Whirlpool

I have just purchased a new LAN Drive by Hotway Technology Corp and am experiencing a few problems.

Basically if I keep the machine on all the time then all of my files and settings stay where they are and all is well.

However, if I turn it off and then turn it back on, well all of my files and settings disappear! Basically everything I had set up is gone and I have to redo the lot.

I have sent a query to the support section at Hotway but haven't received a reply.

Has anyone got one of these or heard whether this is normal? Does the unit have to be on 24/7? And if so, what happens when power is lost due to a blackout, does all my backed up info go as well? I don't have a UPS so this could be a problem.

Anyway any replies would be appreciated.

Cheers

brissylions writes...

I have just purchased a new LAN Drive by Hotway Technology Corp and am experiencing a few problems.

a link to the product would help

here's the link........

www.hotway.com.tw/products/hd9.htm

brissylions writes...

if I turn it off and then turn it back on, well all of my files and settings disappear!

all your files? are you shure
one thing to check is to see if there are any cache settings maybe it isn't actually being written to the HD

Yep all files and folders....gone.

Ice writes...

one thing to check is to see if there are any cache settings

How do I do that?

cheers

brissylions writes...

How do I do that?

look in the web config like i did in the manual but i didn't find anything so don't worry

Yeah thanks. I've read and reread the manual and also searched on the net but the instructions are limited to say the least. Surely the files have got to be somewhere. The drive installed in the external box wouldn't just lose the info. But the files should have been there because I just did a simple transfer. Its beyond me I think.

something to try is to put the HD into a computer and see if the files are there it could be something to do with the firmware /permisions
are you using samba or ftp

I'm using ftp. From what I have been told, samba is for linux.

Will get the drive out and look at it.

brissylions writes...

From what I have been told, samba is for linux.

no that's just what the linux ver is called
and is compatible with windows file sharing

Well, I took the drive out and tested it in my other machine.............nope no info.

This things getting to me now because I put the drive back in and started it up and I cant even get the LAN webpage to work in order to access the settings etc. I was going to try and update the firmware. I had tried that previously but an error message came up referring me to the user manual.......which only states to update the firmware..............so I try it again and it refers me to the manual again.

Do you have one of these Ice? either this brand or another brand?

Looks like an interesting product IF you can get it working. How much was it a where can you get them? I've been looking at other similar products but not decided on one yet.

Edit: then I saw this in the manual...
What are the naming limitations of the files located in the LanDrive?
The maximum length of a folder/directory/file name is 12 characters

I bought mine from MSY in Brisbane (great guys highly recommended) for $99.00. A quick search on the net with other stores has them for between $104 and $149 courtesy of www.staticice.com.au

mgriffin writes...

Edit: then I saw this in the manual...
What are the naming limitations of the files located in the LanDrive?
The maximum length of a folder/directory/file name is 12 characters

This hasnt been the problem as the names have all been less than that.

do you possible have to apply writes or something? is there some sort of write-caching?

brissylions writes...

Do you have one of these Ice? either this brand or another brand?

no i dont

somthing else to try though
put the HD back in the computer and put some stuff on it then put back in the landrive thing and see if the files are there.

I was wondering with these Hotway units, how the 'embedded OS' is stored? I mean, is it on the HD itself (in a dedicated partition) or on flash ROM on the mainboard?

brissylions writes...

Has anyone got one of these or heard whether this is normal?

No its not.

My advise.
- Use the Landrive to format the HDD, even if the HDD is a preformatted one.
- Try the FTP server, upload files, power cycle, and see if the files are still there.
- Do the same test with the USB connection

Do you have a second HDD to try in it?

JBL writes...

I was wondering with these Hotway units, how the 'embedded OS' is stored? I mean, is it on the HD itself (in a dedicated partition) or on flash ROM on the mainboard?

The embedded OS (or Firmware) is stored on a Flash ROM.

All the drives settings are stored as files in the root directory*, and are directly visible when connected via USB (It acts as an external USB drive when connected by USB) assuming you have enabled your OS to display hidden system files.

*Network shares and passwords, FTP users and settings, IP address details**, etc.

**Edit:... IP address details and the administrator password for the unit appear to be stored in flash as these settings are retained when changing HDD's and are cleared with the reset button

Mr Ping writes...

The embedded OS (or Firmware) is stored on a Flash ROM.

All the drives settings are stored as files

Thanks for the feedback Mr Ping.

What would be the cause of the OP's problem with regards to the settings not being saved?

Also, how many concurrent users does the Hotway box support?

JBL writes...

What would be the cause of the OP's problem with regards to the settings not being saved?

Don't know... I have not had the problem myself.

I would be inclined to point my finger at the Firmware. The OP mentioned a failed firmware upgrade.

Also, how many concurrent users does the Hotway box support?

I am unaware of any limit, though my unit has coped with 8 people at once.

So Mr Ping, overall you're happy with the Hotway?

Mr Ping writes...

