macOS Big Sur - external hard drive disconnects frequently

My Channels DVR software is installed on an older MacBook Pro running Big Sur (11.7.2 as of right now...I think there's an update available). I'm using it with an older 2TB external WD 2.5" "My Passport" hard drive formatted as ExFAT. I can try to track down the specific make/model, if anyone thinks that's important.

I thought I had all of the battery/power-save options set as needed, but I'm seeing the HD get "disconnected" frequently even though it's physically connected and lights are on. Power settings as follows:

  • Checked: Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off
  • Unchecked: Put hard disks to sleep when possible
  • Checked: Wake for network access
  • Unchecked: Enable Power Nap while plugged into a power adapter

Some Googling turned up a website recommending that I run the following from a Terminal window to extend the disk sleep time (I would have thought the 2nd setting above would accomplish that), but I haven't tried it yet:

> sudo pmset -g
> sudo pmset -a disksleep 1410065408

Does that make sense to try? Any other suggestions?

Edit: I should have mentioned that I keep the lid closed on my MacBook, FWIW.

There are lots of threads out there with people having similar or worse issues with these drives.
I’d strongly recommend moving to an external drive with its own power source rather than relying on usb for power. The “my passport” & similar drives aren’t really designed to be powered on 24x7

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