Models: PX-W12432TSi (Internal SCSI)
PX-W12432TSe (External SCSI)
Congratulations!
Thank you for purchasing the PlexWriter 12/4/32, a reliable, high-performance CD
rewriter, recorder and reader. We appreciate the confidence you have shown in us.
Our goal is to put you—and keep you—on the leading edge of CD technology.
To get you there, we first have to help you install your PlexWriter d r ive prop erly and
operate it correctly. After that, the responsibility is yours to seek the applications tha t
make rewritable CD such a powerful and exciting addition to your system.
Ü
FCC NOTICE
This equipment has been tested and found to co mply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FC C Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful inter ference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee interference will not occ ur in a particular
installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the in terference
by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Increase the separation b etween the equipment and receiver.
•
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
•
connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
•
Any changes or modifications should be approved by the party responsible for compliance of FCC Rules;
otherwise, the user loses authority to operate the equipm ent.
CAUTION
specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
The laser beam emitted from the optical pickup is invisible. Accordingly:
•
•
: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
Do not open the optical pickup housing.
Obtain service only from Plextor-a uthorized personnel.
LASER INFORMATION
These produ cts have been d esigned and manufactured according to IEC 825-1 on the Safety of Laser
products. This p roduct comes under “Class 1 Laser Products.” A Laser Caution Marking is attached on the
top of the internal drive model: “Caution: Invisible laser radiation when open. Avoid direct exposure to
beam.”
CAUTION
: To disconnect the CD drive from an electrical current, pull out the power plug.
VORSICHT
Zur Einhaltung der Funk-Entstörung von nicht selbständig betreibbaren
Hochfrequenzgeräten (periphere Anlagenkomponenten).
Dieses Gerät entspricht als E inzelgerät den Funk-Entstöranforderungen der
Postverfügung Nr. 243/1991.
Wird das Gerät innerhalb einer Anlage zusammen mit anderen Geräten
betrieben, so muss bei Inanspruchnahme der “Allgemeinen (Betriebs-)
genehmigung” nach der BMPT-AmtsblVfg Nr. 243/1991 die gesamte
Anlage folgenden Richtlinien entsprechen:
•
•
Dies ist bei der Zusammensetzung einer Anlage (z.B. Computersystem) aus nur einzeln geprüften Geräten
nicht immer erfüllt.
: DIE TRENNUNG VOM NETZ ERFOLGT DURCH ZIEHEN DES NETZSTECK ERS.
G-Vfg.243
Grenzwertklas se B der EN55022
Auflagen nach § 2 der BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started................................................................................................. 1
About this Manual.............................................................................................. 1
Meet Your PlexWriter 12/4/32...........................................................................1
What the PlexWriter 12/4/32 Does................................................................1
What You Can Do with the PlexWriter 12/4/32............................................2
Save Your Box!.............................................................................................. 3
What’s in the Box ..............................................................................................3
PlexWriter Drive Features and Controls............................................................5
Front Panel—Internal Drive........................................................................... 5
Front Panel—External Drive.......................................................................... 5
Rear Panel—Internal SCSI Drive ..................................................................7
Rear Panel—External SCSI Drive ................................................................. 8
About Mastering Software................................................................................. 9
Precautions......................................................................................................... 9
2. Installing Your PlexWriter SCSI Drive ......................................................... 11
Quickstart SCSI Installation—For Experienced PC Users Only.................... 11
Set SCSI Drive Switches or Jumpers................................................................. 12
Do I Have to Change My PlexWriter’s SCSI ID Number?............................ 12
Do I Have to Change My PlexWriter’s SCSI Termination Setting?.............. 13
Do I Have to Change Other PlexWriter SCSI Settings?................................ 15
Setting Jumpers on a PlexWriter Internal SCSI Drive...................................15
Setting Switches on a PlexWriter External SCSI Drive................................. 18
Install a SCSI Interface Board............................................................................20
How to Choose a SCSI Board........................................................................ 20
Install the SCSI Board....................................................................................20
Install a PlexWriter Internal SCSI Drive............................................................22
Record the Serial Number.............................................................................. 22
Mount the PlexWriter Internal SCSI Drive.................................................... 23
Install a PlexWriter External SCSI Drive...........................................................28
Connect a Single SCSI Drive......................................................................... 29
Connect Multiple SCSI Drives....................................................................... 30
Using Sound Boards and Audio Cables............................................................. 31
Audio Cables.................................................................................................. 31
3. Installing and Using Software......................................................................... 33
Quick Installation in Windows 95/98.................................................................33
Install or Update SCSI Support.......................................................................... 34
Plextor SCSI Drive with Software Kit...........................................................34
Plextor SCSI Drive with PCI SCSI Kit.......................................................... 34
Install Device Drivers ........................................................................................ 35
Install Plextor Applications Software ................................................................ 36
Plextor Manager 2000....................................................................................36
