pro;
• S.M.A.R.T. support.
 

6) Why you do not use SSDs? We observe very attentively the rapid development of SATA Solid State Drives with Flash memory technology. The Odyssey™-Extreme cartridges from BWA use special automotive grade HDDs.
Advantages in comparison to commonly used SSDs:
• over the years proven and known technology; • unbeatable low prices at high capacity; • extended temperature range (-30 ... +85 °C); • almost unlimited number of write cycles; • relatively simple data recovery; • standardized S.M.A.R.T. failure prediction.	Thanks to the rubber-like encapsulation of the cartridges, they are resistant against drops of up to one meter and the vibration values are approx. 3-5 times better as compared to normal notebook HDDs.

 
7) What is important to know, when using BWA-UDOCK1 with PC?
The Odyssey™ cartridge is not hot-swappable within a Windows environment as the operating system precludes you from accidentally ejecting an "open" cartridge. You can force an eject operation but that requires a specific reply to a Windows prompt (the purpose being that Windows is giving you a chance to cancel your "force eject" command).

It is a Linux environment of DiREX-Pro DVRs, which may allow the "anytime swap" of a cartridge and will then pickup where it left off. The only other thing that could enable this type of capability is within the actual application software - where the software recognizes an eject and then closes the current file and re-opens a new one at the next cartridge enter - ref. question #1.