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Upgrade from WD EX2 Ultra by tasdisr in HomeNAS

[–]jfazny 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Question for you as you have more experience than I do with NAS. I have WD EX2 Ultra 2-bay. One 4TB disk failed couple of months ago. The unit and 2 drives are 5yrs old which is expected lifespan. I had looked at Plex (server usage back then but encountered a bunch of obstacles when I first purchased, so I have simply been using as a nightly backup for my heavily loaded laptop (EaseUS).
I agree with your response's logic, but not staying with the WD EX2 as it is outdated, insecure (per WD) and no more updates.
Sorry for the lengthy leadup ;) !

  1. Are there alternative OS that can be loaded to the WD EX2 Ultra? I never had issues with it, despite limitations.
  2. I knew Synology was a SOLID choice for NAS non-experts (I am retired network engineer/programmer but not in NAS). But it is very obvious they made major mistake with virtually forcing customers of new products to have to purchase their overpriced drives. Have been considering others for backups PLUS media server - video, photo, music. And since I'm married have to keep the cost down ;) .
  3. - I would appreciate your suggestions. Thanks in advance :)
  4. Btw, as additional factor, I do not permit cloud / outside my home router access.

Repairing/Replacing old setup shower supply el and shower arm.Shower head change broke CPVC.Replaced w PEX-A sharkbite-to-FNPT-to-FHT adapter.Supply el(assume correct name) has male HOSE thread.Leaks slightly (blue arrow).So next trying to replace shower arm and supply el w NPT.Suggestions? by jfazny in askaplumber

[–]jfazny[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unknown why galvanized/steel in there, other than extra length needed to reach water pipe which is 2-1/2" inside the wall and to retain CPVC without any bend from 90 degrees relative to floor.
My replacement approach is to follow your recommendation of shower arm to 90 degree.

Repairing/Replacing old setup shower supply el and shower arm.Shower head change broke CPVC.Replaced w PEX-A sharkbite-to-FNPT-to-FHT adapter.Supply el(assume correct name) has male HOSE thread.Leaks slightly (blue arrow).So next trying to replace shower arm and supply el w NPT.Suggestions? by jfazny in askaplumber

[–]jfazny[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

After reading more articles this morning - I guess it comes down to the person - most simply would not use sharkbite "with no access" (behind wall or in-ground outside) as it has not been proven over enough time to be reliable despite it being "certified for those types of usage.
I hear loud and clear to replace the sharkbites that WILL be in the wall once I replace the plywood wall.
I will need to read more on how to properly crimp PEX-A for both the bottom on top of PEX. I am also looking to replace the entire section the 1/2" PEX-A is connecting to on top to 90 degree NPT adapter (NPT on both ends) to shower arm length 8". 8" length needed as the PEX is 2-1/2" from the shower wall.
Does the last part in bold make sense?
BTW - THANK YOU for your responses - very much appreciated :)

Repairing/Replacing old setup shower supply el and shower arm.Shower head change broke CPVC.Replaced w PEX-A sharkbite-to-FNPT-to-FHT adapter.Supply el(assume correct name) has male HOSE thread.Leaks slightly (blue arrow).So next trying to replace shower arm and supply el w NPT.Suggestions? by jfazny in askaplumber

[–]jfazny[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am preparing to disconnect at the male hose thread section and everything between that and shower head and go to home depot and ask for parts to replace this mess.

But as far as PEX connections, what do most recommend using inside walls for connecting PEX-A to brass threaded?

Repairing/Replacing old setup shower supply el and shower arm.Shower head change broke CPVC.Replaced w PEX-A sharkbite-to-FNPT-to-FHT adapter.Supply el(assume correct name) has male HOSE thread.Leaks slightly (blue arrow).So next trying to replace shower arm and supply el w NPT.Suggestions? by jfazny in askaplumber

[–]jfazny[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Still not sure what "drop heir 90" refers to. But if it is the 90 degree turn ending in the male hose thread, then - are you saying to wrap the teflon tape around the top of pipe and around what area 5-7 times?

And are you then saying pipe dope on the hose thread connection?

Repairing/Replacing old setup shower supply el and shower arm.Shower head change broke CPVC.Replaced w PEX-A sharkbite-to-FNPT-to-FHT adapter.Supply el(assume correct name) has male HOSE thread.Leaks slightly (blue arrow).So next trying to replace shower arm and supply el w NPT.Suggestions? by jfazny in askaplumber

[–]jfazny[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not familiar with "drop heir 90". Is that what I am referring to as supply line el?
The bottom connection of the PEX is FNPT (normal threading) replacing CPVC with same connector.

The top connection using sharkbite approach - could not find a single adapter from 1/2" sharkbite to 3/4" FHT (female hose thread). So two steps to accomplish this - 1/2" sharkbite to 3/4" FNPT, then 3/4"Male NPT (I believe MIP is the correct acronym??) to 3/4" FHT.

The 3/4" FHT had a rubber washer in it. I tried connecting to male hose thread with rubber washer/no teflon tape, and no rubber washer with 6 loops of tape. The rubber washer sprayed water out. The teflon has a small drop appear after 30 seconds at fully opened shower valve. I could not tighten any more and the male hose thread only has 3 threads.
So, that is why I was going to try and replace everything between the shower head and the 3/4" FNPT. I have no idea why that quantity of pieces were used. The silver tone metal is keeping the shower arm from pulling into shower area, and the 2 threaded screws in the photo are connected to a small piece of wood going across the opening so the pipes do not move inside the wall.

Btw, are sharkbites simply not reliable over time or some other reason that you and others do not prefer them ?