CD Res-Q....................................................................................................... 36
Other Applications Software.............................................................................. 37
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual
iii
Table of Contents
4. Using Your PlexWriter....................................................................................39
What Media to Use.............................................................................................39
Tray Loading and Operation..............................................................................39
Handling CD Media....................................................................................... 40
Cleaning Discs ...............................................................................................40
Playing Audio CDs ............................................................................................ 41
Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media.................................................................42
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting.................................................................43
Upgrading Firmware..........................................................................................43
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 44
Troubleshooting: General...............................................................................44
Troubleshooting: Reading from a Disc..........................................................46
Troubleshooting: Playing an Audio Disc....................................................... 48
Troubleshooting: Writing to Discs.................................................................49
Troubleshooting SCSI Problems....................................................................54
Troubleshooting for Macintosh Users............................................................ 56
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Recording..............................................57
Appendix A: PlexWriter 12/4/32 Specifications ................................................ 59
Appendix B: Installing a SCSI Drive in Windows.............................................63
Installing SCSI Drivers in Windows 95/98 ........................................................ 63
Install Hardware............................................................................................. 63
Install SCSI Drivers for Windows 95/98........................................................63
Troubleshooting Windows 95/98 SCSI Installations.....................................64
Installation of a SCSI Drive in Windows NT.....................................................67
Install Hardware............................................................................................. 67
Getting NT Drivers for Your SCSI Board......................................................67
Install SCSI Drivers for Windows NT...........................................................67
Troubleshooting Windows NT SCSI Installations......................................... 68
Appendix C: Technical Support .........................................................................69
How to Contact Us............................................................................................. 69
Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call............................................................... 70
Returns...............................................................................................................70
Appendix D: Helpful Contacts............................................................................ 71
Contacts for Hardware and Software.................................................................71
Contacts for PC Vendors....................................................................................72
Index......................................................................................................................73
iv
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual
1. Getting Started
This manual explains how to install and use your internal or external SCSI
PlexWriter 12/4/32 drive. For those of you with PCs, the installatio n pr ocess may
seem a bit complicated (Mac people have it easy). Fear not. We have successfully
walked through the installation process with millions of customers who previously
had lived in mortal terror of the innards of their computer.
About this Manual
Please read this manual carefully and keep it handy for easy reference. Use the
manual for installation, operation and troubleshooting. See your dealer or call
Plextor’s Technical Support Department should your drive require repair or service.
In this manual you should find all the information you need to successfully install,
operate and troubleshoot your drive. If you run into a problem that doesn’t seem to
be covered, however, please contact us. (See “Appendix C: Technical Support” for
the different ways you can contact us). You will be connected to our friendly, helpful
tech support staff, engineers who know their stuff. What might seem like an
uncooperative drive to you could very well be a 30-second fix to them. But we will
never know unless yo u co ntact us.
Meet Your PlexWriter 12/4/32
The PlexWriter 12/4/32 is a CD-ReWritable drive that provides professional quality
CD performance for writing, rewriting and reading. It is available as an internal or
external drive, and is available for computers with a internal or external SCSI
interface.
What the PlexWriter 12/4/32 Does
The PlexWriter 12/4/32 writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 12X speed or
to CD-RW (rewritable CD) media at up to 4X speed. It reads all CD-ROM and
CD-R media at a maximum of 32X speed with an average access time of 160
milliseconds. Maximum read speed of CD-RW media is 20X.
Reliable writing is virtually guaranteed, thanks to unique circuitr y that automatically
detects the type of media being recorded and adjusts the PlexWriter 12/4/32 to
provide the optimum laser power and length of burn. The PlexWriter 12/4/32 has an
interface that supports SCSI commands, including special commands for CD-R.
The PlexWriter 12/4/32 is fully MMC-compliant, supporting writing features such as
Disc-at-Once, Track-at-Once and Session-at-Once, as well as variable and fixed
packet writing. It also supports the UDF file system implemented through packet
writing.
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual 1
Section 1. Getting Started
The PlexWriter 12/4/32 supports running OPC and is compatible with Windows Plug
and Play. Flash memory allows upgrading the PlexWriter 12/4/32 to the latest
firmware revision (available from the Plextor web site) without opening the drive.
Plextor backs up this remarkable drive with a one-year full warranty on parts and
labor, and unlimited toll-free tech support.
