Develop Bugs

Trying to decide...

Hi all - sorry about the guest post, i'm not yet registered but having problems with my email so i'll register properly asap!
Been trying to decide what Blue Angel device to get, so far it's down to the MDA3 or M2k as i really object to o2's obnoxious customer service attitude. however before i get one, can someone answer me some questions?
1) The WiFi - i have a wifi network at home, can the phone browse files and folders on these machines as easily as "network places" on the PC desktop? EG if i have media player running on the phone, can i stream mp3s over the wifi by going into my pc's hdd and choosing the files i want? Then i can hook my phone into the hifi system downstairs and play mp3s through that.
2) What's the battery life like for, say, 1-2 hours talking a day plus a fair bit of fiddling - non-radio stuff like playing games and 'tweaking'.
3) Does the MMC slot support SDIO for a plug-in GPS reciever, or do i need to look at a Bluetooth or wired one (like the TomTom)
4) Is it a walled garden system or can i install any software and go to any websites?
5) Will it charge through the USB Connector or does the ac adaptor need to be plugged into it too? My original SPV wouldn't but my gf's E500 will charge from USB alone.
Thanks a lot....

1) It doesn't support this out of the box, but I believe there is software available. Not really my "thing" though.
2) I get a couple of days from normal useage. For example, it came off the charger at 5pm on Friday and went back on again at 8am this (Monday) morning with about 15% left. A few phone calls, checking e-mail and bit of surfing over wi-fi, bluetooth on most of the time both for headset and testing out my new TomTom GPS, lots of PIM useage.
3) It does support SDIO, but I don't know of an SDIO GPS receiver and, even if there were, it would take up your only memory slot so the maps would have to go into internal memory. I've opted for the TomTom bluetooth and it seems to work fine.
4) Totally open.
5) It trickle charges through the USB. I leave mine in the cradle at work and it takes about 4-5 hours for a full charge.

Anonymous said:
Hi all - sorry about the guest post, i'm not yet registered but having problems with my email so i'll register properly asap!
Been trying to decide what Blue Angel device to get, so far it's down to the MDA3 or M2k as i really object to o2's obnoxious customer service attitude. however before i get one, can someone answer me some questions?
1) The WiFi - i have a wifi network at home, can the phone browse files and folders on these machines as easily as "network places" on the PC desktop? EG if i have media player running on the phone, can i stream mp3s over the wifi by going into my pc's hdd and choosing the files i want? Then i can hook my phone into the hifi system downstairs and play mp3s through that.
2) What's the battery life like for, say, 1-2 hours talking a day plus a fair bit of fiddling - non-radio stuff like playing games and 'tweaking'.
3) Does the MMC slot support SDIO for a plug-in GPS reciever, or do i need to look at a Bluetooth or wired one (like the TomTom)
4) Is it a walled garden system or can i install any software and go to any websites?
5) Will it charge through the USB Connector or does the ac adaptor need to be plugged into it too? My original SPV wouldn't but my gf's E500 will charge from USB alone.
Thanks a lot....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
1) Browsing files on another device is something I haven't done but I'm sure there are ways of doing it. Not sure if the Windows Media Player (V9) can cope with that kind of file streaming. As the headphone socket is not a standard one you probably wont be able to hook it up to the hi-fi straight out of the box. Check the forums for posts on this.
2) Battery life is good on these. The WiFi is the battery eater. I do a fair few phone calls, some tweaking and WiFi and from 8am to 11pm I'm on about 70-60% battery life!
3) As far as I know, the card slot on top is SD only (i will soon be corrected if I'm wrong) but I do know that it is SDIO so cards with extra features should be compatible.
4) You CAN'T install any software you like. You can only install PocketPC applications. There may be some differences between version of PocketPC (eg, 2002 - 2003) but most of them work ok. With regards to the website, about 80% of the ones I go to are ok. The ones that need Java or Macromedia can be a problem.
5) The BlueAngel's can all charge from the USB Cradle alone. I keep my AC Adapter at me Fiancee's for when I stay over there :wink:
Hope this helps!
Dom

Thanks for the replies guys... just to clarify, i didn't mean ANY software, i meant pocket PC stuff - i'm used to my original SPV that would only allow Orange-approved software for quite a while until they allowed you to unlock the software side of it via the website, and again my Symbian A920 on Three did the same thing before i hacked some binaries!
I had a play with my friends M2k, we got it to read a mp3 from a wireless PC but you had to specify it in media player, although we could browse the folders on the PC by entering the location (eg \\HOMEPC\SharedFolder) in File Manager on the M2k, there seemed to be no way of opening the MP3 directly.... however going to media player and using the Play Location (URL) and entering \\HOMEPC\SharedFolder\Track1.mp3 worked fine, the music played on the handset. However it's a bit of a ballache to enter every track name! I assume this may be fixed in Media Player 10....
Thanks for the help on the other stuff... you completely disagreed with several phone shops on the charging this, but you were entirely right!

Bluetooth enabled IDE peripherals... possible?

