Pg 21 - Expanding 8300HD DVR storage
7/12/06 - I choose the PRO-Z SATA enclosure kit from FirewireDirect.com for my external DVR expansion. It is compact and stylish and has, IMO, a VERY important feature for a drive that will run 24/7/365 - a FAN. The kit includes the enclosure, power supply, two eSATA-to-eSATA cables, two-way “feet” and mounting hardware.
7/12/06 - Opening the case reveals the internal SATA-to-SATA and power cables. The enclosure is designed to hold two 3.5” drives, but I’ll only be using one per case as the 8300HD can only have one attached external drive.
7/12/06 - For this 8300HD I am using a Maxtor Quickview drive with 250GB capacity. Here the drive is attached to the internal cables. Note the 40mm x 10mm fan, power switch, external power connector and two eSATA connectors.
7/12/06 - Here the drive is mounted in position and “extra” cables removed.
7/12/06 - Here is the completed case with the mounting stand. As you can see, both horizontal and vertical positions are possible for maximum flexibility.
7/12/06 - I have chosen the horizontal mounting position. The enclosure height is similar to the 8300HD’s, as it the style. Since installing and living with it - it’s in the master bedroom - I’ve come to the realization that the blue power LED (visible through the perforated metal grille in the lower right of the case) is too darn bright. A small object now sits in front of it. And the fan is too loud. I have purchased an extra case with which to experiment and have found some ultra-quiet 40 x 40 x 10 fans. Not sure about the LED yet; maybe just disconnect it. Still, it would be nice to find a way to dim it, or swap it for a dimmer one.