View Full Version : Share your Server setup and give the rest of us IDEAS
I would like some of you guys that have been around here a long time to share your NAS/PC/router setup with the rest of us.
I'm looking for cheapest/lowest power/solution to make squeezebox server.
At present I'm using either my laptop or desktop computer and even my netbook to run my server.
I do have an asus 520gu router with usb 1 TB hard drive attached to it , running tomato firmware, was hoping to run server software just from that and I can't find anyone who did it yet.
If you have a CHEAP NAS solution and link I would appreciate it.
If you have great setup, please share it with us. Even tell us the things you tried that didn't work, so we gain from your experience and don't buy something that sucks.
Since this is end of MAY 2010, figured the info in this thread is CURRENT STUFF and not stuff from a few years ago, since tech gear changes very fast and NEW STUFF comes out.
So , tell us your setup and successes and failures.
JeffHart
2010-05-28, 12:16
My first system was cheap - an hand me down Dell w/XP, a couple of GB RAM, and a couple of hand me down hard drives. Cost $0
Then it died.
I have a Asus eeeBox 202 running Ubuntu behind my TV that is now my SqueezeBoxServer server. Since I bought it for surfing and watching streaming media from the internet, this is kind of free - at least no additional cost.
However if I were starting anew and didn't have a receiver or Boom already everywhere I listen to music in the house, I think I'd just pick up the Touch and attach a USB drive for zero server cost.
However if I were starting anew and didn't have a receiver or Boom already everywhere I listen to music in the house, I think I'd just pick up the Touch and attach a USB drive for zero server cost.
I'd check the Touch thread first before going this route. This particular setup has its drawbacks.
tcutting
2010-05-28, 13:04
I set up an MSI WindPC a while back with Ubuntu Linux. It's not the easiest, cheapest, lowest power, quietest solution available, but it works very well for me. I wanted to "learn" a bit more about Linux, so it was a good way to do that. It wasn't too expensive - I got most of the parts on-sale at Newegg, and I believe there was a rebate on the WindPC. I measured the power a while back, and think it came in around 20W. It's not completely noiseless, as there is an internal fan, but I find it very quiet. I have it in my office, and most of the time I'm there so a little sound is OK, but I think you have to basically put your ear next to it to notice any noise.
In addition to SBS, it is setup as a Samba server, so I use it for my user files for my Windows desktop and network. I periodically connect a USB HD to it to back up. There should be dual-core Atom PCs out there now, with lower power support chips, but as I say, this setup works well for me.
I would go for a sheeva or tonido plug (search the forum) and a 2.5" harddrive. Consumes just 5 watt in total and is rather cheap and with help of the Squeezeplug image very easy to setup. http://wiki.slimdevices.com/index.php/SqueezePlug
Ok , I just ordered a tonido plug.
Not sure where you were referring to in forum to figure out how to install server on tonido. I did find stuff for the sheevaplug. Could someone who has the tonido plug post link just for the tonido plug and putting server app on it.
Thanks
lrossouw
2010-05-30, 22:42
When I upgraded my desktop I just downgraded my old desktop (pulling stuff I don't need in it) and put it in the cupboard. Running my server off it. It had XP Pro so I use remote desktop to access it if needs be. You could also use vnc etc.
Ok , I just ordered a tonido plug.
Not sure where you were referring to in forum to figure out how to install server on tonido. I did find stuff for the sheevaplug. Could someone who has the tonido plug post link just for the tonido plug and putting server app on it.
Thanks
How to run the tonidoplug from a usbstick is discussed here: http://www.tonido.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=209&start=10
After this it is just a linux install. copy the squeezeboxserver.deb file to your plug using either samba or winscp. Then do apt-get update and dpkg -i squeezeboxserver*.deb. That's it. To solve dependencies run apt-get install -f.
I use two old HP SFF that I got for free at my work. One loaded with Vortexbox and one with FreeNAS for backup.