Hi guys! I don't know if this thing belongs here, but since I'm an owner of a Blue Angel device, I'll put it here anyway. Is it possible to create a simple device which has the following components:
- An IDE adaptor (don't know if this is the right term, but what I mean is a cable which can be connected to standard HDDs', CDROMs', etc.)
- A power input to provide external power to the HDD or CDROM connected to it.
- A bluetooth radio allowing a device (PDA, cellphone, laptop) which is bluetooth enabled (like my Blue Angel) to connect to it via bluetooth. I think the directory bowsing profile, or network profile should be supported.
The purpose of such a device is to allow my Blue Angel to read CDs' and copy data from hard drives. I know it would mean carrying an extra device, but considering the advantages it would give me (reading CD's and HDD's without the need for a PC) I would surely consider adding it to my gadget bag.
Does such a device exist? If not, is it possible to make something like this?

Sorry, but it can't be done. The Blue Angel's USB port is only a USB Slave port, meaning it only works if plugged into a computer.

I dont think a bluetooth drive adapter exists, but maybe something wireless could be used??
e.g.
http://uk.asus.com/products/communication/wireless/wl-hdd25/overview.htm
Alan

I would also suggest WIFI. Bluetooth is way too slow

Toshiba used to sell a Bluetooth hard drive called the "HopBit". I don't think it was ever sold in the US but Dynamism imported it for a while. It seems to be discontinued though.

Working External Hard Drive for Universal

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=280062 Covers it in better detail, but here is the basic idea (fully working on my Exec for a few months now)
WL-HDD with Oleg firmware. Easy to flash, google it.
PSP Emergency Battery (the one i recommend is good, but any battery with an output current greater then 1000mA seems to work)
Resco file explorer
Connect to the hard drive over Wi-fi (looks just like any other AP)
Map the network drive in Resco (tap-hold the network icon in the explorer)
...Thats it. Appears like a storage card, and files you access are streamed to the device unless you choose to copy them.
Works amazingly, just put the hard drive in a bag or in your car, and access at your leisure.

How does it work with music and/or movie files? This really interesting!
Have you used it w/ TCPMP or other movie players? Can you run executables/programs stored on it for your PDA?

i was looking for something like this but cannot find a version that will translate the us dollar amounts.

Meassure of hd
Pyrojester said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=280062 Covers it in better detail, but here is the basic idea (fully working on my Exec for a few months now)
WL-HDD with Oleg firmware. Easy to flash, google it.
PSP Emergency Battery (the one i recommend is good, but any battery with an output current greater then 1000mA seems to work)
Resco file explorer
Connect to the hard drive over Wi-fi (looks just like any other AP)
Map the network drive in Resco (tap-hold the network icon in the explorer)
...Thats it. Appears like a storage card, and files you access are streamed to the device unless you choose to copy them.
Works amazingly, just put the hard drive in a bag or in your car, and access at your leisure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YESSS !!!!! I saw your experience in other post... And finally I bought one. Could you recomend me where to buy a cheap notebook hd in europe?... I am looking for 120 GB or 100 GB... it's ok for you this GB?
Thanks a lot.

The only adequate solution available (AFAIK)
Wi-Fi drives are good but bulky a little bit (and also battery-consuming), however sometime ago I saw some USB hard drive Transcend StoreJet 1.8" OTG USB designed especially for PDAs, MP3 players etc. As far as I recall it had its own battery (up to 4.5 hours operation), so it should work with Universal as well.

leman said:
Wi-Fi drives are good but bulky a little bit (and also battery-consuming), however sometime ago I saw some USB hard drive Transcend StoreJet 1.8" OTG USB designed especially for PDAs, MP3 players etc. As far as I recall it had its own battery (up to 4.5 hours operation), so it should work with Universal as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but my solution costs £50-£100, depending on where you get it. The drive is big, but as long as you have a bag its fine, just chuck it in the bottom.

hashbrown said:
How does it work with music and/or movie files? This really interesting!
Have you used it w/ TCPMP or other movie players? Can you run executables/programs stored on it for your PDA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This automatically streams media files when opened off the drive. Not sure about .exe, but i see no reason why not. I know it can open ROMs off it using pocket snes.

RE
Quote
"Wi-Fi drives are good but bulky a little bit (and also battery-consuming), however sometime ago I saw some USB hard drive Transcend StoreJet 1.8" OTG USB designed especially for PDAs, MP3 players etc. "
According to the link below the device does support PDA, however, the Universal's USB port is meant for charging only and not meant for data transfer unless there's a driver written for it
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_7157.html

