Plextor 201040-12A User Manual

Model PX–320A (Internal)

Record Your Serial Number

For future reference, record the serial number and the TLA code (found on your
drive’s label) in the space provided below.

TLA/Firmware Revision Number

Plextor reserves the right to make improvements in the products described in this

manual at any time without prior notice.

Plextor makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents hereof

and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for

any particular purpose. Further, Plextor Corp. reserves the right to revise this manual

and to make changes in its content without obligation to notify any person or

organization of such revision or change.

This manual is copyrighted, all rights reserved. It may not be copied, photocopied,
translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without

Plextor’s prior permission.

Manual copyright ©2002 Plextor Corp. First edition, April 2002.

Licenses and Trademarks

All licenses and trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Ü

FCC NOTICE

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital devi ce, 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 accor d ance with the instructions, ma y cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee interference will not occur 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, th e user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation bet ween 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 t he equipment.

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 products have been designed and manufactured according t o IEC 60825-1 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 Einzelgerät 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 ges amte
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

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Table of Contents

1. Getting Started................................................................................................. 1

About this Manual.............................................................................................. 1

Meet Your PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A............................................................... 1

What the PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Does..................................................... 1

Minimum Configuration to Use the PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A ....................2

What You Can Do with the PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A................................. 2

Save Your Box!.............................................................................................. 3

What's in the Box............................................................................................... 3

PlexCombo Drive Features and Controls........................................................... 4

Front Panel..................................................................................................... 4

Rear Panel...................................................................................................... 5

About SimpliCD and Roxio Software................................................................6

About PowerDVD Software ..............................................................................6

Precautions......................................................................................................... 6

2. Installing Your PlexCombo............................................................................. 9

QuickStart Installation—For Experienced PC Users Only ............................9

Open the Computer and Prepare for Installation................................................ 9

Determine Your Existing IDE Configuration ....................................................10

Set the Drive’s Mode Jumper............................................................................. 11

Changing the Mode Jumper on Your Internal PlexCombo Drive..................11

Select an IDE Configuration.............................................................................. 12

About Cable Select.............................................................................................15

Identifying Whether Your System Uses Cable Select.................................... 16

Locating the Master Position on a Cable Select Cable...................................16

Set the DMA Jumper.......................................................................................... 16

Install the PlexCombo Drive .............................................................................. 17

Record the Serial Number..............................................................................17

Mount the PlexCombo Drive in the Computer ..............................................17

Using Sound Boards and Audio Cables............................................................. 22

Choosing and Connecting Audio Cables........................................................22

Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized................................................................... 23

Enable DMA......................................................................................................24

3. Installing and Using Software......................................................................... 25

Install Device Drivers ........................................................................................25

Install Applications Software............................................................................. 26

About Recording Software............................................................................. 26

SimpliCD .......................................................................................................27

Easy CD Creator ............................................................................................27

CyberLink PowerDVD...................................................................................27

Other Software............................................................................................... 28

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual v

Table of Contents

4. Using Your PlexCombo ...................................................................................29

What Media to Use.............................................................................................29

Tray Loading and Operation..............................................................................30

Handling CD Media....................................................................................... 30

Cleaning Discs ...............................................................................................31

Playing Audio CDs ............................................................................................ 31

Playing DVDs .................................................................................................... 33

Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media.................................................................33

Determining Write Speed from the BUSY Indicator.........................................33

Advantages of VariRec Technology..................................................................34

How the Default VariRec Setting Is Determined........................................... 34

Changing the VariRec Setting ........................................................................ 34

When You Write with VariRec......................................................................35

Advantages of BURN-Proof Technology..........................................................35

5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting.................................................................37

Upgrading Firmware.......................................................................................... 37

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................38

Troubleshooting: General...............................................................................38

Troubleshooting: Reading Discs.................................................................... 40

Troubleshooting: Writing CD-R and CD-RW Discs......................................42

Troubleshooting: Playing Audio Discs..........................................................48

Troubleshooting: Playing DVDs....................................................................48

Troubleshooting for Macintosh Users............................................................ 49

Using the Self-Test Diagnostics.........................................................................49

What You’ll Need..........................................................................................49

CD Write/Read Test.......................................................................................50

DVD-ROM Test............................................................................................. 52

6. Frequently Asked Questions ...........................................................................55

Appendix A: PlexCombo Specifications.............................................................57

Appendix B: Technical Support..........................................................................63

How to Contact Us............................................................................................. 63

Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call...............................................................64

Returns...............................................................................................................64

Appendix C: Helpful Contacts............................................................................ 65

Contacts for CD-R and CD-RW Components.................................................... 65

Contacts for PC Vendors....................................................................................66

Appendix D: Warranty........................................................................................67

Index......................................................................................................................69

vi

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

1. Getting Started

Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A (the model
number is PX-320A), a reliable, high-performance CD rewriter, CD recorder, and
CD/DVD 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.

