Related
Hi all,
I am a newbie to this forum and have not yet bought my Universal. I am waiting for my next visit to the UK. Long story.
Anyway, the main point of this topic is that for me, one of the main things missing from the Universal is large mass storage capability (videos, photos, etc.).
I therefore intend to develop an interface to connect a hard drive to the Universal. I am a professional hardware and software developer BTW.
As far as I understand from this site, the current position is this;
The USB interface does not support host mode. (whether due to software or hardware...).
There is no expansion port as fitted to the XDAII etc. (if only, then this would be a no brainer).
The SDIO/MMC card socket is probably the most likely interface to use.
Can anyone confirm these assumptions?
I would like to develop this either as a docking station or a replacement back for the universal. However initially I suspect it will be connected by a cable.
If anyone has any more information, please let me know. I suspect that I will end up developing an MMC/SDIO to ATA/IDE or USB host interface. Alternatively I could just wait for CE-ATA drives and hopefully someone else will have written the drivers...
lkingscott said:
The USB interface does not support host mode. (whether due to software or hardware...).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just off the top of my head.
One USB host channel is used for the GSM/UMTS/GPS data transfer. The second one is
not used. The third is configured, but its purpose is unclear.
There is no expansion port as fitted to the XDAII etc. (if only, then this would be a no brainer).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They didn't wire even the serial port, so what
expansion port are you taking about
The SDIO/MMC card socket is probably the most likely interface to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have no other choice. USB and SDIO.
I will end up developing an MMC/SDIO to ATA/IDE or USB host interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MMC/SDIO<->USB is the best, if you will solve the power problem.
If you read my post more carefully, you will see that is exactly what I say - I.e. the Exec/universal has NO expansion port as far as I am aware (unlike the XDAII which has one which can even support ATA style interface (Compactflash...))
USB2 host via SDIO/MMC will be unlikely as the MMC/SDIO interface is so slow and would probably require 2 separate interfaces plus micro although Atmel have some promising looking devices with integrated USB... However SDIO - ATA/IDE could be done relatively easily with a decent microcontroller.
Power is no big deal, as an external device it would have its own power - internal battery... but if I get as far as making it part of a docking station or replacenment back, then a bigger battery or even 2 batteries would be the way to go.
To bad this is all hot air. Time wise you don't have the time. What is the lifespan of the universal? 18 months to two years. No way in that window will you have time to develop a "Docking" station. Well not as commercial product anyway.
Pesimistic or what...
32G MMC & SD cards are supposed to be available next year.... Maybe that's why they didn't bother with expansion options...
I could confirm all of your assumptions. I have a Universal for a while now and one biggest thing I really wanted is, a Mass Storage, like an external HDD. I posted a while ago, my dream addition is a backpack/docking station that has extended battery, and a mass storage, or at least a USB host port or a CF slot.
Besides all interfaces you mentioned, don't forget the Universal also has wireless interface: BT and IrDA.
I read there is BT HDD outhere (4GB) but kind of expensive and not sure if its in production already.
If there is a way to hook up an external HDD, I will be among the first customers.
Btw, where did you hear about the 32GB SD Card?
Other thing I can think of, there is a device such as Cowon A2 that has a USB host function. It certainly can read from Universal SD Card if they are hooked up together, but Universal will not be able to access the Cowon A2 big harddrive. They mention that Cowon A2 can only read and copy from, and not copy to.
Since internal mass storage isn't an option, then external storage via wireless has to be a reasonable alternative. I don't know if bluetooth HDs exist, but there is certainly a wi-fi option from ASUS - see http://uk.asus.com/products2.aspx?l1=12&l2=44
This takes a standard laptop 2.5" HD and can connect wirelessly to an existing network or it can act as an access point for direct connection with another device. It's not the fastest device in the world, but it works fine on a home network as a basic back up file server as well as a store for mp3s which can then be played by any other device on the network. I hope to get my XDA next month and see if it also can wirelessly play mp3s in this way.
