This is the record of my attempt to create a fully portable Plex install

Purpose:

Create a portable Plex server that can be accessed by various client devices where Internet is not available.

Why?

Why use this instead of miniDLNA? I want the Plex interface.

Assumptions:

You have prior experience with Plex, Linux and networking.

I am documenting this for my own use and sharing it in the hope it is of value to others.

The Plex libraries will be a subset of existing libraries and the files are already correctly formatted for the server.

Equipment

Raspberry Pi 3B
Case with external SATA interface and power button
2.5" external HDD
Power source
Internet connection for setup and testing

Method

Set up Raspberry Pi as access point
Add Plex server

Instructions

Wireless access point instructions

I tried a few work instructions with limited success. The instructions here are the only ones that worked:

~~https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/setting-up-a-raspberry-pi-3-as-an-access-point/all~~ https://pimylifeup.com/raspberry-pi-wireless-access-point/comment-page-1/

Plex server

Installation

Use these instructions: https://pimylifeup.com/raspberry-pi-plex-server/ Stop after the instalation instructions. Static IP is not needed.

Before creating the libraries:

Create folders on the external hard drive (ony create the folders you will be using) Videos/ TV Movies Family Photos Add some content to the folders. And a couple of items for testing. You can add more later. Change these Settings: DLNA - enable Agents - under all the options, move Loval Media Assets to the bottom of all the agent lists Network - disable IPV6 support - add this to "List of IP address allowed access without auth" changing the IP addresses to your LAN and the AP you created earlier 192.168.1.1/255.255.255.0,192.168.2.1/255.255.255.0 Users and Sharing - enable Guest #### Create libraries Create the libraries you require for your share. Plex will automaticaly start scanning.

I have not moved the database so there are a few optional setting to change if your SD card is less than 32gb.

Turn off all the options for trailers and video previews under Libraries / Setting / Advanced.

Share the libraries with the Guest user.

You should be able to access the libraries through the LAN address and via the wifi connection.

To do...

Add captive portal software to simplify connecting to the unit
Add file sharing - books, etc
Duplicate Wikipedia locally
Automatic updates from USB stick

Issues:

Hostapd not starting...

>sudo service hostapd status
returns hostapd is masked. Run these commands
>sudo systemctl unmask hostapd
>sudo systemctl enable hostapd
>sudo systemctl start hostapd

aleelatey / PlexFlix