What kind of device can I buy to access my external hard drives with Stick? - Fire TV Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

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?
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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?
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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/
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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.
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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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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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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.
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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 $50 for stick with USB input or for the actual fire TV box and add USB ports, that would be amazing. I think Apple TV does that, right? But can we get Amazon and XBMC on it?
What does Pogo exactly do? I thought it was a hardware for a very specific service to access your files remotely, can you even see the files locally using simple sharing process?
Is this something I can do with Raspberry Pi? I just thought of this, I remember seeing RP units with multiple USB ports and RJ45. If there is a small NAS software, or even a simple linux that allows you to share your drives with other devices, this just might be what I am looking for. I am not sure if RP can power 3 drives simultaneously,
How is something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-Ultimate-Starter-Components/dp/B00G1PNG54
Thanks again guys.
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Click to collapse
ya you can use minidlna i think it is called for the rpi. a buddy of mine does that, he says its not the best thing in the world but it does work. i think if you got a banana-pi it may work better as it has better specs and still works with all the rpi stuff. as for the pogo plug im not sure how it normally works but i do know people have been putting arch linux on them to use them for dlna stuff and the model for that is under 20$ 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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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".
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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

Related

Wi-Drive - Use direct WiFi bet PPC & hard disk

Imagine using Wi-Fi for direct connection between your laptop/PPC (and other end devices) to an external hard disk. Imposssible?
Just read this:-
http://www.edslab.com/products.htm
The product will be launched this coming July 06. Initially, it'll connect to your laptop/notebook. After which driver will be developed for PPC application.
No more expensive memory cards :lol:
You can also look at Asus WL-HDD - althogh this one have some advantages, like the battery and 1.8" size.
I just hope it will be released and that the price will not be too much.
RE
If I remembers correctly ASUS WL-HDD requires connection through an access point/router whereas the main selling point of Wi-Drive is its direct connection between end devices WITHOUT the need to go through the access point/router. However, you can also network the drive through an access point/router :lol:
I'm using Wl-Hdd since it's release to get my files from my pda. It's working like a charm. It is an access point and router, and you can make it a full linux server easily
Hi,
Just a question and a thought...
With the WL-HDD, is it stand-alone? i.e. does it have an internal power source - or must be connected via a power adaptor?
And can it connect directly to the HTC Universal (without need of a switch or router?).
My thought is, I wonder if anyone has tried to connect an IPOD to a PPC device? wouldn't that be an ideal external HDD device?
Michael G
michaelg said:
With the WL-HDD, is it stand-alone? i.e. does it have an internal power source - or must be connected via a power adaptor?
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The WL-HDD does not have built in battery, you need power adaptor unfortunately.
michaelg said:
...
And can it connect directly to the HTC Universal (without need of a switch or router?).
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried yet (still deciding if I should buy it or not), but since it's an Access Point it should connect no problem.
michaelg said:
...
My thought is, I wonder if anyone has tried to connect an IPOD to a PPC device? wouldn't that be an ideal external HDD device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IPOD is not Wireless, you can use it only as an USB memory device.
People had connected their IPODS to USB Host enabled PPCs like FS Loox and it worked fine. Unfortunately there are no HTC converged devices with USB Host functionality at the moment.
Wl-hdd work perfectly as a stand alone product with any PPC. I'm using it for 1,5 years now and it is perfectly working on my universal. No physical connection needed except power source.
As for the Ipod, if you change the wl-hdd firmware, you can connect any USB device in the USB port to get access to it's files. So you cannot plug the ipod to the universal, but you can plug the ipod to the wl-hdd then access it through universal
RE
Some pictures of Wi-Drive here:-
http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/13/live-from-cebit-the-widrive-wifi-drive-enclosure/
The enclosure comes with a female connector for the hard disk which means hard disk like the 1.8 inch Toshiba (which comes with a female connector) cannot be used
That leaves us with the 1.8 inch Hitachi brand which comes with a male connector. Not much choice for the 1.8 inch hard disk since currently only 1.8 inch hard disks are only available from Toshiba and Hitachi
RE
Just spoke to the manufacturer of Wi-Drive today
They will release the drive this coming July. I think I can get one from them before it goes to the market
Capacity : Casing comes with 30 and 60 GB 5400 rpm hard disk (for 1.8 inch)
Best of all!! Can connect direct with PPC besides notebook/laptop. They've an engineering test unit. Just waiting for production now.
