Time Capsule or Airport Extreme + USB drive? [Archive]

Palleraa

Oct 3, 2009, 10:27 AM

alex1913

Oct 3, 2009, 11:03 AM

There is no way to use the usb port on the airport extreme base station for a time machine back up, it is the hardware that prevents this you can't hack it

go with the time capsule

r6girl

Oct 3, 2009, 11:07 AM

I use a Western Digital My Book drive with my Airport Extreme base station for Time Machine. I've partitioned the drive to keep my Time Machine back-up separate from other portions used for extra storage for me and my husband. Works great. I went for this option over the Time Capsule to easily upgrade the hard drive to get more space (and not pay the premium price tag for a Time Capsule). In fact, we just ordered a new Western Digital drive from Amazon (2TB for $200) to replace the current 500GB drive we're using.

No hacking needed - works great though back-ups can be slow over Wi-Fi compared to a direct USB connection. Since we both have laptops, it's still a much better option than remembering to plug in a drive every time we're at our desks to make sure Time Machine backs up.

There is no way to use the usb port on the airport extreme base station for a time machine back up, it is the hardware that prevents this you can't hack it

go with the time capsule

Not true of the Airport Extreme base station. Perhaps you're thinking of the Airport Express?

Palleraa

Oct 3, 2009, 11:44 AM

Sounds great r6girl. The disk attached to the Airport Extreme would ONLY be used for time machine. Im planning to buy a Mac Mini and attach some serious Western Digital My Book's via FW800 for file sharing and media of which I don't need backup.

cyclingplatypus

Oct 3, 2009, 02:50 PM

r6girl

Oct 3, 2009, 03:14 PM

I've got pretty much the same set-up as r6girl, I prefer it over the TC because it is expandable and if my TC drive dies I'm not out a router as well. You do have to initialize the drive via USB first if I recall correctly but it is best to do your initial back-up this way as it can take a while.

That's correct - I'd forgotten about this. Palleraa: here (http://mac101.net/content/how-to/time-machine-101-backup-to-a-network-drive/) are some easy instructions I found doing a quick search on how to set it up the first time. After this, it will run like a dream connected to your Airport Extreme.

Palleraa

Oct 7, 2009, 04:44 AM

Got i working. However the part about first attatching the drive to my Mac Book for the initial backup only caused more problems. I ended up formatting the drive on my Mac to Mac OS Journaled. After that I simply attached it to my Extreme station, browsed to the drive using finder and then it appeared in the Time Machine. The initial backup takes a while but I backup up around 25gb in a few hours so it not bad at all.

J&JPolangin

Oct 7, 2009, 06:41 AM

...not to mention all the TC's that have power supply issues about 18 months after you start using them and they EOL themselves...

maghemi

Oct 7, 2009, 07:21 AM

Airport extreme and hdd is what I'm going to set up for the GF. It will be pretty much for the one laptop only (unless I get one at some stage). The rest of the machines have drives directly attached.

pprior

Oct 8, 2009, 05:32 PM

There is no way to use the usb port on the airport extreme base station for a time machine back up, it is the hardware that prevents this you can't hack it

go with the time capsule

Huh? I'm doing that right now. Hung a drobo off an AE and using it for time machine backups for imac and MPB in the house. No time capsule necessary.

crhudy1985

Oct 10, 2009, 01:52 PM

I was also planning on going the route of airport extreme plus usb drive instead of the time capsule (the 18 month bench mark scares me). I have 250gb WD that I use to store downloaded media and am looking for a new and bigger hd because I am running out of space. I am wondering if I can somehow wipe the 250gb (after transferring files to new hd) and then use the 250gb as my time machine wirelessly. I am not that technologically savvy. :p So if it will be too difficult then I would rather just use it as a wired time machine. Thanks for any help.

skorpien

Oct 10, 2009, 02:16 PM

It would be very easy. Just use Disk Utility to format the drive and connect it to the USB port of the Extreme. Then use AirPort Utility to share the drive over the network and you'll be able to use it as a target disk in Time Machine!

rjp

Oct 12, 2009, 09:15 PM

There is no way to use the usb port on the airport extreme base station for a time machine back up, it is the hardware that prevents this you can't hack it

go with the time capsule

It's true that the USB disk / airport extreme combo does work. I am using it now too. However, I have heard that for some people it works fine for a while, then has sporadic backup failures. I suspect there may be some control signaling that is exchanged between the computer and the TC that is not present in the USB/extreme combo, and perhaps without this signaling, an interrupted backup gets corrupted and is not recoverable. Maybe when lids are closed on macbooks? Don't know for sure. Just guessing.

DoFoT9

Oct 12, 2009, 09:28 PM

Hi. Im looking to get rid of my old linksys router and Synology NAS.