But don´t work ti me (at the moment)
Hi,
I finally bougth the WL-HDD and a Thosiba Hd 120 GB.... I put the 1.9.2.7-7e Oleg firmeware...
But
1. I don´t know how to access the Wl-hdd, At the moment I can access to the configuration... and conect to it with the universal.
2. Do I have to format the Hard Drive previously?
2. In this case how to format it?
3. I know how wiew in Resco explorer my pc folders... buw I can´t see the Asus...
Do you can give me any recomendation? Perhaps, some links of the asus forum that you follow?
Thanks a lot
Pyrojester said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=280062 Covers it in better detail, but here is the basic idea (fully working on my Exec for a few months now)
WL-HDD with Oleg firmware. Easy to flash, google it.
PSP Emergency Battery (the one i recommend is good, but any battery with an output current greater then 1000mA seems to work)
Resco file explorer
Connect to the hard drive over Wi-fi (looks just like any other AP)
Map the network drive in Resco (tap-hold the network icon in the explorer)
...Thats it. Appears like a storage card, and files you access are streamed to the device unless you choose to copy them.
Works amazingly, just put the hard drive in a bag or in your car, and access at your leisure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

FOSA said:
Quote
"Wi-Fi drives are good but bulky a little bit (and also battery-consuming), however sometime ago I saw some USB hard drive Transcend StoreJet 1.8" OTG USB designed especially for PDAs, MP3 players etc. "
According to the link below the device does support PDA, however, the Universal's USB port is meant for charging only and not meant for data transfer unless there's a driver written for it
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_7157.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually my friend after reading the above link you posted you can store files on the hdd that you posted a link for.It has 2 seperate modes.1. strictly for devices that has a usb for charging .b/ also receives and sends applications,music,etc. from the usb.(i also called the company and ordered one!Thanks for the link m8!)they state if it doesnt work then its rare.some pdas only have a usb to charge/transfer files to a from ,same as a JJ.I do plan on retiring my JJ here soon for the M.A.G.I.C.
which has an internal 8gb HDD
regards

RE
Quote
"actually my friend after reading the above link you posted you can store files on the hdd that you posted a link for.It has 2 seperate modes.1. strictly for devices that has a usb for charging .b/ also receives and sends applications,music,etc. from the usb.(i also called the company and ordered one!Thanks for the link m8!)they state if it doesnt work then its rare.some pdas only have a usb to charge/transfer files to a from ,same as a JJ.I do plan on retiring my JJ here soon for the M.A.G.I.C.
which has an internal 8gb HDD"
Yes, the Transcend StoreJet OTG hard disk drive do have 2 modes.
One is for data transfer - In this mode it acts just like any external hard disk connecting to PC and laptops ("Peripheral" mode)
As quoted
“Standalone” mode allows the StoreJet OTG to function as a host into which a huge range of USB devices can be directly connected for information exchange, backup, management and storage.
But this does not mean you can connect directly to the Pocket PC/PDA and perfrom data transfer. For using the USB port of your PDA/Pocket PC for data transfer that USB post has to eb a host whichi you only can find in a few PDAs like the ACER and LOOX. Alternatively, you can buy a CF USB host card to perform the same function.
In fact if you'll to buy any external OTG USB 2.0 hard disk you'll find that they comes with these 2 modes of transfer. FYI, I do own OTG hard disk.
Instead of using the thread starter's WL-HDD Wi-Fi hard disk you can also use Wi-Drive (below) which I'm using
http://www.edslab.com/products.htm
Advantages are that it comes with a built-in battery or you can connect it using an external hi-cap battery pack without using an AC charger. Another thing is that this Wi-Fi hard disk connects DIRECT to your PDA/Pocket PC WITHOUT the need of going through a wireless network

FOSA said:
Quote
"actually my friend after reading the above link you posted you can store files on the hdd that you posted a link for.It has 2 seperate modes.1. strictly for devices that has a usb for charging .b/ also receives and sends applications,music,etc. from the usb.(i also called the company and ordered one!Thanks for the link m8!)they state if it doesnt work then its rare.some pdas only have a usb to charge/transfer files to a from ,same as a JJ.I do plan on retiring my JJ here soon for the M.A.G.I.C.
which has an internal 8gb HDD"
Yes, the Transcend StoreJet OTG hard disk drive do have 2 modes.
One is for data transfer - In this mode it acts just like any external hard disk connecting to PC and laptops ("Peripheral" mode)
As quoted
“Standalone” mode allows the StoreJet OTG to function as a host into which a huge range of USB devices can be directly connected for information exchange, backup, management and storage.
But this does not mean you can connect directly to the Pocket PC/PDA and perfrom data transfer. For using the USB port of your PDA/Pocket PC for data transfer that USB post has to eb a host whichi you only can find in a few PDAs like the ACER and LOOX. Alternatively, you can buy a CF USB host card to perform the same function.
In fact if you'll to buy any external OTG USB 2.0 hard disk you'll find that they comes with these 2 modes of transfer. FYI, I do own OTG hard disk.
Instead of using the thread starter's WL-HDD Wi-Fi hard disk you can also use Wi-Drive (below) which I'm using
http://www.edslab.com/products.htm
Advantages are that it comes with a built-in battery or you can connect it using an external hi-cap battery pack without using an AC charger. Another thing is that this Wi-Fi hard disk connects DIRECT to your PDA/Pocket PC WITHOUT the need of going through a wireless network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to the link you provided and the tab say "Untitled Document"meaning that someone built a site with only one page and you cannot navigate through the site.Although i did do a google search and found the WIDrive but only in overseas markets not here in the United States,Thus expanding my research.I went to Froogle and found several companies that sell them for as low as $95.00.I called the company that i ordered my storejet from and provided the information and they did give me a full refund which i am going to use to purchase the drive that you posted.that is what i really need.Something that i can connect to by wifi and not have to use my home network in order to connect to the drive itself and also freeing up the need to have a ton of cables and cords scattered here and there.So thanks again