Here's the explanation using WiFi. The drive will be recognised as a web folder instead of a drive by the PPC. This web folder will consists of your folders and files and you'll have to use IE browser to access them. Power input is 5V DC using mini USB which means you can charge it from your notebook/laptop USB ports or any external battery pack whihc provides a 5V DC output.
WOW!! Can't wait to lay my hand on one of these
at least there responding to someone...
they dont respond at all to any mails from me :?
i dont know if i like the web folder thingy though...
would prefer if it just showed trough the file explorer, does resco explorer show web folders?
did they tell you the prices with the 30 and 60gb and without any HD?
at least there responding to someone...
they dont respond at all to any mails from me :?
i dont know if i like the web folder thingy though...
would prefer if it just showed trough the file explorer, does resco explorer show web folders?
did they tell you the prices with the 30 and 60gb and without any HD?
RE
Quote
"did they tell you the prices with the 30 and 60gb and without any HD?"
Nope. No pricing figure for the moment. They don't sell to end users because they're the manufacturer. The actual pricing will depend on the retail shops
Quote
"would prefer if it just showed trough the file explorer, does resco explorer show web folders? "
No idea
I guess we just have to sit back and wait patiently
RE
OK, tested the WiDrive on my Universal today
Looks pretty cool...comes with Hitachi 1.8" 30GB hard disk
Managed to get it connected with my Universal using WiFi and access WiDrive using internet by typing a certain address on the address bar. The drive is treated as a web folder
Once login to WiDrive I'm able to download files to play (or save it) on my Universal
Also, can use my external 8800mAH battery pack (purchased from EastGear) to charge the WiDrive
Some issues though
a) cannot upload file from my SD card to WiDrive...hmmm
b) after playing a song I'll need to re-type the address at the PIE address bar in order to return to WiDrive
c) I think music and video cannot be streamed while playing on the Universal. What I mean is I'll need to download the music/video file to my Universal and the concerned program will be auto activated to play the music/video file.....have to check this further otherwise the drive just acts like another drive
Did not buy yet so no testing on notebook carried out. According to the shop streaming was done using the notebook as a driver is required to be installed on the notebook.
Well, I've discussed with WiDrive's boss on the above issues. Will discuss with their engineer tomorrow and feedback here.
Wow, its an experience. Cost about US$263
:lol:
RE
Sorry for the late reply
There're some changes. I'll be getting a 1.8 inch 60GB IDE Hitachi Travelstar and the Wi-Drive casing separately (cheaper this way) by this weekend. If everything works out fine I'll be reporting back
BTW, I was told by the engineer of EDSLAB that OPERA works better than PIE on their drive
RE
Sorry, due falls apart. For the 1.8" hard disk Wi-Drive comes with standard 30GB
60GB version will be released later
Some pictures of Wi-Drive here:-
http://sg.vr-zone.com/index.php?i=3827
:lol:
Hmm... Widrive looks good, but WL-HDD is still better in my mind. It can run off a battery (all PSP emergency batterys work, imagine my joy at finding that out!) ,it has an ethernet port for intergration to home networks (you can use it as a wireless access point) and it has USB host, so you can share USB drives, webcams, everything. It also comes up to 100gb, and i bet you itll be cheaper. you could even swap in a 1.8" hdd into the housing and put the battery in the space left, making it a neat solution.
