External Drive VIP211Z

[cookrd1]

DISH says external hard drive for VIP 211Z DVR functionality must have its own power supply and size between 50GB-2TB
Two Questions:
1. Can I use a portable drive that has a Y cable for supplying extra power from an external source?
2. Can I partition a larger drive with a 2 TB partition for the DVR and then use the other partition for other uses? Would Dish be able to be directed to use the 2TB partition for the DVR function?
Thanks
Bob

[MattG]

Hi Bob. By Y cable, are both ends USB? Basically, the USB on the receivers is not designed to power the EHD so that is why an external source is needed.

If you get a drive larger that 2TB (which we do not officially support and is not recommended) the receiver will only format 2TB of it. I am not sure if the rest of the space would be able to be used, but my time here tells me it cannot be

[cookrd1]

Can I attach a portable (unpowered) hard drive to a powered USB hub (to supply power to the drive) and then connect the hub to the VIP211Z?
Bob