A timing generator and methods thereof are provided. In some embodiments, in response to receiving a request to store data, the storage server estimates the amount of storage space required to store the data on disk. The gearbox is associated with an actuator device and a control device for controlling the actuator device, the arrangement of which enables the gears associated with the first and second gearbox input shafts to be engaged and disengaged. A range for at least one parameter may be established and the parameter varied within the range.