NAS Case for Orange Pi 3 LTS and SSD using USB Hub

This is a “work in progress”, and I will update as I work though it.  I like the term “homelab”, as figuring out how to configure the file system was a major journey, with many side challenges. There are several positive features of this system:

• I was able to purchase all of the components for $200, which was about the cost of just buying a nice case for my two old 1TB HDD for a NAS.

• The system is “modular” so if any component becomes obsolete or breaks it can easily be replaced.

• Using the USB hub as both a data hub and power supply makes this an extremely easy to assemble system.

• The Orange Pi 3 LTS (OPi3) is the lowest cost SBC (single board computer) that I could find that has a USB 3 port, Wi-Fi and an eMMC.  With these features the OPi3 is a complete computer system, and the two SSDs have no system software on them. .

• This may be an interesting system for someone who has upgraded their NVME M.2 SSDs on another system, but wants to keep being able to use the old SSDs.  In my case I found a sale on new old stock SSDs.

• If the OPi3 doesn't work, or I need to transfer large files/do the initial backup, I can connect the SSDs directly to my Windows PC using the USB adapter. I can also use the SSDs as an external USB drive if there is no network available.

• I am hoping to eventually figure out how to activate the Wi-Fi and make it a network access point for when I am out camping and off the grid.

There are several negatives as well:

• The OPi3 is not very well supported.  I used the community supported Armbian.

• Linux and USB do not work well together with RAID, which is fine in my case because I know when I want to back up my files.  Here is a wiki describing the problem: https://raid.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/What%27s_all_this_with_USB%3F , although I think the TL:DR is that latency problems, particularly since Linux treats all devices as files, makes RAID not reliable.

• The use of USB cables results in a bit of a mess in the case.  After printing and trying out several prototypes I am reasonably happy with the case I designed.  But it isn't going to win any awards for being compact. 

I have the system up and running, and it works well as a NAS (network accessible server) for my uses. It is not a high performing NAS, I could not get RAID1 working, and it is not the prettiest, but I did have to learn a lot about Linux (if that is a consolation).  

The system consists of the following:

• Anker 7-Port 3.0 Data Hub with 36W Power Adapter and BC 1.2 Charging Port

• Orange Pi 3 LTS 2GB memory, 8 GB eMMC

• 2- Kingston SSD M.2 NVME 2280 1TB

• 2 -RTL9210B-Dual-Protocol-SSD-Enclosure-USB-C-M-2-NVME-PCIe-NGFF-USB3-1-GEN2-10Gbps

• 2-30 cm USB 3 to USB 3 and 2 Female to dual USB male extra power Y cables

• USB C to USB A fast charging data cable 0.25 m

• 3007 cooling fan

I got the Y cables to enable higher power for the SSDs.  I used the fast charging data cable to power the OPi3.  

Notes on how to configure the system are in a text file in the Other Files section (in the zip file), along with examples of the fstab and samba configuration files (you have to edit the files for your specific case per the instructions). 

As for the case, the prototypes were printed in recycled PLA, but printed the final case in Overture transparent PETG. The PLA looks better, and is more rigid, but the translucent case in PETG makes it easier to see the status led lights (see photo of it on in its rather gloomy shelf). The PETG is more flexible, and so the case is a bit floppy. I revised the case to interlock the two case tops, see the updated 3mf file.  I have not printed the updated case because I just don't want to waste filament with a minor update. If anyone prints it, see if the larger cover can be separately removed and post a comment. Otherwise it may be that the two have to be connected and then screwed down together.

This case was printed with 15% infill, gyroid, with the default number of perimeters and top and bottom layers.  Only the front case requires support, and only on the end (the two tabs for screws).  I used M3 x 10 socket head screws into heatset inserts in the covers to connect the pieces.  The antenna and power cord are secured with zip ties.  

There is a small fan and heat sinks to the OPi3, which isn't needed most of the time, but the OPi did get up to 60 C when transferring files.  When I get a chance I hope to connect the fan to the PWM output and switch it off when not needed.

There is also an alternate art deco inspired vent case model because the squiggly vents just don't look right to me.