So far I have used the NAS with timemachine, but I would like to get rid of it since it is pretty old. I also serves as a printserver for my Brother laser printer.

Will a Airport Extreme with a USB drive work as a timecapsule without the need for any hacks or ? If this is the case, why would you want a time capsule?

i see that you have already purchased an Airport Extreme, and i am happy with your decision.

recently, my Time Capsule (TC) suddenly died, after 18months of use. after researching through the Internet i have found literally thousands and thousands of people in the similar situation. the capacitors get fried because there is little airflow within the device, the fact that the PSU is in there does not help one but.

if i had seen this thread on time i would not have recommended you buy either products on their own, as i think they use the same PSUs. the only time i would buy another TC is if i purchased it with a computer and bought the full 3 years warranty with it (you cannot individually buy warranty for the TC).

anyway, goodluck with your AE, i hope it lasts you a very long time :D

as for the backups not working properly with the AE, make sure you always use the same interface (e.g. wired, OR wireless) and make sure you computer never goes to sleep.

Will it be possible to run RAID 1 with two USB-drives on the Airport Express?

/PalleRaa

it is possible to do that, buy a dual-case that supports RAID1, JBOD or any other format and away you go. this is a hardware RAID, you will not be able to do it with a software RAID.

DoFoT9

rjp

Oct 12, 2009, 09:34 PM

i see that you have already purchased an Airport Extreme, and i am happy with your decision.

recently, my Time Capsule (TC) suddenly died, after 18months of use. after researching through the Internet i have found literally thousands and thousands of people in the similar situation. the capacitors get fried because there is little airflow within the device, the fact that the PSU is in there does not help one but.

if i had seen this thread on time i would not have recommended you buy either products on their own, as i think they use the same PSUs. the only time i would buy another TC is if i purchased it with a computer and bought the full 3 years warranty with it (you cannot individually buy warranty for the TC).

anyway, goodluck with your AE, i hope it lasts you a very long time :D

as for the backups not working properly with the AE, make sure you always use the same interface (e.g. wired, OR wireless) and make sure you computer never goes to sleep.

it is possible to do that, buy a dual-case that supports RAID1, JBOD or any other format and away you go. this is a hardware RAID, you will not be able to do it with a software RAID.

DoFoT9

A couple of points:

(1) The TC is covered if you have active applecare on any other mac. You do not have to purchase them together, just *use* them together accordeing to the AC agreement.

(2) The PSU is apparently easy to fix if you know how to solder new capacitors in. They cost about 2 dollars.

The catch is, you can't do (1) and (2) because (2) voids your waranty. But unless you do (2) you'll not recover your data...

DoFoT9

Oct 12, 2009, 09:42 PM

A couple of points:

(1) The TC is covered if you have active applecare on any other mac. You do not have to purchase them together, just *use* them together accordeing to the AC agreement.
incorrect. you must purchase your TC with another mac (i.e. on the same recipet) that is still covered by warranty.

(2) The PSU is apparently easy to fix if you know how to solder new capacitors in. They cost about 2 dollars.
correct :D i am planning on doing this in a few days time once i find the 2x uF1500 and 1x uF470 capacitors (i think thats what ones they are)

The catch is, you can't do (1) and (2) because (2) voids your waranty. But unless you do (2) you'll not recover your data...

ours isnt covered by warranty so i may aswell.

p.s.if you open the device correctly, there is no way they can tell.

rjp

Oct 12, 2009, 09:55 PM

incorrect. you must purchase your TC with another mac (i.e. on the same recipet) that is still covered by warranty.

No, I have looked into this one personally, and actually used the coverage for my Airport extreme. You do not have to buy them together. Here is a quote from the applecare coverage agreement. See the last sentence.

(i) Under APP, Apple covers the Covered Equipment and one Apple branded display if purchased at
the same time and registered with a covered Mac mini, Mac Pro or MacBook Pro, computer. An
Apple-branded mouse and keyboard are also covered under APP if included with the Covered
Equipment (or purchased with a Mac mini). An AirPort Extreme Card, an AirPort Express or AirPort
Extreme Base Station, Time Capsule, an Apple-branded DVI to ADC display adapter, Apple RAM
modules and MacBook Air SuperDrive are also covered under APP if owned by you and used with
the Covered Equipment.

DoFoT9

Oct 12, 2009, 09:58 PM

No, I have looked into this one personally, and actually used the coverage for my Airport extreme. You do not have to buy them together. Here is a quote from the applecare coverage agreement. See the last sentence.

