Even though I own 2 the same type of theseTime Capsules myself and I'm familiar with the setup process, it's amazing to see you upload another video about the TC so far from its "lively days". This is still a wonderful piece of tech that holds up really well. If I'll be changing my TCs' hard drivers, I'll get back here and watch your video again. Also, great ambient music selection, it's been a pleasure. :)
Thank you! I really do wish Apple would have kept this in the product line, right now they have no 'own brand' Time Machine local storage solutions for more than one Mac. I certainly wouldn't use it as a router, or even as an access point, but as a nice ethernet switch and Time Machine backup destination it's still great.
Your video inspired this old man to dig his virtually new Gen 1 Time Capsule out of the closet and, using your guidance, it's now up and running. I remember it developed a lot of issues after a particular MacOS upgrade, so I dumped it for something more reliable. Turns out a firmware upgrade was all it needed and now it's back in business! Thanks! Good luck on your channel.
Thanks, Bill, really made my day to read your comment. Always good when a firmware update can solve a problem. I really wish Apple still made simple storage solutions, but I can't see it happening.
Absolutely! I did see someone else put a 6tb drive into theirs, so plenty of scope. One thing I didn't mention, it's really nice to have an extra 3 ports of gigabit ethernet!
I have a 500gb Model upgraded to 1tb running as a backup target, but i configured it just like you, so that I can use it also like a switch. I have multiple Smart Home Bridges an connected them to the TimeCapsule, because I was running out of LAN Ports on my actual Router. and its still capable to deliver my full Network speed through it´s LAN Ports in Bridge Mode. So it runs as a (secondary) Backup Target (in addition to Cloud Backups), powers my Smart Home and runs my Printserver. It´s still pretty useful in 2023!
cool! I like that is accepts 4TB drives :) I am still using mine as for wifi and router. Still works great. I never used the HD to backup anything on it, too slow
They're still great devices. I wouldn't recommend it being your main router, unless budget constrains that of course. It's by no means a fast backup solution, and it's clearly designed for Apple's Time Machine as an incremental backup tool rather than as any kind of NAS replacement - you're also limited to gigabit, so 100 megabytes / second max in ideal conditions.
If you're going to put in a bigger hard disk, you can partition it on a Mac first You can transfer data as well before you put it in the Time Capsule The original flat ones can be used as a NAS and (even multiple) Time Machine at the same time, each on different partitions I've had a 6TB drive in one, but they accept even bigger disks The PSU is prone to failing though But you can stuff the drive in a regular enclosure if the capsule quits
James, thx a lot for this video. I'm still using mine as Time Capsule since 2011 and it's working just fine. Good to know that I could swap out the drive, should it fail. I wonder if a SSD drive would work.
You’re most welcome, Dave! No reason an SSD wouldn’t work, you’d just need the right mounting bracket - I’ve used similar in a previous job to add SATA SSDs to an older Dell serve.
No reason why it shouldn't Might even help with the PSU issues, as an SSD draws less power What is generally not known is that you can partition bigger disks on a Mac and then put them in a TC You can also load the disk / partitions with data before it goes in the TC (as it'd be slow to transfer a couple TB) The older flat ones can function as a NAS (ideally, put data on a different partition than the TM backups)
If you use an older MacOS, there are a few more options for the time capsule. Apple provides TimeCapsule software for windows which still has the extra options like reducing broadcasting power.
Ah yes, I remmeber the older AirPort Utility app. It's odd that they removed transmit power settings. But, as I said in the video, I don't think I'd use a device of this vintage for an actual access point. Especially with mesh systems like the TP-Link Deco being so affordable.
It shouldn't do, because effectively it's just a network drive. I no longer have the Time Capsule in question, Jae has it over in the US now. However, I backup to both a local USB drive and a network mount on my TrueNAS box which is definitely not APFS formatted.