Look for ones with DVD player and SATA controller. Like this one. http://viewitem.eim.ebay.se/HP_dc7600_SFF_P4_HT_28Ghz_1GB_WINXP_vorinstalliert/330434411055/item
Backup and schedule tip.
First setup Vortexbox on one box.
For backup I use a old HP dc7600. It has room for two SATA disks and a DVD player.
Burn FreeNAS to CD, put a USB stick in the computer and boot from the FreeNAS CD. Note the ip adress on the screen. If you don't have a screen look in your router for the ip adress.
Surf to that ip from another computer. Log on with user admin, password freenas.
Follow this guide to setup JBOD. http://freenas.org/documentation:set...:software_raid
Go to Services > Rsync > Rsync client.
Set the Vortexbox ip address.
User “root”.
Module “files”.
If you don’t use Vortexbox use your own settings.
Set a schedule. That’s it. No single command was typed.
My schedule.
Vortexbox shutsdown 01:00 if no player have been used after 23:00. It boots up again at 06:00. Runs Clear and rescan at 06:30.
Freenas boots up every Sunday morning at 07:00 and runs the backup at 07:30 and shutsdown 6 hours later.
To restore use FreeNAS as rsync server and Vortexbox (or your Windows box) as rsync client. http://vortexbox.org/documentation/b...x-using-rsync/
__________________
When I upgraded my desktop I just downgraded my old desktop (pulling stuff I don't need in it) and put it in the cupboard. Running my server off it. It had XP Pro so I use remote desktop to access it if needs be. You could also use vnc etc.
The lowest consumption option is a pc running vortexbox. I don't mean power.
512Mb would be a lot depending on the cpu. I would think a 750Mhz+ P3 might be sufficient if you weren't playing more than a couple of transcoded streams at the same time. I've done an old P4 at 1.6 with decent results.
The only other question is storage. I like NAS for the data storage.
Agillis?
PencilNeckGeek
2010-05-31, 11:14
If you have a CHEAP NAS solution and link I would appreciate it.
I have the 1TB version of this which works well for streaming. The built-in software is garbage but I just dump files on the Openshare and call it a day.
http://www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?pid=11384
lrossouw
2010-05-31, 19:51
The lowest consumption option is a pc running vortexbox. I don't mean power.
512Mb would be a lot depending on the cpu. I would think a 750Mhz+ P3 might be sufficient if you weren't playing more than a couple of transcoded streams at the same time. I've done an old P4 at 1.6 with decent results.
The only other question is storage. I like NAS for the data storage.
Agillis?
Mine isn't power efficient, it is very low cost otherwise, as in zero cost :)
I recently migrated from a single core Pentium 4 3.0GHz system with 2GB RAM to a system built around a dual core Xeon E3120 3.16GHz with 4GB. After years of frustration, the speed of the web interface is finally pretty good. Browse album pages with artwork, artist and year displayed that used to take 4-5 seconds to load now only take about 1-1.25 second. Full library scans are scary fast - with SbS 7.5.1 it takes only about 6.5 minutes to do a full clear and rescan of 28,000 files. And a nice thing about the new system is that it's cooler, quieter and requires less energy than the old P4.
Hobgoblin
2010-06-01, 15:52
I set up an MSI WindPC a while back with Ubuntu Linux. It's not the easiest, cheapest, lowest power, quietest solution available, but it works very well for me. I wanted to "learn" a bit more about Linux, so it was a good way to do that. It wasn't too expensive - I got most of the parts on-sale at Newegg, and I believe there was a rebate on the WindPC. I measured the power a while back, and think it came in around 20W. It's not completely noiseless, as there is an internal fan, but I find it very quiet. I have it in my office, and most of the time I'm there so a little sound is OK, but I think you have to basically put your ear next to it to notice any noise.
In addition to SBS, it is setup as a Samba server, so I use it for my user files for my Windows desktop and network. I periodically connect a USB HD to it to back up. There should be dual-core Atom PCs out there now, with lower power support chips, but as I say, this setup works well for me.
I'm not much more than a newbie having bought a Duet 6 months ago - but I'll still share as it's working very well.