My advise.
- Use the Landrive to format the HDD, even if the HDD is a preformatted one.
- Try the FTP server, upload files, power cycle, and see if the files are still there.
- Do the same test with the USB connection

Do you have a second HDD to try in it?

The drive was preformatted in FAT32 as required. When the problems started I used the Landrive to format it again.

I also had done all of your suggestions, however could not see the files at all.

When I tried to upgrade the firmware an error message came up all the time and I was unable to do so.

I don't have a spare HDD so was unable to try that one.

I've since passed it on to a friend and he has experienced the same problems as me although he was able to get the firmware upgraded. An additional problem he's having though is that he can only get it to work in USB mode only. I haven't been around to have a look myself yet. Perhaps he's just missed out on doing something there.

Another problem I found with it is that it runs pretty hot after it has been going for a while. That doesn't seem to flash.

I've now decided against this unit and if my friend can get it to work then I'll offload it to him if he wants it. Otherwise I'll just wear it and learn from my experience.

Glad to hear that you've got no problems with yours though Mr Ping. At least you've been more helpful than the Hotway guys. I received one reply from them and nothing since.

Cheers

brissylions writes...

he's having though is that he can only get it to work in USB mode only

Perhaps the unit is conflicting with the same IP on the LAN?

Perhaps, I'll ask him if he's changed the settings.

brissylions writes...

Another problem I found with it is that it runs pretty hot after it has been going for a while.

Bad. It will get warm, but it should not get too hot to touch. I remember copying over 50GB to the unit within an hour of getting mine and it was just warm.

Personally, in your situation I would be looking for an exchange or refund from the vendor.

JBL writes...

Perhaps the unit is conflicting with the same IP on the LAN?

It uses DHCP to get an IP address by default.
If no DHCP server is found, it has its own DHCP server to fall back on.

Having said that, you can specify a Static IP address for the unit, but this is done through the web interface. This can be undone with the reset button at the back on the unit.

It has a default share "PUBLIC" so even if you do not know its assigned IP address you should be able to see it in Network Neighbourhood

The unit is definitely hot to the touch. I was very suprised at this. I'm no expert, but could that explain data loss? ie the drive is not coping with the extra heat?

Anyway, heard back from my friend and he said that he had all of the settings correct ie there was no confliction between the IP settings of the unit and any other unit on the LAN.

He's got it working fine as a USB device, but still has issues with the LAN side of things. And he's also concerned about the heat.

Might see how I go with a possible return. Don't like my chances though, I'm in the NT and purchased it in Brisbane. Also its been over a month since I purchased it. It would probably cost me as much in postage, phone calls etc as what ever I'd get back after paying a restocking fee.

And with regard to warranty the Hotway site doesn't give any information away.

Oh well, lesson learnt I'm afraid.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

Cheers

JBL writes...

overall you're happy with the Hotway?

Mine was sold under the name "Hotek" but it is the same unit.

Yes. Overall happy.

Admittedly, its not for everyone.
Its a portable file / ftp server which you can also use as an external HDD.

Similar units from other manufacturers include Print servers and USB ports for additional HDD's. But the price is higher, not something i could justify.

Personally, If i had the parts available to make a low end server I wouldn't need to invest in one of these.
But then it consumes less juice than a thrown together PC, its portable and is silent.

Hi!
I also bought an LanDrive and now wondering about some points...:

1. How to set up the drive to be accessed via Internet
(do I need DynDNS, and howto... etc.)
[it's connected via CAT5 cable to my WLAN DSL Router]

2. how to secure the device best for not to be hacked via web

3. is it possible to create multiple partitions?

Thanks,
Felix

Hi

if your isp provided you with a static ip address you don't need dynDNS
You'll only need DynDNS if you have a dynamic IP Address
if your WLAN DSL router has firewall functionality you'll have to open the ftp port ie 21

then it should be a simple matter of typing ftp:/ <ipaddress>:21 into ie
be aware early firmware versions have ftp bugs (like my landrive) new firmware can be found

www.hotway.com.tw/downloads.htm

"v31h051118.zip (Nov. 18th 2005)
The latest version of this firmware provides bug fixes associated with the FTP feature of the LanDrive. In addition to that, the file transfer speed is further optimized to enhance your LanDrive experience. "

zip file contains pdf instructions

although i'm having issues uploading new firmware (don't have upgrade kernal option on maintenance page of admin)

my current version is NAS-basic28
above firmware should change this to NAS-BASIC32,LOADER 066

Only way to improve security of the device is to possibly change the port number you use for ftp on ftp server page of lan drive admin (obviously make corresponding change to firewall) although not really much of an improvement

don't think multiple partitions are possible via lan interface - you might have better luck with USB if you want to do this

Hope this helps
if anyone can help with firmware upgrade issue that would be much appreciated

Hi!
Thanks for your advice...!
I'm afraid my provider only provides dynamic IP.
Can someone advice me in detail how and what to configure on the LanDrive, the router and DynDNS?!