RE
I've bought the Wi-Drive but only for 30GB model and still testing it
Initial test with OPERA gives pretty good results :lol:
Where can either of these external drives be purchased?
berdinkerdickle said:
Where can either of these external drives be purchased?
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Click to collapse
lol... i wouldnt buy one of those. Max = 100mbps on wireless. On wired USB 2.0 or Firewire = 480mbps or 800mbps i think. I use my diamondmax 11 or my cheetah scsi 15k rpm drive and it goes really quick. I put it on wifi by hooking it up to another computer and mapping it or just use remote access. Anything is possible nowadays, i dont have to tell it to you. But it seems this hard drive can exist independently when signal is available. I dont know how that works but i am sure you need a lcd display to select a network or to enter the key. Just like microsoft Zune? Why dont you guys go for microsoft Zune now that i think of it. ^^
nuclear said:
lol... i wouldnt buy one of those. Max = 100mbps on wireless. On wired USB 2.0 or Firewire = 480mbps or 800mbps i think. I use my diamondmax 11 or my cheetah scsi 15k rpm drive and it goes really quick. I put it on wifi by hooking it up to another computer and mapping it or just use remote access. Anything is possible nowadays, i dont have to tell it to you. But it seems this hard drive can exist independently when signal is available. I dont know how that works but i am sure you need a lcd display to select a network or to enter the key. Just like microsoft Zune? Why dont you guys go for microsoft Zune now that i think of it. ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point of these drives is mass storage on the universal. Read the thread before posting.

[Q] Does the Fire TV support USB storage/powered USB splitters?

Just a quick question for anyone who already received their Fire TV (Mine will be here Wednesday hopefully)
I see that people have had success in getting everything from mice/keyboards/etc working with their Fire TV, but I'm curious if powered USB hubs and external USB drives work as well.
Ultimately I'd like to have something along the lines of a USB keyboard/mouse as well as an XB360 controller, as well as a USB slot that I can throw some media on if I have a friend over who doesn't want to set up their machine/share on my network and we can still watch something through either XBMC or Plex.
TooSlo said:
Just a quick question for anyone who already received their Fire TV (Mine will be here Wednesday hopefully)
I see that people have had success in getting everything from mice/keyboards/etc working with their Fire TV, but I'm curious if powered USB hubs and external USB drives work as well.
Ultimately I'd like to have something along the lines of a USB keyboard/mouse as well as an XB360 controller, as well as a USB slot that I can throw some media on if I have a friend over who doesn't want to set up their machine/share on my network and we can still watch something through either XBMC or Plex.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to plug in a USB 3 hub, unpowered, and used a keyboard and mouse at the same time.
rooobbbbb said:
I was able to plug in a USB 3 hub, unpowered, and used a keyboard and mouse at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With a non powered usb hub I was able to hook up a mouse,keyboard,wired 360 controller. Hopefully that answers your question
What about USB storage? Can you guys read movies files from a flash drive or USB hard drive?
-Sent from my TMO Samsung Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk
no drive support yet, hoping someone can figure out how to enable it
movie
Hi
Can we watch some avi mkv mpeg movie on firetv directy on usb key?
saerdryl2 said:
Hi
Can we watch some avi mkv mpeg movie on firetv directy on usb key?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
saerdryl2,
Please take the minimal amount of time to read the responses from others as this has been answered... Most recently right above your post:
screwyluie said:
no drive support yet, hoping someone can figure out how to enable it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ordered an Ouya that hasn't arrived yet and considering return/refuse.
Does anyone have any information for the future of FTV USB storage?
ie:
Is it not possible with the current hardware?
Is it a feature that is under development and will likely be enabled in the near future?
i8nt said:
Ordered an Ouya that hasn't arrived yet and considering return/refuse.
Does anyone have any information for the future of FTV USB storage?
ie:
Is it not possible with the current hardware?
Is it a feature that is under development and will likely be enabled in the near future?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely not a hardware issue, but the software distributed with the device by Amazon does not support it. I think they want you to use their cloud services instead.
