The groov AR1 USB ports are feature-specific interfaces, not a general-purpose storage path for Node-RED. Evidence supports three uses: approved Wi-Fi adapters, groov project backup and restore with a USB memory stick, and USB-to-serial connectivity from Node-RED. All three USB ports can perform the same supported functions.
Supported USB functions
| Function | Device or requirement | Configuration path |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi connectivity | One of the three supported Wi-Fi adapters | Configure the adapter in groov Admin. |
| Project backup and restore | USB memory stick | Use groov Admin to select the drive and back up a project or restore a previously written project file. |
| Serial device connectivity | USB-to-serial adapter using an FTDI chipset | Access the serial connection through Node-RED. |
Appendix B of the groov Box User's Guide for GROOV-AR1 documents the USB-port information. Because all three ports support the same functions, do not reserve a particular port based solely on its physical position.
External storage is not a confirmed Node-RED target
The evidence does not establish a mapped filesystem location or drive letter that lets a Node-RED file node write arbitrary files to attached USB storage. It also does not establish support for hosting an SQL database on a USB hard drive or an SSD connected through a USB-to-SATA adapter.
Do not treat successful project backup to a USB memory stick as proof that Node-RED can mount or access the same device. Backup and restore operate through groov Admin as a defined product function; general filesystem access is a separate capability and is not confirmed.
Check power and compatibility before testing a drive
The available evidence does not specify the USB-port current capacity. USB memory sticks were tested successfully, but USB hard-drive behavior was not tested. Therefore, neither bus-powered hard-drive operation nor adapter compatibility can be inferred from memory-stick operation.
If external-drive testing is required, first obtain the port power specification and supported-device information from current Opto 22 documentation or an official support channel. Then compare the complete drive-and-adapter power demand with the documented port capability. Even if the hardware powers up, separately verify that the operating system exposes a writable path to Node-RED; electrical compatibility does not prove filesystem support.
Select a supported data-export architecture
For temperature or process records that must leave the groov AR1, choose the path according to network availability and the required database location:
- If a reachable database service exists, use Node-RED to send records to that service rather than attempting to place the database engine on USB storage.
- If a remote server is reachable, use an FTP node to transfer files on the required schedule.
- If messaging or hosted file services are permitted, use an email node or the identified Dropbox node to deliver log files.
- If the site is isolated, configure a Trend gadget for the required tag and periodically retrieve its data as CSV for later database import.
A USB drive alone is storage, not a database service. It also leaves data at the machine and requires an on-site collection process unless another transfer path is provided.
Verify logging and exported timestamps
Test the complete record path rather than checking only that a device appears connected. Generate a known temperature change, confirm that the Trend gadget records it, retrieve the CSV, and verify that the expected timestamp and temperature pair is present before importing it into the destination database.
Trend CSV timestamps use Java/JavaScript time: milliseconds since January 1, 1970 UTC. Preserve the UTC basis during conversion, then apply the reporting time zone explicitly in the database or reporting layer. For network exports, disconnect and restore the destination during testing to confirm how the Node-RED flow handles unavailable services and whether every required record reaches the final store.
FAQ
Can a Node-RED file node write to a USB drive on a groov AR1?
The evidence does not identify a mapped USB filesystem path or drive letter available to the file node. Treat arbitrary USB file writes as unsupported until current Opto 22 documentation or official support provides a writable path and procedure.
What can the three groov AR1 USB ports be used for?
All three ports can support one of three approved Wi-Fi adapters, groov project backup or restore with a USB memory stick, and Node-RED serial connectivity through an FTDI-based USB-to-serial adapter.
How are groov Trend CSV timestamps formatted?
The timestamps are milliseconds since January 1, 1970 UTC. Convert them as UTC values and apply the required local or reporting time zone explicitly.