Network access to MicroHD HDD?

[Martyn]

Hi guys,

I'm considering getting a Slingbox so I can access the tuner remotely and record various feeds I need at short notice.

I think the Slingbox is capable of controlling the MicroHD and setting the timer or starting the recorder.

I would really like to go on to access the recordings on the HDD so I can download them. Right now I need to wait until I get home because it's a local hard disk.

I have a NAS unit and can FTP to that from outside home, but that only accepts a network connection so I can't think of a way to connect it to the MicroHD.

Any ideas on remote access so I can download (not playback/streaming) the recorded files?

Martyn

 

[Magic Static]

I use a Slingbox HD Pro with a microHD. Unfortunately it can't be done. If I wanted to do that when I was away I would have to call the house and have my son remove the HDD(usb flash drive) from the microHD and connect it to my NAS.

 

[Martyn]

Ah well, I didn't think it was possible.

I suppose the best option is to use a PC as a receiver, then I'll also be able to access the hard drive. Perhaps I'll get one of those USB receivers and hook it up to an old laptop.

In the meantime, I found a Slingbox for $20 on local craigslist, apparently working, so I'll at least have that!

 

[Dee_Ann]

What about something like this?

This is a subject that has vexed me for a long time. I had a MicroHD in my bedroom but I would like to be able to download it’s recorded files to my Mac in the other room over my network without unplugging and moving it.


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4OCYSM/?tag=satell01-20

 

[Jim S.]

The manual says that it won't work with USB and a network at the same time. I don't know why you couldn't unplug it from the receiver to transfer the files over the network, but if you're going to be pulling USB plugs, and you already have a hard drive, maybe it would be cheaper to get a cheap wireless router that supports sharing a USB drive and plug the drive into that to share over the network. (The down side to that being that you'd have to figure out how to set up the router to work with your existing network.)

 

[Martyn]

The point is that the files are recorded during the day when I am away from home or traveling.

I want to be able to download them remotely, which means nothing that requires my physical presence (like unplugging a USB disk) will work.

I appreciate the suggestions though.

Martyn

 

[DVB-S2]

I have a set-up that could work for you if you're willing to accept SD recording only. I route the composite and audio output of the microHD to the corresponding input on the Hauppauge 1250 card in my HTPC, so that I can watch satellite while I'm working on the PC. The Hauppauge WinTV 7 app can do scheduled recordings of the composite input, which end up on the PC's hard drive. You could run an FTP server on the PC to make the recordings accessible over the Internet, or you could RDP into the PC and transfer files that way (and you could also program the WinTV recording schedule by RDP). The picture quality is quite acceptable if you're only watching on a small screen. I guess you could also record to a NAS device instead of the internal HD, giving you other access possibilities.

 

[Dee_Ann]

The point is that the files are recorded during the day when I am away from home or traveling.

I want to be able to download them remotely, which means nothing that requires my physical presence (like unplugging a USB disk) will work.

I appreciate the suggestions though.

Martyn

Someone is bound to make a USB switch box that can be operated by remote command rather than pushing a physical button.
If not, build one.

I put my disk on a USB 1x4 switch, I connected port 1 to the MicroHD and port 4 to a miniature laptop which is on my lan..
I push the switch box button while I know the satellite is not recording and it becomes connected to the laptop.
Then I can move the files through the laptop, through the lan into my Mac. After it’s done I can switch it back to the satellite.

Only thing I see as a problem is that you’re supposed to use the menu system of the tuner to “disconnect” the disk before you actually remove it (via switch or power)..
I don’t know if it would cause harm to the disk or files if you just punch the switch without a proper disconnect routine. I’m sure someone else will know this better, I’m afraid to try it.

Anyhow, taking this to the next level, there must be a device somewhere out there that will switch USB ports by sending a command to it or an electrical signal without you having to physically push a button.
If so, you could use a RaspberryPi mini computer. I bought one to act as a weather station and in learning about it I see people do all sorts of wild and crazy things with them. You could probably even use one in place of the mini laptop to move the files and I’m sure it could be used to control an electronic USB switch box such as this, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BD8I3EI/?tag=satell01-20
Here’s another one that could be made to flip the switch, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006Z0Q2SI/?tag=satell01-20

This young lady has a big online store selling things to connect up stuff like this. She’s a flippin genius ! http://www.adafruit.com

I’ve been googling this for over a year now trying to figure out a way to do the very same thing.

The only reason I haven’t done it is,

1. Concerns about disconnecting the disk from the tuner improperly
2. I’m not sure how to make the RaspberryPi “flip a switch” (cut the switch pad from the thing above and wire it to the RPi)
3. I have no idea how to program anything.

One other option is an Electric Imp. I bought one because I saw an article showing how to use one to open and close your garage door with your iPhone from anywhere in the world.
Here’s a lot better page with more info on the Imp than the Imp site provides, http://www.adafruit.com/products/1129

I got absolutely nowhere with it at all because I could not figure out the programming part. But it’s a tiny little thing about the size of a book of matches that has wifi and will “flip switches”.
I’m just dumb as a bag of rocks about programming.
(Now that I went back and looked up the original article I see the guy now sells a simple gadget to get the job done that is plug and play. Theoretically. I may buy one because I still want to do that.
Either the DIY or the kit he now sells should be able to “flip the switch” of the USB switch box.)


But I’m sure there are oodles of you guys out there that would be able to breeze through something like that in minutes.