Thanks,
Felix

Hi

www.dyndns.com/services/dns/dyndns may be useful, you'll have to create an account its free but limited to there domains

if router supports DynDNS you'll have to configure it with username, password and host name you created with DynDNS otherwise download a client for your pc from the above web site

if your using NAT open port 21 (ftp) and point it to your landrives ip address ensure that ftp is enabled

that should be it

bestia156 writes...

zip file contains pdf instructions

although i'm having issues uploading new firmware (don't have upgrade kernal option on maintenance page of admin)


err, the pdf instructions, steps 1-4, tell you how to update the kernel of the unit from the command line so that you can then use the web interface to update it's firmware.

Also, the limit of 12 characters for filenames seems to be purely an arbitrary limit chosen for compatibility with the intended OSs, (Windows/Linux/Mac).
The unit itself is quite capable of taking whatever filename length FAT32 can cope with, I currently have many files whose names are 20+ characters in length and it hasn't failed to access one yet.

Mind you, when I received my unit it already had the latest firmware in it.

I have to say that the unit performs excellently connected to my router and looks a hell of a lot better than the generic external HD case I have.

err, steps 1-4 actually tell you how to upgrade the ROM ie rom125_2m.bin

steps 6-9 tell you how to upgrade the Kernal in particular step 8 says

"8. Click on “Maintenance” after entering the web site. Select Upgrade Kernel, indicate path on “kernel.bin” files, and select "upload". "

only problem there is no " Upgrade Kernal " option ?

have since used the Upgrade firmware option to load Kernal.bin and it worked

used the same Upgrade firmware option to load thee firmware V32h051017.bin and that also worked so i'm now up and running

Instructions have probably lost something in translation

sorry, my screwup, I assumed the initial ROM update would provide the interface update for the rest.

BTW, my Status page just says 'NAS-BASIC32' with no 'LOADER 66'.

Could you tell me what yours says, maybe I need to update my kernal.

Thanks.

4wd writes...

my Status page just says 'NAS-BASIC32' with no 'LOADER 66'.

Mine has NAS-BASIC32, LOADER 066

I used the Firmware Upgrade box for both upgrades.

Well, I just received my Landrive box today (thanks to the prompt service from the supplier, ranked #1 on price by Staticice).

Here's what I had to say:

forum-replies.cfm?t=4403...6630212#r6630212

Anyone know how to manually set permissions via Telnet this thing?

JBL writes...

ranked #1 on price by Staticice

Firstly, glad to hear you have had some luck with your unit. According to your post in the other thread it doesn't get hot. Mine must have been a dud, it was hot in 5 minutes.

Staticice, shopbot and others have their place, however as I'm sure you're aware a little bit of research can get you cheaper prices.............its only 5 bucks difference but I got mine for $99 from MSY..........although they don't deliver.

cheers

brissylions writes...

According to your post in the other thread it doesn't get hot. Mine must have been a dud, it was hot in 5 minutes.

I had it running for several hours last night and it got warm but certainly not what I'd call hot (I've had routers that get hotter). It seemed to have stabilised in temperature by then, so I didn't bother to leave it on all night.

I was wondering, did you get a chance to swap the drive with another one? The heat can only come from the drive, so maybe the make & model drive you used was one that gets rather hot?

like Mr Ping mine also now has

NAS-BASIC32, LOADER 066

also used upgrade firmware to load both files

bestia156 writes...

mine also now has

NAS-BASIC32, LOADER 066 ... also used upgrade firmware to load both files

Did you do the crossover cable thing and set the IP to the 169... address, or did you just do the firmware upgrade by using it's current IP?

Did the crossover thing etc.

bestia156 writes...

Did the crossover thing etc

I didn't

You don't specifically need a cross-over cable do you?

One of it's attributes is auto-mdi/mdx, (I wouldn't notice as all my ethernet ports - router/pc - are auto-mdi/mdx), according to the manual.

As to heat, with a Seagate 7200.7 80GB it gets warm, a WD 160GB JB1600 it gets warm, with a Maxtor 250GB (supposedly DiamondMax Plus 9 - another story) it was uncomfortable to hold after 30mins - ie. it was extremely hot, 52deg+.

Contrary to a post in the thread forum-replies.cfm?t=4403...6630212#r6630212 mentioned above, it is not sandwiched between two thick metal plates.
On one side it has an 8mm Al plate that is moved into contact with the top of the drive, (which technically only then has contact with the rest of the case through the threads of 4 screws).
On the other it is insulated due to being mounted within a plastic frame.

One side is always noticeably cooler.

4wd writes...

the other it is insulated due to being mounted within a plastic frame

Pardon me for not checking that out fully. I guess I must have been too hasty to assemble the unit and get the thing operational a.s.a.p.

No dont specifically need cross-over cable -had one lying around so used it

For those that are interested there is another firmware update for the LanDrive available at www.hotway.com.tw/downloads.htm

QUOTE

"The latest version of this firmware provides bug fixes associated with the FTP feature of the LanDrive. In addition to that, the file transfer speed is further optimized to enhance your LanDrive experience. Firmware Version: NAS-BASIC35, LOADER 067"

4wd writes...

