Ozzie's mini review Silex SX-5000U2 4 Port USB2 Server

**Ozzie** · 01-27-2005, 11:03 PM

I finally received this Silex SX-5000U2 4 Port USB2 Server and thought I'd post my experiences for those interested in doing this.

The setup is extroardinarily easy. It has a quick setup that actually does the job and is very painless. All you do is hookup the network cable, make the USB connections, install the software, assign the USB server an IP address, create the ports, and select the printers to use them. These are not standard ports created, but special ports used by the device.
There is also a USB program that installs with it for scanners along with an admin program for browser control (very nice).

To make things easy on yourself, have the USB printer(s) already installed locally - I found some of the printer software had difficulties seeing these new ports.
If the printers are already installed locally you just move the USB cables to the new device, change to the new ports created with the software install, select the printers to use those ports, and you're good to go.
I also ran into difficulties with one of my Hp laserjets...no matter what, it just would not print.
It was recognised and the whole nine yards, but no printing.
I finally tried another HP laser and it hooked right up.
Everything else went way too easy other than the one printer - photo printer, scanner, and hard drives (on a hub and up to 4 on FAT32) went in without a hitch. Access to the drives is easy too...start, run, IP, and there they are.
I also tried mapping them for easier access and that worked too.

After going through this install once, I just took the USB cables for the printers and hooked them to the next machine - installed locally and then put in the USB Server software, gave it the IP address for the USB server, created the ports, assigned the printers to them, and it's all done.

I know this sounds like a bit of a hassle to set up, but keep in mind all the devices install with their own quirks.
It is now running 2 printers, a scanner, and a hub for up to 4 drives. It is independant as it's on the network, so no sharing involved and no machines need to be left running for access.

This is one of the first units of this kind, and other than a couple install quirks because of the printers, it's a very usefull item to have.

EDIT: Please see post #17 for info on XP SP2...noteably this comment:

"Current Windows XP SP2 is still unstable. Therefore, the procedures mentioned above could be changed. When new facts regarding Windows XP SP2 are discovered, the contents on this page are subject to change."

**k0NG0** · 01-28-2005, 06:21 AM

Cool, I'm glad that you finally got the functionality you wanted. That it supports USB drives makes for a nice NAS setup also. Great for backups if you install synchronization software, for example.

JoeFrat · 01-28-2005, 06:40 AM

Oz, can you post a link to this product? I'm thinking it could work well in a small business scenario and I'd like some more info.

**k0NG0** · 01-28-2005, 06:44 AM

Joe,

http://www.silexamerica.com/us/index.html
http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.co...le.php/3392931

from this thread:

USB Print Server 2+ USB Port?

JoeFrat · 01-28-2005, 07:02 AM

Thanks kONGO!

Miles · 01-28-2005, 08:33 AM

That is extremely cool Ozzie

PCBruiser · 01-28-2005, 09:03 AM

Ozzie, I am moving this to the Reviews & How-To Forum. I think this is the kind of thread that should go there. Hope you don't mind my modding a mod, LOL!.

**Ozzie** · 01-28-2005, 09:05 AM

Thanks guys...

I was typing up a response to the thread I started about these types of units and it kept growing, so I figured it might do more good in this form.
I realize it's more of an install guide, but it is a pretty nifty little gadget.

Thanks for posting the link for Joe kONGO, I was thinking about doing that this morning...

Hey Joe kONGO - sounds like a movie!

EDIT: No problen PCB...I did this right before bed and just put it in Networking as that's where I had that thread. This works too...

PCBruiser · 01-28-2005, 09:15 AM

Ozzie, about how much was that device, and where did you get it? I'm thinking of networking an HP multi-function printer/scanner/fax and some USB2/Firewire external enclosure drives. That sounds like the perfect solution to add all those devices as network devices, rather than individual system solutions.

**Ozzie** · 01-28-2005, 09:26 AM

It reportedly does work with a multifunction (the only one so far with both USB2 and multifunction capability), suggested retail is a bit pricey - $229 US.