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 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 B: Technical Support” for the
different ways you can contact us.) You will be connected to our friendly, helpful
tech support engineers. 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 you contact us.

Meet Your PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A

The PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A is a CD-ReWritable drive that provides professional
quality CD performance for writing, rewriting and reading. It also reads digital video
discs (DVDs).

What the PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Does

The PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A:

•

Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 20X speed.

•

Writes to high-speed CD-RW (rewritable CD) media at up to 10X speed.
(Naturally, the drive can also write to normal-speed CD-RW media at 4X
speeds.)

•

Reads all CD-ROM and CD-R media at a maximum of 40X speed with an
average access time of less than 100 milliseconds. (Maximum read speed of CD­RW media is 32X.)

•

Reads DVD discs at a maximum of 12X.

The PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A has an E-IDE interface that supports the ATAPI-5
command set, including special commands for CD-R and CD-RW. Reliable writing
is virtually guaranteed, thanks to unique PoweRec-II (Plextor Optimized Writing
Error Reduction Control) circuitry. This feature automatically detects the type of
media being recorded and adjusts the PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A to provide the
optimum laser power and length of burn—which means the highest quality playback.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 1

Section 1. Getting Started

New VariRec (Variable Recording) technology from Plextor, if supported by your
writing software, lets you manually adjust the laser burn parameters to match your
sound system or media. VariRec aids in achieving widely compatible audio discs.

The PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A is fully MMC-compliant, supporting writing features
such as Disc-at-Once, Track-at-Once, Session-at-Once, and Multi-Session, as well as
variable and fixed packet writing. It also supports the UDF file system implemented
through packet writing.

The PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A supports Running OPC (ROPC) and is compatible
with Windo ws Plug & Play. Flash memory allows upgrading the PlexCombo
20/10/40-12A to the latest firmware revision (available from the Plextor web site)
without opening the computer or physically accessing the drive. BURN-Proof™
technology

∗

eliminates buffe r unde r ru n err o r s, whic h means you can safely use yo ur
computer for other thin gs while you’re writing to a CD-R or CD-RW disc. And
Plextor backs up this remarkable drive with a one-year full warranty on parts and
labor, and unlimited toll-free tech support.

Your PlexCombo also has a self-diagnostic feature. The drive can actually determine
if it is working properly, an invaluable feature for troubleshoo ting.

Minimum Configuration to Use the PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A

Computer: Pentium II 350-MHz CPU or faster.

•

Mi n imu m R AM: 64 MB.

•

Hard disk size: To write to a CD in image mode (that is, to write an image of a

•

CD to your hard disk), you’ll need 800 MB to 1 GB of free space on the hard
disk.
ATAPI settings: In Windows, Direct Memory Access (DMA) should be set to

•

ON. The IDE controller should be set to “Auto” or “PIO Mode4/DMA Mode2”
in the motherboard BIOS. (Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to set this up.)

What You Can Do with the PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A

Just look at some of the things you can do with your PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A:

Record data or audio onto recordable or rewritable CD media.

•

Play music CDs.

•

Play DVD movies.

•

Save photos and other images on rewritable or recordable CDs.

•

Create a “CD sneakernet” to share information with colleagues—just use

•

software such as Roxio DirectCD to drag and drop files onto CD-R or
CD-RW media, then continue adding files and sharing the same CD disc.
Archive images and video to CD.

•

Master new software programs on CD.

•

∗

BURN-Proof is a licensed technology from Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.

2

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 1. Getting Started

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 PlexCombo
20/10/40-12A drive in this
configuration:

•

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A
CD-RW drive

•

40-pin IDE ribbon cable

•

4 mounting scr ews

•

Emergency eject tool

•

Extra jumper

•

1 piece of approved high-speed
CD-RW media

•

1 piece of approved CD-R media

•

Plextor CD with bundled pre­mastering and packet writing
software

•

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A
Installation and Users Guide

If the security sticker on top of your
box is cut, there may be a good
reason: for example, a dealer may
have 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.