What You Can Do with the PlexWriter 12/4/32
Just look at some of the things you can do with your PlexWriter 12/4/32:
•
Record data or audio onto writable or rewritable CD media.
•
Play music CDs.
•
Save photos and other images on rewritable or writable CDs.
•
Create a “CD sneakernet” to share information with colleagues—just use
software such as Adaptec DirectCD to Drag and Drop files onto CD-R or
CD-RW media, then continue adding fil es and sharing the same CD disc.
•
Archive images and video to CD.
•
Master new software programs on CD.
•
Periodically back up your computer’s hard disk, including operating syste m,
hardware configuration, registry, program files and data. Plextor’s CD Res-Q™
software makes this easy! You can even make a bootable CD. Information on CD
Res-Q can also be found at http://www.plextor.com/cdresq.htm
.
Get CD Res-Q Directly from Plextor!
If your drive’s bundle doesn’t include CD Res-Q, this software is available for
purchase directly from Plextor. To purchase CD Res-Q by phone, please call us
at 408-980-1838 ext. 4.
To purchase CD Res-Q by email, send your request to sales@plextor. com.
Type: CD RES-Q REQUEST in the subject line. You will also need to include
the serial number of your drive.
2
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual
What’s in the Box
What you find in your Pl ext o r bo x
depends on what the company that
sold you the box put in—or took
out—while the Plextor drive was in
their possession.
Plextor currently sells its PlexWriter
12/4/32 drive in these configurations:
•
Internal SCSI drive with software
kit
•
Internal SCSI drive with SCSI kit
•
External SCSI drive with software
kit
•
External SCSI drive with SCSI kit
•
Drive with Software Kit:
Includes the PlexWriter drive with
CD-R and CD -RW media and
bundled software, such as:
CD-mastering software
for PC
Packet writing software
CD Res-Q™, Plextor’s own
software for hard disk backup
and disaster recovery
Plextor Manager 2000,
Plextor’s software suite for
getting the best performance
from your PlexWriter drive,
especially with audio
applications
Other utilities, which we’ll
add as needed
•
Drive with PCI SCSI Kit:
Includes the PlexWriter drive, the
CD-R and CD -RW media and
software listed above, and the
following:
SCSI interface board
SCSI cable
Audio cables for sound board
Section 1. Getting Started
Save Your Box!
Be sure to save the box after you have
installed your PlexWriter drive. The
box and its packaging material were
designed and drop tested to ensure your
PlexWriter can endure rough treatment
and still arrive in working order.
Please save the tray insert that was used
to protect the delicate internal
components during shipping. Should
you need to ship the PlexWriter, it
should be placed on the tray inside the
drive.
We hope you will never have to ship
your drive back to us. If you do,
however, it’s best to send it packaged in
the original box. Some of our customers
have not held on to their boxes and have
had to resort to less-than-secure
methods to get drives back to us.
We cannot assume liability for any
damage your drive sustains during
shipment. Therefore, please ship your
drive in the safest manner possible.
Before shipping your drive, refer to the
Plextor web site for pointers. The web
site is at:
http://www.plextor.com
If you did not receive a box (for
example, your drive came pre-installed
in a computer), we recommend you pay
a packaging store (such as Mail Boxes
Etc.) to ship your drive. If you don’t
have a packaging store in your area, ask
our Technical Support Department for
packaging pointers when you call to get
an RMA number before returning any
drive.
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual 3
Section 1. Getting Started
The configuration you received is indicated by stickers applied to your box. Your
drive may also have been integrated into a computer system or subsystem sold by a
third party.
NOTE:
Look at the security sticker on top of your box. If the sticker is cut, there may
be a good reason; for example, a dealer may have purchased one configuration from
Plextor, then added other components or software. Carefully check the contents to
ensure nothing has been removed. If something is missing, contact the party from
whom you purchased the box for an explanation.
Use the following table to check the contents of your box:
Here’s What Should Be In Your P lexWriter Box
Item Drive
CD-RW drive X X X X
4 mounting screws X X
Approved CD-RW media (1
piece)
Approved
CD-R media (1 piece)
Plextor CD with bundled
software, Plextor Manager
2000, and CD Res-Q
SCSI interface board and
quick install guide*
Audio cable* X (2) X (1)
Power cable X X
SCSI cable* X X
Plextor operation manual X X X X
Warranty registration card X X X X
Plextor Manager 2000
manual
CD Res-Q manual X X X X
Extra jumpers for setting
drive switches
PX-W12432T Internal
SCSI Drive
with
Software
Kit
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X
X X
X X X X
X X
Drive with
PCI SCSI
Kit
PX-W12432T External
SCSI Drive
Drive with
Software
Kit
Drive with
PCI SCSI
Kit
* See Appendix D for locations to purchase additional or replacement accessories.
