Tranquil have been in touch this morning to let us know about a critical update they have released that effects all SQA-5H owners.
This is what Tranquil said to us:
After exhaustive testing it was concluded that the issue of occasional dropping HDDs could be replicated in the labs. The test platforms were varied Home Servers with varied models of HDDs
The scenario for failure can be re-created if very large files are copied directly from one SIL/SATA HDD to another SIL/HDD – and usually only if 3x – 5x such copies are being carried out simultaneously. The issue can take time to appear.
The ‘real world’ possibilities are low, as WHS would normally not be controlled via direct desktop interface (ie access to the FS sub-system, and rarely would it be subjected to simultaneous multiple file copies across 3-4 disks.)
However, the issue has been re-created, and is repeatable.
With the help of Silicon Image we have also resolved the issue.
A firmware upgrade of the SIL controller BIOS resolves the issue.
Please see attached instructions / tools to re-flash the SQA-5H SIL Controller BIOS. Once downloaded the process of created a key and re-flashing takes a few moments (from power up to power down the re-flash takes 40-45 seconds)
We will of course be contacting all SQA-5H clients directly today, so that they can upgrade BIOS and reduce the possibility of HDD disconnections.
Here is the link to the firmware upgrade.
This information is included with the fix:
Date : 27 August 2010
Product affected : SQA-5H Series 1 SQA-5H Series 2
Issue : Potential HDD loss of connection due to time out
Cause : SIL / SATA controller (HDD3-5)
Solution : Upgrade SIL / SATA controller firmware
Required : USB key > 2MB (firmware / tools)