sjdigital said:
Since internal mass storage isn't an option, then external storage via wireless has to be a reasonable alternative. I don't know if bluetooth HDs exist, but there is certainly a wi-fi option from ASUS - see http://uk.asus.com/products2.aspx?l1=12&l2=44
This takes a standard laptop 2.5" HD and can connect wirelessly to an existing network or it can act as an access point for direct connection with another device. It's not the fastest device in the world, but it works fine on a home network as a basic back up file server as well as a store for mp3s which can then be played by any other device on the network. I hope to get my XDA next month and see if it also can wirelessly play mp3s in this way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2kg!!!!! :shock:
Who wants to carry that "portable" device? :lol:
I don't know where you get "2 kg" from? The thing weighs 200g according to the specification in the instructions (although whether that includes the HD itself I can't say!). It's certainly portable, if not pocketable, but the original post was about mass storage for music, videos, etc. and this device provides that very conveniently.
I found the weight there:
http://www.techfever.co.uk/products.asp?partno=4721&source=tempriser
but you're right, on the other website it says 200g:
http://www.techbuy.com.au/products/....5_Hard_Drive_Case_-_802.11g_Ethernet_USB.asp
but anyway, you need to use an external power source so for me it's not portable...
Yes, I have one and for sure it's nowhere near 2kg! It's a bit smaller than a video cassette (remember them?) and really is very handy. But as I said, portable rather than pocketable. But given the wireless capability of the XDA, the ASUS device is a realistic option for a semi-fixed file server that is accessible wirelessly. And it even has a built in ftp server so you can hook it up to your home network and acess it via the internet using your XDA or whatever. As I write this I'm listening to my mp3s which are stored on my ASUS and played back via a wireless media player. Neat, huh? And it's that capabilty that I want from an XDA but I want to wait until it has A2DP so that I can stream the audio to my hi-fi via bluetooth!!!
ASUS HDD
I have just bought an Asus WL-HDD hard drive case. I was hoping that it would be smaller than it is, the case is the most inefficient I have ever seen. However, it should do what I am looking for.
With a 60G Maxtor hard drive it weighs 315 grammes. Note that you also need a 5 volt supply - more wires, not exactly portable, however it's a good start.
After loads of pain getting to work properly, I have been playing with video streaming and it seems OK, even from an external hard drive plugged into its USB 1.1 port. Not bad, a 40 quid device that has all that and a host USB port and they couldn't get the USB port right on an Exec costing 10 times that...!!!
Now I have got the Asus going, there's other things it can do, like being an Access point and there's loads of tweaks out there from the open source community. Have a look at http://wl500g.info , you can even write your own software for it if you want.
BT would be useless as the max data rate is crap. There is no way that you could reliably stream video without lots of compression...
So, while the Asus product is not perfect, it does mean that I will not be bothering with the XDA add on. I will certainly now be buying an Exec and I now have the bug to start playing with WiFi embedded servers... As a start I think I will recase the Asus, including some LiIon batteries and built in card reader (it just hangs off the USB port). Not really a major development, but it will save carrying a power brick and a load of cables.
80211B
I have just noticed that the WiFi interface is 802.11b.
When I tried video streaming with the Asus WL-HDD, 802.11g would work fine, but 802.11b was just too slow. However I was streaming relatively high quality video.
Ho Hum. I think I'll still get one and try it. I suppose lower quality video can be used, but then some of the advantages of the high quality display are lost. Anyway, for my particular requirement I am more interested in still image display.
Lisa
Without trying to hijack this thread, yes, the WL-HDD isn't the fastest device around! But 11b wireless isn't the problem, even hard wired to my router it doesn't manage anything like 11b speeds. But I can happily play mp3s, and video files that aren't too high quality, that are stored on it. It can, for example, happily cope with playing video files generated from a consumer video camera. But are you actually streaming, or simply playing files stored on the device?
You've already found the wl500g forum where lots of info is available, you could also try www.macsat.com.
802.11b/g
I don't know what goes on with 802.11b or g, but the sustained data rates don't seem to be anywhere near 11 or 54Mbps.
Assuming a reasonable quality 500M MP4 or Divx video 2 hours long. That's around 5Gbits in 15000 secs, i.e. 333kbits/sec.
I have tried dfferent combinations of adapters, routers and pc cards and the results are always similar. Yet file copying times would indicate data rates nearer to those quoted.
