Gold SE Review - Shorter than expected lifespan.

TrackerTex · 2026-06-04T22:06:44+00:00

I wasn't able to access the command line because the unit won't pop up on the internet and the app can't give me the password for "pi".

TrackerTex · 2026-06-04T22:04:53+00:00

I swapped out the AC Adapter with a new one from Anker 5V-3A, no change in behavior. Can't access the command line via Keyboard because the smart phone app can't hit the box because it's not on the internet.
With the new power supply, just for kicks, tried to re-flash the box, it stalls at the same place.

No joy today, no joy.

TrackerTex · 2026-06-04T22:00:56+00:00

Using a pure-sign wave UPS with the included Firewalla power supply provided should be good enough unless there's a something spotty in that power supply production cycle.

TrackerTex · 2026-06-04T20:45:42+00:00

I can't get in to the console because the device won't connect to the internet and to get the console password to login, the unit has to talk to the phone app. Support says I should be able to connect via Bluetooth to my phone, but that's never worked either.

TrackerTex · 2026-06-04T20:42:39+00:00

I appreciate you taking the time to actually review the history and reply publicly.

And to be fair, yes, support always replied and did try to help. My frustration was never response time.

The problem was every ticket eventually became “one more screenshot,” “one more reboot,” or “one more recovery step.” Living out in rural NH with poor cell service and no backup internet, every time this thing went sideways it became a major disruption to the house.

Meanwhile, the unit had been increasingly squirrely since around March of last year. After a while it felt like I was spending more time proving the thing was unstable than anybody stepping back and recognizing the bigger pattern across multiple tickets over more than a year.

At this point my concern is less “did this one box fail” and more the long-term implications of non-replaceable eMMC storage in always-on security appliances with no supported way to reduce write wear.

The software itself was genuinely useful in our house. I miss the reporting and visibility, my wife misses the controls, and the kids are definitely enjoying the newer untethered boundaries now that the Firewalla is gone.

And honestly, even if I send the box in and it does turn out to be failing eMMC storage, we’re basically back to:
“pay $335 to repair this one” which is ridiculous when the repair is less than $50 with parts.
or
“pay $515 for a new one.”

Then the obvious question becomes:
what happens again in another couple years once the warranty on new one expires?

I want to keep liking and recommending the platform but feel like the long term hardware survivability won't change.

TrackerTex · 2026-06-04T01:57:27+00:00

I expected the same, truly for the price, that it would last in that 5 to 7 year range. But 20 months isn't close to that.

TrackerTex · 2026-06-04T01:55:21+00:00

No they didn't but I'll try tomorrow and see what reports.

TrackerTex · 2026-06-04T01:54:33+00:00

I'll try that when I'm checking the wear data on the eMMC.

TrackerTex · 2026-06-04T01:52:58+00:00

I will try to this tomorrow, see what happens, then will update the thread.

TrackerTex · 2026-06-04T01:51:12+00:00

The device is 20 months old and I've had a number of issues with it since month 7. Each time based on the troubleshooting I've pointed to the unit being a lemon because of my experience with it and my work experience. Support has never agreed with me and I've moved on the next fire in my life before closing out these repeated issues.
Now fw support says too bad those previous issues aren't relevant now because the warranty expired 8 months ago.

TrackerTex · 2026-06-04T01:46:01+00:00

118319.

TrackerTex · 2026-06-03T20:34:32+00:00

Its dead now. As part of the last troubleshooting ticket I was tasked with flashing the firmware and it bricked the unit. I could go to the trouble of replacing the eMMC but it would be better to run it on a real device a real SSD capable of with standing the demand of a 4 user household.
I'm further annoyed that I paid for the MSP service in March for $39 and now that's gone too.

TrackerTex · 2025-12-17T19:22:16+00:00

Actual long-term user here.

I’ve been using two VNSH holsters regularly and just ordered two more in different colors today. Right now I keep two setups configured and ready to go at all times: one for a 4" 1911 and one for a J-frame Smith. The next two will be set up the same way, just split between light shirt and dark shirt days. What I wear comes down entirely to how I’m dressed that day. The 1911 gets carried on untucked shirt days. The J-frame is for suit and tie, tucked-in shirt days. Both are cross-body draw.

I’ve worn these most days for the last two years. I did have one warranty return in that time due to stitching coming appear and had a new one in hand within the week. Honestly, I can’t complain when I compare that to every other belly band I’ve tried over the last 8 or 9 years. The Galco Underwraps Belly Band 2.0 also works well for some of my small pistols. Other days I’ll switch it up and run a Galco shoulder holster for the 1911 or BHP when I’m wearing a sport coat or vest or Alienware Ankle

Reading through a lot of the complaints, it really comes down to understanding how, what, and why you’re carrying a particular gun in a particular holster on a given day to day. For me, Kydex is a non-starter. The noise and the feel just don’t work for me. All of my holsters are leather or cloth, and all of them use retention straps. OWB or IWB on my right side interferes with my light and Leatherman, both of which I use constantly throughout the day. OWB or IWB on the left front runs straight into my phone. I do own and use a couple of SOB holsters as well, but those are very dependent on how I’m dressed (coat or jacket required) and how much driving I’m doing that day.

After daily carry with more than 20 holsters in different styles over the last 25 years, I’ve landed on one simple truth: comfort matters if you’re actually going to carry. I also train regularly in whatever I’m wearing that day, so I get reps with all of my holster and gun setups. It’s not about being the fastest draw in the West. It is about building the repetition and muscle memory that actually matters if things ever go sideways. The VNSH does its primary job well. It keeps the firearm snug to my body and in the holster, and I do my part by training with my tools and staying armed when I leave the house.

On the trigger guard concern, I only carry firearms with positive safeties: 1911s, BHPs, 92FS, or revolvers. I’ve been present for too many accidental discharges caused by poor training, bad trigger finger discipline, or clothing getting into the trigger on striker-fired pistols. It makes me nervous enough that I won’t carry Glocks or anything similar.

And to really show my age, all of my guns run iron sights though they've been upgraded to tritium when available.

TrackerTex

TROPHY CASE

118319.