Also where did you purchase?i tried several sites and sent out emails but did not find something or someone that gave me suffice information about the wi-drive.Also ,can you use the wifi on your phone to connect to the drive without the need for a network service?Like if you or on the interstate and want to connect to the drive without cables?It does not state on the site or with anyone i spoke to.I am in the united states and would like to know where to get one from .as a soon as you get a chance to reply.
Regards

Re
I've no problem accessing Wi-Drive site. BTW, Pocket IE don't work well with this drive if you're using with your PDA. You need OPERA to work.
Some pointers include you'll need to purchase your external battery pack if you need to use it outdoor for longer than the specified time. The drive's AC adapter output voltage is 5V and the current is 2A. 2A is a lot of current for fast charging from any battery pack.
What I learnt from their engneer sometimes back is that they're looking into a 60GB version and an external battery pack too.
The contact details for Wi-Drive are as follows
Our Address
20, Ayer Rajah Crescent, #08-26,Singapore 139964
Tel : +65 6873-9918
Fax : +65 6873-9893
For Sales Enquiries :
Email : [email protected]
For Technical Support :
Email : [email protected]
For General/Comment/Feedback :
Email : [email protected]

FOSA said:
I've no problem accessing Wi-Drive site. BTW, Pocket IE don't work well with this drive if you're using with your PDA. You need OPERA to work.
Some pointers include you'll need to purchase your external battery pack if you need to use it outdoor for longer than the specified time. The drive's AC adapter output voltage is 5V and the current is 2A. 2A is a lot of current for fast charging from any battery pack.
What I learnt from their engneer sometimes back is that they're looking into a 60GB version and an external battery pack too.
The contact details for Wi-Drive are as follows
Our Address
20, Ayer Rajah Crescent, #08-26,Singapore 139964
Tel : +65 6873-9918
Fax : +65 6873-9893
For Sales Enquiries :
Email : [email protected]
For Technical Support :
Email : [email protected]
For General/Comment/Feedback :
Email : [email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that is the same email address that i found.I emailed them with no reply.I will try again.Im not looking for a a huge storage drive.20 gb will be suffice for me.Could you supply anymore information?
Regards

FOSA said:
I've no problem accessing Wi-Drive site. BTW, Pocket IE don't work well with this drive if you're using with your PDA. You need OPERA to work.
Some pointers include you'll need to purchase your external battery pack if you need to use it outdoor for longer than the specified time. The drive's AC adapter output voltage is 5V and the current is 2A. 2A is a lot of current for fast charging from any battery pack.
What I learnt from their engneer sometimes back is that they're looking into a 60GB version and an external battery pack too.
The contact details for Wi-Drive are as follows
Our Address
20, Ayer Rajah Crescent, #08-26,Singapore 139964
Tel : +65 6873-9918
Fax : +65 6873-9893
For Sales Enquiries :
Email : [email protected]
For Technical Support :
Email : [email protected]
For General/Comment/Feedback :
Email : [email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that is the same email address that i found.I emailed them with no reply.I will try again.Im not looking for a a huge storage drive.20 gb will be suffice for me.Could you supply anymore information?
I have Opera 8.60 for my JASJAR.
Regards

RE
Quote
"Well that is the same email address that i found.I emailed them with no reply.I will try again"
I think there's a timezone difference. Singapore is on the east while USA is on the west.
Try ond day later. Have you try faxing? Lastly, make a long distance call
Just remember that Singapore is 12hrs ahead of USA (I think so)

thanks.How much was yourwi-drive total?

RE
Quote
"thanks.How much was your wi-drive total?"
About US$191.8

Still no reply from them.I even called numerous times with no answer.

3G's USB port seems to work with everything

Hi,
In january/february, i bought a USB keyboard with an USB adaptater to use it with my tablet.
I tried to plug it in the 3G's usb port, it did'nt worked, and because last week I broken it, and I updated my tab to ICS, I tried to plug my keyboard in the 3G port, and it worked !
Maybe it's because of ICS ?
Also, my keyboard has also an usb hub, it works too !

Mine seemed to work from the the start with Rom version: 3.2.69 and that's on 2 different G9 101, however others result have varied and it seems a bit hit and miss to say exactly what's going on.
I know there are 2 different versions of the 10" G9 - A101S and A101H , I've not dug too deep into it and I'm not 100% and what the differences are.
I think ICS generally improved the Usb Host support/integration which is always welcome.
Now I just need a large bag to transfer all these extra devices for my "portable tablet".

Mine won't see USB drives/camera cards formatted to FAT32. No big deal.
Actually, it did connect with my phone and its 16GB microSD card, so I'm happily mistaken.