NOTE

: This applies to the Plextor
retail box. Your drive may have been
shipped in a different box with other
contents, depending on whom you
purchased the drive from and what
they included inside the box.

If your drive came pre-installed, some or all of the items above may have been
installed and may not be separately available. See Appendix C for lo cations to
purchase additional or replacement accessories.

Save Your Box!

Be sure to save the box after you have
installed your PlexCombo drive. The
box and its packaging material were
designed and drop tested to ensure your
PlexCombo can endure rough treatment
and still arrive in working order.

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 b oxes 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
for packaging pointers when you
contact us to get an RMA number
before returning any drive. You can
contact our RMA Department at
[e-mail]; or by calling
us at 800-886-3935; or by fax at or 303­708-0709.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 3

Section 1. Getting Started

PlexCombo Drive Features and Controls

Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of your
PlexCombo drive. Match the parts of your drive to the illustrations below.

Front Panel

Figure 1: Front Panel of the PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Drive

•

Tray front door: Attached to tray drawer.

•

Headphone jack: Stereo mini-jack for headphones and powered speakers.

•

Volume control: Controls volume of headphone jack.

•

DISC indicator: Illuminated green when a CD disc (CD-ROM, CD- R, or CD­RW) is in the drive. Illuminated yellow when a DVD is in the drive.

•

BUSY indicator: Illuminated green during disc loading and when BURN-Proof
is operational. Illuminated yellow when a disc is being read. Illuminated a mber
when writing a CD-R or CD-RW disc. (The indicator changes its blinking
interval to indicate different writing speeds.) Illuminated green when loadin g a
disc or when BURN-Proof is working.

•

Eject button: Push once to eject tray. Push again to insert the tray back into the
PlexCombo. To prevent wear on the drive, always use the eject button to insert
the tray.

•

Emergency eject hole: If the automatic eject button does not work, insert the
emergency eject tool, paper clip, or other thin, rigid object in this hole to eject
tray. Turn OFF power before using this feature.

4

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Rear Panel

Section 1. Getting Started

Figure 2: Rear Panel of the PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Internal Drive

•

Digital audio output connector: Outputs digital stereo sign al. For connecting to
a sound board that supports Sony/Philips digital interface (SPDIF) or Digital-In.

•

Analog audio output connector: Outputs analog stereo signal. Use to connect to
sound board or audio amplifier. Use standard MPC-3 type, 4-pin connector.

•

DMA jumper: Use the DMA jumper if you need to convert from Ultra DMA
Mode 0-2 (no jumper, default) to Multiword DMA Mode 0-2 (with jumper
installed). In general, leave this jumper at its factory setting, which is Ultra DM A
(that is, no jumper installed).

•

Mode jumper: Use the mode jumper to select operation as an IDE master or
slave, or for cable select. The factory setting is master.

•

IDE cable connector: Connects to IDE (ATAPI) interface using 40-pin IDE flat
ribbon cable.

•

Power connector: Connects to your computer’s power supply to provide
DC +5 volts and +12 volts to the PlexCombo.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 5

Section 1. Getting Started

About SimpliCD and Roxio Software

In order to create CD-R and CD-RW discs you will need to have mastering, p acket
writing, or duplication software installed on your computer system. If you purchased
your drive from Plextor, you’ll find two software packages, SimpliCD and Easy CD
Creator, that have this software.

•

Mastering software: Mastering software is used to create specific disc formats
such as data, audio, video, mixed mode, etc.

•

Packet writing software: Another type of software writes packets. This software
allows you to format a CD (similar to the procedure used with floppy disks).
Then you can drag and drop files straight to a CD, use the Send To function on
your computer, or use copy and paste to place files on the CD-R or CD-RW disc.
This type of software turns your CD-R/RW disc into a giant floppy.

•

Duplication software : Yet another type of software copies from CD to CD.
However, not all CDs can be duplicated. CDs created with packet writing
software cannot be replicated with duplication software. (The packet writing
technology used to create those discs limits this function. It i s not the fa ult of t he
duplication software or your hardware.) In addition, certain CD manufacturers
may use special programs that prevent you from making a backup copy of the
original disc.

There are also many other software packages on the market. You can check our web
site (www.plextor.com

) for an updated list of software that supports your drive.