You could put an SSD in, technically, as it's just a SATA interface and there's a good number of 2.5" to 3.5" adaptors to let you physically fit the SSD in place. The only issue I could see would be fitting the spacers into that adaptor. Looking at Amazon, I can't seem to find any that would allow for those spacers to be fitted to the mount. You are correct that mechannical drives fail, but eventually so do SSDs (or rather they can't 'accept' any more writes. For backup and archival purposes, I'd still recommend a mechanical drive, as long as you go with a good brand (I'm a big fan of the Seagate IronWolf drives, for example), and you'll certainly get more storage for your money that way. The other thing that's worth considering is that you won't get the full SSD performance, as you're limited by the speed of the gigabit Ehternet connection.
You could, but due to the fact that it is for a large number of back up writes a mechanical disk makes a lot more sense. SSD's do have a more limited number. Also for the same money, you can put 3-4 times more capacity in.
Great video, very informative! I do have one question however. I am thinking of purchasing a later gen 5 model with the upright design. In my use case I would like to use it both as a wireless backup for Macs on the network and as an ethernet switch to connect other devices to my network via ethernet that are too far away from my main router to be feasible (I don't want to run more than 1 cable). If I turn off it’s built in WiFi and use it just as a bridge/switch, would devices not plugged in via ethernet (connected via WiFi like a MacBook) still be able to see and backup to it wirelessly via my home wifi network provided by the main router?
Yes, as long as the Time Capsule is on the same network (as in subnet, so 192.168.15.x as an exmaple) then they'll be able to use the Time Machine as a backup source. You'll just set the TC up in bridge mode rather than itself acting as a router.
Absolutely! As long as the adapter isn't bigger than a 3.5" drive (which, by definition it shouldn't be) you should be fine). I've heard of people doing this, and with SSDs getting cheaper and cheaper it's not as cost prohibitive as it used to be. Would love to hear how you get on with that too.
So what you also did is to disable the WIFI of the time Capsule, because they're no more update and it could be dangerous can you please explain. I dont use the wifi at home i prefer an ethernet cable. Lately i am having problem with my update who fail to do the job and i even lost a lot of data. thank you for helping
So, effectively once any network device stops getting security updates it’s advisable to not use it as your main router. WiFi isn’t really the issue here, it’s more that I wouldn’t recommend using the Time Capsule as a main router. When you talk about updates, what exactly are you referring to? Updates to your computers, software, phone ? If you need some tech help we do offer this at reasonable rates, a TH-cam comment thread isn’t going to be the best to troubleshoot. Drop us a note at support@crossedwires.net and we can give you some options.
Looking at current prices in the UK, they seem to be around £50 for a fully working unit. Add in a decent drive and you're looking at probably about £150. So, definitely not a cheap backup solution. However, if you have a Time Capsule already it's a good re-use. I'd say a Pi would be a cheaper option, but given availability that's not the case right now.
Not directly on the Time Capsule. But, this is where Tailscale comes in, if you set it up on a machine that is always on your home network and set up subnet routing you can access any device on the network remotely, as long as the device in question is also connected to your tailnet. This may well have to be a video!
That’s a fair question. Honestly, because spinning drives are still the best value for long term storage. This wasn’t intended for a NAS that I needed rapid access to. Compare the cost of a good 4TB spinning disk to that of a similar sized SSD and you’ll see what I mean. SSDs are definitely the way forward, but maybe not the right option for archival storage - that’s why the storage makers are building 12 TB and larger drives.
I get what you mean here, but I don’t think Apple would do that in a product like this - though it’s telling they don’t make something along the same lines. It’s true they block stuff in the Mac Studio, which I disagree with. But I’m the flip side they don’t block 3rd party storage on the Mac Pro.
Even though I own 2 the same type of theseTime Capsules myself and I'm familiar with the setup process, it's amazing to see you upload another video about the TC so far from its "lively days". This is still a wonderful piece of tech that holds up really well.
If I'll be changing my TCs' hard drivers, I'll get back here and watch your video again.
Also, great ambient music selection, it's been a pleasure. :)
Thank you! I really do wish Apple would have kept this in the product line, right now they have no 'own brand' Time Machine local storage solutions for more than one Mac.
I certainly wouldn't use it as a router, or even as an access point, but as a nice ethernet switch and Time Machine backup destination it's still great.