From the ICS "firmware" update change log:
Archos 80/101 G9
Firmware changes
Version 4.0.4 - March 8th, 2012
Initial Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3 firmware release
MediaCenter Video: support for MKV3D on TV with automatic switch to best 3D mode
MediaCenter Video: allow to disable system notifications in video player
MediaCenter Video: collection of VOB files from DVD are now gathered into a single movie item
MediaCenter Music: integrate Music control panel in Lock Screen
MediaCenter info dialog: allow to edit the name used for performing the Movie and TVShow online search
File Manager: display a notification when file copy continues in background
File Manager: improved drag and drop support
File Manager: new option to prevent indexing of some storage/sdcard folders by multimedia library
Applications: more robust video conferencing support (Google talk, Skype etc.)
USB file transfer: a samba server is now activated on the tablet when using USB network tethering for easier file transfer on non Windows based hosts [Samba for "non Windows"??? Something bass-ackwards about that ...]
Archos widgets: new USB network tether widget [Anyone know if this means it will tether off a phone this way ala older Archos models like the 5 or 43 , or is this meant to "share" its internet connection (however it would obtain it, even if not "3G-enabled" - which seems useless)]
External Keyboard: french layout has been expanded to handle AtlGr keys for special symbols
Accessories: Xbox gamepad support
Maybe I shoulda hung on to the new 80 I bought a week ago, and returned after trying it out for a few days. The inability to get the back/3G USB port and MTP tools to work was a big factor in my return decision (along with no network tether option as the 5 and 43 had, and the reality check on the initial Staples web page claiming 1GB RAM - hope springs eternal...)
FWIW,
R

@rokkywoof I think that it's for the micro usb port, because this oen is meant to be an OTG micro usb port, and the original usb port is just for the 3G, but maybe they failed and applied the stuff to the 3G's port?
@Telyx/trevd wow that's strange !
I saw that the A80S (A101S) are the archos with flash memory (8 or 16gb), and the A80H/A101H are the archos with the Hard drive (H for Hard drive )

Telyx said:
Mine won't see USB drives/camera cards formatted to FAT32. No big deal.
Actually, it did connect with my phone and its 16GB microSD card, so I'm happily mistaken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this true? This is the main reason why I was planning on getting this tablet this week because it is (or so I thought) that would have been able to transfer raw files from my CF cards to the internal hd, and backed up on an external HD. I shoot about 300gig a week while on the road.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

It works fine... just have to turn on the "3G Stick" port, then wait a moment before plugging the camera, phone, thumb drive, card reader, etc. in. One camera connects like a thumb drive (mount the "drive" manually and open the folder in the file explorer), the other launches the Gallery app to allow me to import pictures.

Telyx said:
It works fine... just have to turn on the "3G Stick" port, then wait a moment before plugging the camera, phone, thumb drive, card reader, etc. in. One camera connects like a thumb drive (mount the "drive" manually and open the folder in the file explorer), the other launches the Gallery app to allow me to import pictures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you thats what I needed to do turn on 3G in settings and now it all works

3G's USB seems to work with nearly Everything
Hi @ll,
I also tried to get USB devices to work, no problem with USB-Sticks, but USB-HDD's (selfpowered) seem not to Work (neither on Stock image nor on Cyanogenmod). The HDD starts turning but Android doesn't mount it. Can someone give me some pointers?
My Specs:
Archos G9 80 Turbo HDD with an USB-HDD (USB 3.0 (should be backwards compatible)) by Toshiba
Thanks

I would bet the tablet is not able to supply enough power to actually start the USB HD up.
Remember that usb port was designed to be used with Archos' 3G cell stick and really wasn't meant to be hooked up to other things.

If the port is enabled, there is allways power for the hdd, also for a stick a mouse. But some keybords may not work (I don't figure it out).
The app USB OTG Helper will help to mount the hdd/stick.

I used a friends powered usb hub (dlink dub-h7) and was able to use both my keyboard and mouse with my tablet unfortunately my usb thumb drives dont work when attached to the usb hub however they do work when attached to the hub I didnt have my powered usb hard drive with me to test
Powered Hub

usb2lan-adapter?
Hi,
Just bought a G9 101 turbo to play with.
stock 4.0.25 ROOTED flashed and it's hanging nice on my tv.
Can anyone tell me/give me advise if there's any usb-lan adapter that works?
Would love to use a cable instead of the wifi...
THANKS!
--- EDIT ---
- Found something:
http://android.stackexchange.com/qu...between-an-archos-g9-android-4-0-wifi-and-a-l
- probaly will get me a thing like this:
http://star01.en.made-in-china.com/product/UqjmkZcOATri/China-USB-1-1-LAN-Card-Adapter.html

What kind of device can I buy to access my external hard drives with Stick?