For those that are interested there is another firmware update for the LanDrive available at www.hotway.com.tw/downloads.htm

And here:
www.usbex.com/landrive

Edit: All done, nice and easy.

Can I ask what data rate you get from the ethernet connection, (using Samba not ftp)?

Mine seems to hover around 3-3.5 MB/s which is about 50% of what I'd expect to see on 100Mbit ethernet.

4wd writes...

data rate

Taskmanager tells me i use an average of 20% network bandwidth (SMB). So thats err 2MB/s?

I downloaded the latest firmware v35h060118.exe (Jan. 18th 2006 Firmware Version: NAS-BASIC35, LOADER 067). Following the instructions, I did upgrade my drive to LOADER 067 through web brower. However, I could not successfully flash the rom with it (it said recvfrom error 10060) . I now have problem in reading data out of the drive through RJ45. Can you advise me how to fix it? Or can you email me the LOADER 066 firmware? Thanks

Sorry to butt in on this thread. I have a LANDRIVE and stuck in a 160GB HDD. I set up a 2nd account in addition to the default PUBLIC account on SAMBA. It worked well until I have approx 79GB of data in my drive. First, the LANDRIVE started disappearing from the network. Restarting it caused it to reappear, but it promptly disappeared as I'm reading from it. I then decided to use it as a USB drive. It would not accept any more files. I defragmented it and it accepted another 1 or 2 GB of data, then it won't take any more. I keep getting the error "insufficint space in your drive etc..."

So I now have 80GB of free space which I can't use. Does anyone have any idea why this is happening? BTW I moved files between the PUBLIC and the other folder thinking that since it's created for SAMBA, each folder may have a maximum capacity of exactly 1/2 the drive. The drive still will not take any new files.

jon2367 writes...

First, the LANDRIVE started disappearing from the network. Restarting it caused it to reappear,

I'm experiencing this problem as well. It takes about 30mins for it to disappear. Has anyone else with this unit experienced a similar problem?

what firmware version are you guys using?

Firmware version is:
NAS-BASIC32, LOADER 066

jon2367 writes...

Firmware version is:
NAS-BASIC32, LOADER 066

Same Firmware version. I will be updating to NAS-BASIC35, LOADER 067 tomorrow

Hopefully you don't run into the same issues as aries.

I had the same problem as Aries..there some sort of bug in the Rom file I think. The Mt.exe just does not work. I ended up with
BASIC35, Loader 066 (Loader should have updated to 067). The SMB does not work at all in my case (did not work even before the attempted upgrade).

Awaiting replacement, Anyone out there who was able to move from BASIC32, Loader 066 to BASIC35,Loader067?

Also, for those who have been using this for a while, any tips on setting up Samba shares etc? I am getting a 250Gb Maxtor DiamondMax10, 16Mb Cache HDD.

jon2367 writes...

I keep getting the error "insufficint space in your drive etc..."

Is the file\path\more\than\256\characters­ ???

B Galea, pls share with us on how your update went.

Question... In the update document, it states:
...Open “Internet Explorer” and key in web site address “169.254.0.1 or storage” and find the built-in administrative web site.

I've given my LANDRIVE a static address in my network address range. Is it really necessary to use 169.254.0.1? To do so, I'll have to change the IP address of my LANDRIVE back to that, and there's no telling whether my computer can find it after the change.

And also, my computers and the LANDRIVE is connected to my switch. Is it necessary to connect the LANDRIVE directly to the computer using the cross cable? Will using normal ethernet cables via the switch cause any problems?

Sorry JBL. I took so long to write my post I didn't see yours coming in.

My path is no longer than 4 folders deep. I don't think the characters of the entire path to file is more than 255 chars.

I want to update my firmware as well, but am a little afraid to do so in case I lose all my data in the HDD. I'm looking for a sacrificial HDD to swap into the LANDRIVE before doing it.

I am able to get the drive working again by download the firmware to NAS-BASIC28 which I download from internet. The speed is not impressive though, but at least it works.

Where did you get yours from vivek?

You went back firmware versions aries? How slow is slow?

I was really looking forward to getting this and was at the Springvale swap meet on Sunday ready to buy one... only one stall had them and quoted $130. I decided to wait and visit MSY.

But now with all these issues... I'm kinda put off. JBL, how is it going for you? What firmware have you got running?

I haven't updated my LanDrive as of yet. For the time being, I have decided to stay put and see if its anything else is causing my problem before I go ahead. I did have a glance at the manual, but I couldn't be bothered.

169.254.0.1 or storage is the default ip address or name for your lan drive when you use it for the first time. When you connect it to your pc, you must use the ip or name that you assigned "eg 192.168.0.100 or landrive" to access it.

I would probably say it is necessary to connect the drive directly to the pc from which you will do the firmware upgrade from, just in case.

Can someone who has a LanDrive confirm that filenames are limited to 12 characters?

Out of curiosity, does that include the .xxx extension? I guess so, because 8 characters +"." + 3 character extension = 12 characters. So it really means 8+3 filenames?

