Now in Make 4/23: NAS backup station with e-ink display

Regularly backing up a computer’s files saves a lot of time and hassle in the event of an unexpected data loss. However, since it is best to distribute backups across several data carriers and different locations, it makes sense to automate these processes before constantly putting off manual backups. A NAS (Network Attached Storage) can take over part of the data backup, which works autonomously in the background and mirrors the backups on several hard drives. If you also want to outsource the backed up content, you can use a cloud or an external hard drive. However, the files usually do not copy themselves to the data carrier.

Advertisement

In order to automate this as well, our author Ralf Stoffels built a portable backup station. Thanks to a built-in Raspberry Pi, this can connect to a network and independently create versioned backups of previously specified NAS drives. The result of the last data backup is presented on a built-in e-ink display, even when the device is switched off and lying on the shelf. So you can see at a glance whether it’s time for a new backup. If you want to restore the data to a computer later, you only have to flip a switch that pauses the backup function and you can access the integrated hard drive.

Anyone who wants to rebuild the backup station will find suitable instructions in Make 4/23, which explain step by step which components are required, how they are assembled and configured. Have fun backing up your data!

There is more on the subject in issue 4/23 of Make.

The current make: available at newsstands and online

Issue 4/23 is available online and at newsstands. With one of our subscriptions, the magazine was already in the mailbox. You can also conveniently order Make as a print version or PDF from the Heise Shop. If you prefer to read Make digitally, you can in our apps for iOS and Android. You can also find the table of contents of Make 4/23 online.

(acf)

Go to home page
#NAS #backup #station #eink #display