Is there like a network device that I can buy to turn my 2.5" external hard drives into NAS so I can access my movies from Stick TV running XBMC?

hydeah said:
Is there like a network device that I can buy to turn my 2.5" external hard drives into NAS so I can access my movies from Stick TV running XBMC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried it myself, but something like this should work: http://www.amazon.com/HooToo-TripMate-Wireless-Pocket-Travel/dp/B00HZWOQZ6/

hydeah said:
Is there like a network device that I can buy to turn my 2.5" external hard drives into NAS so I can access my movies from Stick TV running XBMC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most new wireless routers have usb with media server features.

If you use a separate router that allows you to connect your external HD & wish to keep the Fire TV connected to your current router then I believe you'll have to bridge both routers, if not then you can only connect to one wireless router at a time. The setup itself shouldn't be that hard but it does take some configuration.
Another option would be to purchase a Y-OTG cable that allows you to connect your external HD directly to the stick but I believe your external HD would need an external power source to make it work. Again, I can't confirm if what I wrote would actually work..just throwing some ideas out there.

AFTVnews.com said:
I haven't tried it myself, but something like this should work: http://www.amazon.com/HooToo-TripMate-Wireless-Pocket-Travel/dp/B00HZWOQZ6/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I don't believe this will work because it works as a separate router, if it was a USB to CAT5 hub of some sort, it would be ideal but this does not function like that. Thanks for the suggestion, though.
gottahavit said:
Most new wireless routers have usb with media server features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe they only work with one USB at a time and the one I had (Netgear AC1750) did not work properly, kept dropping connection or just would randomly not see the hard drive, the way it works is not very user friendly. In fact once it even corrupted one of my hard drives, and I freaked! Luckily Wndows was able to correct the issue. It doesn't show the folders as NAS but more like a network device like a PC, so you couldn't easily see the data in there. I now have a TP Link, WDR3600, I believe it works fine with USB Thumb Drives but it won't work with USB hard drives (multiple) but I can at least try to buy a USB HUB and try that to see if it can mount multiple hard drives. As I mentioned above, I am also concerned about corrupting the hard drives when router is finicky.
EL TEJANO said:
If you use a separate router that allows you to connect your external HD & wish to keep the Fire TV connected to your current router then I believe you'll have to bridge both routers, if not then you can only connect to one wireless router at a time. The setup itself shouldn't be that hard but it does take some configuration.
Another option would be to purchase a Y-OTG cable that allows you to connect your external HD directly to the stick but I believe your external HD would need an external power source to make it work. Again, I can't confirm if what I wrote would actually work..just throwing some ideas out there.
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Click to collapse
I believe Fire Stick TV has only one USB port for power and power is required to keep it running. With Y-OTG, we won't be able to get power to the 2.5" external drive anyway and also there is no way to mount that drive easily , so network would be best option.

Found this but it has less than stellar reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/Addonics-NASU2-NAS-Adapter/dp/B001OC5J9U

you could try a pogo plug, also make sure the hard drive is not going to sleep. i use a netgear router and have not had an issue with the stick seeing my media. i can mount it as a dlna drive or smb. if you are looking to use it with plex then u will need an actual nas drive so u can run the plex server on it. if the router u have only has one port it is prob only going to mount one drive. but with what ever solution u use i would make sure that the sleep function is off on the hard drive as it can cause issues. if i remember correctly on some of the pogo plugs u can install arch linux and then plug a drive into and have it act as an actual nas and not just a hard drive plugged into the router.

hydeah said:
I believe Fire Stick TV has only one USB port for power and power is required to keep it running. With Y-OTG, we won't be able to get power to the 2.5" external drive anyway and also there is no way to mount that drive easily , so network would be best option.
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Click to collapse
Correct, which is why I said the external HD would have to have a separate power supply that is not powered via USB, I do see your point though as most new external drives are powered through the USB.. The Y-OTG cable will still allow you to power your stick & utilize the other connection for data but again if your external HD doesn't have a non-usb connection for power then yes you're out of luck.
I know with the Fire TV Box, people use an app called StickMount to mount external storage, the caveat though is your AFTS has to be Rooted; my guess is with the Y-OTG cable it should allow you to connect your external HD & run the same app but that's if everything I mentioned is in order.

EL TEJANO said:
Correct, which is why I said the external HD would have to have a separate power supply that is not powered via USB, I do see your point though as most new external drives are powered through the USB.. The Y-OTG cable will still allow you to power your stick & utilize the other connection for data but again if your external HD doesn't have a non-usb connection for power then yes you're out of luck.
I know with the Fire TV Box, people use an app called StickMount to mount external storage, the caveat though is your AFTS has to be Rooted; my guess is with the Y-OTG cable it should allow you to connect your external HD & run the same app but that's if everything I mentioned is in order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought about getting the box since it has better hardware and more ways to "hack" but at $19 I couldn't pass on the Stick which finally allowed me to turn off my computer completely! Now if I can get my XBMC see my storage, i'll be done. Honestly if they charged $50 for stick with USB input or for the actual fire TV box and add USB ports, that would be amazing. I think Apple TV does that, right? But can we get Amazon and XBMC on it?
pbanj said:
you could try a pogo plug, also make sure the hard drive is not going to sleep. i use a netgear router and have not had an issue with the stick seeing my media. i can mount it as a dlna drive or smb. if you are looking to use it with plex then u will need an actual nas drive so u can run the plex server on it. if the router u have only has one port it is prob only going to mount one drive. but with what ever solution u use i would make sure that the sleep function is off on the hard drive as it can cause issues. if i remember correctly on some of the pogo plugs u can install arch linux and then plug a drive into and have it act as an actual nas and not just a hard drive plugged into the router.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does Pogo exactly do? I thought it was a hardware for a very specific service to access your files remotely, can you even see the files locally using simple sharing process?
Is this something I can do with Raspberry Pi? I just thought of this, I remember seeing RP units with multiple USB ports and RJ45. If there is a small NAS software, or even a simple linux that allows you to share your drives with other devices, this just might be what I am looking for. I am not sure if RP can power 3 drives simultaneously,
How is something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Ultimate-Starter-Components/dp/B00G1PNG54
Thanks again guys.

