Plextor 12-20B User Manual

---- CHAPTER 8 ----

Hardware Installation

By itself, your CD-ROM drive is incapable of communicating with your computer.
You must use a hardware link that enables your drive to ‘‘talk’’ with the rest of your
computer.

Plextor’s 12/20PleX drives use a SCSI interface as their link. If you own a PC, there
are four ways in which you can make the SCSI connection:

1) Use a separate SCSI interface board. This is the most common method for
both internal and external drives. We recommend using a 32-bit PCI bus
mastering SCSI interface board to maximize the drive’s potential. Older 8-bit
SCSI interface boards are not recommended. More cost-effective, but with
a decrease in video performance, are 16-bit ISA bus mastering SCSI interface
boards. Both these bus mastering interface technologies also allow you to
take advantage of SCSI multitasking in 32-bit operating systems such as
Windows 95, Windows NT, UNIX, SCO, Solaris, etc. Another possibility is
to use an ISA-PIO SCSI interface board, but performance will suffer, as will
multitasking.

2) Use a soundboard that also has a SCSI interface built onto it. This helps save
a slot in your computer by combining the functions of two boards (SCSI
interface board and soundboard) into one.
boards use only an 8-bit SCSI chip. If you need the performance a 16-bit
SCSI interface board provides (see page 33), you’ll have to buy a separate
SCSI board or a soundboard with a 16-bit SCSI interface built into it.

3) If you have an external drive, you can also use a parallel-to-SCSI interface.
This is a device that plugs into the parallel port (the one your printer normally
is connected to) of your computer. It is convenient, but typically at a cost of
reduced performance to your CD-ROM drive.

4) If you have an external drive and a portable computer with a PCMCIA slot
(Type II or III), use a PCMCIA-to-SCSI card. This is a small, credit-card size
device that plugs into the PCMCIA slot. It too is convenient, but also provides
less performance than a direct connection to a 32-bit or 16-bit SCSI interface
board. PCMCIA connections should, however, provide better performance
than a parallel-to-SCSI interface.

Caution: Many older sound-

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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation

NOTE: The following section is only for PC users who need to install a SCSI

interface board, or a soundboard with a built-in SCSI interface, in their
computer. If you plan to use a parallel-to-SCSI, or PCMCIA-to-SCSI
interface, you can skip to Chapter 9. If you are a Mac user with an external
drive, you can laugh at how easy life is and skip to page 30. Otherwise,
proceed to page 25.

Board Installation

YOUR TASK: Install a SCSI interface board, or a soundboard with

a built-in SCSI interface, in your computer.

YOUR OBJECTIVE: Provide the hardware link needed to enable your

CD-ROM drive to communicate with your
computer.

YOUR METHOD:

Remove your computer’s case. Install board and
attach necessary cables.

Let us point out that this is a CD-ROM drive installation and operation manual----it is
not a SCSI interface board or soundboard installation and operation manual. Unless
you purchased a SCSI interface board or soundboard (and its accompanying manual)
bundled in the same box with a 12/20PleX drive, we have no way of knowing which
type of board you elect to use. There are dozens of SCSI interface boards and
soundboards on the market. Each one is installed somewhat differently. Therefore, our
instructions for this section should only be considered as guidelines. For more detailed
instructions on how to properly install your SCSI interface board/soundboard, you
should refer to the installation/operation manual that you received when you purchased
the board.

Caution: If static electricity may be present in the room where you are working,

discharge any you may have on your body by touching a grounded object
before you remove the host adapter from its packaging.

Static electricity is a silent killer. Just a small jolt to one of the chips on
your interface board may render it useless with no apparent damage
visible. Positioning your computer in a location without a carpet under­foot is one method of guarding against static electricity damage. Using
common sense, such as not walking on a carpeted floor in stocking feet
just before you install your drive, is another.

Before proceeding, make sure the power to your computer and any
external peripherals is OFF and your computer is UNPLUGGED from its
power source.

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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation

To remove your computer’s cover, follow the directions provided by your computer’s
manufacturer. Typically, this involves loosening or removing several screws on the
back panel of your computer and sliding off your computer’s cover.