Similar setup to tcutting's above, and for similar reasons. Using a newer nettop, an Acer Aspire Revo R3600 Desktop PC, Atom 230 1.6GHz, 160GB HDD, 1 GB RAM running Ubuntu Server. Cost around GBP150, which I was happy with (once I'd accepted that I had to buy something*).
As well as the SBS and it's dependent services, it's also running a Samba server so I can manage my collection easily from either of my Windows machines - dbPoweramp, Amazon downloader and Media Monkey all point at my 'music' share.
I put Webmin on it due to lack of experience with command line linux - that turned out to be less scary than I thought, so it hasn't been used too often.
Backup is an external disk attached to one of the Windows machines using SyncToy to copy changes only.
Fairly small collection by standards round here... 7000 max quality ogg vorbis files.
Performance - the controller only takes a couple of seconds to display an Artist list say, the browser client displays in under 5 secs.
Reliability - excellent, has been running since January, apart from switching it off when I went on holiday and reboots for upgrades it's been up non-stop.
Power - haven't got anything I can measure this with, but I've seen 20-25W quoted in tests elsewhere.
Noise - has a fan, but seemed quiet when I was setting it up, it was destined to sit in a cupboard though so I didn't pay much attention to that side.
* The one that didn't work....
Initially I tried to reuse a retired desktop PC - an old Athlon 800 with 512MB. Installed everything fine, and it seemed to be up to the task, performance wasn't a problem but reliability was. I suspect overheating as anything intensive, like a library rescan, caused the whole machine to lock-up. As my intention was to stick it away in a cupboard and forget about it that made it a non-starter. Shame, I liked the idea of doing it for nothing though I reckon the Revo will pay for itself in lower electricity bills.
Yes, VortexBox will run on a very simple machine such as a P4 with 512mb RAM. As for storage the best option is a 1TB internal drive and another 1TB USB drive for backup.
I did have my squeezebox server running on a Viglen MPC-L and blogged my experience:
http://furtive.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/running-squeezecenter-on-a-viglen-mpc-l/
It worked fine, if a little slow occasionally but was very cheap. I was running Windows XP on it and I wonder if it would have been more responsive if I'd kept Ubuntu on it
If you are after a little more flexibility I can recommend Windows Home Server. It works really well with my music collection and Squeezebox Touch.
If you have Microsoft OS's on your home PCs it makes backing up really easy and the ability to remotely access your files is great for me. There are lots of free plugins to extend the flexibility even further. In terms of hardware, you can build your own, buy a ready built server or even buy a server with WHS oon it.
For the first two options you can download a free trial which is a good way to see if the solution works for you.
Good support forums at http://forum.wegotserved.com and http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/windowshomeserver/
I would have to say the SheevaPlug (or similar) is the cheapest option both purchase and electricity wise.
Easiest has got to be one of the Vortexbox Appliances. Buy one, remove from box, connect Ethernet cable, plug in power cord, turn on, rip or transfer music, enjoy!
After having two NAS machines, my opinion is stay away from them. They are more trouble then they are worth. Cost more then almost any other solution and RAID is NOT backup it is data access on a specific machine.
My best results have been running a dedicated machine (DIY Server or converted PC) with Linux (Ubuntu or Vortexbox). I have an Atom MB with 2GB of RAM and 2TB hard drive running Vortexbox that uses less then 15 Watts 99% of the time (25 Watts Max) that will probably end up at the cabin or beach house. My main dedicated Server runs Ubuntu and is a DIY propose built Music Server. I would probably have used Vortexbox for it also but my CD collection is to large to fit on two 2TB HHD.
I would have to say the SheevaPlug (or similar) is the cheapest option both purchase and electricity wise.
Easiest has got to be one of the Vortexbox Appliances. Buy one, remove from box, connect Ethernet cable, plug in power cord, turn on, rip or transfer music, enjoy!
After having two NAS machines, my opinion is stay away from them. They are more trouble then they are worth. Cost more then almost any other solution and RAID is NOT backup it is data access on a specific machine.