Ho hum...
I normally have my WL-HDD connected by ethernet cable but I've just tried it wirelessly and data transfer is just over 5 Mbps. A long way short of 11b never mind 11g speeds. I can play a 30 minute 300MB MPEG movie on my laptop from a file on the WL-HDD. That's a data rate of about 1.3 Mbps. But I tried a 57MB avi file which is only 16 seconds long and it simply wouldn't play properly - it just stuttered along. But the data rate required for that is about 28 Mbps, which is clearly well beyond what the WL-HDD can manage.
But it should be able to cope with anything up to 5 Mbps, i.e. a one hour video file of about 2.2 GB (I think I've got my bits and Bytes, and Mega and Giga, right!)
WiFi 802.11g on your HTC Universal & Wizard
Check this guys!
http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=5880
Salam!
Just tryed it, but my network is in the list as "Available" and I dont have a connection
Linksys WRT54GS in G-only mode...
Hi,
Engadget says Universal supports external HDD (read comments at http://www.engadget.com/2005/09/02/...l-questions-weve-got-htc-universal/1#comments )
Is there a way to get in touch with them?
I do not fully understand what everybody is trying to achieve here. I use Resco explorer and connect over Wifi to my home network. I get a shared drive and can use all the harddisk space in the world. Grant it will only work at home, but that is where I need the external space the most.
This is not a Moto G accessory per se, but I think this product really enhances the usabilty of the MotoG and is worth checking out if you are looking for the following solutions:
Battery Charcher (8800 mwh cell)
Wifi access point from utp connection to a network
Wifi extender
Simple NAS functionality (no bittorrent clients etc.)
In my case, the choice was the EasyAcc Wi-stor Wizard, but there are several of the type of devi es available. Do you have such a device? If so, please share your experiences and likes/dislikes.
The product i chose arrived only today, and the features i have tested so far (storage access and wifi extender) are working great and were easy to set up.
The charging feature and utp to wifi hub feature i cannot comment on yet.
Lastly, i would only consider this device portable if you are using a decent sized bag; it is not something that can be comfortably carried in your (trouser) pocket unless you wear cargo pants
moto accs
any links we can follow up, experiences after this 1 month?
schermvlieger said:
This is not a Moto G accessory per se, but I think this product really enhances the usabilty of the MotoG and is worth checking out if you are looking for the following solutions:
Battery Charcher (8800 mwh cell)
Wifi access point from utp connection to a network
Wifi extender
Simple NAS functionality (no bittorrent clients etc.)
In my case, the choice was the EasyAcc Wi-stor Wizard, but there are several of the type of devi es available. Do you have such a device? If so, please share your experiences and likes/dislikes.
The product i chose arrived only today, and the features i have tested so far (storage access and wifi extender) are working great and were easy to set up.
The charging feature and utp to wifi hub feature i cannot comment on yet.
Lastly, i would only consider this device portable if you are using a decent sized bag; it is not something that can be comfortably carried in your (trouser) pocket unless you wear cargo pants
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the RavPower WD01 WIFI Hub for quite a while and still love it. I wrote a review shortly after I got it. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2173608 I hope you write a review of your unit. I look forward to reading it.
Enjoy your favorite apps and movies on the impressive 10″ IPS widescreen display found on the Dragon Touch X10 II tablet.
PROs
Display: The IPS displays really shines on this unit as it allows you to view it an angle without the colors “washing out” or being reflective, which is common on other budget tablets. The 1366×768 resolution provides quality equivalent to 720p making the tablet great for Netflix, YouTube, and general video streaming.
Octa Core Processor: The Octa (that’s 8) Core processor that this tablet uses keeps the interface fluid and responsive (this is one of the most important features to me). Web browsing works great on this tablet, but I did notice occasional hesitations when switching between apps. This tablet can even handle some higher end games like “Need for Speed: No Limits” shown in my video. The tablet received a multicore score of 1245 on Geekbench 3.
16GB of storage: This refers to how many apps, photos, videos, and music files you can store directly on the tablet. Since the operating system takes up some of this space, you’re left with about 12 GB of usable memory. If that’s not enough space, you can expand the storage with inexpensive Micro SD cards, like the ones you would use in your phone and some digital cameras.