After downgraded to NAS-BASIC28, I am able to write a 100MB file through RJ45 in 1.5 minutes. The reading speed through its FTP server is somewhere between 50Kb/s to 60Kb/s. However, reading through its Sambra server is even a little bit slower than that.

Has anyone used the LAN Drive to store photos, and used the photos in the LAN Drive as a network drive (say drive X: ) for a PC to use for the Windows "My Pictures Slideshow" Screen saver?

I keep getting "There were no pictures found in "X:\

This problem only exists for the Windows Screen saver, and the Screen saver in Meedio. I have tried other screen savers, and they work fine with the pictures on the LAN Drive.

Any ideas? Cheers.

Orionn writes...

Can someone who has a LanDrive confirm that filenames are limited to 12 characters?

Filenames are NOT limited to 12 characters

Out of curiosity, does that include the .xxx extension?

IF the limitation were there, that would be correct

c a l v writes...

Where did you get yours from vivek?

www.usbex.com/landrive

Reading the Home NAS thread someone mentioned they owned a Vipower NetWork box. Sounds the same as the LanDrive with the added bonus of a fan. Can someone who owns this give us some more details?

www.vipower.com.tw/P_LD_VPA-3528Net.htm

Calv

c a l v writes...

Reading the Home NAS thread someone mentioned they owned a Vipower NetWork box.

that would be me :)

Sounds the same as the LanDrive with the added bonus of a fan.

You're right - the guts of it look the same - The web configuration page describes itself as a "Lan-Disk" too.

Lan Disk

firmware seems the same:
"NAS-BASIC28".

Mine has an old (slow) seagate 80gb drive in it.

3.7gb copied across to it in 15.05 mins

Works fine, easy to set up, havent had any problems (although the website doesn't seem to have any updated firmware).

Mine's a nice black colour :)

The fan keeps it cool - it runs only slightly warmer than room temperature when its been in use for a while.

I also have just purchased one of these Hotway LAN Drives last week. I have managed to update the firmware to using the following link:

www.usbex.com/landrive

My drive now says that i am using "NAS-BASIC35, LOADER 067"

I use ROBOCOPY to backup my local C:\ and D:\ drives to a UNC path thats set to:

\\STORAGE\ARCHIVE\C
\\STORAGE\ARCHIVE\D

The problem I am having with this drive which maybe related to some of the posts on here is that the drive seems to lock up when I start a copy. Doing a "ping -t storage" I notcie that the device is losing its IP address - maybe some kind of lockup.

I would be very interested to hear of anyone who has noticed anything similar or if there are any other newer firmware versions available.

Thanks

Mark.Carline@btinternet.com

p.s. I also have a thred on the UK AV Forums site on the following link:

www.avforums.com/forums/...ead.php?t=305944

***UPDATE***

Just done a bit of googleing around "NAS-BASICnn" (replacing nn" with some higher numbers and I have managed to find the following links:

www.macpower.com.tw/news/2006/02/17/1022
www.macpower.com.tw/resources/landisk

They both seem to imply that there is an update nocking around dated Feb 7th 2006 which fixes the following issues:

-Added security: when FTP anonymous is enabled, it will disable itself after the unit has been switched off
-Added loader version on status page
-Improved firmware upgrade process
-Support for WinXP multi language
-Support long names for workgroup (previously restricted to 15 digits)
-Fixed deleted hostname and groupname after firmware upgrade
-Fixed DHCP server auto start when disabled
-Fixed minor issues with NT4 SP6 Samba
-Fixed ARP bug

**NOTE*** - I dont think this update can be applied to the HOTWAY LAN DRIVE HD9-U2LA I own but it does seem to be very very similar OEM reboxed for apple MAC (and also show that there are some issues with the Jan 2006 firmware).

Thanks

Mark.Carline@btinternet.com

Hi All,
Just received a replacement for my lan drive.
Does anyone know if there is a way to use the smb/SAMBA shares on the Lan drive to host / run Xbox games from?
I have tried but not succeeded.

Also, any tips for improving the streaming speed from the smb shares?

My current version is NAS32, Loader066. I have a Maxtor 250Gb, 16 Mb Cache HDD.

Cheers,
Vivek

vivek writes...

Does anyone know if there is a way to use the smb/SAMBA shares on the Lan drive to host / run Xbox games from?

This is NOT possible, because of the way the XBox works. Unless the bios guys write a new bios that enables it, it won't happen. And that won't happen because (a) it's too hard, and (b) Xbox is old news, they're working on XBox360.

Also, any tips for improving the streaming speed from the smb shares?

What speeds are you getting now?

Just purchased one of these units and got it set up.. the main problem experienced is that the DHCP server the LAN drive runs has "issues" when linked to a network where your pc is providing this function. Once you disable its DHCP server the problems went away. Didnt have the same issue when connecting via a router.

FTP: Fine and stable. Moved 10gb of files without interruption. Next time ill time it..