Most likely fixable once Root is available, but currently there is no distributed Root available yet. Most likely will see Root available after the device gets 4.43 updates.
Thanks, the hdd is a must have for Mashup's direct download, instead of using a dvr.
Since I got the Ouya on the cheap, will probably keep it for now.
I see the xbmc wiki says usb storage can be enabled with root.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Confirmed it's working. Just root + sideload StickMount.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
nadimsoze said:
Confirmed it's working. Just root + sideload StickMount.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, just to confirm, you are using a USB Hub to get all three USB items? Keyboard/mouse, controller AND external storage?
need to get that last part clear..
Nope. Didn't try that. Just the 2.5" usb 500gb external.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Vylle said:
So, just to confirm, you are using a USB Hub to get all three USB items? Keyboard/mouse, controller AND external storage?
need to get that last part clear..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a simple 4 port unpowered USB 2.0 hub connected to my Fire TV at all times. In that hub is a 64GB NTFS thumb drive at all times that is mounted via StickMount on boot. When I need to, I plug a USB mouse and keyboard into two of the 3 open USB ports on the hub. Everything works with all 3 devices plugged into the hub. I hope that's the info you're looking for.
fireTVnews.com said:
I have a simple 4 port unpowered USB 2.0 hub connected to my Fire TV at all times. In that hub is a 64GB NTFS thumb drive at all times that is mounted via StickMount on boot. When I need to, I plug a USB mouse and keyboard into two of the 3 open USB ports on the hub. Everything works with all 3 devices plugged into the hub. I hope that's the info you're looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks - this is all i need to know
now to go off to amazon n get one
Which usb hub are you using? I'd like to order one from Amazon, along with a 128GB stick.
fireTVnews.com said:
I have a simple 4 port unpowered USB 2.0 hub connected to my Fire TV at all times. In that hub is a 64GB NTFS thumb drive at all times that is mounted via StickMount on boot. When I need to, I plug a USB mouse and keyboard into two of the 3 open USB ports on the hub. Everything works with all 3 devices plugged into the hub. I hope that's the info you're looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if that's disk related, but I have an old LaCia external 2.5" 500Gb HDD. It has a regular USB2 port and an additional 5V in which can be used optionally (if attached to the computer, it works with just the USB).
With the AFTV, I had to use the additional 5V.
A friend of mine is having the same issue with his external HDD, the power from AFTV is not enough
Hi,
I read that Fire TV doesn't support USB storage, but I believe it does although I've not been able to access a drive (plugged in to powered hub) yet. So far using sideloaded es file explorer I can see the USB device and alongside it the drop down button which when clicked seems to unmount the drive. Looking in the dmesg log (familiar to Linux users I'm sure) the kernel loads appropriate USB driver module and the recognises the USB storage the device as /dev/sda with partition sda1. There is also an entry in the list of mount points for /storage/usb, but it seems to point to 'tmp, tmp' which doesn't make much sense to me. It seems to me the only thing missing is automount of the recognised partition, does anyone agree or disagree? Does anyone know a way of mounting on an uprooted device (l'm on the latest update and would prefer not rooting unless unavoidable).
I've been using this one without issue: http://goo.gl/yXFV9o

RAVPower FileHub (RP-WD02)

The RAVPower FileHub (RP-WD02) seems to pitch 3 major features: WiFI Router, Media Sharing and Power Bank. I tested these main features, and as you can see below the device seems to do what it advertises.
- Media Sharing
I loaded a few different MP4 movies on my FileHub (microSD card) and started to stream from other devices, adding one at a time but keeping the prior device still running. I also chose a different video for each device. As a side note, I was able to copy a file directly from a USB thumb drive to the microSD card and the transfer was handled by the FileHub itself.
Devices:
NOTE: FileHub was connected (via wireless) to my home router for internet access.
1) Xbox 360 connected directly to my Linksys router and access the FileHub (via DLNA).