1GB of RAM: The amount of RAM means affects the performance of running multiple apps at once. For example, more RAM makes things quicker when you switch between the Gmail app and the Google Chrome web browser app. Or if you’re playing music on Pandora while flipping through an eBook. More RAM means that the tablet can “remember” multiple apps at the same time without needing to close out apps in the background. 1GB is a decent amount for a budget tablet (some only have half this amount).
Bluetooth: Some budget tablets omit Bluetooth to cut costs, but I’m happy to see that it is included in this tablet. This allows you to wirelessly connect Bluetooth keyboards and Bluetooth speakers, making it ideal for streaming Pandora music.
Full-sized USB port: You can connect a flash drive to this tablet without needing to use an OTG cable. The tablet features a full-sized USB port on the side.
Two cameras: The tablet features two cameras, front and back. It’s nice to have the camera there for a Skype call or to take a quick photo, but the quality is fairly low.
Build: The tablet is thin and portable. The plastic back is soft which makes it comfortable to hold.
Mini HDMI out: This tablet has a mini HDMI out, so you can connect it to an HD television, allowing you to use supported apps on the big screen.
Pre-applied screen protector: I really like that there is already a screen protector in place on this tablet. This saved me the hassle of needing to install a screen protector myself (which I typically do with any touchscreen device). Additional screen protectors are available on Amazon.
CONs
Special charger: The tablet comes with a special charger with barrel connector for the fastest charge. Make sure you don’t lose this charger.
Cameras: The quality of the cameras is not great. While it’s OK for grabbing a quick snapshot in bright lighting conditions, low light performance is poor. But for a quick Skype call, it will work in a pinch (just make sure you’re in a brightly lit location).
Speakers: The sound quality of the built-in speakers is not great, but you can connect headphones or a Bluetooth speaker instead.
Overall, I am impressed with the octa-core processor used in this tablet. I like how responsive the interface is and it gives the feel of a tablet priced much higher. It’s great not just for casual gaming, but for more high-end games as well. And for basic web browsing or Facebook-ing, it also performs very well.
Check out the Dragon Touch X10 II tablet on Amazon and official website.
If you’re looking for a case for this tablet, this case is designed specifically for it.
Is there any way to get a 1TB portable drive to work with a MTCB unit?
Would it work if I could add power to the portable drive?
I'm planning on getting this MTCB KLD unit....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-2-Din-And...944270?hash=item43eef68d4e:g:i3oAAOSwH6lXQ8sl
Any and all advice is very much appreciated. Thank you
Based upon reading some reviews of android set-top boxes with the RK3188 CPU, it appears you can mount large drives that are NTFS or FAT32 formatted. Other formats may not work so well.
See here for an example: http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/09/23/em6q-mxq-review-amlogic-s805-hevc/
I'd suggest a 2.5" external HD case, since that requires no external power supply. It is powered by the USB bus alone.
A major limitation, however, is whether or not your head unit can access all of that storage. It appears the maximum USB-based storage size is 80GB, and the maximum microSD card size is 32 GB. It’s not clear if this limitation is built into the processor; I suspect it is.
See here http://autopumpkin.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=552&p=1784&hilit=storage#p1784
Also:
http://autopumpkin.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=420&p=1349&hilit=storage#p1349
See the first link for a discussion on power consumption limitations of your external hard drive. An external SSD or large capacity USB drive may be the best choice.
However, the big question remains as to what exactly you plan to do with 1 TB of storage space on your android car stereo? Do you really need to be carting all those movies and music around on an external hard drive? Are you planning on living in your car for months at a time? (I’m being somewhat facetious, here.)
One last consideration is the time it will take for your android operating system or player apps to scan through all of the files on your drive. If you have a terabyte drive full of files, it’s going to take forever for either of the above to sort through all of your files, even after you launch a player app like JetAudio or PowerAmp.
So the short answer is, go get a large 256GB flash drive, see if it will mount up and see all of the storage space, and then call it a day.
You’re welcome.
CaptShaft said:
Based upon reading some reviews of android set-top boxes with the RK3188 CPU, it appears you can mount large drives that are NTFS or FAT32 formatted. Other formats may not work so well.
