Integrating a Hard Disk Drive with Arduino for Data Logging Project

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi everyone,

I'm working on a project where I want to use an Arduino to log data onto a Hard Disk Drive. I have a 300GB 10K RPM 2.5-Inch SATA 3GBPS HDD that I'd like to integrate with my Arduino setup. Has anyone attempted a similar project or have any pointers on how to get started?

Specifically, I'm looking for guidance on:

The necessary hardware and connections to interface the HDD with the Arduino.

Code examples or libraries that can facilitate data writing and retrieval from the HDD.

Power considerations for running the HDD directly from the Arduino or through an external power source.

Any potential issues or limitations I should be aware of when working with an HDD of this capacity and speed.

Your insights and experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

2

The data rate is way to high for any Arduino. If you actually wanted to use it you would need to design and build a custom controller board.

3

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4

why not use an SD card
what volume/speed of data are you acquiring that requires a HDD?

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5

Even an SSD would be a better choice in a well designed project.

6

I would recommend a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 and a USB-3-to-SATA adapter. A Raspberry Pi 5V, 3A PSU should provide enough power for the Pi and the HDD I think, although I have not tried this.

You can connect the Arduino to the Pi using UART, SPI or I2C interfaces using the Pi's GPIO header pins, but be aware that if the Arduino is a 5V model, you will need to use logic level shifters to avoid damaging the Pi. If the Arduino is 3.3V model, this won't be a problem. Another option would be to connect the Arduino to the Pi with USB, which may be the best and simplest way.

However, it may be possible and easier to connect your sensor direct to the Pi. In this case the Arduino will not be needed.

EDIT: if Pi 4/5 seems a bit pricey and overkill, you are right. The only reason I recommended those models is because they have USB 3.0. Not because you need the speed of USB 3.0, you don't. It's power for the HDD. A USB 2.0 socket won't be able to provide enough power, I'm pretty sure, for an HDD, even a 2.5" one.

Lower/cheaper models of Pi should be suitable if you can get the HDD enough power. USB 2.0 to SATA adapters with an additional input for extra power might be an option. Most of these lower models of Pi have Micro-USB power inputs, which will make them the bottleneck in terms of power. But they can also be powered by the 5V & ground GPIO pins. If you have an external 5V PSU and can split the power from that to power the Pi and the USB 2.0 to SATA adapter, that could work.

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7

How much data do you need to store, and at what rate?

8

Is the use of an actual HDD a requirement of your project?

As others have asked, how much data do you actually need to store, and approximately how quickly is the data produced?

Perhaps give us more detail on what it is you are measuring for your data logging project.