Your video inspired this old man to dig his virtually new Gen 1 Time Capsule out of the closet and, using your guidance, it's now up and running. I remember it developed a lot of issues after a particular MacOS upgrade, so I dumped it for something more reliable. Turns out a firmware upgrade was all it needed and now it's back in business! Thanks! Good luck on your channel.
Thanks, Bill, really made my day to read your comment. Always good when a firmware update can solve a problem. I really wish Apple still made simple storage solutions, but I can't see it happening.
Great video. Loved the T.A.R.D.I.S entrance! With how cheap these can be picked up on eBay might be worth trying out myself.
Absolutely! I did see someone else put a 6tb drive into theirs, so plenty of scope. One thing I didn't mention, it's really nice to have an extra 3 ports of gigabit ethernet!
Nice that it still works under new versions of macOS
Can confirm running it on Sequoia, James gifted it to me. -Jae
I have a 500gb Model upgraded to 1tb running as a backup target, but i configured it just like you, so that I can use it also like a switch. I have multiple Smart Home Bridges an connected them to the TimeCapsule, because I was running out of LAN Ports on my actual Router. and its still capable to deliver my full Network speed through it´s LAN Ports in Bridge Mode. So it runs as a (secondary) Backup Target (in addition to Cloud Backups), powers my Smart Home and runs my Printserver. It´s still pretty useful in 2023!
cool! I like that is accepts 4TB drives :) I am still using mine as for wifi and router. Still works great. I never used the HD to backup anything on it, too slow
They're still great devices. I wouldn't recommend it being your main router, unless budget constrains that of course. It's by no means a fast backup solution, and it's clearly designed for Apple's Time Machine as an incremental backup tool rather than as any kind of NAS replacement - you're also limited to gigabit, so 100 megabytes / second max in ideal conditions.
If you're going to put in a bigger hard disk, you can partition it on a Mac first
You can transfer data as well before you put it in the Time Capsule
The original flat ones can be used as a NAS and (even multiple) Time Machine at the same time, each on different partitions
I've had a 6TB drive in one, but they accept even bigger disks
The PSU is prone to failing though
But you can stuff the drive in a regular enclosure if the capsule quits
@@Wannes_ thanks for the advice. I use it as my main wifi router and it works great. I think I have had for 12 years maybe :)
Amazing video! I actually am doing the same thing with a time capsule
Nice one, hope it goes smoothly!
James, thx a lot for this video. I'm still using mine as Time Capsule since 2011 and it's working just fine. Good to know that I could swap out the drive, should it fail. I wonder if a SSD drive would work.
You’re most welcome, Dave! No reason an SSD wouldn’t work, you’d just need the right mounting bracket - I’ve used similar in a previous job to add SATA SSDs to an older Dell serve.
No reason why it shouldn't
Might even help with the PSU issues, as an SSD draws less power
What is generally not known is that you can partition bigger disks on a Mac and then put them in a TC
You can also load the disk / partitions with data before it goes in the TC (as it'd be slow to transfer a couple TB)
The older flat ones can function as a NAS (ideally, put data on a different partition than the TM backups)
nice voice
James does have a very nice voice, thank you.
-Jae
If you use an older MacOS, there are a few more options for the time capsule. Apple provides TimeCapsule software for windows which still has the extra options like reducing broadcasting power.
Ah yes, I remmeber the older AirPort Utility app. It's odd that they removed transmit power settings. But, as I said in the video, I don't think I'd use a device of this vintage for an actual access point. Especially with mesh systems like the TP-Link Deco being so affordable.
Unfortunately, I have had bad luck with 2 power supplies that failed which seems to be a common problem for this device.
Doesn't the new drive need to be formatted APFS in order for Time Machine to work on newer MacOS's like Sequoia?
It shouldn't do, because effectively it's just a network drive. I no longer have the Time Capsule in question, Jae has it over in the US now. However, I backup to both a local USB drive and a network mount on my TrueNAS box which is definitely not APFS formatted.
Is there a way to put in an ssd instead ?
Mechanical hard drives eventually break and die.