See here for an example: http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/09/23/em6q-mxq-review-amlogic-s805-hevc/
I'd suggest a 2.5" external HD case, since that requires no external power supply. It is powered by the USB bus alone.
A major limitation, however, is whether or not your head unit can access all of that storage. It appears the maximum USB-based storage size is 80GB, and the maximum microSD card size is 32 GB. It’s not clear if this limitation is built into the processor; I suspect it is.
See here http://autopumpkin.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=552&p=1784&hilit=storage#p1784
Also:
http://autopumpkin.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=420&p=1349&hilit=storage#p1349
See the first link for a discussion on power consumption limitations of your external hard drive. An external SSD or large capacity USB drive may be the best choice.
However, the big question remains as to what exactly you plan to do with 1 TB of storage space on your android car stereo? Do you really need to be carting all those movies and music around on an external hard drive? Are you planning on living in your car for months at a time? (I’m being somewhat facetious, here.)
One last consideration is the time it will take for your android operating system or player apps to scan through all of the files on your drive. If you have a terabyte drive full of files, it’s going to take forever for either of the above to sort through all of your files, even after you launch a player app like JetAudio or PowerAmp.
So the short answer is, go get a large 256GB flash drive, see if it will mount up and see all of the storage space, and then call it a day.
You’re welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked for me with FAT32 formatted 250 GB SSD USB hard drive. I tried conventional USB drives both the 7200 RPM and 5400 RPM variety. The USB port did not have enough power to even spin them up and I didn't want to bother with external power. Also I figured a conventional hard drive will die after a while it it has to work inside a moving car and all its vibrations.
My Western Digital 500 gb usb 3.0 hdd works just like it should. The standard "music app" has trouble reading it but apps like VLC or Car Tunes do very well with it. I don't like the idea of a disc with mechanical parts in a car either so I've ordered a 250 gb ssd for my music collection since my 120 gb Ipod is obsolete now. The Ipod playback on my KLD6 is limited to 32 gb Ipods. Sold the Ipod for €100 and bought the ssd for €70 and playing mp3's with the right app is much nicer than the stupid Ipod app anyway.
RAVPower RP-WD03 FileHub Plus - Portable NAS and 6000mAh Power Bank
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Unboxing
Presented as a thicker than usual power bank, it does not come with many accessories: 1x Micro-USB Cable and 1x User Manual. A compact LAN cable should have been included.
It is completely made of Plastic and it feels solid enough, but the glossy border is slightly useless in my opinion since, as you can notice, it looks already scratched/used.
As regards the size, it is as big as an old-style Power Bank, being 9.79x5.48x2.82mm, with a weight of 157g.
On the front, there is the Power/Mode button with an Activity LED (for SDCard R/W status) underneath, the usual Power LEDs required to check how much battery is left, and a Wireless LED that indicates whether LAN or Wireless mode is on (Wireless = Blue, Wired = Green).
Just like all Power Banks, also this one features all specs on the back about the USB Rating and Battery Capacity.
Underneath the rubber-made cover, there is the LAN port (10/100) required to use the Access Point feature and a standard USB port to charge other devices.
On one side there is a Micro-USB port to recharge the internal battery.
And finally, on the rear, there is a SD Card reader, fundamental for the NAS/File Sharing feature.
Efficiency and Battery Capacity
My USB Tester confirms that the battery capacity is correct, even slightly higher than what is declared by the manufacturer. (real ~6160mAh, declared 6000mAh)
It's a pity that the internal board has been capped to only 1A of USB Output. As soon as i switch from 1A to 2A, it stops providing power via the USB port. Anyway, at 1A, its efficiency is pretty good, with a stable 4.97V of output voltage.
NAS - Network Attached Storage / File Access
The most interesting feature about this "evolved" power bank is the possibility to share files between an SD Card and other devices, basically a Portable NAS running on a removable storage.
First of all, it doesn't necessarily require an ad-hoc app, since it is possible to access to the NAS even using a browser (10.10.10.254 address, no password by default), but using the app it is possible to get a more optimized experience.