NOTE
: If your drive came pre-installed, the rails, cables, interface boards and other
parts shown in the table may have been installed and may not be separately
available. Other accessories, especially software, may not have been purchased from
Plextor and thus may be different from those sold in Plextor retail packages.
4
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual
Section 1. Getting Started
PlexWriter Drive Features and Controls
Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of your
PlexWriter drive. Match the parts of your drive to the illustrations below.
Front Panel—Internal Drive
Figure 1: Front Panel of the PlexWriter 12/4/32 Internal Drive
Front Panel—External Drive
Figure 2: Front Panel of the PlexWriter 12/4/32 External Drive
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual 5
Section 1. Getting Started
•
Tray front door: Attached to tray drawer.
•
Headphone jack: Stereo mini-jack for headphones and powered speakers.
•
Volume control: Controls volume of headphone jack. This control has no effect
on the rear panel audio outputs.
•
Emergency eject hole: Insert emergency eject stick, paper clip, or other thin,
rigid object to eject tray if automatic eject button does not work. Turn OFF power
before usi ng this feat ure.
•
DISC indicator: Green when disc is in the drive and power is ON.
•
ON/READ indicator: Green when power is ON and no disc is in drive. Green
flashing when disc is being accessed.
•
WRITE L indicator: Orange when recording CD-R discs at 2X, 4X, or 8X
speed.
•
WRITE H indicator: Orange when recording CD-R discs at 12X speed.
Both WRITE H and WRITE L indicators are turned on (orange) when recording
CD-RW discs at 4X or 2X speed.
•
CD-Audio play/skip forward button: With an audio CD in the drive, push once
to put the drive in CD-Audio play mode. Push button once during CD play mode
to skip tracks. Push and hold down this button more than one second to fast
forward.
•
Stop/Eject button: Push to eject tray. During CD play mode, press once to stop
playback; press twice to eject the disc.
•
Power switch (external drive): To turn power the drive’s power ON or OFF.
6
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual
Rear Panel—Internal SCSI Drive
Section 1. Getting Started
Figure 3: Rear Panel of the PlexWriter 12/4/32 Internal SCSI Drive
•
Audio output connector: Outputs stereo analog signal. Use to connect to sound
board or audio amplifier. Use standard MPC-3 type, 4-pin connector.
•
Jumpers: Use to select SCSI ID, parity, SCSI termination, or block size. Leave
these jumpers at their factory settings unless one or more of the following
situations pertains to you:
SCSI ID: If you are using more than one SCSI peripheral, you may have to
change your SCSI ID number; see page 12 for details.
PRTY: Parity. In some cases, you may need to turn parity off; see page 15.
TERM: SCSI ter mination. In some situations, you may need to set this
jumper to turn the PlexWriter’s SCSI termination off; see page 13 for details.
TEST: For factory use only. Do not change this setting.
BLOCK: Block size. Yo u may need to change this sett ing if you are
working in a UNIX environment and want to boot from your PlexWriter; see
page 15.
SPDIF: Sony/Philips digital interface (digital audio out). If your sound
board supports the Sony/Philips digital interface, you can connect it here.
•
SCSI interface connector: Connects to SCSI interface board using
50-pin-to-50-pin flat ribbon SCSI cable.
•
Power connector: Connects to your computer’s power supply to provide
DC +5V and +12V to the PlexWriter.
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual 7
Section 1. Getting Started
Rear Panel—External SCSI Drive
Figure 4: Rear Panel of the PlexWriter 12/4/32 External SCSI Drive
•
AC power input: Use the power cord supplied with your drive.
•
SCSI ID dial: Use this dial to designate SCSI ID numbers. Rotate the dial to
change the number. If you are using more than one SCSI peripheral, you may
need to change your SCSI ID number; see page 12.
•
DIP switches: Use to select parity, SCSI termination or block size. Leave these
switches at their factory settings unless one or more of the following situations
pertains to you:
PRTY: Parity. In some cases, you may need to turn parity off; see page 15.
TERM: SCSI termination. In some situations, you may need to set this
jumper to turn the PlexWriter’s SCSI termination off; see page 13 for details.
TEST: For factory use only. Do not change this setting.
BLOCK: Block size. Yo u may need to change this sett ing if you are
working in a UNIX environment and want to boot from your PlexWriter; see
page 15.
•
Audio output connectors: Output stereo analog signal. Use to connect to sound
board or audio amplifier. Use standard RCA jack connectors.