This is where I got mine. They didn't stock the unit and put it on backorder, but it did arrive in a reasonable amount of time (10-14 days).
Ahem - I did call the manufacturer, so I lit a fire...

PCBruiser · 01-28-2005, 10:04 AM

Yep, that is pricy, but maybe worth it for my needs. Now if it was a little less expensive, well, that would be an easy decision to make.

**Ozzie** · 01-28-2005, 10:10 AM

They have another unit that is USB1 with the same functionality and considerably cheaper. You can find it in the above mentioned linkage to the thread I started about them.

For me - I wasn't willing and wanted USB2. Mine was $189 plus shipping from that link I gave you.

PCBruiser · 01-28-2005, 11:03 AM

With hard drives in external enclosures, I really have to go USB2, USB1 would just crawl.

**Ozzie** · 01-28-2005, 11:13 AM

That was my thinking too - I haven't noticed any lag, but I haven't moved any files yet either. I believe it will be acceptable.

PCBruiser · 01-28-2005, 11:15 AM

Post back after you have had a chance to try it a few times. If USB1 works well enough ...

01-27-2005, 11:03 PM	#1
Ozzie ABX #1714 Rules Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Happy Valley, MN Posts: 10,137	Ozzie's mini review Silex SX-5000U2 4 Port USB2 Server I finally received this Silex SX-5000U2 4 Port USB2 Server and thought I'd post my experiences for those interested in doing this. The setup is extroardinarily easy. It has a quick setup that actually does the job and is very painless. All you do is hookup the network cable, make the USB connections, install the software, assign the USB server an IP address, create the ports, and select the printers to use them. These are not standard ports created, but special ports used by the device. There is also a USB program that installs with it for scanners along with an admin program for browser control (very nice). To make things easy on yourself, have the USB printer(s) already installed locally - I found some of the printer software had difficulties seeing these new ports. If the printers are already installed locally you just move the USB cables to the new device, change to the new ports created with the software install, select the printers to use those ports, and you're good to go. I also ran into difficulties with one of my Hp laserjets...no matter what, it just would not print. It was recognised and the whole nine yards, but no printing. I finally tried another HP laser and it hooked right up. Everything else went way too easy other than the one printer - photo printer, scanner, and hard drives (on a hub and up to 4 on FAT32) went in without a hitch. Access to the drives is easy too...start, run, IP, and there they are. I also tried mapping them for easier access and that worked too. After going through this install once, I just took the USB cables for the printers and hooked them to the next machine - installed locally and then put in the USB Server software, gave it the IP address for the USB server, created the ports, assigned the printers to them, and it's all done. I know this sounds like a bit of a hassle to set up, but keep in mind all the devices install with their own quirks. It is now running 2 printers, a scanner, and a hub for up to 4 drives. It is independant as it's on the network, so no sharing involved and no machines need to be left running for access. This is one of the first units of this kind, and other than a couple install quirks because of the printers, it's a very usefull item to have. EDIT: Please see post #17 for info on XP SP2...noteably this comment: "Current Windows XP SP2 is still unstable. Therefore, the procedures mentioned above could be changed. When new facts regarding Windows XP SP2 are discovered, the contents on this page are subject to change." __________________ Have you supported your forum today? Change is the only constant in life Last edited by Ozzie : 01-28-2005 at 02:59 PM.
(Offline)