(i) Under APP, Apple covers the Covered Equipment and one Apple branded display if purchased at
the same time and registered with a covered Mac mini, Mac Pro or MacBook Pro, computer. An
Apple-branded mouse and keyboard are also covered under APP if included with the Covered
Equipment (or purchased with a Mac mini). An AirPort Extreme Card, an AirPort Express or AirPort
Extreme Base Station, Time Capsule, an Apple-branded DVI to ADC display adapter, Apple RAM
modules and MacBook Air SuperDrive are also covered under APP if owned by you and used with
the Covered Equipment.

yes, this means that your computer must be covered by warranty also. none of my computers are covered by warranty (maybe the iMac is but i am fairly certain that it isnt), so its still useless for my household.

apple should recognise this as a problem and have a mass recall. they will have to end up doing it anyway.

DoFoT9

Oct 12, 2009, 11:22 PM

yes, this means that your computer must be covered by warranty also. none of my computers are covered by warranty (maybe the iMac is but i am fairly certain that it isnt), so its still useless for my household.

apple should recognise this as a problem and have a mass recall. they will have to end up doing it anyway.

ok, the iMac is still covered under APP until 2010, but the quote specifically says::(i) Under APP, Apple covers the Covered Equipment and one Apple branded display if purchased at
the same time and registered with a covered Mac mini, Mac Pro or MacBook Pro, computer.
there is no iMac specified in there. could this be a mistake?!?!

rkdiddy

Oct 13, 2009, 11:40 AM

I've had my AEBS (single band) for almost 2 years - no issues. I recently bought a 1gb TC when they lowered the price.

Besides the obvious - the TC has a HD inside, the other difference is the power supply is built into the TC, where the AEBS has an external power brick. I think that might be causing the breaking down issues. :confused:

My setup:

Mac Mini (hardwired to AEBS)
MBPu (wirelessly connected)
TC hooked to modem - used for TM backups of both Macs.
AEBS (extending 5ghz of TC) - with a USB WD MyBook attached

My Mac Mini has Chronosync running for a weekly back up (photos, music, videos & important client files) to the USB WD MyBook.

It might seem like a little overkill, but I think it is worth taking extra precautions with valuable data. :cool:

DoFoT9

Oct 13, 2009, 04:39 PM

I've had my AEBS (single band) for almost 2 years - no issues. I recently bought a 1gb TC when they lowered the price.

Besides the obvious - the TC has a HD inside, the other difference is the power supply is built into the TC, where the AEBS has an external power brick. I think that might be causing the breaking down issues. :confused:
yes that is the problem. the power supply gets way to hot in that little enclosure and the capacitors end up dying!

nice setup!!

It might seem like a little overkill, but I think it is worth taking extra precautions with valuable data. :cool:

oh yes most definetely, why wouldnt you do it!? you can lose so much.

joaoferro37

Oct 13, 2009, 07:57 PM

A company is make a external enclosure looks just like a time capsule.
http://www.geekrumors.com/geekrumors/Welcome.html
Looks great but I have no idea where to get it.

mrjosh

Oct 15, 2009, 02:09 PM

ok, the iMac is still covered under APP until 2010, but the quote specifically says: and one Apple branded display if purchased at
the same time and registered with a covered Mac mini, Mac Pro or MacBook Pro, computer.:
there is no iMac specified in there. could this be a mistake?!?!

I think that sentence only applies to a display. The iMac has a display included, so that might be why the it was not included.

Just a guess though.

RMo

Oct 15, 2009, 02:16 PM

ok, the iMac is still covered under APP until 2010, but the quote specifically says::
there is no iMac specified in there. could this be a mistake?!?!

The first part of that covers only the computers mentioned because it is about covering the "Covered Equipment" (i.e., the computers mentioned) plus a display if purchased with the Mac. You wouldn't buy one with an iMac because it already has one.

The second part talks about keyboards. They are covered if they come with the equipment (the Mac under warranty).

The third part talks about various Airport and similar devices. They are covered if you own them and they are being used with a piece of "Covered Equipment" (i.e., any Mac under AppleCare).

NeverhadaPC

Oct 15, 2009, 02:20 PM

That's correct - I'd forgotten about this. Palleraa: here (http://mac101.net/content/how-to/time-machine-101-backup-to-a-network-drive/) are some easy instructions I found doing a quick search on how to set it up the first time. After this, it will run like a dream connected to your Airport Extreme.

THANK YOU! I have been looking to do this for awhile but only now got time, reference, and directions...

DoFoT9

Oct 15, 2009, 07:23 PM

I think that sentence only applies to a display. The iMac has a display included, so that might be why the it was not included.

Just a guess though.

The first part of that covers only the computers mentioned because it is about covering the "Covered Equipment" (i.e., the computers mentioned) plus a display if purchased with the Mac. You wouldn't buy one with an iMac because it already has one.