My best results have been running a dedicated machine (DIY Server or converted PC) with Linux (Ubuntu or Vortexbox). I have an Atom MB with 2GB of RAM and 2TB hard drive running Vortexbox that uses less then 15 Watts 99% of the time (25 Watts Max) that will probably end up at the cabin or beach house. My main dedicated Server runs Ubuntu and is a DIY propose built Music Server. I would probably have used Vortexbox for it also but my CD collection is to large to fit on two 2TB HHD.
I would point out that this addresses NAS that RUN SqueezeBoxServer rather than storing the music of input (which would be the true reason to have a NAS.)
I can second the vortexbox distro: It gives you a great way to turn a "cast-off" computer into a fine music server.
There are two options: a. install the software on a computer with a network card, or b. buy the pre-installed solution from vortexbox.
Obviously installing the software on a P3-750 or better (with a network card) is a lot cheaper (if less convenient.)
Paul
Hi,
My setup is quite unusual and a bit unstable, still working at improving it. If some of the respected contributors to this forums want to comment, I'll be honored :)
Here's the setup if built to feed my SBs (a radio and a boom):
- Machine hosting LMS is a Cubox from SolidRun runnning a Debian
- Cubox doesn't have large disk space attached so my music files are stored on a NAS (Iomega IX2-200 Cloud Edition 1TB RAID-1)
- I have a NFS mount on Cubox to the NAS shared folder to give the LMS access to my music files
- NAS is not always on (power consumption, heat dissipation, noise)
- NAS is a bit old, doesn't support WOL (a crying shame if you ask me)
- NAS is plugged on a remote controlled electric plug which can be controlled by Cubox (using RFXCOM and XPL technos)
Knowing all the above, here's what I'm trying to achieve:
- Whenever a SB is requesting a media file to Cubox that is stored on the NAS: power up the NAS (through remote controlled plug), wait for it to come up and mount the NFS share.
- When SB is powered off (with remote or button), unmount the NFS share as I experience LMS hangs if the NAS is switched off while SB are still depending on it for playing files.
I've got custom Bash scripts trying to achieve the above, they are somewhat working, most of the time but it is globally not satisfying.
Is there an elegant solution to solve this ? Do I have to improve my scripts because there's no hope elsewhere ?
To be continued...
Marc
I run SlimServer (actually SqueezeServer 7.5.3) on a FitPC 2. That's a 1GHz Atom with 512MB of RAM running Windows 7. The same box also runs TVersity, FTP Zilla and VPOP3. It can be a little sluggish to administer but thankfully rarely needs my attention.
The computer apparently consumes a maximum of 7 watts and gets slightly warm to the touch when doing real work. When idle it's barely warmer than the shelf it sits on.
Music and video files are on an external 1.5TB drive which spins down when idle.
castalla
2012-08-17, 00:57
LMS 7.7.2 on Raspberry Pi (via Squeezeplug), music library on 16gb USB memory stick on Huawei router. Fast and responsive consuming 2 watts.
This is the one I actually use for everyday listening.
It uses a Via C7 based ITX board, today you would probably use an Atom instead. 1GB of RAM, I believe.
The whole thing doesn't have a fan, instead it has a heavy housing, the processor and chipset are cooled through a heat-pipe using the radiators on the sides of the housing.
The HD is a 2,5" Notebook drive. The DVD drive is configured to be used with the CD Player plugin so that you can occasionally listen to a CD on all your Squeezeboxes, I don't rip directly on the server but of course you could.
It's completely silent unless you use the DVD drive, you won't notice it (well, you won't HEAR it), even if you sit right next to it.
Software is Ubuntu server edition.
The good thing is i's linux and an x86 architecture so more or less all plugins run on it and it's definitely fast enough but still absolutely silent.
I was afraid of the hard drive dying of the heat pretty soon but it's running well for 4 years now, I come to believe notebook drives can stand more heat, my MacBook Pro also get's pretty hot at times.