01-28-2005, 06:21 AM	#2
k0NG0 The other tainted meat... Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Sweden Posts: 13,458	Cool, I'm glad that you finally got the functionality you wanted. That it supports USB drives makes for a nice NAS setup also. Great for backups if you install synchronization software, for example. __________________ Use Firefox - "the one that blocks all the schmutz" Feeling multicore elation? Remember this correlation: Amdahl's Law.
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01-28-2005, 06:40 AM	#3
JoeFrat Registered Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,835	Oz, can you post a link to this product? I'm thinking it could work well in a small business scenario and I'd like some more info.
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01-28-2005, 06:44 AM	#4
k0NG0 The other tainted meat... Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Sweden Posts: 13,458	Joe, http://www.silexamerica.com/us/index.html http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.co...le.php/3392931 from this thread: USB Print Server 2+ USB Port? __________________ Use Firefox - "the one that blocks all the schmutz" Feeling multicore elation? Remember this correlation: Amdahl's Law.
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01-28-2005, 07:02 AM	#5
JoeFrat Registered Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,835	Thanks kONGO!
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01-28-2005, 08:33 AM	#6
Miles Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: South Carolina Posts: 5,558	That is extremely cool Ozzie __________________ Regards, Miles ________________________________ Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 w/ Enzotech Ultra \| ASUS Blitz Formula SE \| 2 x 2Gb Mushkin XP2-6400 DDR-2 \| XFX 8800 GTX XXX\| 2 - Seagate 750GB Barracuda ES \| PCP&C 1KWSR \| Lian Li G70 \| Windows Vista 64-bit Ultimate \| Dell 2407 FPW Monitor
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01-28-2005, 09:03 AM	#7
PCBruiser Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 13,497	Ozzie, I am moving this to the Reviews & How-To Forum. I think this is the kind of thread that should go there. Hope you don't mind my modding a mod, LOL!.
(Offline)

01-28-2005, 09:05 AM	#8
Ozzie ABX #1714 Rules Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Happy Valley, MN Posts: 10,137	Thanks guys... I was typing up a response to the thread I started about these types of units and it kept growing, so I figured it might do more good in this form. I realize it's more of an install guide, but it is a pretty nifty little gadget. Thanks for posting the link for Joe kONGO, I was thinking about doing that this morning... Hey Joe kONGO - sounds like a movie! EDIT: No problen PCB...I did this right before bed and just put it in Networking as that's where I had that thread. This works too... __________________ Have you supported your forum today? Change is the only constant in life Last edited by Ozzie : 01-28-2005 at 09:19 AM.
(Offline)

01-28-2005, 09:15 AM	#9
PCBruiser Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 13,497	Ozzie, about how much was that device, and where did you get it? I'm thinking of networking an HP multi-function printer/scanner/fax and some USB2/Firewire external enclosure drives. That sounds like the perfect solution to add all those devices as network devices, rather than individual system solutions.
(Offline)

01-28-2005, 09:26 AM	#10
Ozzie ABX #1714 Rules Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Happy Valley, MN Posts: 10,137	It reportedly does work with a multifunction (the only one so far with both USB2 and multifunction capability), suggested retail is a bit pricey - $229 US. This is where I got mine. They didn't stock the unit and put it on backorder, but it did arrive in a reasonable amount of time (10-14 days). Ahem - I did call the manufacturer, so I lit a fire... __________________ Have you supported your forum today? Change is the only constant in life
(Offline)

01-28-2005, 10:04 AM	#11
PCBruiser Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 13,497	Yep, that is pricy, but maybe worth it for my needs. Now if it was a little less expensive, well, that would be an easy decision to make.
(Offline)

01-28-2005, 10:10 AM	#12
Ozzie ABX #1714 Rules Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Happy Valley, MN Posts: 10,137	They have another unit that is USB1 with the same functionality and considerably cheaper. You can find it in the above mentioned linkage to the thread I started about them. For me - I wasn't willing and wanted USB2. Mine was $189 plus shipping from that link I gave you. __________________ Have you supported your forum today? Change is the only constant in life
(Offline)

01-28-2005, 11:03 AM	#13
PCBruiser Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 13,497	With hard drives in external enclosures, I really have to go USB2, USB1 would just crawl.
(Offline)

01-28-2005, 11:13 AM	#14
Ozzie ABX #1714 Rules Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Happy Valley, MN Posts: 10,137	That was my thinking too - I haven't noticed any lag, but I haven't moved any files yet either. I believe it will be acceptable. __________________ Have you supported your forum today? Change is the only constant in life
(Offline)

01-28-2005, 11:15 AM	#15
PCBruiser Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 13,497	Post back after you have had a chance to try it a few times. If USB1 works well enough ...
(Offline)

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