The second part talks about keyboards. They are covered if they come with the equipment (the Mac under warranty).

The third part talks about various Airport and similar devices. They are covered if you own them and they are being used with a piece of "Covered Equipment" (i.e., any Mac under AppleCare).

i understand now, thanks for clarifying that. so it appears that the TC is still covered. too bad i have already opened it :rolleyes:

skorpien

Oct 16, 2009, 01:42 AM

i understand now, thanks for clarifying that. so it appears that the TC is still covered. too bad i have already opened it :rolleyes:

I'm in the same boat as you. Realized too late that my TC would still be covered under AppleCare if I hadn't opened it up. But I much prefer my extra storage anyway :p

DoFoT9

Oct 16, 2009, 01:52 AM

I'm in the same boat as you. Realized too late that my TC would still be covered under AppleCare if I hadn't opened it up. But I much prefer my extra storage anyway :p

ahh well i dont care. i havent fix it yet, havent found the right capacitors to replace the dead ones (or found a way how to discharge the full capactiors).

does anybody have any idea how to discharge a capacitor? its rated at 400v, what is the best way to discharge it? i was thinking some sort of light diode.

The Hammer

Oct 22, 2009, 01:13 AM

A company is make a external enclosure looks just like a time capsule.
http://www.geekrumors.com/geekrumors/Welcome.html
Looks great but I have no idea where to get it.Bad link.

joaoferro37

Oct 22, 2009, 04:47 PM

http://www.geekrumors.com/GeekRumors/Mac___Hack___DIY/Entries/2009/10/19_Apple_Time_Capsule_Expansion_Options_and_YES%2C_it_solved_Time_Capsule_power_failure_and_lost_of_ data_problems.html

jeffreyj900

Oct 22, 2009, 06:34 PM

OK. I purchased a TC last Friday (previous model). Took it back today to Micro Center. Bought a new TC today online at the Apple Store. I have a Mac Book Pro with apple care. So, it sounds like my TC is covered under that. Do I need to register it or anything to make sure it is covered under my apple care?

I had no idea it would be covered. I would have purchased apple care for it given what I have read :D You all saved me $60. My current apple care goes through Feb of 2012.

==============
THIS (http://www.tuaw.com/2009/09/11/which-peripherals-are-covered-under-applecare/) link states it nicely. Question answered. Never mind.
==============

kakapo

Oct 23, 2009, 07:00 AM

does anybody have any idea how to discharge a capacitor? its rated at 400v, what is the best way to discharge it? i was thinking some sort of light diode.

unplug the unit. leave it unplugged for maybe a few minutes if you're paranoid. there's not enough charge stored on those caps to hurt you anyway. you want to make sure you're wearing a ground strap (metal wrist bracelet connected by metal wire to "ground" e.g. very large chunk of metal or house ground) while you're doing this so that you don't zap the board (not other way around).

DoFoT9

Oct 23, 2009, 07:38 AM

unplug the unit. leave it unplugged for maybe a few minutes if you're paranoid. there's not enough charge stored on those caps to hurt you anyway. you want to make sure you're wearing a ground strap (metal wrist bracelet connected by metal wire to "ground" e.g. very large chunk of metal or house ground) while you're doing this so that you don't zap the board (not other way around).

lol. your hilarious.

two of the main capacitors are still charged at 130v/400v. i got zapped by them, and BOY does it hurt!

thats why i asked.

i shall use a lightbulb.

Brazilian Joe

May 20, 2010, 03:47 PM

gobes

May 20, 2010, 06:20 PM

I've just ordered a time capsule, to use as a WAP, plus wireless time machine back up.
Would I be better off cancelling it and using this set up?

DoFoT9

May 21, 2010, 05:50 AM

I have read a few benchmarks that the TC does not run the HDD at the maximum performance a SATA port could offer.

Unfortunately I don't have the links anymore.

But, in short, the conclusion was simple: even though the USB caps the HDD speed, in practice the TC internal disk was so slow that an Airport Extreme + USB disk was faster, thus a better.

You will also spend less and be able to upgrade the HDD as bigger disks become available.

A powered HUB would even allow multiple perhiperals, another advantage.

So, unless Apple quietly upgraded the hardware of their routers for better speed, the situation should still hold true.

Disclaimer: I havent tried it in practice, this is all from benchmarks I read on the net.

the new TCs are fixed, they have some nice firmware advancements and the throughput is getting closer to what you would expect - i dont think there is really any need to have it performing as well as the hard drive can, as the limitations are mostly elsewhere.

gobes: i think you're fine with the TC. performance differences will be negligible if at all. much easier and tidier having the all in one (extreme has an external power brick, TC has an internal one).