The app is available on the Play Store (for Android of course), and is really well-made, polished and with no noticeable design flaws. RAVPower also made an app for Windows and Mac OS, but, considering that this is meant for portable usage, i will focus on Android only.
It is possible to access any file directly from the SD Card without downloading it locally on the device. It takes a bit to load, but it is still better than nothing.
Networking
Starting from the Wireless Access, the FileHub provides by default a WiFi connection, that can be configured later in the Settings. Even though it is only 2.4GHz, it is good enough for this usage, since it supports up to 300MBps in WiFi N mode (2x2).
In order to use the Bridge mode instead, it is necessary to connect the FileHub to another Wireless Network. Basically what you get is a WiFi repeater or extender, with the extra possibility to access all files. Just consider that this mode will cut down wireless performance, in my case more than half speed disappeared.
The Wired Access instead is more limited, since it doesn't give access to the FileHub but it works directly as an Access Point for a Wired Connection, disabling the Web Interface or any NAS feature. It works pretty good though, with no performance loss compared to my primary WiFi 2.4GHz connection.
Conclusions
For a reviewer, it is nice to have a way to access all Camera Photos without having to use an OTG Adapter, and the possibility to use the same device for multiple usages is an huge bonus, at least for me.
This is a great product and considering the quality of the firmware, as well as the software's quality, it is clear that RAVPower is supporting this device more than what i would have expected.
So, do i recommend? Yes, but consider that this is not a super-cheap product so, before choosing it, be sure that this is the right product for you, as a sort of niche product.
P.S.: Battery Life can vary based on the usage, thus i can't provide some reliable data about it.
Pros:
- Multiple Features in such a small device
- Well-Made firmware and apps
- Excellent WiFi Performance
Cons:
- No LAN Cable included in the box
- Useless Glossy Frame
- Limited USB Power Output (5V/1A)
Rating: 8.4
Packaging and Accessories: 7
Design and Materials: 7
Performance: 8
Features: 9.5
Software Quality: 10
Power Efficiency: 9
Price: 8 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: https://www.ravpower.com/rp-wd03-filehub-6000mah-power-bank-portable-wireless-router.html
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: https://imgur.com/a/mYMz6
Alberto96 said:
RAVPower RP-WD03 FileHub Plus - Portable NAS and 6000mAh Power Bank
Unboxing
Presented as a thicker than usual power bank, it does not come with many accessories: 1x Micro-USB Cable and 1x User Manual. A compact LAN cable should have been included.
It is completely made of Plastic and it feels solid enough, but the glossy border is slightly useless in my opinion since, as you can notice, it looks already scratched/used.
As regards the size, it is as big as an old-style Power Bank, being 9.79x5.48x2.82mm, with a weight of 157g.
On the front, there is the Power/Mode button with an Activity LED (for SDCard R/W status) underneath, the usual Power LEDs required to check how much battery is left, and a Wireless LED that indicates whether LAN or Wireless mode is on (Wireless = Blue, Wired = Green).
Just like all Power Banks, also this one features all specs on the back about the USB Rating and Battery Capacity.
Underneath the rubber-made cover, there is the LAN port (10/100) required to use the Access Point feature and a standard USB port to charge other devices.
On one side there is a Micro-USB port to recharge the internal battery.
And finally, on the rear, there is a SD Card reader, fundamental for the NAS/File Sharing feature.
Efficiency and Battery Capacity
My USB Tester confirms that the battery capacity is correct, even slightly higher than what is declared by the manufacturer. (real ~6160mAh, declared 6000mAh)
It's a pity that the internal board has been capped to only 1A of USB Output. As soon as i switch from 1A to 2A, it stops providing power via the USB port. Anyway, at 1A, its efficiency is pretty good, with a stable 4.97V of output voltage.
NAS - Network Attached Storage / File Access
The most interesting feature about this "evolved" power bank is the possibility to share files between an SD Card and other devices, basically a Portable NAS running on a removable storage.
First of all, it doesn't necessarily require an ad-hoc app, since it is possible to access to the NAS even using a browser (10.10.10.254 address, no password by default), but using the app it is possible to get a more optimized experience.
