Today we’re going to tell you a little bit about the QNAP HS-210 and how to set it up. Over the next few paragraphs, you’ll learn what the HS-210 is, how to install the drives and get it hooked up to your network, and how setup QTS to begin using your QNAP. Now, shall we begin?
The HS-210
The HS-210 is a 2-bay fanless NAS device. When used in a home or a home theater setting being passively cooled is a killer feature. I have mine located outside my office door and have yet to hear the HS-210 make a sound. It also means the unit will not be taking in any dust from the air intake of fans. It’s also power efficient. The HS-210 in full operation uses less power than a typical CF lightbulb.
The HS-210 is a stylish black unit with a brushed metal top. The metal top helps radiate heat to make it fanless. It’s designed to fit in with your entertainment center devices or consumer router and broadband modems. The twin bays are hidden behind a magnetically attached front panel. It’s the NAS that’s not designed to look like a NAS. It’s full featured, too.
The HS-210 is powered by a single Marvel 1.6GHz ARM-based CPU. There is 512MB of memory and 16MB of internal flash memory. All the HS-210’s ports are located on the back. There’s the port for the external power supply, a single RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port for connecting to your network, twin USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, and a SD card reader slot. The USB ports can be used for external storage, connecting printers, or for upgraded capabilities like a USB TV-tuner. The Gigabit Ethernet port supports iSCSI, something commonly found only large SAN arrays. The power and reset buttons are also on the back.
If the HS-210 doesn’t quite meet your needs, QNAP makes a large assortment of other NAS devices for the Home/Home Office, Small and Medium Business (SMB), and enterprise level. They range in capacity from 1 to 24 bays.
With the retail price of the HS-210 at slightly over $300, it’s an affordable option for your needs.
QTS 4.1 Apps
The operating system of the HS-210 is QTS 4.1 which is built upon embedded Linux foundations. QTS not only gives you a familiar computer-like interface, but also allows for a large collection of apps. First of which is MyQNAPcloud, a personal cloud service which can be your own personal alternative to Dropbox. Your QNAP can be a file server or backup server. You get easy access to Netbak Replicator for Windows Machines, and it has built-in support for Apple’s Time Machine for your Mac. For Media, QTS has built-in DLNA support and an optional Plex app. It can act as an iTunes Music server. It can even act as your DVR with an add-on TV tuner an the TV Station app. It can act as a printer server, IP-based surveillance center, WordPress server, control server for digital business signage, and literally dozens of apps we will detail in future articles.
Setting Up The HS-210
The first thing you need to do with the HS-210 is take it out of the box. Before you do anything, make sure your table, or whatever space you’re working on, is clean. Also make sure to discharge any static you may have. Electronics don’t react well to being shocked. The system comes with the HS-210, the magnetic front panel, two drive sleds, the power brick and cords, an Ethernet cable, two sets of screws, and a quick start guide. You’ll notice one thing missing, the drives. The HS-210 does not come with drives. If you didn’t order drives with the NAS, you’ll have to order them now. Before you go off to Best Buy and pick up some consumer drives, know that they may not work optimally in a NAS. Get NAS drives like the Western Digital Red-series or the Seagate NAS series. The ones being used with this HS-210 are 3TB WD Reds.
Grab the quick start guide. Now take the front panel off. It’s magnetic, so you just pull it off. It’s designed to be removed and attached with very little effort. Next, you want to remove the drive sleds. Next to each drive bay is a tab that says push. Push these towards the center. Pull the sleds forward, remove them from the HS-210, and set them on the table.
Now unbox one of your drives. Place it upside down underneath the sled. The connector faces away from the handle. Take one of the bags of screws. One will have 8, the other will have 6. The 8-screw bags are for the 3.5″ drives. The 6-screw bag is for the 2.5″ drives and SSDs. More than likely you’ll be using 3.5″ drives. Now take a screwdriver and screw those into the 3.5″ drive using the 4 screw holes NOT marked 2.5. The drive may take a bit of repositioning. Once the drive is secure, push it into the HS-210. Repeat the process with the 2nd drive. Replace the front panel.
The next thing you’ll want to do is plug the Ethernet cable into the QNAP. Then plug the other side into a router, hub, or wall ethernet port. This may vary depending on your wired network setup. Now connect the external power supply and the AC power cord. Plug the DC end into the QNAP and the AC end into the surge protector or preferably UPS. Finally, reach around to the back and press the power button to turn on the unit.
Setting Up Your QNAP Software
You have two options for setting up your QNAP. First is to go to Start.QNAP.Com and the second is a QR code through your mobile phone. The process is the same, but we’ll stick with the computer version for this illustration. The first step is to log in to Start.QNAP.Com where you’ll be asked to select your QNAP. Select 2-bay and HS-210. Click Start now.
Note: With the Mobile QR Code method, skip through the entering of the cloud key. The QR code contains all the information in the first few steps.
You’ll be presented with a couple steps from the quick start guide, you can skip these. Scroll down to Install Firmware. It’ll give the option of Cloud Installation or Local Installation. Click Cloud Installation.
You’ll be asked for your cloud key. You can find this on the quick start start guide above the QR code. It will be formatted like “Q0000-0000”. Enter the number in the two boxes (q is already entered) and click enter.
The next step will be creating a myQNAPcloud account if you don’t already have an existing QNAP device and account. Enter your email for your user ID, your desired password (please not fluffy123) and verify it, your first and last name and optionally your cell number. Now click on the Agree to Terms box after reading their terms of service. Click next step. You’ll receive an email from QNAP to activate your account. Follow the instruction of the email and activate.
Next, name your device. This will be for cloud access of your device. The default name should be the cloud key, but you can rename it if you wish to “Bob Smith’s HS-210” or something to that effect.
Now the HS-210 will be downloading and installing the latest version of the QTS firmware. You don’t need to do anything except press begin.
The next box will be start quick setup. Press begin.
You’ll be presented with a list of settings for your NAS. You’ll have the device name, admin account, admin password (admin by default), IP address, time zone, date & time, your disk configuration, and whether you want to scan for bad blocks on the drives. If you want to change anything (like, say, the admin password), click on the box and change it. If everything is good, click proceed.
Next the device will format the drives and install the settings. Get a cup of coffee. It’s hands off at this point. Don’t touch anything until it finishes.
The last step is clicking on “Connect and login to QTS”. This will bring to you to the QTS login screen for your device.
Now log into QTS. You’re done with installation.
Wrap-up
Your QNAP HS-210 is now successfully set up. Stay tuned for upcoming articles in this series showing you all the things your QNAP will be able to do for you.
There seems to be a dearth of information on streaming video with a HS-210, especially using Plex. A how-to would be excellent!