•
SCSI-In and SCSI-Out interface connectors: Use one connector to link your
PlexWriter to your SCSI interface board. Use the other to link your PlexWriter to
another SCSI peripheral in a chain; see page 30. You may use either connector
for either purpose.
8
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual
Section 1. Getting Started
About Mastering Software
In order to create CD-R and CD-RW discs you will need to have mas tering software
installed o n your compute r system. You can check our web site (www.plextor.com)
for an updated list of software that supports your drive. We provide mastering
software kits in retail packaging for your convenience.
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your PlexWriter requires reasonable care in
its installation and use.
•
Do not put your computer monitor (or anything weighing more than 30 lbs.) on
top of a PlexWriter external drive.
•
Keep the area around your drive clean from dust, smoke, and other contaminants.
•
Use a soft, dust-free cloth for cleaning your drive. Do not allow moisture or
liquids, including wa ter or cleaning fluid s, to touch the drive. Thinner, be nzene,
or alcohol-based solvents can mar your drive’s surface.
•
Do not drop or jolt the drive.
•
Do not attempt to open the drive and service it yourself. Removin g the cover may
expose you to harmful electrical voltages or the laser beam. For your safe ty,
entrust service to Plextor-authorized service personnel only.
•
Keep your CD discs free of dirt or other contaminants, by storing them in jewel
cases. Use only industry-standard discs. Do not insert dirty, warped, poorly
balanced, or cracked discs into the drive.
•
Do not clean discs using a circular motion. Instead, use a radial motion: start at
the center of the disc and proceed to the outer edge.
CAUTION
performance in a vertical position.
: Install your PlexWriter horizontally. Plextor does not guarantee the drive’s
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual 9
Section 1. Getting Started
This page intentionally left blank.
10
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual
2. Installing Your PlexWriter SCSI Drive
This chapter explains how to
physically install your PlexWriter
SCSI drive.
This chapter illustrates how to install
the SCSI drive in your computer
(internal drive), or how to attach the
PlexWriter (external drive) to the
SCSI interface. The steps you’ll need
to do are as follows:
1. Turn OFF your computer system.
2. Set the SCSI ID for your new
PlexWriter drive.
3. Set the PlexWriter’s termination.
(By default, termination is
enabled.)
4. If you have a new PCI SCSI
interface board, insert it into an
available PCI slot in your
computer.
5. If you have an inter nal mod e l
Plextor drive, mount the drive into
an available drive bay inside the
computer system.
6. Make all necessary cabling
connections: SCSI cable, power
cable, and audio cable.
7. Turn your computer system ON .
The following pages give more
details for this procedure.
Quickstart SCSI
Installation—For
Experienced PC Users Only
If you’ve installed computer peripherals
before, you’re in luck with the
PlexWriter drive. Use this “quickstart”
installation designed to get you up and
running quickly.
Scenario 1: You purchased a Plexto r
Drive with SCSI Kit, the PlexWriter is
your only SCSI peripheral, and you
have Windows 95 or Windows 98.
What to do: Install the SCSI board,
plug in the PlexWriter, and go.
Windows will recognize the board.
After the SCSI board drivers are
installed, the drive’s drivers will
automatically be installed by the
operating system.
Scenario 2: You have a SC AM SCSI
board installed, the PlexWriter is your
only SCSI peripheral, and you have
Windows 95 or 98.
What to do: Plug in the PlexWriter,
and go. Windows will recognize the
drive and install the correct drivers
automatically.
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual 11
Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter SCSI Drive
Set SCSI Drive Switches
or Jumpers
Your PlexWriter SCSI drive needs to be
flexible enough to work with the variety
of computer systems and a number of
other SCSI peripherals. To provide this
flexibility, Plextor lets you specify the
drive’s settings before it is installed. On
an internal SCSI drive, you determine
settings by the position of jumpers on the
jumper block at the rear of the drive. On
an external drive, you determine settings
by the position of DIP switches and the
rotary dial on the rear panel of the drive.
Your drive ships from our factory with its
jumpers, switches, and/or dial set to work
in the most commonly found
environment. You should leave those
switches and jumpers at their factory
settings, unless: 1) you plan to use
another SCSI peripheral (e.g., CD-ROM,
hard disk, scanner) with your computer
system in addition to your PlexWriter; or
2) you find it necessary to change the
block size setting (most likely in an older
UNIX system).
Quickstart Installation
(Continued)
Scenario 3: You have a SCSI board tha t
is not Plug and Play/SCAM-capable,
and you have Windows 95 or 98.
