Noisy Topfield 250gb
 

I've been uming and aaahing about getting a Toppy.

Finally decided to go for the 250gb version as it's currently selling
for £285 on one of the websites. Basically £35 more for another 110gb
was a no brainer.

It's a joy to use. However, one criticism is the noise.
The hard disc seems to be constantly spinning.
It is noticeable even at moderate volumes.

I've tried the HDDinfo TAP but that has no effect on the noise.

Had a look through the holes in the casing. but cant see any logos or
mention of Spinpoint (Samsung) or of Western Digital. Which are the
brands of HDD that are meant to be used in the Toppy. Next stage is to
open it up to find out what it really is.

I can only imagine that the supplier has fitted another brand of HDD.
Which is how they have managed to get to the price point of £284
But its a noisy drive.

Anyone else experienced or have views on this?

ANDY

Noisy Topfield 250gb
 

"Londoncityslicker" wrote

".........It's a joy to use. However, one criticism is the noise.
The hard disc seems to be constantly spinning.
It is noticeable even at moderate volumes.........."

Hi.

Have you tried disabling the "Time Shifting" option in the System Settings
menu?
Doing this will quieten the machine down a bit, although you will, of
course, lose your "rewind live tv" function.

It might just be that you have a faulty unit. Why not post an enquiry on the
forum at www.toppy.org.uk or speak to the importers (Turbosat)?

Good Luck.

Ron.

Noisy Topfield 250gb
 

On 4 Jan 2006 07:05:15 -0800, Londoncityslicker wrote:

I've been uming and aaahing about getting a Toppy.

Finally decided to go for the 250gb version as it's currently selling
for £285 on one of the websites. Basically £35 more for another 110gb
was a no brainer.

It's a joy to use. However, one criticism is the noise.
The hard disc seems to be constantly spinning.
It is noticeable even at moderate volumes.

I've tried the HDDinfo TAP but that has no effect on the noise.

The 160's are definitely almost silent and are spinpoints. If you have timeslip
enabled then it will be writing to the HDD all the time. In a room with no
audio on I have to listen really hard to hear mine and then only if it'sdouble
recording and/or timeslipping.

You will blow your warrantee by taking the lid off. The seals are on thecase
rather than painted screws on the components. I don't recall anyone on
www.toppy.org.uk complaining about noise on 250's - but then I guess there are
not that many out there yet.

I would have a chat with your supplier or the importer Turbosat.

HTH

--

Regards

Dave Saville

NB Remove no-spam- for good email address

Noisy Topfield 250gb
 

Dave Saville wrote:
On 4 Jan 2006 07:05:15 -0800, Londoncityslicker wrote:


I've been uming and aaahing about getting a Toppy.

Finally decided to go for the 250gb version as it's currently selling
for £285 on one of the websites. Basically £35 more for another 110gb
was a no brainer.

It's a joy to use. However, one criticism is the noise.
The hard disc seems to be constantly spinning.
It is noticeable even at moderate volumes.

I've tried the HDDinfo TAP but that has no effect on the noise.


The 160's are definitely almost silent and are spinpoints. If you have timeslip
enabled then it will be writing to the HDD all the time. In a room with no
audio on I have to listen really hard to hear mine and then only if it's double
recording and/or timeslipping.

You will blow your warrantee by taking the lid off. The seals are on the case
rather than painted screws on the components. I don't recall anyone on
www.toppy.org.uk complaining about noise on 250's - but then I guess there are
not that many out there yet.

I would have a chat with your supplier or the importer Turbosat.

HTH

--

Regards

Dave Saville

NB Remove no-spam- for good email address


I have a 2550Mb, bought from Turbosat, so I assume that it has the
'correct' HDD. It does mak a little noise, which is obvious if it is
switched on but the TV isn't. It's no worse than a good PC.

John

Noisy Topfield 250gb
 

I haven't taken the lid off my Toppy yet.
But have noticed that there are no seals on the unit.
I take it that seals are labels put across that break when you open it
up?
Which suggests that my original thoughts may be right and the supplier
has opened the unit to replace the drive.

I'll have a word with them. (www.tracsat.co.uk)
But its definitely noisy as opposed to almost silent.

ANDY

Noisy Topfield 250gb
 

Londoncityslicker wrote:
I haven't taken the lid off my Toppy yet.
But have noticed that there are no seals on the unit.
I take it that seals are labels put across that break when you open it
up?
Which suggests that my original thoughts may be right and the supplier
has opened the unit to replace the drive.

I'll have a word with them. (www.tracsat.co.uk)
But its definitely noisy as opposed to almost silent.

ANDY

This is one of the reasons that I went for a mainstream unit (a Sony)
rather than a Toppy. The importers will try and fix duff units and then
(presumably) re-sell them as new. The fact that the box has no warranty
seals sounds very suspicious to me. Buying from the high street does
afford the opportunity of inspecting what you're buying - properly
sealed box, equipment wrapped correctly etc.

My Sony has a 250GB drive and is almost silent when in operation, even
with the fan running. When it's put into standby, both the HD and fan
stop. The downside is only one tuner though.

It could be that you have a genuine new duff unit (duff in the sense
that the drive is a little noisy) but you do need to talk to your
supplier. You did buy using a credit card, right?


Clem

Noisy Topfield 250gb
 

"Londoncityslicker" wrote in message
ps.com...
I haven't taken the lid off my Toppy yet.
But have noticed that there are no seals on the unit.
I take it that seals are labels put across that break when you open it
up?

Yes, in the case of mine. As it is just a sticky label one might be able to lift
it and then put it back.

I dislike seals of this type. Reminds me of overclocked PC processors, with
labels on them to cover the Intel markings, and saying 'Warrantee invalid if
removed'.

I don't hear my 150 GB disk whirring. I hear a few clicks when it starts, and
maybe if it is working hard, e.g. dual recording.

--

Michael Chare

Noisy Topfield 250gb
 

Michael Chare wrote:
"Londoncityslicker" wrote in message
ps.com...
I haven't taken the lid off my Toppy yet.
But have noticed that there are no seals on the unit.
I take it that seals are labels put across that break when you open it
up?

Yes, in the case of mine. As it is just a sticky label one might be able to lift
it and then put it back.

I dislike seals of this type. Reminds me of overclocked PC processors, with
labels on them to cover the Intel markings, and saying 'Warrantee invalid if
removed'.

I don't hear my 150 GB disk whirring. I hear a few clicks when it starts, and
maybe if it is working hard, e.g. dual recording.

--

Michael Chare



I spoke to Turbosat.
They confirm that the 250gb version is not as quiet as the 160gb
version. A couple of their customers have mentioned it.
However, they never said is was noisy.

As to the swapping of drives. Turbosat say that some Toppys are
delivered as kits to retailers. And they sometimes assemble them
themselves. That why warranty seals are not necessarily in place.

They advised that it was quite unlikely that they would swap it for
another drive but it is possible to do.

Anyway that the best explanation they can offer to the noise problems
i'm experiencing.

I'll probably go back to the company I bought it from and try for a
replacement.