DiskUtility won't let me create a RAID1 array as it only sees one disk

[Giuanniello]

Long story short,

2 x 6TB drives off of my NAS since I upgraded it, put them into a LaCie 2Big connected via FW800 to MacMini 2014, of course it won't reckon the disks off the NAS, I formatted them one at a time and all went smooth, APFS, both into the LaCie case when I ask DiskUtil to create a RAID1 array it won't as it only sees one disk, the LaCie RAID utility doesn't work, it never did, it starts but doesn't find the drives, how can I fix this?

Thank you

 

[Bigwaff]

These types of enclosures typically have built in RAID support. Check the user manual. Would not be surprised if there is a hardware switch that will flip between RAID0 and RAID1.

 

[benwiggy]

Yes, if it's anything like my G-RAID, the OS just sees it as one disk, and the RAID is done in hardware on the device. As Bigwaff says, there will either be a switch, or you'll need a software utility to configure the RAID type.

Check that the Lacie app is up to date, or contact Lacie for support.

However.... this device is connected by FireWire? Presumably via an adaptor? Perhaps the newest Lacie app has dropped support for it.

You could test the device by removing each of the drives in turn, and seeing if you can read and write to it; and then what happens when you restore the missing drive.

 

[Giuanniello]

Hello,

well, as you say, the OS sees the RAID1 array as a single unit, same thing for another old WD RAID enclosure I have, the bad news is the fact the LaCie enclosure with the 2 drives to host the photo archive just broke, luckily data is safe and I also have a backup but now I am in the search of a new RAID1 enclosure, maybe not anymore obsolete FireWire one but rather a USB-C to be less of a hassle with new MacMini or Studio to come, any suggestion?

Grazie

 

[benwiggy]

maybe not anymore obsolete FireWire one but rather a USB-C to be less of a hassle with new MacMini or Studio to come,

I'd suggest Thunderbolt rather than USB-C. I have a G-RAID, which not only has pass-through Thunderbolt (e.g. there's an out-going TB port that I can attach another device to, in a chain); but it also has an HDMI port!!

I bought it new and unused on Ebay, at a substantial saving.