hydeah said:
I thought about getting the box since it has better hardware and more ways to "hack" but at $19 I couldn't pass on the Stick which finally allowed me to turn off my computer completely! Now if I can get my XBMC see my storage, i'll be done. Honestly if they charged $50 for stick with USB input or for the actual fire TV box and add USB ports, that would be amazing. I think Apple TV does that, right? But can we get Amazon and XBMC on it?
What does Pogo exactly do? I thought it was a hardware for a very specific service to access your files remotely, can you even see the files locally using simple sharing process?
Is this something I can do with Raspberry Pi? I just thought of this, I remember seeing RP units with multiple USB ports and RJ45. If there is a small NAS software, or even a simple linux that allows you to share your drives with other devices, this just might be what I am looking for. I am not sure if RP can power 3 drives simultaneously,
How is something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Ultimate-Starter-Components/dp/B00G1PNG54
Thanks again guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya you can use minidlna i think it is called for the rpi. a buddy of mine does that, he says its not the best thing in the world but it does work. i think if you got a banana-pi it may work better as it has better specs and still works with all the rpi stuff. as for the pogo plug im not sure how it normally works but i do know people have been putting arch linux on them to use them for dlna stuff and the model for that is under 20$ iirc
this is the banana pi http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...44&cm_re=banana_pi-_-9SIA6DB2337144-_-Product

http://www.amazon.com/EP-3701-Wireless-Access-Drive-Android/dp/B00IR5DJ4E

pbanj said:
ya you can use minidlna i think it is called for the rpi. a buddy of mine does that, he says its not the best thing in the world but it does work. i think if you got a banana-pi it may work better as it has better specs and still works with all the rpi stuff. as for the pogo plug im not sure how it normally works but i do know people have been putting arch linux on them to use them for dlna stuff and the model for that is under 20$ iirc
this is the banana pi http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...44&cm_re=banana_pi-_-9SIA6DB2337144-_-Product
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been checking these, I thought r-pie was about $20 but it seems it will cost a bit more than that if I consider using it as NAS after case, etc it will be $50-$60 or so looks like it. Found this page, btw: http://www.howtogeek.com/139433/how-to-turn-a-raspberry-pi-into-a-low-power-network-storage-device/
krawhitham said:
http://www.amazon.com/EP-3701-Wireless-Access-Drive-Android/dp/B00IR5DJ4E
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I think I need couple of these, one for each drive, also not sure how the drives get their power or how this one is powered. If it is possible to use this with a hub, maybe it might work, but I am not sure.
In case this thing doesn't work as planned (if I can't easily get XBMC to see external drives) what would you guys recommend as a device that I can run Amazon Prime Video AND be able to access my local videos without having to run my PC 24/7 or at least having to run it whenever I want to watch something off-line.

This will allow pass-through of wifi.
http://www.staples.com/Kingston-MobileLite-Wireless-Flash-Reader/product_195697

krawhitham said:
http://www.amazon.com/EP-3701-Wireless-Access-Drive-Android/dp/B00IR5DJ4E
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It do want to point out that these wireless dongles that connect to the external HD need the option to work in infrastructure mode & not in ad-hoc mode (peer to peer).
If they strictly work in ad-hoc mode then you'll only be able to connect to the ad-hoc device (in this case whatever is physically connected to the dongle), which means you won't be able to connect to your home's wireless network at the same. In others words you'll have to disconnect & then reconnect to each different wireless connection as needed.
"An ad hoc network is one where computers connect directly to each other on a one-to-one basis. This is useful for impromptu file sharing between two computers. An infrastructure network is one where computers connect to a shared access point. This kind of connection is useful when sharing a printer, Internet connection, and/or file sharing server." - via Amazons Q&A page.

