Acomdata DRIVEPOD User Manual
QuickStart
Installation Guide
For the DrivePod
™
External USB 2.0
Hard Drive
Windows & Mac
Please retain this guide.
WELCOME TO THE
ROCKETP
OD REVOLUTION . . . . . . . . . .2
M
INIMUM SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS . . . . .5
P
ARTS AND ACCESSORIES LIST . . . . . . .7
D
RIVE
POD AT A GLANCE . . . . . . . . . . .8
I
NSTALLING THE DRIVEPOD . . . . . . . .10
CONNECTING THE
DRIVEPOD
TO
YOUR COMPUTER . . . . . . . . . . .11
INSTALLATION FOR
WINDOWS
98/ME USERS . . . . . . .12
INSTALLATION FOR
WINDOWS 2000/XP USERS . . . . .15
INSTALLATION FOR
MAC OS 9 USERS . . . . . . . . . . . .17
I
NSTALLATION FOR
M
AC OS 10 USERS . . . . . . . . . . .19
I
NSTALLATION FOR MULTIPLE OS/
CROSS-PLATFORM USAGE . . . . . . . . .21
W
INDOWS 98/ME
AND 2000/XP . . . . . . . . . . . .21
W
INDOWS 98/ME AND
MAC OS 9/10 . . . . . . . . . . . .22
WINDOWS 2000/XP AND
MAC OS 9/10 . . . . . . . . . . . .22
H
OW TO SAFELY DISMOUNT AND
TURN
OFF THE DRIVEPOD . . . . . . . . .24
S
TACKING
DRIVEPODS . . . . . . . . . . .26
H
OW TO STACK DRIVEPODS . . . . . . . .27
STACKING THREE OR MORE DRIVEPODS . .28
REMOVING DRIVEPODS FROM A STACK . .30
USING THE CONNECTOR CAP . . . . . . . .32
U
SING YOUR DRIVEPOD . . . . . . . . . .33
T
ROUBLESHOOTING/FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQS) . . . . . . . . . . . .35
G
LOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
O
NE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY . . . . . .40
CONTENTS
WELCOME TO THE
ROCKETPOD REVOLUTION
R
ocketPod represents nothing less than a revolution in computer peripherals.
With innovative technology, unparalleled ease-of-use, and powerful fea-
tures––not to mention avant-garde styling––RocketPod will change the
world of computer peripherals and vastly expand the “digital domains” of computer users everywhere.
Patented Stack&Play™ System
Every RocketPod peripheral is equipped
with the exclusive, patented Stack&Play
connection system. The Stack&Play system allows users to stack RocketPod
peripherals without the need for additional
data cables or power cords. (See “Stacking
DrivePods” on page 26 for full details.) The
Stack&Play connectors securely and safely
relay data signals and power between stacked
RocketPod peripherals.
All RocketPod peripherals are also equipped with standard data and power
connections. This means that a RocketPod peripheral can function either as a
stand-alone unit or as a module in an integrated RocketPod stack.
2
Stack&Play
Connectors
RocketPod Blasts Off!
DrivePod is just the first product in what will be an extensive, growing RocketPod
line. Each new RocketPod peripheral will add another level of hi-performance
functionality to your computer system:
DockPod– Docking Station for RocketPod peripherals.
Most demanding RocketPod users won’t want to be
without it. DockPod offers greater flexibility, versatility
and extra expansion options:
• DockPod supplies enough power for up to five
stacked-on RocketPod modules;
• With DockPod, every one of your RocketPod modules
can operate completely without wires;
• With DockPod, you can combine USB 2.0 and
FireWire RocketPod peripherals in the same stack;
• With DockPod, you can connect a whole host of nonRocketPod devices, such as a printer, digital camera,
and scanner to your computer via DockPod’s built-in
USB 2.0 and FireWire hub.
NASPod (Network Attached Storage) –With NASPod, you can make a
DrivePod accessible over an Ethernet network. Advanced security features will
allow you to assign different levels of user access.
An example of a RocketPod
stack, featuring three
RocketPod modules stacked
onto a DockPod Docking
Station. With DockPod you can
stack on up to 5 modules and
mix USB 2.0 and FireWire
modules in the same stack.
A/VPod – Watch digital video and photos stored on your DrivePod directly on
your TV. Connect to your stereo system and play hundreds of CDs worth of
music from a single, portable, purely digital source.
DVDPod – With this sleek, portable DVD-RW drive you can create movies
that you can watch on most home DVD players. Easily share large files with
colleagues. Store sophisticated presentations that you can run on other computers. Backup and archive files on robust optical media.
BluePod – Eliminate the rest of your cables with this Bluetooth receiver for all
of your compatible Bluetooth peripherals.
RocketPod Advantages:
• Create a customized, modular peripherals solution using a variety of inter-
changeable, RocketPod modules;
• Greatly expand the power and functionality of your existing computer system;
• Eliminate the “rats nest” of wires you get with other peripherals, and use up
fewer data ports and electrical outlets;
• The ultra-compact size of RocketPod peripherals and quick connect/discon-
nect capability make RocketPod ideal as a portable storage solution.