The app is available on the Play Store (for Android of course), and is really well-made, polished and with no noticeable design flaws. RAVPower also made an app for Windows and Mac OS, but, considering that this is meant for portable usage, i will focus on Android only.
It is possible to access any file directly from the SD Card without downloading it locally on the device. It takes a bit to load, but it is still better than nothing.
Networking
Starting from the Wireless Access, the FileHub provides by default a WiFi connection, that can be configured later in the Settings. Even though it is only 2.4GHz, it is good enough for this usage, since it supports up to 300MBps in WiFi N mode (2x2).
In order to use the Bridge mode instead, it is necessary to connect the FileHub to another Wireless Network. Basically what you get is a WiFi repeater or extender, with the extra possibility to access all files. Just consider that this mode will cut down wireless performance, in my case more than half speed disappeared.
The Wired Access instead is more limited, since it doesn't give access to the FileHub but it works directly as an Access Point for a Wired Connection, disabling the Web Interface or any NAS feature. It works pretty good though, with no performance loss compared to my primary WiFi 2.4GHz connection.
Conclusions
For a reviewer, it is nice to have a way to access all Camera Photos without having to use an OTG Adapter, and the possibility to use the same device for multiple usages is an huge bonus, at least for me.
This is a great product and considering the quality of the firmware, as well as the software's quality, it is clear that RAVPower is supporting this device more than what i would have expected.
So, do i recommend? Yes, but consider that this is not a super-cheap product so, before choosing it, be sure that this is the right product for you, as a sort of niche product.
P.S.: Battery Life can vary based on the usage, thus i can't provide some reliable data about it.
Pros:
- Multiple Features in such a small device
- Well-Made firmware and apps
- Excellent WiFi Performance
Cons:
- No LAN Cable included in the box
- Useless Glossy Frame
- Limited USB Power Output (5V/1A)
Rating: 8.4
Packaging and Accessories: 7
Design and Materials: 7
Performance: 8
Features: 9.5
Software Quality: 10
Power Efficiency: 9
Price: 8 (based on Amazon price)
Official Product page: https://www.ravpower.com/rp-wd03-filehub-6000mah-power-bank-portable-wireless-router.html
You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: https://imgur.com/a/mYMz6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm surprised to read about the WD03 in 2017 - afaict it's four years old now and firmware support has long ceased. I would have loved to read about the fw version that came installed with the device, and whether the gaping security holes still exist (well-known root password plus telnet access, to name some).
Nevertheless, the device (and it's predecessor, the WD02) is, if properly hardened, still useful (search for filehub-config on github). To expect a fix for the wpa2 issue would be very optimistic though.
Thanks for the review.
Hi - latest firmware for the RP-WD03 is not sooo old, it's 2.000.056 from 2017-09-01...
Rofor said:
Hi - latest firmware for the RP-WD03 is not sooo old, it's 2.000.056 from 2017-09-01...
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Click to collapse
I'm surprised to see that downloads are back (after two years or so) - but only for the WD03 (guess which model I have). Will have a closer look when back home from travelling. Thanks!
I don't know if the last fw is very bad, or my wd is almost broken...
Anyway in the new fw if you see the new web interface under services you can find a very useful tool! Sd backup button!!! It is very useful!
020 firmware
steve8x8 said:
I'm surprised to read about the WD03 in 2017 - afaict it's four years old now and firmware support has long ceased. I would have loved to read about the fw version that came installed with the device, and whether the gaping security holes still exist (well-known root password plus telnet access, to name some).
Nevertheless, the device (and it's predecessor, the WD02) is, if properly hardened, still useful (search for filehub-config on github). To expect a fix for the wpa2 issue would be very optimistic though.
Thanks for the review.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes not much written in a while but the devices are still available, as is support and now so are the firmware updates. Looks like the 'factory' build has firmware 020 fitted (from a poll of 2 !) which has a few glitches but mainly when reconfiguring which I wouldn't expect to happen normally. Some may confuse if you expect to just plug and play. In answer to your query for 020 ;
EnterRouterMode.sh is still available
Root is not available (until you address using above)
Telnet (port 23) is still open and available
Other open ports are 80, 81, 85, 135 and 445
That's ok for the savvy who realise and can address but not so good for the plug and play user.