SMB: Just tested with an xbox - works fine as a media share, just set a static ip and configure XBMC and your done. Streams more than fast enough for video play back.
Also browsable from my laptop no problems.

Unit gets warm, but not too hot to touch. Im using the side stand to give a little more exposure to air - maybe that will help...

Have not touched the firmware, no need if its working as required..

Good value for $99.

I would always suggest that you disable DHCP and setup manual IP addresses for your home network - Its alot easier to test if you know what your doing (ie you set a correct subnet mask / DNS server etc).

Regards the SMB server - have you tried creating a file / folder backup of your C drive to the box ?

I have tried using ROBOCOPY to create a complete backup of all my files onto this lan drive and it seems to cause the drive to crash half way though the backup if you want to try it ROBOCOPY is part of the Windows 2003 resourse kit :

go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=4544

I like it because if you delete files from the source then they will also get deleted from the 2nd copy when you sync up.

Thanks

Mark.Carline@btinternet.com

lotus7 writes...

Just purchased one of these units and got it set up..

Where did you buy it from? What firmware? and lastly what HDD have you got running in the box? Thanks

I set up a 2nd account in addition to the default PUBLIC account on SAMBA. It worked well until I have approx 79GB of data in my drive.

Here's an update.... After removing the 2nd account/folder from SMB, and restoring the backed up files plus more, my usage is now more than 50% of total capacity, where before it chokes when it nears 50%. Though I still can't understand it, looks like the LANDRIVE is allocating exactly 50% of capacity to each of my 2 shared folders, but looks at usage as a whole instead of individually for each folder. Confusing?... it got me stumped!

I bought my Landrive from MSY for $99 - they had plenty in stock. I stuck in a 300gb Maxtor with 16mb cache - best price/capacity I could find. A little fiddly to get the cables connected inside the box, but not too bad. My drive already has the latest firmware from December last year.

Ive subsequently found one issue which had me a bit stumped.. I used windows to copy folders containing movies onto the SMB share. When I navigate via the xbox, I can play any movie in the root of the SMB share and I can see the sub directories. When I try to open the sub directories XBMC gives me and error box which says: "Error: Success"

Apparently this is an issue with the older XBMC and the way it communicates to Samba shares - newer builds are said to address this. Will have a go and see if this resolves this issue.

I have just found a link to a new free tool from Microsoft that a few people have been recommending to create a sync of your data, have a look at it:

SyncToy v1.0 for Windows XP

www.microsoft.com/downlo...7&displaylang=en

It supports UNC paths (ie \\STORAGE\ARCHIVE with the hotway) so I would be interested to know what people think of it !?

Have now flashed the firmware to v35 and loader 67 in the hope this would improve ftp/smb speeds.

The difference... not that amazing.
With v32 I was getting 3.92 Mb/s ftp transfer.
With v35 I now get a whopping 3.95 Mb/s ftp transfer.

Not sure what the cause is, however I note if I use a wireless connection the FTP speed drops by almost exactly 50% (I can ftp over wireless connection to other boxes at much higher speeds so its not the limit of the wireless). Have to keep hunting for that one!

Unless the ftp speed is addressed you may as well pick a nice slow and cool drive to put in the unit. The speed is still more than sufficient to stream video over to the xbox.

Ive now installed a new XBMC on the xbox which resolved the folder navigation problems - everything works fine now.

just found a site that has some firmware for the Hotway HD9-U2LA :

Version BASIC39 dated 15th Feb 2006:

www.mapower.de/deutsch/p...../downloads.htm

make sure your on loader 67 first

Just a note to say that since i have loaded the latest firmware for this drive it has worked 100% and I havent needed to reboot the drive at all. I have done a couple of ROBOCOPY backups to it overnight and all seems to be ok.

My next question is can anyone comment on their actual experences in terms of thoughput on these drives ?

I am going to copy a 4.7Gb dvd to it and see what kind of thoughput I get.

I wonder if the ethernet port is running at 100Mbs / 10Mbs / Full Duplex / Half Duplex etc ?

Its a shame that the GUI doesnt have a network settings option for the NIC - HINT HINT!

Mark.Carline@btinternet.com

markcarline writes...

I am going to copy a 4.7Gb dvd to it and see what kind of thoughput I get.

The native FAT32 of the unit won't let you copy a DVD image, due to the 4GB file size limit of FAT32.

I assume you'll format it to NTFS maybe? (then you won't be able to use the SMB feature of the LAN Drive).

Just copied a 1gb file and it took 4m 30s and by my calcs thats 4mbytes a sec.

I am a little dissapointed with the SMB performance. The direct USB2 connection did the same copy in 45 secs (24Mbytes a sec).

I wonder if there is a similar device around thats got a 1000Mbs NIC instead of 100Mbs ?

markcarline writes...

I wonder if there is a similar device around thats got a 1000Mbs NIC instead of 100Mbs ?

Not for the same price.

ok but a similar price - maybe a bit more ?

Its a shame hotway dont do a gigabit lan drive - guess we'll have to wait a bit more.

markcarline writes...

