In this walkthrough, we will cover:
- How to Connect your Card Reader
- Transferring Files from your Memory Card
- Recommended Card Readers
- GNARBOX 1.0 transfer speeds
- Best Practices
- Troubleshooting
How to Connect Your Card Reader
Whether you use CF, C-Fast, XQD, or RED Mini Mags, here are step-by-step instructions on how to connect your card reader to the GNARBOX:
- Connect to your GNARBOX and open the app to finalize connection.
- Plug your card reader into the USB3 or USB2 port.
- Insert your card into the card reader.
- Select Devices in the upper left corner of the GNARBOX app home screen
- You’ll see your connected card appear on the Devices screen.
Transferring Files from your Memory Card
- From the Devices screen, select List or Thumbnail view. For a faster loading time, we recommend List view.
- Select your card.
- Click Select in the upper right corner and then tap to select the files with you to transfer. If you wish to transfer all of your files, click Select All.
- Click Copy to... at the bottom of the screen.
- Select your destination for the transfer (ie: external hard drive, GNARBOX).
- If you're viewing your files in List view, you'll have the option to create a new folder or use a generated date/time folder. If you choose to create a new folder, you'll be prompted to enter the name of the folder or subfolder you'd like to create. Then click Create in the upper right corner. If you choose to use a generated date/time folder, your transfer will automatically begin.
- The status of your transfer can be tracked in the Task Manager. To view the Task Manager, tap the rotating arrow icon at the top of the screen.
Note: The GNARBOX internal storage is currently formatted as FAT32 which has a 4GB file size limit, meaning you will not be able to transfer files 4GB or greater. The GNARBOX 2.0 Operating System will allow users to format their GNARBOX as exFAT allowing for larger file sizes and transfers. We anticipate the 2.0 software to be brought to the GNARBOX 1.0 hardware in 2019.
Recommend Card Readers
Below you will find a matrix of data to help you decide on which card reader might be the best fit for you. The list includes 5 card readers we enjoy, their price, speed, and portability. "SM" denotes readers that are perfect for ultra-light travel, while "MED" refers to card readers that are compact for travel, but are also regularly used as desktop readers.
| microSD | SD | CF | Price | Weight | Speed | Size | |
| X | X | $9.99 | 1.1oz | USB3.0 | SM | ||
| X | X | $8.85 | 1.03oz | USB3.0 | SM | ||
| X | X | $34.95 | 4.08oz | USB3.0 | MED | ||
| X | X | X | $17.98 | 8oz | USB3.0 | MED | |
| X | X | X | $17.57 | 2.1oz | USB3.0 | MED |
It is also important to note that in order to optimize the fastest transfer speeds available on the GNARBOX, you'll want to use a card reader in the USB3.0 port. The above microSD and SD card readers will enable faster transfer speeds via the USB3.0 port than the built-in card reader on the GNARBOX.
Unsupported Card Readers
The card readers below are known to prohibit optimal performance when used with the GNARBOX:
Lexar Professional Workflow CFR1
Our developers are debugging what may be causing the issues with this reader. We apologize for any inconvenience!
GNARBOX 1.0 transfer speeds
The transfer speeds of photos and videos can vary depending on the card you are transferring from. The chart below will give you insight to the read/write speeds of the various GNARBOX inputs.
| GNARBOX Input | Read / Write Speed |
| USB2.0 | ~48MB/s (2.9 GB/min) |
| USB3.0 | ~100 MB/s (6 GB/min) |
| SD / microSD | ~25 MB/s (1.5 GB/min) READ ONLY |
It's important to note that the SD/microSD slots are read only.
If you're interested in capitalizing on the 6GB/min transfer speed of the USB3.0, you may consider using a compact card reader. Here's one we highly recommend!
Best Practices
#1 - Don't charge your GNARBOX while transferring or exporting files.
This includes exporting photo/video, transferring files from a card, exporting to your phone/tablet, etc. Because of the way power is distributed through the GNARBOX, it is unable to process exports/transfers while charging. Doing so can cause the device to brownout and power down.
#2 - When you first insert your memory card, be sure to let it sit for a few minutes to allow video previews to generate.
This will help reduce any frustration in waiting for files to transcode. If there are a lot of video files on your card, you may need to let it sit for 10mins before attempting to preview the files.
#3 - When using multiple devices (hard drive, card reader, phone), make sure they don't pull more than a total of 1AMP of power.
Pulling more than 1AMP of power will cause the drive to malfunction. If you have multiple devices connected and notice that your GNARBOX is not functioning properly, eject all devices or power the GNARBOX down.
#4 - Keep your GNARBOX app and firmware up to date.
Our development team is constantly updating and upgrading the GNARBOX, so be sure you are actively receiving those updates via the App Store or Google Play Store.
#5 - If you are experiencing any issues, first try restarting your GNARBOX and quitting the app.
You can always reach out to our customer support team at support@gnarbox.com for further assistance!
#6 - The maximum file size for a video is 4GB.
Files larger than 4GB will fail to import.
#7 - Do not format your GNARBOX.
If you wish to erase all data on your box, simply select all files and delete in the app. Alternatively, you can plug your GNARBOX into your computer and move all files to the trash. Be sure to empty the trash can on your computer before ejecting your GNARBOX. If you have difficulty clearing the data from your box, contact us at support@gnarbox.com for instructions.
Troubleshooting
Can I use my phone while a transfer is taking place?
While transferring files from your memory card to GNARBOX or external hard drive, you can pretty much do anything! You can navigate out of the app, close the screen of your phone, or even disconnect from the GNARBOX. Since the transfer is taking place between the GNARBOX and a memory card, your phone isn't necessary except to track the progress of the transfer. The only time you are not able to navigate away from the app or close the screen of your phone is if you are transferring files from your GNARBOX to your phone.
Why is my card not mounting?
There are a few reasons this could be happening. The most common are:
- When using the SD or microSD card slots, the GNARBOX will only recognize one card at a time. If you have both an SD and microSD card plugged in, the GNARBOX will not recognize either of those cards. Remove one of the cards and transfer your files one card at a time.
- If you are using the USB3.0 (blue) port and you are in Mass Storage mode, your memory card will not connect. To switch out of Mass Storage Mode, go into the app settings, and select “USB3 Mode” > select “Normal”.
Technical Support and Troubleshooting
Need assistance? We’re here for you! Browse our walkthroughs for full tutorials and troubleshooting tips. If you’d like one-on-one assistance, you can always email us at support@gnarbox.com or use our live chat in the bottom right!
Live Chat Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10AM–5PM PST