It's a really good server but I probably would not build it this way again, today. The primary reason is that I don't use CDs at all anymore, after 7 or 8 years of music streaming (yes, I had other systems before the Squeezebox) all my CDs are ripped now and I don't really buy new ones but downloads instead so I don't need the CD drive anymore.
But that was the whole idea behind the setup: I wanted an openly accessible CD drive to be able to easily feed CDs into it when I want to play them. This means it had to be in the living room which meant it had to be completely silent which is why I built it this way.
Today I would probably use a small form-factor PC without any drive, attach a dual-drive RAID USB setup and stow all this in a remote location where it doesn't matter that it's not completely silent and ugly and no longer care about it.
But if you still use an occasional CD it's an option although.... again... today I would use a Mac Mini for a similar setup. It's cheaper and more powerful. Yet not as silent.
13646
banned for life
2012-08-17, 16:44
I recently migrated from a single core Pentium 4 3.0GHz system with 2GB RAM to a system built around a dual core Xeon E3120 3.16GHz with 4GB. After years of frustration, the speed of the web interface is finally pretty good. Browse album pages with artwork, artist and year displayed that used to take 4-5 seconds to load now only take about 1-1.25 second. Full library scans are scary fast - with SbS 7.5.1 it takes only about 6.5 minutes to do a full clear and rescan of 28,000 files. And a nice thing about the new system is that it's cooler, quieter and requires less energy than the old P4.
From my experience, Vortexbox gives the best GUI performance. My current setup is two VMware workstation VM's. One for in the house an one for remote access. Vortexbox wanted 768Mb to install so I adjusted and then set each VM to 256MB after install.
we downtrodden beg for mercy
banned for life
I have used my old P4 desktop as a beginner , i had only one player and tried out the squeezebox experience wo investing in a server .
Then i knocked together a Mini-itx box with a couple of hard drive slots , to power my growing system .
I pondered to upgrade that but realised that a HP microserver was cheaper than any diy option of similar power and chassi with a lot of hard drive slots , so now it is an N36 miroserver .
I used Win-XP Ubuntu and ClarkConnect 4.2 and now ClearOS 6 beta as OS for the server .
The thing is the flexibility you can always start with what you got as a beginner :)
jimbobvfr400
2012-08-18, 16:44
I have my music stored on an old buffalo linkstation NAS.
LMS runs on an O2 Joggler that I have also modified to have an optical out and also use as a player. LMS also serves a 2nd joggler running squeezeplay and a SB radio to give me 3 zones.
I find the joggler runs LMS very well, scanning my relatively small library of approx 10k songs is nice and quick and the Web interface runs nicely. The joggler even runs several plugins and transcodes WMA radio streams and also acts as an airport.
If you're unfamiliar with the Joggler, it's a 7inch touch screen photo frame type device sold by O2 as a household organiser type device. It didn't sell very well and O2 sold them off for 50 quid. Although originally quite limited in functionality its actually a very capable device with an Atom processor and 512 MB of Ram and can run all sorts of stuff including full Linux distributions. My 2 jogglers cost me 70 UKP so a bit of a bargain for a 2 zone SB based server and player system.
Running the right software and with the optical modification its almost like a better Touch capable of running full LMS unlike the crappy tiny LMS on a proper touch. The screen is much better and the lack of IR remote no problem as I control either with the touchscreen, my Android phone or squeezeplay on my laptop.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk 2
I have a HP proliant microserver N36L with 4Gb ram running Windows Home Server 2011. I was running Vortexbox but for some reason it stopped allowing me to connect to mysqueezebox.com, installed WHS 2011 and all now ok.
w3wilkes
2012-08-25, 20:21
I run my Squeezebox server on a WHS2011 box with 8GB RAM and also use DriveBender to create a single drive image from multiple hard drives. With multiple physical drives in the pool you can then specify duplication for any or all directories in the DriveBender pool. This give redundancy in the event of a drive failure. For backup I sync the library to 2 other Laptops. I really don't want to ever have to rip my CD's again!
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.12 Copyright © 2013 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.