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Primary function and compatibility of the NAS storage solution.
Configuration of auto power-on feature via jumper settings.
Integrated software and hardware safe shutdown mechanisms.
Configuration of three RAID modes using jumper settings.
Ability to boot the operating system directly from connected HDD/SSD.
Details ports and buttons on the front of the device.
Describes ports and connectors on the rear of the device.
Lists DC power, USB-C power, USB 3 ports, and 5V out.
Covers RAID configuration, fan port, button, and OLED socket.
Identifies dual 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD sockets.
Explains jumper settings for Auto-ON and Fan Speed control.
Illustrates assembly of bracket, fan, case, and shield.
Shows compatible HDD/SSD dimensions and maximum thickness.
Indicates space for Pi 4 heatsink installation.
Displays the length, width, and height of the NASPi-Gemini unit.
Lists the primary parts included in the NASPi-Gemini package.
Details the screws, spacers, and connectors provided.
Recommended method using the X882's USB-C port.
Alternative method using the DC 5521 jack.
Emphasizes need for high-quality, sufficient amperage PSU.
Describes the cooling fan and its compatibility with heatsinks.
Advice on drive brands, types, and formatting requirements.
Guides on setting RAID modes, jumper caps, and drive preparation.
How to turn on, reboot, and perform safe shutdowns using the button.
Link to the software guide for script installation.
YouTube link for a video guide on installation.
Concerns about metal case affecting Wi-Fi performance.
Clarifies maximum thickness of 2.5" HDDs/SSDs.
Guides on finding and using the Pi 4's 5G AP.
Confirms availability of scripts for shutdown and fan control.
Explains how to modify fan speed values.
Expected R/W speeds based on Pi's USB 3 and SSD.
Links to tutorials on booting from SSD or flash drives.
Guides for initializing and formatting new SSDs.
Instructions for setting up OpenMediaVault on Raspberry Pi 4.
Guides on mounting USB storage and NTFS drives.
Tutorials for viewing, partitioning, formatting, and mounting HDDs/SSDs.
Provides the email address for customer support inquiries.
Lists the revision history of the user manual.
The Geekworm NASPi-Gemini is an ultra-compact NAS storage solution designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B computer. It allows users to integrate dual 2.5-inch SATA HDDs/SSDs, enabling both drives to operate simultaneously with the Raspberry Pi 4. The device also supports the use of a single 2.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD if desired. This design provides a robust and flexible storage expansion for Raspberry Pi projects, making it suitable for applications requiring significant data storage and accessibility, such as home servers, media centers, or development platforms.
A key feature of the NASPi-Gemini is its high-speed data transfer capability, facilitated by a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port. This port supports data transfer rates of up to 5Gbps, allowing for the rapid transfer of large volumes of data. This is particularly beneficial for tasks involving frequent data backups, streaming high-definition media, or running data-intensive applications directly from the attached storage. The integration of USB 3.0 ensures that the storage solution does not become a bottleneck for the Raspberry Pi's performance, maximizing efficiency for various use cases.
The NASPi-Gemini is constructed from three main components: the X882 dual 2.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD shield, the NASPi Gemini metal case, and a comprehensive heat dissipation system. The heat dissipation system includes a 3Pin 4010 PWM fan with a metal bracket, designed to maintain optimal operating temperatures for both the Raspberry Pi 4 and the attached storage drives. To further enhance cooling, the design allows for the installation of a heatsink up to 7mm thick above the Raspberry Pi 4, utilizing M2.5*11+6mm spacers to secure the PWM fan bracket. This thoughtful thermal management ensures stable and reliable operation, even under heavy loads or in demanding environments.
One of the standout usage features is the support for dual 2.5-inch SATA HDDs/SSDs with a maximum thickness of 16mm. This broad compatibility allows users to choose from a wide range of available drives, accommodating various storage capacities and performance requirements. The ability to use two drives simultaneously opens up possibilities for RAID configurations, enhancing data redundancy or performance, depending on the chosen mode.