Carefully remove the SCSI interface board from its packaging. Select a vacant slot in
your computer where you will install the board (refer to the manual packaged with
your interface board for instructions as to which slot in your system to use). Plextor
provides both 16-bit ISA and 32-bit PCI SCSI interface boards with its optional bundles,
so you must use the correct slot (16-bit slots are longer than 32-bit slots). Older systems
may not have a PCI slot, as this is the newer technology. If you install an internal drive,
try to pick a slot that is closest to where the drive will be installed.

Remove the cover plate for this slot from the back panel of your computer. Keep the
screw from the cover plate nearby as you will need it in a moment. Save the cover
plate in case you need it at a later date.

Expansion Slot Cover

Rear Panel

Plug the SCSI interface board into the slot you have selected. Rock the board from
end to end to ensure that it seats firmly in the slot. Don’t force it. If you cannot push
the board down completely into the slot, remove the board and try again.

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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation

Once you have successfully inserted the board, fasten it in place using the cover plate
screw that you removed earlier.

ISA Board

PCI Board

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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation

Drive Positioning

YOUR TASK: Determine where you want to install your drive.

YOUR OBJECTIVE: Position the drive in the proper manner so that it

operates correctly.

YOUR METHOD:

If you have an internal drive, find an open bay in
your computer. If you have an external drive, find
an open space on your desktop.

The 12/20PleX may be installed either horizontally or vertically. If installed vertically,
make sure that the eject button is positioned near the top of the drive. Doing so will ensure
that your drive will perform as specified.

PX-20TSi

Eject Button UP

Vertical Horizontal

PX-20TSe

Eject Button UP

Vertical Horizontal

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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation

NOTE:

The following section is only for those installing internal drives. If you
have an external drive, skip to page 30.

Mounting an Internal Drive

YOUR TASK: Mount your internal drive inside your computer.

YOUR OBJECTIVE: A securely positioned drive whose connectors are

within easy reach of the various cables that must
attach to it.

YOUR METHOD:

Your PC probably looks something like this:

Available bay with
cover panel removed.

Identify the drive bay where you will mount your
drive. Remove bay cover. If necessary, use
mounting rails to install drive in bay.

You can mount your drive in any available bay. You must remove the small panel that
covers the bay that you want to use. Typically, this is done after you have removed
your computer’s cover. The panel can then be popped out by pressing outward lightly
(in some older cases you may have to remove screws that hold the panel in place).

You now need to determine if you must install mounting rails on the sides of your
drive. To do so, insert the drive into the open bay. If the drive fits tightly with little or
no clearance on either side of the drive, you will not have to use mounting rails. The
drive can be mounted directly into your computer.

Caution: Do not mount your drive in your computer using screws other than those

supplied by Plextor. You may damage the drive if you insert screws that
are too long.

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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation

If you must use mounting rails, install them as shown below:

Be sure not to mistake the inner and outer face of
the rail when attaching. The smooth side of the rail
faces away from the drive’s chassis.

There are four holes provided on each side of the drive. To mount an internal drive
in most computers, the rails should be fastened to the lower pair of holes. In some
instances you may need to fasten the rails to the upper set of holes.

You will find that eight screws were supplied with your drive: four chrome screws and
four black screws. Select which screws to use based on which set of holes you use to
attach the mounting rails.

✓ Use the

holes.

✓ Use the

Check the positioning of the rails by sliding the drive into the bay before you connect
any cables.

chrome screws if you use the upper set of mounting

black screws if you use the lower set of mounting holes.

Check Your Jumper Settings

Once you have determined a) the correct set of holes to use to attach mounting rails,
or b) that you don’t have to use mounting rails, you are almost ready to finish your
drive’s installation. Before doing so, however, check your jumper settings one
last time.

If you do not have any SCSI peripherals (e.g., hard disk, scanner, printer, etc.) in your
system other than your CD-ROM drive, you should not change the jumpers from their
factory setting.

If you do have other SCSI peripherals as part of your computer system, you may need
to change the settings of the SCSI ID and Terminator. See Chapters 6 and 7 for
information on how to change these settings.

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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation

Cable Connections

You must make a minimum of two cable connections to your CD-ROM drive. A third
cable connection need be made only if you are using a soundboard in your computer.