I wonder if there is a similar device around thats got a 1000Mbs NIC instead of 100Mbs ?

Dlink DSM-G600, US only ATM, Less that A$300 via Ebay, this is the same as the local Dlink DNS-300 except it has wireless and 10/100/1000 ethernet

It seems I have a problem with my LAN Drive. The unit isn't recognised by the computer when connecting via USB. Although I've had the unit for a few months, I've only tried USB yesterday.

Also, the unit can't be restored to factory settings via the reset switch. The software restore function does work though. It's definitely a dodgy product, but I can't be bothered sending it back under warranty. At least it works as a Samba box.

JBL writes...

It seems I have a problem with my LAN Drive. The unit isn't recognised by the computer when connecting via USB. Although I've had the unit for a few months, I've only tried USB yesterday

Have you tried using a different USB cable and updating the unit to the very latest firmware (BASIC39) :

www.mapower.de/deutsch/p...ds/downloads.htm

The USB cable that came with my unit was rubbish.

The other odd thing I have noticed is that since putting the latest firmware above on I have managed to store a 5Gb file on the unit via samba - on a FAT32 partition! What the ?????!?!?!?!?

markcarline writes...

The USB cable that came with my unit was rubbish.

I've tried a different cable, but that didn't fix it. I heard the famous Windows ding-dong tone, when the USB device connected, but then immediately heard the infamous dong-ding tone as it lost connection. I reckon the electronics of the LAN drive are flakey.

markcarline writes...

I have managed to store a 5Gb file on the unit via samba - on a FAT32 partition! What the ?????!?!?!?!?

You've busted the myth!

So that worked ok with the lan drive? I have managed to upgrade to BASIC35 now but I would prefer a newer version, does there seem to be much improvement? how did you do your upgrade?

There seems to be two parts to the LAN Drive Firmware...

1) A loader - called LOADERnn
2) The firmware - called - BASICxx

I am now using "Loader67" with "BASIC39" and all seems to be ok. The major improvements with me are that the samba server seems to be more stable and it has only crashed once and even then it didnt lose its IP address the samba server seemed to crash. I was still able to log in via the web interface and reboot it remotly (Its permenatly connected in my loft).

***UPGRADE THE LOADER***

To upgrade the loader I you can either use TFTP (as per the notes in german below:

www.mapower.de/deutsch/p...kc31n-loader.htm

or the .exe utility thats in the official download site:

www.usbex.com/landrive

***UPGRADE THE FIRMWARE***

To upgrade the firmware I just used the web interface and used maintenance, uploaded the file and then a hard reset - dead easy.

I had an email from Hotway support saying that they are testing BASIC40 at the moment and it should be out soon.

Annoying thing is that HOTWAY dont seem to write the firmware for these drives as I have seen a number of vendors that all seem to use the same electronics but just brand their bmp file into the firmware. I would love to know who is actually writing this firmware and if its covered by any GNU copyright / release.

Thanks

Mark.Carline@btinternet.com

Where did you find "Loader67" with "BASIC39" ? I can only find "NAS-BASIC35, LOADER 067" as the latest. I'm having issues with this and MediaSonic is of no help. One of the main issues is getting the FTP to work over the internet.

Thanks Mark for your tip, as it happened I decided to take the risk while I was waiting for your reply and mine is now BASIC 39, Loader 69. I was still have trouble sending files to it with BASIC 35 so I decided to try it with 39 and it worked! I used the www.mapower.de firmware like you. Mine has a different logo now, no more landrive! . Is it the case with yours ?

BTW for anyone who is interested I think these are the people who make the chip inside the Lan Drive www.rdc.com.tw/eng/product.asp . I am not sure which one it is (next time I open it up I will look). Basically these guys make an all in one chip with USB, ethernet and cpu all together plus ram etc. It is a x86 compatible which probably means you could run your own operating system on it if you were so inclined!

You and I are probably the only ones crazy enough to risk wrecking our units so we are are probably the only 2 in the world running BASIC39 on the LanDrive! Maybe we should ask Hotway for commision for testing!

Cheers and thanks for your help.

BTW SBMongoos there seem to more options to FTP in BASIC39 than in earlier versions, for example it lets you set your own port number for FTP. I would recommend upgrading first basic35, and loader 67, then the upgrade to basic39 seems to be painless. Mark has the link in his post also but it is

www.mapower.de/deutsch/p...ds/downloads.htm

That worked OK (so far ) for me, YMMV though.

markcarline writes...

The other odd thing I have noticed is that since putting the latest firmware above on I have managed to store a 5Gb file on the unit via samba - on a FAT32 partition! What the ?????!?!?!?!?

Wow just realised what this new BASIC39 firmware has done!

I copied a 5Gb file via when connected via the LAN and it has copied ok. When I tried to copy it back via the LAN all is fine...but!

When I then tried to connect it via USB2 there is now a subdirectory instead of the big 5gb file and in that subdirectory there is a 4Gb file called "1" and then a 1Gb file called "2". So it looks like this is a neat trick to overcome the FAT32 4Gb issue. There is also file called BIGFILE.REC in the root directory that looks like it keep a record of the files.

neat !