2) Laptop connected to the FileHub via wireless..
3) Nexus 7 connected to the FileHub via wireless.
4) Moto X connected to the FileHub via wireless.
The only time devices 2,3 and 4 had any sort of hiccup was when another devices was first starting to load a movie but it would smooth out quickly. Once the movies were all playing, the 3 devices (#2, #3 and #4 all connected directly to the FileHub via wireless) had no problem streaming 3 different videos at the same time. Device #1 had the most issues but it wasn’t directly connected to the FileHub via wireless -- it was going through another device (older Linksys router) which is likely part of the reason it had issues. Once I stopped devices 2-4, the Xbox (device #1) played the movie with no problem again.
I consider the above a “stress” test, normal use (one or two devices) shouldn’t be a problem at all especially if you connect via wireless directly to the FileHub. I didn't test MP3s or anything else -- if it can handle multiple movie streams, I am sure music / other files aren't an issue.
- WiFi Router / AP / Bridge
I connected the FileHub device directly (via ethernet cable) to my home wifi (Linksys router). Next, I used the Ookla Speedtest.net application on my Nexus 7 tablet and did 3 tests on my home wifi, and 3 test on the filehub. The download speeds, upload speeds and ping time were all within the same variance so the FileHub had no noticeable impact.
In addition to connecting to an Ethernet network, the FileHub can connect to a wireless network that way any devices connected to the FileHub via wireless can still have a connection to the Internet. If you travel this could be a useful way to setup your own wireless network in a hotel.
One thing I did notice, there isn’t really an option to set this up as a true wireless access point where it simply acts as a media converter so that you can connect your wireless device to a wired network. This device always acts as a router/AP combo, so your wireless clients are on an internal (10.10.10.X by default) network. If this device truly could act just as an access point, your wireless client would pick up an IP address from whatever network was on the other side (for my Linksys it would be a 192.168.1.X address). While this may not matter for the average user, I figure I would point it out. I contacted RAVPower support to see if maybe I am missing something.
- PowerBank
Not much to test here, it acts as a 6000 mAh powerbank. Once interesting feature that I didn’t find in the manual, if the device was off and I gave the power button a short press the battery light would turn on and the device would act as a PowerBank without the other capabilities. This could be useful if you want to charge your phone without the device itself being on (which I would assume reduces the power consumption).
Overall I am impressed so far, but am still playing with the device. If you have any questions, or can think of any tests I should consider, please let me know.
Hello.
Thanks for your review.
It's not mentioned ,but it's compatible with microSDXC , it work with my SanDisk Ultra 64 Go UHS-I SDSDQUA-064G-U46A :good:
Hi, nice review
I have a question :
What transfer speeds do you get when copying from a sd-card to a USB connected device? My wd02 takes about 10 min to copy 1 Gb...
Thanks for answering
dope649 said:
Hi, nice review
I have a question :
What transfer speeds do you get when copying from a sd-card to a USB connected device? My wd02 takes about 10 min to copy 1 Gb...
Thanks for answering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am no longer using a standard firmware (don't ask lol) so it really wouldn't be good for me to compare times. Are you doing the internal microSD to USB? Should be quick (in theory) since it is all on the same device.
cookiemonster79 said:
I am no longer using a standard firmware (don't ask lol)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As the latest (2.000.014) fw seems to have broken some things (compared to 2.000.002 which was preinstalled), I'm asking... Want to share something mouth-watering?
steve8x8 said:
As the latest (2.000.014) fw seems to have broken some things (compared to 2.000.002 which was preinstalled), I'm asking... Want to share something mouth-watering?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah nothing too interesting, I think I had a copy of the 2.000.014 before it was released. What broke on it for you?
2.000.014 apparently preserved passwords set on 2.000.002 but I had to hard reset the device. After that, I found that the "passwd" command would modify /etc/shadow while the "telnetd" would continue using /etc/passwd contents. Bad busybox?
