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A similar question was asked before: Connect USB storage device to 2 computers at a time. However, it was ambiguous whether the asker wanted to achieve proper simultaneous access or would be satisfied with just a switch. In my case, it's the former.

Specifically, I have a Smart TV set-top box that writes system logs to a USB 2.0 memory stick. It's a pain to have to constantly eject the stick and plug it into my Mac to read the logs, one test-run after another.

I'd prefer to keep the USB stick plugged into the set-top box at all times (with read-write access) whilst somehow allowing simultaneous read-only access from my Mac.

To be clear, there is no terminal access to this set-top box – writing logs to a USB stick is the only workflow available.

So is there a hardware-based solution to allow these two devices to share a simultaneous connection to the same USB 2.0 stick (one with R/W access, the other with just R access)? Thanks.

Jamie Birch
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Is there a hardware-based solution to allow these two devices to share a simultaneous connection to the same USB 2.0 stick (one with R/W access, the other with just R access)?

No, and even if there was a hypothetical solution at the USB level, you'd have logical issues with the filesystem "changing under your feet" which wouldn't work well at all.

Instead, I'd suggest a USB switch that would permit swapping the device between the two hosts without physically (un)plugging - instead you'd just press a button. It significantly improves the workflow in this sort of situation (I know from experience).

Attie
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