DiskSense Units

Two hardware options to meet your needs

The Atola Insight system is offered with 2 options for the DiskSense, which is the physical unit that mounts the hard drive and connects to the operator's computer running Atola Insight. The DiskSense USB unit has a lower investment price and transfers data at speeds up to 40 MB/sec (UDMA speed) using a Source HDD port (both SATA and IDE interfaces). The DiskSense Ethernet unit offers a faster 180 MB/sec interface with 2 ports to allow for high speed direct disk-to-disk duplication. Both DiskSense units come equipped with a well-rounded set of features to regulate and optimize the data recovery process.

DiskSense Ethernet

The DiskSense Ethernet is without doubt the highest quality hardware unit on the data recovery market. It utilizes the fastest and most efficient interface connections available (ATA/IDE and SATA I/II for HDD to HDD data transfer and Gigabit Ethernet for HDD to host), and is built-to-last using the highest quality components available. It includes a built-in oscilloscope for current monitoring (primarily used in diagnostic functions), and HDD power control buttons (used for manual power override).

For more details about DiskSense Ethenret, please refer to Diskense Ethernet In-depth Overview.

Click photos for full size image:

      

DiskSense USB

The DiskSense USB is a high-end hardware device that boosts the Atola Insight's data recovery capability. It supports ATA/IDE and SATA I/II hard drives and connects to the computer using a USB interface. Like the DiskSense Ethernet, it includes a built-in oscilloscope for current monitoring (primarily used in diagnostic functions), and HDD power control buttons (used for manual power override).

Click photos for full size image:

      

Key differences between DiskSense units

The following features are the key differences between the DiskSense USB and Ethernet units.

Ethernet	USB
2 source (IDE, SATA) ports + 1 target HDD (SATA) port Direct HDD to HDD duplication Gigabit Ethernet connection to host computer 85 MB/sec transfer speed to host computer 180 MB/sec transfer speed for HDD-to-HDD duplication Accessible by network	2 source (IDE, SATA) Ports, no Target ports – host operation only Copies HDD to HDD through host PC via USB USB connection to host computer 40 MB/sec transfer speed to host computer 40 MB/sec transfer speed for HDD-HDD duplication Not accessible by network

Features offered with both DiskSense units

The following features are offered with both the DiskSense USB and Ethernet units.

Power control & short circuit protection

Both units take full control over the hard drive's power. They are equipped with a protected power source for all attached hard drives that is able to withstand any overload condition, including a short circuit. They also include buttons for forcing a HDD power cycle and cutting power to the HDD.

Write protection switch

Both units are equipped with a physical write protection switch. This option allows the user to quickly and easily protect data stored on attached media from being overwritten when turned on. It can be turned off to enable necessary writing to attached media. The switch on the DiskSense Ethernet unit only applies to media connected to the Source HDD port.

Buzzer and LED indicators

Both units are equipped with an on-board buzzer to signify the end of an operation or early termination due to error. LED indicators display the status of the HDD power, IDE/SATA activity (BUSY/DATA), and serial port activity.

Hard drive interface connections

Both units support 3.5" and 2.5" ATA and SATA I/II hard drives. Other ATA and SATA hard drives and media devices are supported with additional adapters. Please contact an Atola representative for details.

Real time current monitor

Both units monitor 5V and 12V currents separately. The data received from the monitor not only serves as protection against short-circuits, but also is used for hard drive diagnostics (example: detect motor damage or damaged circuits). The Atola Insight software program includes a current monitor (oscilloscope) that allows the operator to keep track of hard drive power consumption levels.

Serial port

Both units come standard with an on-board RS232 port. This port is required for accessing the firmware area of certain hard drive models for both manual and automatic firmware recovery modes. The serial ports may also be used for certain diagnostic functions.