What to do: Set a unique SCSI ID
number for the PlexWriter, and make
sure all other peripherals have their own
SCSI numbers. Set the termination of
each peripheral OFF; except set the
termination of the last peripheral
devices on each side of the chain to ON.
Other scenarios, or if you have
problems: Better take a closer look at
this chapter and at “Appendix B:
Installing a SCSI Drive in Windows.”
Do I Have to Change My PlexWriter’s SCSI ID Number?
Your PlexWriter SCSI drive is shipped fro m the factory with its SCSI ID number set
to 4. The SCSI interface lets you chain several SCSI peripheral devices to a single
SCSI interface board, or to the SCSI port of an Apple computer, with no loss of
performance.
NOTE:
The cable length of all SCSI chain cables should not exceed 1.5 meters.
However, each peripheral must have a unique SCSI ID number—your PlexWriter
can have any of 8 numbers (0-7). SCSI ID 7 is typically reserved by the SCSI
interface board.
12
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual
Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter SCSI Drive
You probably don’t need to physically set the SCSI ID if:
•
Your PlexWriter drive is the only SCSI peripheral: In this case, don’t change
the SCSI ID. Leave it set to the original factory setting of 4.
•
You have a PlexWriter Drive with PCI SCSI Kit: If you bought a Plextor kit
with a SCSI interface board, both the drive and the board are SCAM-compliant.
This means each time you turn on your computer, the SCSI interface board will
detect whether there is SCSI ID conflict between multiple devices. Because your
PlexWriter also supports SCAM, the drive automatically resets its SCSI ID
internally to avoid any conflict with other devices. (This overrides any hardware
settings.) So you d on’t have to worry about setting SCSI ID numbers.
•
You have a SCAM-compliant SCSI bo ard: Your Plextor drive is also SCAMcompliant, so if you have Windows 95 or 98, you don’t have to worry about
setting SCSI ID numbers.
You may have to physically set the SCSI ID if you have mor e than one SCSI
peripheral device and:
•
Your SCSI board is not SCAM-compliant: If you separately purchased or
already own a SCSI interface board, it may not be SCAM-compliant. In this case,
you should determine the SCSI IDs of all peripheral devices and change the
PlexWriter’s ID to a unique number.
•
You don’t know if your SCSI board is SCAM-compliant: In this case, to be on
the safe side, determine the SCSI IDs of all peripheral devices and change the
PlexWriter’s ID to a unique number.
•
You may have an older driver: Since SCAM was not a requirement when Plugand-Play specifications were written, original Windows 95 CDs may not include
a SCAM-compliant driver for your SCSI interface board. In this case, you should
determine the SCSI IDs of all peripheral devices and change the PlexWriter’s ID
to a unique number.
Do I Have to Change My PlexWriter’s SCSI Termination
Setting?
The PlexWriter is shipped from the factory with its S CSI termination set ON.
You can leave the PlexWriter’s SCSI termination setting to ON if:
•
Your PlexWriter drive is the only SCSI peripheral: In this case, don’t change
the SCSI termination setting. Leave it set to the original factory setting of ON.
•
Your PlexWriter drive is the last peripheral in a chain: If you are using
multiple SCSI peripherals with your computer and the PlexWr iter is positioned as
the last peripheral in a chain, don’t change the PlexWriter’s termination setting.
Leave it set to ON.
NOTE
: The PlexWriter uses active termination.
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual 13
Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter SCSI Drive
You should change the PlexWriter’s SCSI termination setting to OFF if:
•
Your PlexWriter is in the middle of a chain: If you have multiple SCSI
peripherals and the PlexWriter drive is not the last device in the chain, set its
SCSI termination to OFF. (In this case, remove, disable, or turn off termination
for all devices between the SCSI board and the last peripheral on the opposite
end of the chain. Set the termination of the last device in the chain to on.)
Figure 5: What Termination Settings to Use
REMEMBER
enabled. If you have any SCSI devices chained after your PlexWriter, you must
disable or turn OFF the PlexWriter’s SCSI termination using the instructions later in
this chapter.
: Only the last SCSI peripheral in the chain should have termination
Termination Power
Some interface boards and peripherals have the ability to disable and enable
termination power. This should not be co nfused with termination itself. Termination
power can and should be provided by at least one device attached to your SCSI
interface board. Your Plextor drive automatically supplies termination power. Any
additional devices supplying termination po wer will not cause any prob lems.
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PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual
Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter SCSI Drive
Do I Have to Change Other PlexWriter SCSI Settings?
You probably won’t have to change any o f the other settings on your PlexWr iter
SCSI drive’s switches or ju mpers. Use this table to help decide.