Trying to get my hands on the GPL release now (if such a thing exists).
Shouldn't there be a .030 (for the WD01 there was a .014 too before)? How to get older fw versions?
steve8x8 said:
2.000.014 apparently preserved passwords set on 2.000.002 but I had to hard reset the device. After that, I found that the "passwd" command would modify /etc/shadow while the "telnetd" would continue using /etc/passwd contents. Bad busybox?
Trying to get my hands on the GPL release now (if such a thing exists).
Shouldn't there be a .030 (for the WD01 there was a .014 too before)? How to get older fw versions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish they did a changelog for updates, I will see if I have an older copy somewhere on one of my drives but other than that I don't know how to get them.
cookiemonster79 said:
I wish they did a changelog for updates, I will see if I have an older copy somewhere on one of my drives but other than that I don't know how to get them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try to get in touch with them (Twitter? E-mail?) to get access to older FW and GPL sources. Over-optimistic, perhaps.
steve8x8 said:
I'll try to get in touch with them (Twitter? E-mail?) to get access to older FW and GPL sources. Over-optimistic, perhaps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you trying to get from the old one? Just curious. I haven't tested the new one much is it broken?
As setting the root password did work with the old FW, and I first took it over to the new one successfully (only to lose it to a factory reset), there clearly must be a difference. I know I cannot easily replace the new busybox with the old one while keeping the rest of the FW, but having the option to downgrade (for science) is somewhat appealing.
Whoa! This thing is super neat! Thanks for the heads up and review!
Few Questions...
I just got one of these and am trying to bend it to my whims. Running into a few problems, though...
1) I can't change the device's IP address to something in the 192.168.0.xxx range. If it could be done, this would ease the issue you mentioned of it not acting as a 'true' router, since it would at least be issuing IP Addresses on the right subnet as the rest of my network. I tried changing the DHCP settings, but that resulted in a hard reset since it wouldn't let me also change the IP address.
2) I'm not sure if this is specific to Xperia devices or not, but in the Storage settings, there's a feature for 'Remote Share' that basically mounts a network share as a folder in the Android file system, so it can be treated as 'local'. I've not had any luck setting the FileHub to play nice with this as of yet. It'd be great to be able to shift my music collection to the FileHub and still have it playable in the usual music players.
3) Most of the time I'm using this on-the-go. How can I maintain my LTE data connection while simultaneously connecting to the FileHub via WiFi?
4) You mentioned not using stock firmware... Where can I find other options? The built-in stuff is servicable, but limited. Might even remedy the IP Address config issue.
While I probably cannot answer your questions, I have another one myself: is there a way to add a USB 3G stick to make the device aware of mobile data networks? (I haven't found any confirmation it could, only a single hint that the WD01 wasn't able - with an older fw.)
steve8x8 said:
While I probably cannot answer your questions, I have another one myself: is there a way to add a USB 3G stick to make the device aware of mobile data networks? (I haven't found any confirmation it could, only a single hint that the WD01 wasn't able - with an older fw.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried a 3G/4G stick on my Filehub, and while it powered up and appared to obtain a signal, there's really no way for the FileHub to know it's there or what to do with it. Good Idea, though... That'd be a great feature for them to add in the future!
Before connecting, run "lsusb" and "lsmod" as root. Repeat after having connected the USB device. The USB id may give us an idea about what will be needed; I'd not expect support for 3G devices in the kernel, and we might need GPL code from RAV before we can modify the system accordingly.
I vaguely remember a report of attempts to run OpenWRT on the device, but cannot find it anymore. (Was it real at all?)
Nice review. I just purchased this handy little device and put it through some heavy usage for testing and it works great. Only thing I cannot figure out is how to update the firmware or if there even is an update for the firmware. I am currently running on ver 2.000.002. Could anyone else confirm if this is the latest and if not how to update it? TIA
I have 2.000.014 on my WD02 (installed from a FW file d/l'd from RAV), but haven't seen any advantage. If I had access to a flashable 2.000.002 firmware I'd certainly go back!
