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TetherBox 5 External Drive Requirement
TetherBox 5 high-channel models require external storage for video recording. This guide explains why and how to set it up.
Why External Storage?
TetherBox 5 is available in multiple configurations:
2-channel model: 1TB internal SSD (no external drive needed)
4-channel model: Requires external 2TB+ drive
8-channel model: Requires external 4TB+ drive
High-channel models generate significant data volume. External drives provide:
- Increased storage capacity
- Better performance through dedicated I/O
- Easy expansion and upgrades
- Quick drive replacement if needed
Setup Process
Requirements
- USB 3.0 external hard drive or SSD
- Minimum capacity: 2TB (4-channel) or 4TB (8-channel)
- Connection: USB-A port on rear of TetherBox
Installation Steps
Power down your TetherBox and connect external drive via USB-A port on rear
Power on the TetherBox, then go to Admin → TetherBoxes, select your TetherBox, and open the Storage tab
Format & Enable the external drive (this erases any existing data)
Wait for format to complete and TetherBox begins recording to external drive
Danger: Formatting will permanently erase all data on the external drive.
Verification
After setup, verify the drive is recognized:
- Go to Admin → TetherBoxes, select your TetherBox, and open the Storage tab
- Confirm external drive appears with correct capacity
- Check recording status and storage usage
- Verify cameras are recording to the external drive
Considerations
- Drive format: Keep the drive dedicated to TetherBox (don't share with other devices)
- Connection stability: Ensure USB cable is secure to prevent accidental disconnection
- Capacity monitoring: Monitor storage usage in admin panel to plan upgrades
- Power management: External drive gets power from TetherBox USB port (usually sufficient)
If the external drive fails, you can temporarily use the internal 256GB SSD while waiting for a replacement. Recording stops once full.
Related Articles
- Hardware Specifications - Complete specs
- TetherBox Recording Capacity - Calculate your needs
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