SCSI Switch
or Jumper
Setting
PRTY Parity setting. Leave this ON. The parity check provided by the
ON setting enhances the reliability of the SCSI bus. Set to OFF
only if your computer system or SCSI interface board specifically
requests that parity be disabled.
TERM Termination setting. This enables or disables (turns ON or OFF)
SCSI termination. Factory setting is enabled (ON). See page 13
for an explanation of SCSI termination and to determine if you
need to change this setting.
TEST Leave this OFF. It is for factory use only.
BLOCK Block size. Leave this OFF, unless you are working in a UNIX
environment and want to boot from your PlexWriter drive. If so,
set this switch/jumper ON.
SPDIF Sony/Phillips Digital Interface Format (digital audio out). If your
sound board supports SPDIF or Digital In, use an SPDIF cable
(not supplied) to connect it to these pins.
Where to Set It
Setting Jumpers on a PlexWriter Internal SCSI Drive
Use this procedure if you have a PlexWriter internal SCSI drive. (However, if you
already have a SCSI board installed, an internal PlexWriter is the only SCSI
peripheral you will use with your computer, and you do not need to change any
settings, skip now to “Install a PlexWriter Internal SCSI Drive” on page 22.)
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual 15
Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter SCSI Drive
Factory SCSI Jumper Setting s
Figure 6 shows the factory settings of the SCSI jumpers. The functions shown are
ON if the jumpers are installed and OFF if the jumpers are removed.
Figure 6: Factory Settings for Jumpers at the Rear of the Internal SCSI Drive
Changing SCSI Jumper Settings
To remove a jumper, pull it off with your fingers or a pair of needle-nose pliers.
CAUTION
: Ensure power to the drive is OFF before installing or removing jumpers.
To add a jumper, push it onto the jumper pins. In addition to the three jumpers
already installed at the factory, extra jumpers are supplied with the PlexWriter drive.
Figure 7: Install Jumpers Across Vertical Pairs of Pins
CAUTION
pin switch to another by installing the jumpers lengthwise (horizontally). Doing so
could result in damage to the drive.
: Install jumpers across each pin as shown (vertically). Do
not
connect one
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PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual
Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter SCSI Drive
Changing the SCSI ID
If you already have another SCSI peripheral whose SCSI ID is set to 4, you must
change the SCSI ID number of either that peripheral or that of the PlexWriter drive.
(But see “Do I Have to Change My PlexWriter’s SCSI ID Number?” on page 12
before proceeding.)
The SCSI ID number of the internal PlexWriter drive is determined by the placement
of jumpers on Pins 1, 2, and 3. (To find the location of Pin 1, Pin 2, and Pin 3, refer
to the jumper diagram above.) To change the SCSI ID number, follow the chart
below.
Jumper Installed Across
SCSI ID Number Pin 1 Pin 2 Pin 3
0 OFF OFF OFF
1 ON OFF OFF
2 OFF ON OFF
3 ON ON OFF
4 (Factory setting) OFF OFF ON
5 ON OFF ON
6 OFF ON ON
7 ON ON ON
For example, the factory setting for SCSI ID 4 is made by installing a jumper across
Pin 3 of the jumper block, leaving Pin 1 and 2 uncovered. To set the SCSI ID at 3,
you would install a jumper across Pin 1, another jumper across Pin 2, leaving Pin 3
uncovered. To set the SCSI ID at 2, you would install a jumper across Pin 2, leaving
Pins 1 and 3 uncovered.
Changing the SCSI Termination Setting
The PlexWriter internal drive is shipped from the factory with its SCSI termination
enabled (ON).
If you have to disable (turn OFF) SCSI termination on your PlexWriter drive,
remove the jumper from Pin 5. Factory setting is enabled (ON). See page 12 for an
explanation of SCSI termination and to determine if you need to change this setti ng.
If your drive is already installed in your computer, be sure to turn off your computer
before removing (or reinstalling) the jumpers. We recommend that you retain the
jumpers so you can reinsert them onto the termination pins if you later need to turn
the drive’s SCSI termination ON.
If you have inte rnal SCSI pe ripherals only, then you s hould be using an internal
ribbon cable. In this case, all devices between the SCSI host adapter and the last
peripheral on the opposite end of the ribbon cable should have their termination
removed, disabled, or turned off.
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual 17
Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter SCSI Drive
If you have both internal and external SCSI peripherals (both the internal and
external connectors of your host adapter are used), then the termination of your SCSI
interface board should be removed, disabled or turned OFF. The last peripheral on
your internal cable and the last peripheral on your external SCSI chain should retain
their termination (have it set ON). All other SCSI peripherals connected to the host
adapter should have their termination removed, disabled, or turned off.