The two cable connections that you must make are:

1) SCSI cable

2) power cable

Audio Connector

SCSI Interface Connector

Jumpers

Personal Computer

Power

Pin 1

SCSI Ribbon Cable

SCSI Host Adapter

The SCSI cable you will need is included with your drive. It is a standard 50-pin flat
ribbon cable with three connectors (one at each end and one in the middle). If you
are connecting the host adapter to your Plextor drive only, use the two end connectors
and ignore the one in the middle. If you already have one other SCSI peripheral (such
as a hard disk), and your existing cable has only two connectors, remove the cable
and replace it with the cable provided by Plextor. Connect the SCSI host adapter to a
connection on either end of the cable. Connect the two peripherals to the other two
connectors (one at the middle connector and one at the end of the cable). Refer to
Chapter 7 of this manual for setting the termination of the devices.

If you have more than one other internal SCSI peripheral (besides your Plextor drive),
you will need to acquire a SCSI ribbon cable with more connectors (one connector for
each internal SCSI device, plus an additional connector for the host adapter----refer to
Chapter 3). Refer to Chapter 7 of this manual for setting the termination of the devices.

CAUTION: It is easy to accidentally plug your SCSI ribbon cable upside down into

both your drive and SCSI interface board. Accordingly, be sure you match
the red stripe along one side of the SCSI cable to pin 1 on the interface
board and pin 1 on the drive (as shown on the next page). Each connector
on the ribbon cable has a ‘‘key’’ in the middle. This key should fit into a
slot in the middle of each connector of the interface board, your
12/20PleX CD-ROM drive, and any other SCSI peripherals.

DC Power Supply

Connector

Power Supply
from Personal
Computer

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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation

Double-check your work; you must ensure the side of the SCSI cable with
the red stripe is matched to pin 1 on the interface board and on the drive.

#1

To Pin #1

Either end of the cable may be
connected to either the CD-ROM
drive or to the SCSI interface board

Pin #1

The easiest way to install your SCSI cable is to plug it into the SCSI connector on the
rear panel of the drive before you insert the drive into your computer. Then you can
thread the cable through the front of the open bay you plan to use and back toward
the SCSI interface board. Connect the cable to your SCSI interface board and finish
mounting your drive in the proper position. The drive should slide smoothly into the
bay. If it does not, check for obstructions in the bay and ensure the side rails (if needed)
are attached properly.

You now need to make the power connection. In most computers you will find
additional power connectors that are ready for use. Check the cable running from
your power supply to your hard disk and see if it has extra connectors on it. If so, you
can plug one of these into the power connector found on the rear panel of the
CD-ROM drive.

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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation

If you do not find any additional connectors available (either because they were not
supplied, or they are all in use), you will have to buy a ‘‘splitter’’ or a ‘‘Y-connector.’’
These can also be found at most computer stores. If you are in a hurry to get started,
you can probably unplug the power connector from your 5.25" floppy drive (if you
have one) and plug it into your CD-ROM drive. You will be able to use your CD-ROM
drive until you have the opportunity to buy a ‘‘splitter’’ or ‘‘Y-connector.’’ (Of course,
you will lose the use of your 5.25" drive until you buy a splitter/Y-connector.)

If your computer has only a 3.5" floppy disk drive, you may find that you do not have
a power connector that is the correct size to plug into your CD-ROM drive. Once
again, you can turn to your local computer store for a splitter to solve this problem,
or you might find an adapter that converts the smaller sized power plug found on a

3.5" drive to the size required for your CD-ROM drive.
A third cable, an audio cable, must be used if there is a soundboard in your system.

This cable runs from the four-pin audio output connector on the rear panel of your
drive to your soundboard. See page 34 for more information about audio cables.

Installation of your internal drive is now complete. Skip to page 33.

External Drive Installation

YOUR TASK: Connect cables from your external drive to your PC

or Mac. Check to see if switch, dial, and terminator
settings need to be adjusted.

YOUR OBJECTIVE: A well-functioning drive that does not conflict with

any other peripherals in your computer system.

YOUR METHOD:

Follow directions below for making cable
connections. Review your current computer setup
to see if the potential for conflicts exists. If so, make
necessary switch, dial, and/or terminator changes.

If you are installing a single 12/20PleX external drive, and you have no other SCSI
peripherals attached to your system, you should leave the switches, dial, and
terminator found on the rear panel of your drive at their factory settings. If you do have
additional SCSI peripherals (e.g., scanner, printer) attached to your computer, you
may need to change your switch, dial, and terminator settings. See Chapters 6 and 7
for information on how to change these settings.

If you are installing a single 12/20PleX external drive, connect it as shown on the next
page:

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