This is a simple guide on building a $35 Time Capsule with a Raspberry Pi. A Time Capsule is a network attached storage device from Apple for use with their Time Machine. Time Machine gives users a very easy and userfriendly way to automatically create and restore (encrypted) backups. A Time Capsule is basically an expensive NAS that only talks the AFP/netatalk protocol. The 2 TB version costs $299 at this time, a Raspberry Pi only $35…
You will need the following:
Raspberry Pi, Model B/B+
USB Hard Disk / Big USB Disk
The Raspberry Pi can run either Raspbian or Arch, this guide works on both. The USB storage works best if it is externally powered.
I’ve tested with 2 different Raspberry Pi’s, one model B+, raspbian, with a 128GB USB disk (from Sandisk) and on Raspberry Pi Model B with Arch and a 1 TB USB hard drive. I’ve got some spare disk lying around, if you don’t you should buy one. The total cost might be higher than $35 if you need to buy storage or want a nice case and other accessories.
Each Friday is PiDay here at Adafruit! Be sure to check out our posts, tutorials and new Raspberry Pi related products. Adafruit has the largest and best selection of Raspberry Pi accessories and all the code & tutorials to get you up and running in no time!
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Each Friday is PiDay here at Adafruit! Be sure to check out our posts, tutorials and new Raspberry Pi related products. Adafruit has the largest and best selection of Raspberry Pi accessories and all the code & tutorials to get you up and running in no time!