NOTE:
The SCSI interface board that is bundled in the Plextor kits has Auto
Termination, so turning off its termination is unnecessary. However, you still must
sometimes specify termination ON or OFF on the PlexWriter drive, as discussed on
page 13.
Setting Switches on a PlexWriter External SCSI Drive
Use this procedure if you have a PlexWriter external SCSI drive. (However, if you
already have a SCSI board installed, an external PlexWriter is the only SCSI
peripheral you will use with your computer, and you do not need to change any
settings, skip now to “Install a PlexWriter External SCSI Dr ive” on page 28.)
Factory SCSI Switch Settings
A rear-panel rotary dial controls the SCSI ID setting of the external PlexWriter drive,
and other settings are controlled by DIP switches. Figure 8 shows the factory settings
of the rear-panel dial and switches.
Figure 8: Factory Settings for Dial and DIP Switches on External SCSI Drive
CAUTION
dial or the DIP switches.
: Turn the drive’s power OFF before changing the setting of the SCSI ID
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PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual
Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter SCSI Drive
Changing the SCSI ID
If you already have another SCSI peripheral whose SCSI ID is set to 4, you must
change the SCSI ID number of either that peripheral or that of the PlexWriter drive.
(But see “Do I Have to Change My PlexWriter’s SCSI ID Number?” on page 12
before proceeding.)
To change the SCSI ID number of the external PlexWriter drive, rotate the dial’s
arrow to a different SCSI ID number.
Changing the SCSI Termination Setting
The PlexWriter external drive is shipped from the factory with its SCSI termination
enabled (ON). If you have to disable SCSI termination on yo ur PlexWriter drive, set
DIP switch 2 (TERM) to OFF.
If you are using external SCSI peripherals only, then you should be using an external
SCSI cable (or cables). In this case, all devices between the SCSI host adapter and
the last peripheral on the end of your SCSI chain, should have their termination
removed, disabled, or turned off.
If you have both internal and external SCSI peripherals (both the internal and
external connectors of your host adapter are used), then the termination of your SCSI
host adapter should be removed, disabled or turned OFF. The last peripheral on your
internal cable and the last peripheral on your external SCSI chain should retain their
termination (have it set ON). All other SCSI peripherals connected to the host
adapter should have their termination removed, disabled, or turned off.
NOTE:
The SCSI interface board that is bundled in the Plextor kits has Auto
Termination, so turning off its termination is unnecessary. However, you still must
sometimes specify termination ON or OFF on the PlexWriter drive.
PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual 19
Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter SCSI Drive
Install a SCSI Interface Board
By itself, your PlexWriter 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. The PlexWriter SCSI drive uses a SCSI interface as its link.
SCSI board already installed? Even if you already have a SCSI board in your
computer, it may not be adequate for use with your high-performance PlexWriter
drive. See “How to Choose a SCSI Board” below for more details. Then, if your
SCSI board is suitable, you can go directly to “Install a PlexWriter Internal SCSI
Drive” on page 22; or to “Install a PlexWriter External SCSI Drive” on page 28.
How to Choose a SCSI Board
Plextor’s technical support engineers have developed these recommendations for
choosing and installing a SCSI board that gives the best performance with your
PlexWriter drive:
•
Use a high performance PCI bus-mastering SCSI interface board. (If you
purchased a PlexWriter Drive with PCI SCSI Kit, this board is included.)
•
Connecting the PlexWriter to a parallel-to-SCSI interface, or to the SCSI
interface on a sound board will slow the PlexWriter’s performance and is not
recommended. With this configuration, you will not be able to achieve maximum
rated writing speed.
•
If you have a desktop PC, do not connect your PlexWriter dri ve to a non-busmastering interface board (PIO). You will not be able to achieve maximum rated
writing speed with this configuration.
•
If you have a laptop computer, you can use a PIO PCMCIA card; however, these
cards can write at 4X speed at best. To achieve full writing performance, use a
CardBus PCMCIA card.
Install the SCSI Board
This is a PlexWriter installation and operatio n manual—it is not a SCSI interface
board operation manual. Unless you purchased a SCSI interface board (and its
accompanying manual) bundled in the same box with a PlexWriter, we have no way
of knowing which type of board you elect to use. There are dozens of SCSI interface
boards on the market, and each is installed somewhat differently.
Use the instructions for this section only as guidelines. For more detailed instructions
on how to properly install your SCSI interface board, refer to the operation manual
you received when you purchased the board.
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PlexWriter 12/4/32 Operation Manual
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