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msimswil2015's avatar
May 22, 2017

Time Machine backups over wifi possible?

Hi everyone. I am currently using a RN Pro for family file storage and Time Machine backups. The power supply is failing* - very hard to turn it back on after turning off - and it's long out of warranty so I'm thinking of getting a 316. 

 

It would be wonderful to be able to do Time Machine backups from Apple laptops over wifi, in addition to desktops over LAN. Is that possible? I'm using a single Apple Airport Extreme wifi router for the assorted laptops, idevices etc. in the house. 

 

I'm not super-expert at networking, so please keep responses reasonably ELI5 in the first instance. Thank you!

 

--

*I would like to try power supply replacement, but I can't find a way to buy the necessary part from Newegg as they won't ship to or even accept payment from me here in Japan :-( and I'm not sufficiently knowledgeable about PC parts to find something identical locally.

4 Replies

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  • StephenB's avatar
    StephenB
    Guru - Experienced User

    msimswil2015 wrote:

    Hi everyone. I am currently using a RN Pro for family file storage and Time Machine backups. The power supply is failing* - very hard to turn it back on after turning off - and it's long out of warranty so I'm thinking of getting a 316. 

     


    The RN526 is the new product that is closest to the pro-6 performance.  The RN316 is similar to the ultra. There is also a new platform (RN424), but there is no 6-bay unit available.  You might find 4 bays to be enough, since disk capacities are much higher now than when you got the pro.

     

    The warranty for the pro is 5 years btw (longer than most people think).

     

    Sandshark can help on identifying the PSU specs you need.

     


    msimswil2015 wrote:

    It would be wonderful to be able to do Time Machine backups from Apple laptops over wifi, in addition to desktops over LAN. Is that possible? I'm using a single Apple Airport Extreme wifi router for the assorted laptops, idevices etc. in the house. 

     


    Certainly that will work.  Though gigabit LAN will be faster, and you want a stable wifi connection (with no drops during the backup).

    • msimswil2015's avatar
      msimswil2015
      Tutor

      msimswil2015 wrote:

      It would be wonderful to be able to do Time Machine backups from Apple laptops over wifi, in addition to desktops over LAN. Is that possible? I'm using a single Apple Airport Extreme wifi router for the assorted laptops, idevices etc. in the house. 

      StephenB wrote:

      Certainly that will work.  Though gigabit LAN will be faster, and you want a stable wifi connection (with no drops during the backup).

      Could you explain how I could set that up? Or point me to another post or link?

       

       

      Thank you for the other tips about warranty, alternative products, and for a potential PSU solution. If I can keep the Pro working, that would be great, but summer is coming and I can't leave it running all day in an empty house - way too hot. 

      • Sandshark's avatar
        Sandshark
        Sensei - Experienced User

        The 6-bay legacy units use an SFX form factor supply.  Most owners replacing them use the Seasonic SS-300SFD because it's an exact replacement except that the ATX connector cable is a bit too short and is also readilly available (in the USA) from Newegg.  It's the only one I've ever used, but I've looked at the specs for others who need to find a compatible supply in Europe (and now, Japan).  Silverstone and Corsair also make SFX form factor supplies.  On the other brands, the fan housing doesn't stick out like on the Silverstone, but the dimensions given on their web sites indicate they will fit.  They don't have the three 4-pin Molex connectors the NAS needs, but you can remove the connectors from the old supply and put them on the SATA conenctor wires (they just push in).  You will need an extender for the ATX connector on them, too, though I can't say if the 6" one that works with the Seasonic is right for them.  The specs for the Silverstone show the ATX cable is just a coule cm shorter than on the Seasonic.

         

        The original is a 300W supply, with 3.3V @ 20A, +5V @ 20A, +12V1 @ 8A, +12V2 @ 14.5A, -12V @ .8A, and +5VSB @ 2A.  The 3.3V and 5V are probably delivering much more current than the NAS needs.  The 300W Silverstone supply is rated at slightly lower 3.3V and 5V currents, but more 12V and 5VSB.  And since start-up problems indicate that the 5VSB (SB is Standby -- the power that stay on all the time and controlls power on/off) is liikely your probelm and not only have I seen more of that kind of issue with the suplies here than others, that was also the problem with one of mine.  The Silverstone has only one 12V bus, but with plenty of current, so that shouldn't be a problem.  Their 450W supply has even more of each. 

         

        BTW, if your Pro is an original Pro BE or Pioneer, then upgrading the processor can also help give it new life.  Compatible processors are quite inexpensive these days on eBay or directly from China.

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