Forums | MacLife

Jasoco · 2006-10-11 1:59 pm

This is strange, but I didn't realize it originally. But whenever my cell phone is in whatever you would call it "seek mode" or whatever where either I'm getting a call, or it is scanning the signal for new messages or whatnot the metal casing on the LaCie Porsche FireWire HD makes a humming sound. At first I would hear an occasional tinking sound that I thought was Adium or something.

So I ignored it (After trying to turn it off to no avail.) But then yesterday I had my cell on vibrate and when I got a call I not only heard the phone shaking, but the case making a humming sound.

Later last night I was emailing photos to my Flickr account from the phone (Camera phone. Go 640x480 VGA low quality resolution!) and whenever it would send, if I had the phone near the case, it would hum. That was the point I figured out it was the phone doing it. I sent three pictures. Each time if I put the phone within 2 feet it would make the sound.

Now, I guess my question is simple. Is it dangerous to the HD? Should I keep the phone away from it? Or is it benign? Also, what the heck is causing it? I mean it's weird. And fascinating! By golly I must know what causes this!

DJ · 2006-10-11 2:58 pm

Well I don't have answers, however, I can tell you it is pretty common.

I have no cell phone (I know I'm the only one) but my fiance's cell produces weird noises from our bedside clock/radio, and various car stereos. It can happen while receiving a call, but more often happens by my estimation when the cell phone is switching towers. Something in that communication is being intercepted by these various devices and producing an audible low beeping tone. Almost like morse code at times, but not shrill, very dull noise. It happens alot. And weird thing is, these radios don't have to be turned on to eminate this sound. I mean they are getting power from the car battery or from the AC outlet, but even when they aren't currently playing sound and in the off position, they can still get this interference

I have no idea if it could harm your hard drive though. Maybe others here know more about this phenomenon than me.

Dunkin' · 2006-10-11 4:07 pm

Digital devices are usually quite "dirty". EMI wise. And most consumer electronics must accept interferance to be classified by the FCC as consumer electronics.

Jasoco · 2006-10-11 9:25 pm

I always wondered what it meant by interference.

caol · 2006-10-12 5:22 am

The radio signals that the cell phone produces are inducing a current in any near by wires or devices. I would recommend keeping the cell phone as far away from storage devices, and the cables to them, as the cables will allow.

Most USB and FireWire cables are pretty well shielded, but if you're getting noises, be it from the drive or from your speakers, it's time to move the cell phone.

pottymouth · 2006-10-12 6:53 am

Wasn't there an issue recently about interference between phones and ipods, too?

yep. This guy's got a movie.

General_K · 2006-10-12 9:47 am

I've had a cell phone make noises in my computer speakers before, but I've never heard of it affecting a hard drive audibly. confused

I've noticed that GSM phones from Cingular cause the interference issues, but I've never had my CDMA phone from Verizon do it.

Jasoco · 2006-10-12 2:27 pm

Now, is it the HD inside the case making the sound or the case itself? Because it's only this case. None of my other HD's which are in plastic cases. Nor does the mini itself. But my Subwoofer for my crappy POS Venturer 5.1 system does too.

beaverfever · 2006-10-13 7:31 am

Dunkin' wrote:
Digital devices are usually quite "dirty". EMI wise. And most consumer electronics must accept interferance to be classified by the FCC as consumer electronics.

I'm assuming you're talking about this 2.5" portable drive (I believe there was an older, short-lived Lacie/Porsche model, shaped like an ingot).

I have the same one, and there is some funny business about it. When I use it, my (admittedly cheap) CRT develops bands and waves. I have a Lacie d2 drive, and it produces no reaction from the CRT. I use them one at a time, and share the same firewire cable between them, so it is not the cable. The Porsche drive is about 70 cm from the CRT, the d2 about 50 cm.

So, I don't have a solution for you, but rather just shared curiosity about what sort of crazy activity is going on inside my Lacie case.

Jasoco · 2006-10-14 10:13 pm

Mine is the regular normal sized HD. Not a portable. 250GB version. Very nice.
http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?pid=10384

Account axed on request · 2006-10-15 2:04 pm

I think your drive is in love with your phone.

Jasoco · 2006-10-15 2:06 pm

Aww.. young electronic love.

Forums | MacLife

#1 2006-10-11 1:59 pm

My cell phone makes my LaCie Porsche make funny noises..

#2 2006-10-11 2:58 pm

Re: My cell phone makes my LaCie Porsche make funny noises..

#3 2006-10-11 4:07 pm

Re: My cell phone makes my LaCie Porsche make funny noises..

#4 2006-10-11 9:25 pm

Re: My cell phone makes my LaCie Porsche make funny noises..

#5 2006-10-12 5:22 am

Re: My cell phone makes my LaCie Porsche make funny noises..

#6 2006-10-12 6:53 am

Re: My cell phone makes my LaCie Porsche make funny noises..

#7 2006-10-12 9:47 am

Re: My cell phone makes my LaCie Porsche make funny noises..

#8 2006-10-12 2:27 pm

Re: My cell phone makes my LaCie Porsche make funny noises..

#9 2006-10-13 7:31 am

Re: My cell phone makes my LaCie Porsche make funny noises..

Dunkin' wrote:

#10 2006-10-14 10:13 pm

Re: My cell phone makes my LaCie Porsche make funny noises..

#11 2006-10-15 2:04 pm

Re: My cell phone makes my LaCie Porsche make funny noises..

#12 2006-10-15 2:06 pm

Re: My cell phone makes my LaCie Porsche make funny noises..

Board footer