Check our web site at www.acomdata.com for information on these and
other exciting up-coming RocketPod peripherals.
4 41
Important Note:
The DrivePod External USB 2.0 Hard Drive is compatible with both USB
2.0 and USB 1.x. However, in order to reach USB 2.0 speeds, you must
have a computer or host adapter card that supports USB 2.0. If you do
not have a built-in USB 2.0 port and you do not wish to install a USB 2.0
host adapter card, you can connect the drive to a USB 1.x port; however,
the drive will operate at USB 1.x speeds.
Minimum System Requirements for PC
• Pentium-based PC with 233 MHz or faster CPU
• Windows 98, ME, 2000, or XP
• 32 MB RAM
• Built-in available USB port, or a USB expansion card
Note: Windows 98 First Edition does not support USB 2.0. The DrivePod
will operate at USB 1.x speeds on computers running Windows 98 First
Edition. Windows 98 Second Edition, ME, 2000 and XP support USB 2.0.
MINIMUM
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Minimum System Requirements for Mac
• Power Macintosh (G5, G4, Blue & White G3) iBook or iMac
• Mac OS 9.0 or higher
• Built-in available USB port or a USB expansion card
Note: Mac OS 9 does not support USB 2.0. The DrivePod will operate at
USB 1.x speeds on computers running Mac OS 9.
6 39
The package should include the following items:
• DrivePod External USB 2.0 Hard Drive
• USB cable
• AC adapter and power cord
• Connector Cap
• USB 2.0 Installation CD (required for Windows 98 and ME)
• QuickStart Installation Guide
• Warranty Registration Card
Important Notes:
• If you are missing any items listed above, please STOP and contact
Customer Service via email at customerservice@acomdata.com or call
1-800-470-4495 or (909) 348-0680.
• Please retain a copy of your receipt. You will need it if warranty repair
service is required in the future.
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES LIST
Stack&Play™ Connector
See “Stacking DrivePods” on page 26
for stacking instructions.
Power
Indicator Light
Data Light
Lights up when the drive
is reading or writing data
Power Button
DRIVEPOD AT
USB Port
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connection
(Compatible with USB 1.x)
AC Adapter Power Port
Micro Cooling System Fan
A GLANCE
ON THE BACK PANEL
INSTALLING THE DRIVEPOD
Important Notes:
• Use of a third-party AC adapter and power cord may damage the drive
and void the warranty.
• It is highly recommended that when you install the DrivePod, you connect it to
a USB port on your computer rather than to a USB hub. Once the installation
has been successfully completed, you can re-connect the drive to a USB hub
if you so choose. We recommend this approach because if you experience a
problem during installation, the problem will be easier to troubleshoot if a
USB hub is not used. Please follow the instructions in the section “How to
Safely Dismount and Turn off the DrivePod” on page 24 before switching the
drive to a USB hub.
• Before you install the DrivePod, we recommend that you either restart
your computer, or shut it down and connect the drive with the computer
turned off. This way you can start with a “clean slate” and avoid potential
problems caused by software conflicts or memory fragmentation.
10 35
Connecting the DrivePod
to Your Computer
Regardless of which operating system (OS) your computer is running,
follow the connection procedure
below in order to properly connect
the USB cable, and the AC adapter
and power cord. Then proceed to
the correct installation procedure
for your computer.
1. Plug the AC adapter cord into the Power Port on the back of the DrivePod.
Plug the power cord into the recessed cord socket in the AC adapter, and
then plug the other end into a standard outlet.
2. Each end of the USB cable has different shaped plugs. One plug matches
the USB port on your computer; the other plug matches the USB port on the
DrivePod. Plug the correct end of the USB cable into a USB port on the computer; then plug the other end into the USB port on the back of the drive.
Make sure you connect the USB cable correctly, otherwise it may damage
the drive and void the warranty.
3. If you connected the DrivePod with the computer turned off, turn on the
computer. When your computer is completely booted up, press the Power
Button located on the front of the drive to turn it on.
FIGURE 1
11
DrivePod
AC adapter
& power cord
USB cable
Installation For Windows 98/ME Users
1. Once your DrivePod has been properly connected and powered “on”, the
Add New Hardware Wizard window should appear. Click Next.
2. You will then see the message:
“What do you want Windows to
do?” with two options. Select
“Search for the best driver for
your device (Recommended)”.
Click Next. You will then see the
display shown in Figure 2.
3. Select the CD ROM drive box
and then insert the USB 2.0
Installation CD into your CD drive.
Click Next.
4. You will then see the display
shown in Figure 3. Click Next.
5. When the installation is fin-
ished, you will see the message “Windows has finished installing the software
that your new hardware device requires.” Click Finish; and then eject the CD.
6. You should now see a new icon (a gray box with a green arrow) next to the
time display on your System Tray.
7. Double-click on the My Computer icon. In the My Computer window you
FIGURE 2
12
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