I am interested in upgrading to 056 but not so sure after comment from dettofatto. Anyone else care to comment on its 'stability'. Also any one checked is EnterRouterMode sill available on 056, easy to test just use your favourite search engine. I suspect telnet will be closed. Finally if 056 is unstable what recommendations are there for earlier versions.
A lot has already been written about the previous versions (01 and 02) and some about this version (03), I will be exploring further and if I find anything I think hasn't been written up I will.
Sorry for my english...
I think that my ravpower is broken, now amazon are sending me a new copy.
The new firmware has telnet closed, but has introduced the new backup button (under 10.10.10.254/app/services/sdbackup.html ).
Anyway You can restore an old firmware for restoring telnet.
Can you give us your fw, if <.20?
FW:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B4AhwoH61-dkWDFXUkZZZUlSYkU from https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=66322258&postcount=70
I've used this hack, you have used which of these?
https://github.com/digidem/filehub-config
https://github.com/derfrankie/RAVPower-FileHub-SD-Backup
https://github.com/steve8x8/filehub-config
dettofatto said:
Sorry for my english...
I think that my ravpower is broken, now amazon are sending me a new copy.
The new firmware has telnet closed, but has introduced the new backup button (under 10.10.10.254/app/services/sdbackup.html ).
Anyway You can restore an old firmware for restoring telnet.
Can you give us your fw, if <.20?
FW:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B4AhwoH61-dkWDFXUkZZZUlSYkU from https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=66322258&postcount=70
I've used this hack, you have used which of these?
https://github.com/digidem/filehub-config
https://github.com/derfrankie/RAVPower-FileHub-SD-Backup
https://github.com/steve8x8/filehub-config
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully when you get the replacement ravpower all will be much better and you can confirm that 056 is stable.
I assume enterroutermode is still available in 056 because you reference hacks which require it
I have not tried any other versions of firmware other than 020 which is what it came with.
For that hacks I am aware of all of these and think these are all I have seen. So far I have only used a simple one line command to re-enable the root password which you can find elsewhere on this forum. This is all I needed because telnet is already enabled In 020.
Mine was broken...
Now the new copy is almost perfect.
This is the new option:
Thanks for the info. I also notice there is an ADMIN and GUEST user account. But seems only Admin user can ever see the files. I was hoping Guest account could see all and be given Read-only access. But no good. Makes hard to share, anyone can delete.
Admin/Guest account and Read-only guest access
Got it working, so 'Guest' account only has read access. At least it seems to work. You need to read detail PDF on RAV website. Talks about Admin & Guest accounts, and that the device automatically creates a directory called 'Share' and that 'Guest' account can only see inside here.
Further the 'delete' is grayed out for everything I put in 'Share' from Admin, so Guest can't delete stuff. Although Guest can create new directories and copy new stuff in. Maybe it knows what stuff Guest created.
Regardless this is perfect as it allows Guest users with no password to share move files for a long drive. They can all log in a Guest.
One other odd note (below) in manual about charging. Not really sure this is true, that it would hurt battery. I thought with amps a device pulls what it needs, its just an issue if you don't have enough amps. As in a 2a charger does not PUSH 2a, the device only sucks 1a. Anyone know for sure?
"Using a charger with an output higher than 1.0 A will damage the internal battery more or less"
Hello RavPower gang! I have my SanDisk formatted to exfat and can see the files when it is connected to my Windows 10 PC. I cannot see them when connecting through the FileHub app on my phone. I also tried reformatting the card with my Note 8. I've tried formatting 2 cards on my PC and on my Note 8 and no dice! All I can see is a "Safely Remove" notification, but it won't let me do anything from that screen except go back or home. What do I need to do?
Thanks All!
Is it possible to use the filehub as a simple smb/cifs fileserver on a 192.168.0.n network?
Yup.
I prefer Gl.inet.
I know that they missing the powerbank feature, but they are customizable as hell, quite affordable and very nice as VPN/TOR/NAS/Pineapple clone or whatever you can build resp. program with OpenWRT/lede.
Highly recommended.
PS
Very detailed and elaborate review.y
Kudos.