Note that in the WD01 thread, someone reported a .030 (?) FW that even broke telnet access. RAV is trying to close holes that have been used to improve the device, it seems.
TesseractE said:
I just got one of these and am trying to bend it to my whims. Running into a few problems, though...
1) I can't change the device's IP address to something in the 192.168.0.xxx range. If it could be done, this would ease the issue you mentioned of it not acting as a 'true' router, since it would at least be issuing IP Addresses on the right subnet as the rest of my network. I tried changing the DHCP settings, but that resulted in a hard reset since it wouldn't let me also change the IP address.
2) I'm not sure if this is specific to Xperia devices or not, but in the Storage settings, there's a feature for 'Remote Share' that basically mounts a network share as a folder in the Android file system, so it can be treated as 'local'. I've not had any luck setting the FileHub to play nice with this as of yet. It'd be great to be able to shift my music collection to the FileHub and still have it playable in the usual music players.
3) Most of the time I'm using this on-the-go. How can I maintain my LTE data connection while simultaneously connecting to the FileHub via WiFi?
4) You mentioned not using stock firmware... Where can I find other options? The built-in stuff is servicable, but limited. Might even remedy the IP Address config issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) If the wifi network you are connecting the filehub to is on the 192.168.0.xx range then your internal network probably can't be the same because basically the filehub would have two networks on two interfaces.
2) I think that is an Xperia setting I don't recall seeing it on my devices.
3) As far as I know you can't since putting it on wifi makes it use that for network connectivity.
4) Best you can do is try to find the older firmware which you can actually telnet to and make config changes on if you know how.
Re older FW: Can someone try and get RAV to publish all of their FW releases, *plus* the overdue GPL pack they have to provide?

OTG hardware in the fire stick?

Does anyone know if the Amazon fire TV stick has the OTG compatible hardware. I bought a Y OTG cable and it doesn't work . I was going to do a hardware root and see if I could get it working. But if doesn't even have the compatible hardware i'm not going to bother.
No one has been able to get anything working. I don't know whether it has the hardware or not, but I'm kind of doubting it, or it's not enabled at all in the OS.
I have looked at the PCB and it looks like only power is hooked up to the port the rest look grounded so there won't be any USB stuff for it
pbanj said:
I have looked at the PCB and it looks like only power is hooked up to the port the rest look grounded so there won't be any USB stuff for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is very sneaky of them. I don't understand why they are intentionally crippling their hardware...
pbanj said:
I have looked at the PCB and it looks like only power is hooked up to the port the rest look grounded so there won't be any USB stuff for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how is this possible? http://www.aftvnews.com/fire-tv-stick-usb-port-not-for-power-only-adb-over-usb-confirmed/
binary01 said:
So how is this possible? http://www.aftvnews.com/fire-tv-stick-usb-port-not-for-power-only-adb-over-usb-confirmed/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats why i said it looks like. i was going off the pics on gtv. i just looked again and the traces u can see are ground and a data line, pin 2 and pin 5. the fact they where able to get adb to work makes me think the rest are hooked up but u cant see them
http://www.gtvhacker.com/images/7/74/Amazon_Fire_TV_Stick_Board_Top_Bare.JPG
http://www.gtvhacker.com/images/8/89/Amazon_Fire_TV_Stick_Board_Bottom_Pads_Removed.JPG
any updates on using otg cables with the stick?
if the hardware is ready (data has to be wired, i think?), the host mode would be only software dependent?
nikolaus2007 said:
any updates on using otg cables with the stick?
if the hardware is ready (data has to be wired, i think?), the host mode would be only software dependent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has there been a new post in the past 4 months?
ldeveraux said:
Has there been a new post in the past 4 months?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope thats why i was asking. i think if someone has found a way, it must not be in this thread?
and i was asking because europe got the stick now
binary01 said:
So how is this possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible, but it's also pointless.