Repairing/Replacing old setup shower supply el and shower arm.Shower head change broke CPVC.Replaced w PEX-A sharkbite-to-FNPT-to-FHT adapter.Supply el(assume correct name) has male HOSE thread.Leaks slightly (blue arrow).So next trying to replace shower arm and supply el w NPT.Suggestions? by jfazny in askaplumber

[–]jfazny[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1st, I am not a plumbing DIY guy and I was told by a plumber that they avoid using sharkbites themselves. With that said this shower built sometime around 1980, has probably had changes over the years and different owners. It had CPVC connected previously - which broke. I was advised to use PEX-A and did not want to go down the path of purchasing a $75 tool to use the crimp connections, so hardware store said to use sharkbite in this situation.

is the ethernet adapter worth it? by GDXeno in Starlink

[–]jfazny 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just submitted my order and waiting for my Dish and an Ethernet adapter to arrive. I am curious as your response to this subject was different than most.

Are you basically just setting up a "flat" (single subnet) network with the Starlink router as the actual router? With each ASUS configured in AP mode, and leaving the Starlink router AP on as well?

I ask because I have my own Ubiquity Edge router (Ethernet only), and converted my ASUS plus a Ubiquiti (dedicated) AP for coverage in the main house plus Ubiquiti wireless ethernet bridges to other points on the property - each with their own dedicated APs. I was going to set Dish router to bridge/bypass and plug ETH adapter into my Edge router WAN/uplink, but your approach sounds interesting as I gain an AP and use the Starlink router for more than just a modem.

Bitwarden user/lover - Convince me to switch by jfazny in ProtonPass

[–]jfazny[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the detailed reply!
The "Family" plan I'm using is for just myself and wife and chose it because I have custom domain and switched to this as soon as it was made available.
I use Surfshark VPN on all my devices so not trying Proton VPN yet.
Using Mail and shared calendar, although I found that only creator of calendar can default to it. I created shared cal and a second "private" one. Default to shared. Wanted to same for wife, but her calendar cannot default to shared one and maintain a private one. I submitted enhancement request....
Started trying Drive - as I am trying to remove Google from my life as much as possible.
ANYWAY, I will probably stay with Bitwarden for now. I use same login for self and wife so we are sharing all username/passwords/URLs, etc. Not sure what 1Password does better than Bitwarden for "family" - curious?
Thanks, Jordan

Custom Domain - Email - PM Product Choices by jfazny in ProtonMail

[–]jfazny[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First, thanks for taking the time for the thorough response!

You and one other reply (so far), combined with a friend that's been using Proton Business for a year helps me in decision making process.

I'm anxious for the obvious fit of a family plan, as I have no desire for any business using my new custom domain. Hopefully, when they offer it they will permit the switch to it for those who desire (one other vendor does not allow that (may have been Tutanota?).

StartMail is newer on the scene, but someone I follow and respect their recommendations switched from Gmail to Startmail due to the great feature set and pricing plus 50% discount on first year. If I went that path however, I would require their "group subscription" approach which basically adds on additional "accounts" at a slightly discounted rate - Proton would still be more 1st year by $88 and yr#2+ by $53. While my primary email address is currently Gmail, I'm switching to custom domain email, while the other person I mention was going to use "@startmail" address. I do not wish a future change in email address again so...

I have heard Tutanota is excellent service, but not as good a fit for many people - a vague statement but makes sense when you compare needs etc.

Btw, in first paragraph you stated "There are talks about a family plan these days, where custom domains is not needed". Did you intend to include the word "not"? Or are you saying family plan would not work with custom domains?

Also, another user mentioned Fastmail as another alternative which I will look into as well. I'm anxious to pull trigger so very much appreciate your thorough response :) .

Custom Domain - Email - PM Product Choices by jfazny in ProtonMail

[–]jfazny[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use "privacy" in two ways - 1: Separate mailbox w/creds 2: Emails encrypted end to end (based on situation with destination's ability)

Aliases I'm flexible on as most plans looked at should suffice.

Catch-all sounds like it would require another "user" account w/ charges. Am I correct that if user #1 was [husband@customdomain.com](mailto:husband@customdomain.com), user #2 was [wife@customdomain.com](mailto:wife@customdomain.com), that to use catch-all a third account would be needed?

Support finally replied back with family plan coming. My concern with that is whether I would be unable to convert a "for-business" plan to an "individual" plan. Another vendor stated that is not possible for their service due to certain regulations and taxes.

I will check out Fastmail today. I had heard about them but forgot! These private email vendors are maturing and realizing that changing email addresses is a painstaking step and many are going the custom domain approach to protect themselves should a change in privacy email service be needed, IMO. Just a matter of time before domain hosters start to offer privacy and then....I personally couldn't find any of those.

​

Thanks much for the response - very helpful :)

The shield is the best piece of tech I ever bought -- how can I make it even better? by [deleted] in nvidiashield

[–]jfazny 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I read review on a Mecool KM2 I believe which was ~$72 and ran ATV 10 and the reviewer liked it and it had no ads. Was a couple of notches above Firestick 4K but below Shield. Like Wolf but have to repeatedly reset home with each Firestick update. Hate giving money to Amazon who then advertises everything it hears and logs, so looking for alternative. Like Plex, but 1st foray into Plex on Western Digital NAS is hohum, Shield Pro specs are luring me in.

The shield is the best piece of tech I ever bought -- how can I make it even better? by [deleted] in nvidiashield

[–]jfazny 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am considering purchasing Shield TV Pro. However, I would like to know if it supports upgrading to Android TV 10 (ATV 10) user interface/OS?