You could put an SSD in, technically, as it's just a SATA interface and there's a good number of 2.5" to 3.5" adaptors to let you physically fit the SSD in place. The only issue I could see would be fitting the spacers into that adaptor. Looking at Amazon, I can't seem to find any that would allow for those spacers to be fitted to the mount.
You are correct that mechannical drives fail, but eventually so do SSDs (or rather they can't 'accept' any more writes. For backup and archival purposes, I'd still recommend a mechanical drive, as long as you go with a good brand (I'm a big fan of the Seagate IronWolf drives, for example), and you'll certainly get more storage for your money that way.
The other thing that's worth considering is that you won't get the full SSD performance, as you're limited by the speed of the gigabit Ehternet connection.
You could, but due to the fact that it is for a large number of back up writes a mechanical disk makes a lot more sense. SSD's do have a more limited number.
Also for the same money, you can put 3-4 times more capacity in.
Great video, very informative! I do have one question however. I am thinking of purchasing a later gen 5 model with the upright design. In my use case I would like to use it both as a wireless backup for Macs on the network and as an ethernet switch to connect other devices to my network via ethernet that are too far away from my main router to be feasible (I don't want to run more than 1 cable).
If I turn off it’s built in WiFi and use it just as a bridge/switch, would devices not plugged in via ethernet (connected via WiFi like a MacBook) still be able to see and backup to it wirelessly via my home wifi network provided by the main router?
Yes, as long as the Time Capsule is on the same network (as in subnet, so 192.168.15.x as an exmaple) then they'll be able to use the Time Machine as a backup source. You'll just set the TC up in bridge mode rather than itself acting as a router.
I’m fascinated by the idea of using a 2.5” ssd to 3.5” HDD adapter and converting the Time Machine to solid state storage!
Think this would work?
Absolutely! As long as the adapter isn't bigger than a 3.5" drive (which, by definition it shouldn't be) you should be fine).
I've heard of people doing this, and with SSDs getting cheaper and cheaper it's not as cost prohibitive as it used to be.
Would love to hear how you get on with that too.
So what you also did is to disable the WIFI of the time Capsule, because they're no more update and it could be dangerous can you please explain. I dont use the wifi at home i prefer an ethernet cable. Lately i am having problem with my update who fail to do the job and i even lost a lot of data. thank you for helping
So, effectively once any network device stops getting security updates it’s advisable to not use it as your main router.
WiFi isn’t really the issue here, it’s more that I wouldn’t recommend using the Time Capsule as a main router.
When you talk about updates, what exactly are you referring to? Updates to your computers, software, phone ?
If you need some tech help we do offer this at reasonable rates, a TH-cam comment thread isn’t going to be the best to troubleshoot.
Drop us a note at support@crossedwires.net and we can give you some options.
Is the purchase of time capsule sucks at the current time? as a cheap backup.
Looking at current prices in the UK, they seem to be around £50 for a fully working unit. Add in a decent drive and you're looking at probably about £150. So, definitely not a cheap backup solution. However, if you have a Time Capsule already it's a good re-use.
I'd say a Pi would be a cheaper option, but given availability that's not the case right now.
Its there an easy way to set this up to access files remotely?
Not directly on the Time Capsule. But, this is where Tailscale comes in, if you set it up on a machine that is always on your home network and set up subnet routing you can access any device on the network remotely, as long as the device in question is also connected to your tailnet.
This may well have to be a video!
@@crossedwiresyt yes, please!
Bro y dont u put ssd instead of hdd
That’s a fair question. Honestly, because spinning drives are still the best value for long term storage. This wasn’t intended for a NAS that I needed rapid access to.
Compare the cost of a good 4TB spinning disk to that of a similar sized SSD and you’ll see what I mean.
SSDs are definitely the way forward, but maybe not the right option for archival storage - that’s why the storage makers are building 12 TB and larger drives.
If this were released in 2022 Apple would block the device from there servers citing this is not an Apple device
I get what you mean here, but I don’t think Apple would do that in a product like this - though it’s telling they don’t make something along the same lines.
It’s true they block stuff in the Mac Studio, which I disagree with. But I’m the flip side they don’t block 3rd party storage on the Mac Pro.