Atola Insight

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. The DiskSense USB unit has a lower investment price and transfers data at speeds up to 38 MB/sec (UDMA speed) using 1 Source HDD port (SATA/IDE). The DiskSense Ethernet unit uses a faster 100 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.

Click here for a matrix comparing the two DiskSense units

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).

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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).

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Key differences between DiskSense units

The following features are the key differences between the DiskSense USB and Ethernet units. Please see the comparison matrix for further details.

Ethernet	USB
2 HDD Ports Direct HDD to HDD duplication Gigabit Ethernet connection to host computer 85 MB/sec transfer speed to host computer 110 MB/sec transfer speed for HDD-HDD duplication Accessible by network	1 HDD Port Copies HDD to HDD through host PC via USB USB connection to host computer 38 MB/sec transfer speed to host computer 38 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.

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.

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.

Power control

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.

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.

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.

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.