Linux Bluetooth Printer Server

I was using a homebrew Linux server for my Plex system. That machine died due to a power fluctution (looking at you First Energy). This was chosen as a replacement. Very much easier to manage, although not quite as versatile as a general prupose Linux system (then again NOTHING is as versatile).

I used this to build a linux firewall server. The old server that I had was destroyed by a lightning strike. So far, the new system is doing the job.

I had to do very little to get this working. Installed in a Linux server, booted into the card BIOS, configured the RAID and done. It presented the drive to the OS as configured, and throughput was better than I expected (first time using a StarTech controller, so I WAS apprehensive) given the list price. The small size makes for it not getting in the way inside the case or obstructing airflow. I received this product in exchange for an unbiased review.

Great throughput in my Linux server. Come with a cooling fan that lights up the room with rainbow colors.

Much easier to configure on a Linux server than the standard Network UPS tools. Convenient web UI.

Bluetooth pairs well with Windows or Linux on my laptop, and the USB adapter provides reliable fallback. The mouse fits my large hands, feels solid, and responds smoothly.

I use these on my android phone wirelessly (bluetooth) and with my linux computer wired directly through the motherboard line out for pc games, youtube, music, and disneyplus. I also use them wired into a surface go reformatted with ubuntu 22.04. Got them to work with bluetooth with the linux desktop computer but I don't actually have the SMA antennae attached to it so it is not really a fair test. (it is laggy, but it did connect and produce sound) They work great anywhere they are wired and wirelessly on android with wired connections sounding better. I don't really use windows often so can't comment on that at this time. I'm not an audiophile, but the audio sounds crisp with nice bass when watching movies with special effects. Music also sounds crisp and precise. They do fit fairly snugly but feel comfortable on the ears and are well made. I previously owned a pair of klipsch reference but these seem slightly better built. I consider them an upgrade in build and sound quality.

I've been using the Kensington trackball for a couple of weeks. It worked out of the box on my Linux machine and it's been responsive and reliable. The ball doesn't seem to clog quickly, and the button on the bottom to push it out for cleaning is a great idea. It works on Bluetooth as well as with their wifi dongle, which caused me some trouble when I switched it to Bluetooth mode by mistake, but when I finally read the instructions I quickly changed it back. It has buttons all over the place. I don't know how to program them under Linux nor would I want to, but fortunately they seem to do nothing if unprogrammed, as it's hard to use the trackball without clicking them now and then. This hasn't interfered with my use of the trackball, though. It feels much like the old Logitech Marble Trackball with a handmade tilted stand that I've used for years.

I've been using a Ninja V as a timecode server to bridge my bluetooth-only Tascam with my other BNC timecode cameras. That worked fine, but I don't want the Ninja for every shoot. It's working as advertised and I can't complain... but I'm going to anyway: I want an UltraSync Ultra or something. Something that's a combination of this and the UltraSync One. Something that can connect via cable, bluetooth or RF from the same box.

Necessary connection cable for a Canon Printer to work in Linux