For those who have tried the BASIC39 and new LOADER, did it improve SMB speed? I still have not seen anyone get or claim to get > 4 megabytes per second actual transfer on samba...

For your "split" file - how is it represented if you FTP into the box?

Yes I believe it is faster. I was not getting better than around 40MB/min before and now I am getting better than 84MB/min on the type of files I am copying. In actual fact it is considerably so IMHO, also connecting to with my Windows XP and Macintosh is MUCH more relaible and stable. BTW in reading I have done on the Net about these devices 4MB/second seems pretty normal for the low end NAS units like this. Remember they are only around AU$100!

Quokka

I have found the Basic39 file. Like someone else mention I now see 'network STORAGE series' logo. BUT...it still shows NAS-BASIC35, LOADER 067 after updating to 39. I don't get it. I went through the process via the online manual for ththe HD9-U2LA.

hmm...

ha...I keep editing my post.

The way Mediasonic says to update the firmware is not to use the the Firmware Upload via a browser with the Upload button but a MT.exe file that goes through a command prompt. I opted to use the browser the second time to update and now it reflects the current firmware of 39/67. I don't really see any difference in options for FTP from 35 though. I could change the port for FTP on 35 as well or it would at least except the port I entered.

I must admit I didn't trust the Howto method in the stuff from hotway or usbex. I am not sure who Mediasonic is but I assume they are a distributor of the same product? Actually the translated stuff on the mapower site in German was easier to follow! Once you have LOADER67 the firmware upgrade seems very painless via the web interface.

Yes, I used the web interface to upgrade, but it seems you MUST connect the network cable direct to the unit from the PC to do it the first time. Sorry, I haven't actually used the FTP function myself, I just noticed it seemed to have changed screen wise when I upgraded. Also it specifically mentions improvements to FTP in the changelogs. SMB functions seem to be much more reliable. For example I can browse and see the unit now in Network Neigbourhood in XP, or refer to it by the name storage as in smb://storage to connect to it on my iBook which I could not do before. Transfers are MUCH faster, and it seems so far to be more reliable under load than before. If anyone else is using it with Apple or Mac OS X I recommend BASIC 39.

markcarline writes...

To upgrade the loader I you can either use TFTP (as per the notes in german below:

www.mapower.de/deutsch/p...kc31n-loader.htm

if you can't understand the instructions here, use babelfish

babelfish.altavista.com

select German to English.

Quokka

Definately much easier to use the browser to load the new firmware. Be curious to see what 40 will do.

I'll have to try the new 39 and see if I can do FTP. I didn't buy it for that in the first place but really like the idea. Mediasonic is the place I bought this unit through off of eBay. The support through them stinks though as I cannot get them to respond.

Hi Guys,

I have been reading your posts for the last few days as I also bought one of these units and am having a hell of a time with it. I have upgraded to basic39 and loader67 but problems still persist. My two major problems are:

1. I copied 400 subfolders to a folder. However, a lot of these subfolders are there twice. There doesn' seem to be any logic with it either ie. it's not every third one or anything. I now have a total of 627 subfolders because of the duplicates. If I delete one of them, the other gets deleted also. Has anyone else tried copying a lot of folders to another folder? I have searched the net but can't find this problem anywhere.

2. It takes an eon to open the main folder. Once in, navigation is fine but getting there takes 3 minutes. Also it doesn't open on the first try. It just waits a while (hand icon showing) then goes back to the mouse arrow. I then have to click on it again and I then get the busy icon and it opens in about 20 seconds.

If someone could try these things and let me know if they are experiencing the same, it would be much appreciated. That way at least I'll know if it is the Lan drive or something else that is causing this. It is driving me crazy.

I was originally going to buy the Maxtor Shared Drive but no one had it in stock at the time and a guy in a computer store said he recommended this drive enclosure. I might go back and tell him all the problems I've been having - how can you recommend something that definately doesn't work with the installed firmware (nor the firmware that is on the manufactures site). We shouldn't have to go searching the net for the firmware.

Hello,

This is my first post on this forum, so please bear with me. I purchased a LanDisk (linitx.com/product_info....&products_id=888) which I can only assume is manufactured by Hotway due to their other enclosures having a similar look to my own even though on the case it says 'Mentor Sharing-Drive'. Anyway, I stuck in a 120Gb Hard drive and formatted, created the users, shares etc. All is fine with the drive, however, when I try and stream movies (DivX AVI files) from the drive to my PDA via wireless, the transfer rate is really really slow resulting in the pda not playing the movie. I have so far tried with two seperate PDA's in close proximity to the wireless router, with no effect whatsoever! The movies play fine if I stream from my PC to PDA, just doesn't work from the landisk to the PDA. The firmware in the web management says BASIC-30 if I'm not mistaken. Any advice or suggestions? Where can I get up to date firmware updates for this from?

Thanks.