On 20/05/2016 22:08, Phillip Remaker wrote:
When most flash sticks get errored out enough, they permanently fail into a read only mode, or become fully unreadable. Read-only mode can be reset on some models, but it is not recommended by the vendor. At least one of the failed SANdisk units I had was stuck in a read-only mode.
Also, probes may be subjected to ungraceful power down situations, depending on where they are stationed. That can also be a flash drive killer.
I don't think we are hitting the write limits of the sticks. I suspect the units are often in underpowered or ungraceful pwoer-down situations, or the USB flash itself is not responding gracefully to poweroff situations.
I don't suppose RIPE buys enough USB sticks to get to talk to engineers at SanDISK?
Sandisk R&D is located in Israel: http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-sandisk-acquisition-affects-650-israeli-e... I could probably arrange a meeting with the technical staff there provided there is a clear document detailing the issue. Maybe RIPE ATLAS technical staff would like to come to a meeting? Regards, Hank