The NASPi-Gemini incorporates both software and hardware safe shutdown functions, integrated directly into the X882 shield. This eliminates the need for additional expansion boards to manage power states, simplifying the setup and ensuring data integrity during shutdown procedures. The safe shutdown feature is crucial for preventing data corruption that can occur from abrupt power loss, providing peace of mind for users storing important data.
Another convenient feature is the Auto Power On function, configurable via a jumper setting. When enabled, the device will automatically power on when power is applied, which is useful for applications requiring continuous operation or for remote deployments where manual power cycling is impractical. This feature enhances the device's suitability for headless operations or for integration into smart home systems where automated startup is desired.
The cooling system is further enhanced by the support for a 3-pin PWM fan, which can be controlled to adjust its speed based on the Raspberry Pi's CPU temperature. This intelligent cooling mechanism ensures efficient heat dissipation only when needed, reducing noise and power consumption during periods of low activity. The fan control requires the installation of a shell script, which allows for dynamic adjustment of fan speed, optimizing the balance between cooling performance and operational acoustics.
For advanced storage management, the NASPi-Gemini supports three RAID modes, configurable via jumper settings. These modes provide options for data redundancy (RAID 1), performance enhancement (RAID 0), or combining drive capacities (SPAN), allowing users to tailor their storage setup to specific needs. It's important to note that UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) is supported, which improves data transfer efficiency, but TRIM functionality is not supported. Users should back up their data before changing RAID modes to prevent data loss.
The device also enables booting the operating system directly from the HDD/SSD, which significantly speeds up application launches, web serving, and file copying compared to booting from a microSD card. This capability transforms the Raspberry Pi into a more responsive and capable system, suitable for demanding applications. The NASPi-Gemini is compatible with all Raspberry Pi operating systems, though certain advanced features like software safe shutdown and automatic fan speed adjustment may require external script installation, which might not be supported by all OS distributions (e.g., Home Assistant).
Maintenance features include clear guidance on power supply requirements. It is strongly recommended to use a high-quality power adapter, specifically a 5.1Vdc +/-5%, ≥4A power supply, either via the USB-C port or the DC5521 Jack of the X882 shield. Powering the device directly through the Raspberry Pi 4's USB-C port is explicitly advised against to ensure stable operation and proper recognition of the HDD/SSD drives, especially when two drives are installed. This emphasis on a dedicated, robust power supply is critical for the reliable performance of the NAS.
The manual provides detailed instructions for setting up RAID modes, including a clear warning about backing up data before making changes. It outlines the process of switching RAID modes using the button and confirming disk recognition. For users who need to initialize, partition, and format new SSDs/HDDs, the manual refers to external resources, ensuring that users have access to comprehensive guides for preparing their storage media.
Troubleshooting information is also provided, addressing common concerns such as potential Wi-Fi interference from the metal case. While 2.4G Wi-Fi is generally usable, the manual recommends using Ethernet or a 5G AP for more stable connectivity, acknowledging that aluminum cases can interfere with Wi-Fi signals to some extent. It also specifies the maximum thickness of compatible 2.5-inch HDDs/SSDs, ensuring users select appropriate drives for the enclosure.
For software-related functionalities, the manual directs users to a dedicated wiki page for shell scripts required for safe shutdown and PWM fan control. It also explains how to adjust the PWM fan speed by modifying a value, offering control over the cooling performance. The inclusion of an installation video link further aids users in setting up the device, particularly for script installation, by providing visual guidance and highlighting key steps.
The customer service section emphasizes the importance of including the order number and detailed issue descriptions when seeking support, streamlining the troubleshooting process. The manual also includes a revision history, indicating that it is the first generation of the document, which suggests ongoing development and potential future updates to the product and its documentation.
General| Storage Interface | SATA |
|---|---|
| SSD Compatibility | Yes |
| Number of SATA Ports | 2 |
| Case Material | Aluminum |
| UASP Support | Yes |
| Compatible Raspberry Pi Models | Raspberry Pi 4 |
| Storage | 2.5-inch HDD/SSD |
| Power Supply | 12V DC |
| Cooling | Fan cooling |