adfurgerson said:
This will allow pass-through of wifi.
http://www.staples.com/Kingston-MobileLite-Wireless-Flash-Reader/product_195697
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion, but it seems like this is a one-to-one connection. Sort of like how new "wifi" cameras worked until they changed the way they work, they could only act as hotspot so you could get pictures from your camera with direct connection from PC and not via router.
EL TEJANO said:
It do want to point out that these wireless dongles that connect to the external HD need the option to work in infrastructure mode & not in ad-hoc mode (peer to peer).
If they strictly work in ad-hoc mode then you'll only be able to connect to the ad-hoc device (in this case whatever is physically connected to the dongle), which means you won't be able to connect to your home's wireless network at the same. In others words you'll have to disconnect & then reconnect to each different wireless connection as needed.
"An ad hoc network is one where computers connect directly to each other on a one-to-one basis. This is useful for impromptu file sharing between two computers. An infrastructure network is one where computers connect to a shared access point. This kind of connection is useful when sharing a printer, Internet connection, and/or file sharing server." - via Amazons Q&A page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand why they can't just make these devices with an ethernet port instead... That would solve the problem.

hydeah said:
Thanks for the suggestion, but it seems like this is a one-to-one connection. Sort of like how new "wifi" cameras worked until they changed the way they work, they could only act as hotspot so you could get pictures from your camera with direct connection from PC and not via router.
I don't understand why they can't just make these devices with an ethernet port instead... That would solve the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look here for where it says "create an Internet briigde to access the web" http://www.kingston.com/us/wireless/wireless_readers#mlw221
or check out the app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kingston.mobilelite&hl=en
or download the user manual
https://www.google.com/url?q=https:...g&sa=D&usg=AFQjCNFYGaP4eemi_KkjPmUYtyB_aVr15g
I know this feature works as I have used it myself, but the only storage that I have used are thumb drives and sd cards.
It is supposed to work with USB hard drives up to 1tb but I don't have any to test with.
Edit....the G2 model.has an ethernet port. In the questions section someone replied that the G2 will work with 2tb HD's and I see that up to eight devices can hook to it rather than only three.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KU2E9IW?tag=wwwkingstonco-20

Pogo with archlinux
The Pogoplug e02 hacked with archlinux and minidlna works nice. Cost 20$ on amazon, a bit slow but gets the work done.

adfurgerson said:
Look here for where it says "create an Internet briigde to access the web" http://www.kingston.com/us/wireless/wireless_readers#mlw221
or check out the app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kingston.mobilelite&hl=en
or download the user manual
https://www.google.com/url?q=https:...g&sa=D&usg=AFQjCNFYGaP4eemi_KkjPmUYtyB_aVr15g
I know this feature works as I have used it myself, but the only storage that I have used are thumb drives and sd cards.
It is supposed to work with USB hard drives up to 1tb but I don't have any to test with.
Edit....the G2 model.has an ethernet port. In the questions section someone replied that the G2 will work with 2tb HD's and I see that up to eight devices can hook to it rather than only three.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KU2E9IW?tag=wwwkingstonco-20
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the app only way to change settings or access the device? Does it have SMB or DLNA type file server? Every single device shown on their product page is either a phone or a tablet, how do you get your data on Windows (it lists windows as compatible)?
It also says "For Android and Kindle Fire, video support is limited to 2GB." I believe that doesn't matter if we use XBMC on any device including Android based Fire Stick, right?
Found the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tQ1GRf38e8
Thanks, the G2 model's ethernet port is acting as WAN port to turn wired connection to wireless, so only way to connect with this device locally is still wireless, which is still OK since it seems like this is the only device that can do this. I have 3 devices, varying from 500 to 2TB so it sounds like I definitely need G2.

hydeah said:
Is the app only way to change settings or access the device? Does it have SMB or DLNA type file server? Every single device shown on their product page is either a phone or a tablet, how do you get your data on Windows (it lists windows as compatible)?
It also says "For Android and Kindle Fire, video support is limited to 2GB." I believe that doesn't matter if we use XBMC on any device including Android based Fire Stick, right?
Found the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tQ1GRf38e8
Thanks, the G2 model's ethernet port is acting as WAN port to turn wired connection to wireless, so only way to connect with this device locally is still wireless, which is still OK since it seems like this is the only device that can do this. I have 3 devices, varying from 500 to 2TB so it sounds like I definitely need G2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to admit it was an impulse buy from Staples store and other than connecting to it to make sure it worked I haven't used it at all. Sorry I can't answer any more questions, but in the question section of Amazon for the G2 there were responses from a Kingston agent named Jewell and she gave this at the end " For any further assistance, please call us at 1-800-435-0640 (USA and Canada only) M - F 6am - 6pm PT and I or another available Technician will assist you. Thank you for choosing Kingston".

adfurgerson said:
I have to admit it was an impulse buy from Staples store and other than connecting to it to make sure it worked I haven't used it at all. Sorry I can't answer any more questions, but in the question section of Amazon for the G2 there were responses from a Kingston agent named Jewell and she gave this at the end " For any further assistance, please call us at 1-800-435-0640 (USA and Canada only) M - F 6am - 6pm PT and I or another available Technician will assist you. Thank you for choosing Kingston".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry! It sounds like I overwhelmed you with my question, which I admit might have been excessive. :angel:
I'll check out more info on Amazon.
Also found this:
http://www.amazon.com/Cirago-International-NUS2000-CiragoLink-Network/dp/B005C31H34