SATA add activity LEDs

TidySean said:

Turns out, it's done through the power lead. Found this:

"The pin is also pulled low by the drive to indicate drive activity. This may be used to give feedback to the user through an led."

SATA (Serial ATA) Technical Guide | Delkin Devices

That seems much safer to me than getting into data lines. Thanks again for your inputs all.

You can find LEDs with just about any "forward voltage". Mouser Electronics


Sorry... here's the UK link: Mouser Electronics

Pin 11 can function if needed or can be left open. It is an open-collector signal, which may be pulled down by the connector or the drive. If pulled down at the connector (as it is on most cable-style SATA power connectors), the drive spins up as soon as power is applied. If left floating, the drive waits until it is spoken to. This prevents many drives from spinning up simultaneously, which might draw too much power. The pin is also pulled low by the drive to indicate drive activity. This may be used to give feedback to the user through an led.

Looks like pin 11, might do the job for you.