PI crashes?

[jarrodr]

Hi guys,

I use my Pi as a Downloader. I have installed Wheezy, Samba, TightVNC, SABnzbd, Sickbeard, Deluged and PyLoad. Recently I installed No-IP, created a startup script to mount my External HDD and configure the SABnzbd directories (Then I noticed the problems started).

Of recent, the PI just stops working. I can't SSH to it, SABnzbd won't connect and shared folders cannot be reached. But I can however ping the PI.

To fix this problem, I disconnect and reconnect the powersource.

What could be the problem/how can I investigate?

[hal8000]

I'd check your power supply. As you are powering an external hard drive, there is always a chance that your power supply may not be able to cope with extra demand.
You do not say you are using an external USB powered hub which makes me think your PSU may be inadequate. The PSU must deliver 700mA for a model B Pi, add another 500mA for a device like an external hard drive or use an external powered USB hub.

[mahjongg]

except that when you try to draw more than 1A through the PI's polyfuse it will trigger, and "blow".

[jarrodr]

I use an portable USB HDD and an RS powersupply (5v, 1200mA).
I have 2 usb cables coming out of the HDD. I have stripped the cable in such a way that power is not taken from the PI, the other USB is connected to my Router where it gets its power (the router has a USB port).

Only thing i added was the custom startup script and no-ip, since then... it worked fine.