Drobo Time Machine Thunderbolt to FW adapter = Drobo doesn't get detected

Hello,
I have a Drobo (early generation with Firewire) attached to my iMac via Thunderbolt to FW adapter. It's the drive that I use for Time Machine.
Unfortunately, every time I turn on my iMac, it doesn't detect the Drobo, though if I then unplug and then plug in the Drobo, it will detect it. Obviously, I don't want to have to do this every time I turn on my iMac.
Any thoughts as to what the issue might be?
Thanks,
John

Hello John C Lin,
It sounds like you have a firewire device is not detected automatically when you log in, but if you disconnect and reconnect the device it will then be detected. I suggest trying these troubleshooting steps from the article named:
USB and FireWire Quick Assist
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1151?viewlocale=en_US
Try a different port and cable
Connect your device to a different USB or FireWire port on your Mac. If you connected your device to a USB or FireWire hub or to a port on another USB or FireWire device that's connected to your Mac (known as daisy chaining), connect your device directly to a port on your computer. Some devices need to draw power from a USB or FireWire port to work; if you connect a device to a non-powered hub (one that isn't plugged in to a power source) or to a low-power port (such as the one on your USB keyboard), it may not work. If you have another known-good cable, try swapping the cable to see if that works. If it does, you should replace the problematic cable.
Check for device conflicts
Disconnect all USB or FireWire devices (including hubs and extension cables) except for your Apple keyboard and mouse. Then, connect the device in question directly to your computer. If your device works now, there may be a conflict between that device and one of your other USB or FireWire devices. If it doesn't work, go to tip 8. If you do have a conflict, you can determine which devices are affected. Connect your other devices to your Mac, one by one, making sure to test that each device works before making another connection. When you find the device that causes the issue, contact the manufacturer for assistance (check both manufacturers' websites for software updates and additional information).
Quit associated applications
If you're using a particular application that uses the device in question (for example, you're using Image Capture with a USB scanner), try quitting the application and then opening it again.
Try another user account or computer
If you have another Mac available, try connecting your device to that other computer to see if it works. If you don't have another computer available, log in to another user account on your Mac (or create a new user account and log in to it), and test the device again. If the device is working now, there may be a software conflict between the device and something in your original user account.
Check System Profiler for hardware Issues
Open System Profiler (from the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, then click More Info) and then click either USB or FireWire. If you don't see your device listed in the pane, the issue could be with the device itself or your computer's USB or FireWire port. To rule out the port, plug the device into another USB or FireWire port on your Mac and then check System Profiler again (press Command-R to refresh the window). Also try resetting the FireWire bus. If you see your device listed in the pane but it doesn't work, you may want to contact the device's manufacturer for assistance.
If the issue is not resolved I would next reset the SMC and the PRAM, then retest the issue:
Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964
And
About NVRAM and PRAM
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
All the very best,
Sterling

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