About PowerDVD Software

CyberLink PowerDVD is also included with your PlexCombo . T his software helps
you get the most from the PlexCombo when you’re using it as a DVD-ROM player.

Precautions

Like the rest of your computer system, your PlexCombo requires reasonable care in
its installation and use.

•

Keep the area around your drive clean from dust, smoke, and other contaminants.

•

Do not allow moisture or liquids, including water or cleaning fluids, to touch the
drive. Thinner, benzene, 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.

6

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 1. Getting Started

•

Keep your CD and DVD 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. See Figure 19.

NOTE

: You can install your PlexCombo horizontally or vertically. If you install it
vertically, the vertical orientation must be with the drive’s right side up (as viewed
from the front).

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 7

Section 1. Getting Started

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8

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

2. Installing Your PlexCombo

This chapter explains how to
physically install your PlexCombo in
your computer. The steps you'll need
to do are as follows:

1. Turn OFF your computer system.

2. Set the jumper for your new

PlexCombo drive, if necessary.

3. Mount the PlexCombo drive into

an available drive bay inside the
computer system.

4. Make all necessary cabling

connections: IDE cable, power
cable, and audio cable.

5. Turn your computer system ON.

The following pages give more
details for this procedure.

Open the Computer
and Prepare for
Installation

To determine whether your
PlexCombo will be a Master or a
Slave, open your computer and
examine the IDE connections to the
motherboard.

To open the computer:

1. Before proceeding, make sure the

power to your computer and any
external peripherals is OFF and
your computer is UNPLUGGED
from its power source.

2. Remove your computer’s cover,

following the directions provided
by your computer ’s manufacturer. Typically, this invol ves loosening or removing
several screws on the back panel of your computer and sliding off the cover. See
Figure 3 for an example.

QuickStart Installation—For
Experienced PC Users Only

If you’ve installed computer peripherals
before, you’re in luck with the
PlexCombo drive. Use this QuickStart
installation to get up and running
quickly.

Typical Scenario 1: You have a PC
with an IDE interface installed, you
have Windows 95, 98, Me, XP, or 2000,
and you have nothin g inst al led on the
secondary IDE port.
What to do: Leave the PlexCombo’s
jumper set to Master, attach it to the
secondary IDE port, and go. Windows
will recognize the drive automatically.

Typical Scenario 2: You have a PC
with an IDE interface installed, you
have Windows 95, 98, Me, XP, or 2000,
the primary IDE port already has two
devices connected and you have a CD­ROM installed on the secondary IDE
port.
What to do: Change the CD-ROM to
Slave, leave the PlexCombo’s jumper
set to Master and attach the PlexCombo
to the secondary IDE port. Windows
recognizes the new drive automatically.

If neither of these situations applies to
you, or yo u’re not comfortable with
IDE installation, read the rest of this
chapter for more detailed installation
instructions.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 9

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

CAUTION

yourself by wearing an anti-static wristband. This will help prevent static damage to
your computer system.

: Before you attempt to open your computer be sure to properly ground

Figure 3: Removing a Typical Computer's Cover

Determine Your Existing IDE Configur ation

With your computer open, determine the existing IDE configuration. You can do this
by looking at the 40-pin IDE ribbon cable (or cables—there may be two) and seeing
what is connected to them.

One end of the IDE cable is connected to a port on the computer’s motherboard; and
the other end is connected to one or two peripheral devices (such as a hard disk or
CD-ROM drive). If there are two devices, one is configured as Master and the other
the Slave, as indicated by the position of jumpers on the back of the drive. (This is
also true for the Cable Select bus.) If there are two IDE ports, one is for the primary
IDE bus and the other is for the secondary bus.

Before you i nstall your P lexCombo, yo ur computer’s ID E configuration is usually
one of the following:

•

Configuration A: Hard disks connected as Master and Slave devices on primary
IDE port; CD-ROM drive connected as Master device on secondary IDE port.

•

Configuration B: Hard disk connected as Master device and DVD or CD-ROM
drive connected as Slave on the primary IDE port; nothing connected to
secondary IDE port.

•

Configuration C: Hard disk connected as Master device on primary IDE port;
nothing connected to sec ondary IDE port.

•

Configuration D: System uses special “Cable Select” cables; all devices are
jumpered for Cable Select.

