disable usb hard disk

[MHI]

Hello Forum,

I'm using Arch Linux and trying to disable my connected usb hard drive if it's not used, so that the hdd don't runs (and don't make noise)
I tried to modprobe -r usb_storage, but it terminates with a FATAL: Module usb_storage is builtin error message.
I also don't know if disabling USB also disables the network interface.

Any suggestions.

[redhawk]

You cannot disable the USB port it still provides 5volts whether the PI is awake or in shutdown mode.
The only other option I can think of is cutting the red USB wire and install switch in between (the +5v rail).

Richartd S.

[MHI]

Thanks a lot Richartd!
Doesn't matters - maybe there are harddisks availible with built in powersave, turning off after a while of idle'ing

Cheers and have a nice weekend!

[jojopi]

The command to spin down a hard disk (that is not in use, as root) is "hdparm -y /dev/sda". Not all USB-ATA bridge chipsets are able to pass this message to the drive, however.

[MHI]

This doesn't work. But thanks for the answer!
I'll try to install the gameport api (gpio) and turn on an off the device by a contactor.


Cheers!