USBHostFS_PC for the NSLU2

Using off the shelf hardware I have set up a pretty portable USBHostFS server for the PSP.

It can use any USB Mass Storage device including Thumbdrives, USB HDD's, IPods, and with a little tweaking Multi-Card readers. It also functions as a network file server.

It can be powered by a battery pack, though you would have to build one or use a commercial one.

My whole setup, NSLU2 & AC adapter, 160GB HDD, and Power pack all fit in a small bag. It runs for about 1 1/2 hours with the battery pack I'm using.

I have only seen a little lagging, but haven't tried many games.

For more info check the Readme.

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What you will need:
LinkSys NSLU2
This is a small file server for USB drives with 2 USB ports and an Ethernet port.
Note: this product has been discontinued by Linksys, but you can find it easily.

Unslung Firmware
This is an aftermarket Linux firmware for the NSLU2. It allows a lot more versatility for the device making it an excellent project platform. Other uses for Unslung include using USB devices over the network, sending infrared signals (like remote controls) over the network, Media servers, and many others.

SerComm Utility
Used to flash the firmware

Any USB Mass Storage device

USBHostFS for NSLU2 (With this guide)

Optional:
A battery pack or other portable power source. I am using a Black and Decker 20W battery/inverter.

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DISCLAIMER: You take all responsibility if you brick the NSLU2 doing this. You will replace the firmware with an after market firmware. This will void your warranty.


EDIT - Updated package to fix an issue with the install script. Thanks bigdaddie for finding it!

Originally Posted by Mordenkainen

Using off the shelf hardware I have set up a pretty portable USBHostFS server for the PSP.

It can use any USB Mass Storage device including Thumbdrives, USB HDD's, IPods, and with a little tweaking Multi-Card readers. It also functions as a network file server.

It can be powered by a battery pack, though you would have to build one or use a commercial one.

My whole setup, NSLU2 & AC adapter, 160GB HDD, and Power pack all fit in a small bag. It runs for about 1 1/2 hours with the battery pack I'm using.

I have only seen a little lagging, but haven't tried many games.

For more info check the Readme.
...

That's a great solution and looking quite nice . Do you need the battery pack to power the usb harddrive and the NSLU2?

Yes.

At home or a hotel room I can just plug it in, but for flights and such the battery pack is a must.

B&D make a 100w one as well. It's larger, but should keep the unit up for quite a while.

One question about the B&D battery pack, can it be used with 220 volt?
I just searched around and i guess it's only for the USA market and uses 120 volt

No, but I'm sure someone makes them.

Just to be sure, i connect my portable harddisk to the NSLU2 and connect the NSLU2 powersource to the batterypack?

You got it.

I'm getting somewhere:
Just bought a 250 GB portable HD and ordered the NSLU2, now i just have to find me an affordable batterypack on 220v...
Edit: i found one [quite expensive ] from Philips and it should last for 60 hours, so i just ordered it
I've got it to work, now i just have to wait for my battery pack to arrive and then i have the ultimate portable solution

Just need a DC to USB power cable and my setup is portable




And i just found out with the help of Mordenkainen that it also works with HostCore
And it works with usbisoloader too

Updated install script in package.

As a note this should work with any ISO loader that supports USB and does not require a special USBHostFS version.

If I used this to use Kingston USB sticks, would it be faster or slower than a Memory Stick Pro Duo?

Originally Posted by Mordenkainen

Other uses for Unslung include using USB devices over the network

Isnt that what the NSLU does anyways?

Originally Posted by Nebetsu

If I used this to use Kingston USB sticks, would it be faster or slower than a Memory Stick Pro Duo?

Still wondering this before I buy a converter.

Originally Posted by realg187

Isnt that what the NSLU does anyways?

no

the NSLU2 is normally a fileserver
it has a really ghetto FTP server built in, as well as some minor automated backup utilities

unslung adds a ton of extra functionality

Originally Posted by Nebetsu

Still wondering this before I buy a converter.

that seems like a really odd use

you'd be better off with just buying memstick, as opposed to a huge kludge to get a usb stick to talk to your PSP