Connecting to your Fire TV stick is possible without using the cable, just by using adb.
ie: adb connect 192.168.0.103 (ip address of your Fire Stick)
Mikira said:
It's possible, but it's also pointless.
Connecting to your Fire TV stick is possible without using the cable, just by using adb.
ie: adb connect 192.168.0.103 (ip address of your Fire Stick)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you didn't get the point. We are talking about using USB-OTG in this thread.
What should be pointless in thinking about that?!
I think everybody would like to connect a USB key to the AFTVS to watch some movies from that USB key :good:
Hi, i was able to get otg working.....now I'm using a USB wired keyboard and mouse connected to a USB hub.......and was able to use a ps3 controller connected by USB working with a app called liquidsky.....but I need help, does anyone know how to get a wired Xbox 360 controller working with fire stick.........it plugs in and gets power but the middle guide button just keeps blinking and its not recognized by liquidsky........any help would be appreciated.........
Confirmed.... OTG cable with flirc usb. I now can control my Amazon Firestick with my logitech harmony remote. Finally one remote!
OTG Issues
Firestick is detecting my 1 TB HD but ES Explorer showing only Lost.directory. Kodi also unable to detect video files.
HD is formatted in FAT 32 partition

FireTV V2 (Sloane) Root/NTFS disk ?

Hello there, I have some questions regarding the FireTV
I bought one some day ago, I already have an AndroidTV box but it's sh*t and don't play 4k video so that's why I took the FireTV, unfortunately I didn't know that you can't put a NTFS disk on it.
So I have some questions, which can seems noob for you experts but I need to know, how can I read my HDDE (Seagate Expansion 3To) with the AmazonTV knowing that USB can't power it on, I guess the USB don't deliver enough power..
Also I'd like to root but I can't because I'm on 5.2.4.1 I tried the unbrick method provided here (I don't care if it bricks the FireTV anyway) but I'm stuck at "Reading 000000200 : 0%", I tried on W10, W7 it's the same problem. On Ubuntu I can't make the software working (Permission denied, tried with sudo & sudo su etc without forgeting the chmod -x...) I guess that's because preloader aren't the same anymore and can't read it.
Sorry for my english, and thanks for reading/helping.
Use Kodi and play with videos through network, I play UHD on external drive through my router with Kodi. I connect with SMB in Kodi. At least this works for me....
This is what I was doing before I bought the HDDE.. The problem is that I can't let my computer ON every night (I sleep with the TV yeah, bad habits ), It's been almost 1 year that my computer runs 24/24..
I use a wireless router that I plug a external hard drive into. I use it as a network drive, all my fire tv's and computers have access to it. Can you plug it into your router?
Unfortunately you don't have root, so looks like streaming content may be your only option. Personally I hate streaming and don't want to clog up my network so I use a rooted Fire TV with an external NTFS hard drive.
To answer the first half of your question you need to use a powered hub. The Fire TV can't power an external HDD, only thumb drives. Plug your external HDD into the hub, then the hub into the Fire TV. Works like a charm. I have a 4 TB HDD that I use for Kodi.
For those who do have root and want to use an external NTFS formatted hard drive (for those big HD files that go over 4 GB) I have a tutorial here: https://tinyurl.com/mgzvy52
You are wasting your time trying to root 5.2.4.1 on an unrooted device. The only method available is the one where you have to break out the soldering iron.
Michajin said:
I use a wireless router that I plug a external hard drive into. I use it as a network drive, all my fire tv's and computers have access to it. Can you plug it into your router?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have wireless router, also 4k movies would be laggy I guess. But thanks for the tip, I'll see if I can do something with it.
Thanks a lot PhoenixMark, that's what I saw on another thread, you can not root unless you dissasemble the FireTV.
Thanks for the tutorial, really appreciate.

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