10

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

Set the Drive’s Mode Jumper

You specify your drive's Master or Slave setting before installing it. You do this by
changing the position of a jumper on the mode jumper block at the rear of the drive.

Your drive ships from our factory with its mode jumper set to operate the
PlexCombo as a Master. This will work in most custom system configurations. If
your computer is from a large OEM system manufacturer such as IBM, Hewlett
Packard, Gateway or Compaq, you will need to pay particular attention to whether
the system utilizes a Cable Select scheme.

Changing the Mode Jumper on Your Internal PlexCombo
Drive

As shown in Figure 4, the PlexCombo drive arrives from the factory with its mode
jumper set to Master. (A function is ON if the jumper is installed and OFF if the
jumper is removed.)

Figure 4: Factory Settings for Mode Jumper at the Rear of the Drive

Changing to a Master, Slave, or Cable Select

The Master/Slave setting for the drive is determined by the mode jumper. To change
the drive from Master to Slave or to Cable Select, you must move the jumper.

For example, to change the PlexCombo drive to be a Slave, move the jumper to the
middle set of pins, leaving the other pins uncovered. To change the drive for Cable
Select, move the jumper to the left set of pins. (Note that if any device is jumpered as
Cable Select, then both devices on that cable must be jumpered the same.)

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 11

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

Changing Jumper Settings

To remove a jumper, pull it off with your fingers or a pair of needle-nose pliers.
To install a jumper, push it onto the jumper pins.

CAUTION

: Ensure power to the drive is OFF before installing or removing jumper.

Figure 5: Install the Mode Jumper Across Vertical Pairs of Pins

CAUTION

connect one pin switch to another by installing the jumper lengthwise (horizontally).
Doing so could result in damage to the drive.

: Install the mode jumper across each pin as shown (vertically). Do not

Select an IDE Configuration

Set the jumper according to the desired configuration, as shown in the tables and
illustrations on the next few pages.

NOTE

: For best CD-RW performance, try to connect the PlexCombo to the IDE port
that is not connected to the hard disk drive or to a CD-ROM drive. In most cases, this
will be the secondary IDE port.

NOTE

: For best results, set the PlexCombo to be the Master, if possible. DMA setting
must be enabled on your system to achieve the drive’s maximum writing speed.

12

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

Before PlexCombo Installation How to Install the PlexCombo

A

Hard disks connected as Master and
Slave devices on primary IDE port;
CD-ROM connected as Master
device on secondary IDE port.

Remove the CD-ROM drive, change
it to Slave, and re-connect it to the
secondary IDE port.

Set the PlexCombo’s mode jumper
to Master, and connect the
PlexCombo as Master device to the
secondary IDE port.

NOTE:

Configuration A can make it very difficult to write from the
CD-ROM to the PlexCombo at 20X using “on-the-fly” copying. System
configuration and performance will make a big difference. Depending on how
fast the CD-ROM drive can stream data to the PlexCombo, it may not be fast
enough to constantly have the buffer full. In this case, the buffer may become
empty and a buffer underrun error may happen. With the BURN-Proof
technology of your PlexCombo you could still make successful copies if you use
software that supports BURN-Proof. (All software shipped with
PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A drive retail kits supports BURN-Proof.) If you still have
problems writing with this configuration, use the image writing method or record
at lower speed for best results. We also recommend that DMA be enabled on
your computer, if your system supports it.

Figure 6. How to Install the PlexCombo If Your Computer Is Originally Set Up in

Configuration A

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 13

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

Before PlexCombo Installation How to Install the PlexCombo

B

Hard disk connected as Master
device, and CD-ROM or DVD-ROM
drive connected as Slave on the
primary IDE port; nothing connected
to secondary IDE port.

Set the PlexCombo’s mode jumper
to Master, and connect the
PlexCombo as Master to secondary
IDE port.

Figure 7. How to Install the PlexCombo If Your Computer Is Originally Set Up in

Configuration B

Before PlexCombo Installation How to Install the PlexCombo

C

Hard disk connected as Master
device on primary IDE port; nothing
connected to secondary IDE port.

Set the PlexCombo’s mode jumper
to Master, and connect the
PlexCombo as Master to secondary
IDE port.

Figure 8. How to Install the PlexCombo If Your Computer Is Originally Set Up in

Configuration C

14

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

Before PlexCombo Installation How to Install the PlexCombo

D

System uses special Cable Select
cables; all devices are jumpered for
Cable Select.

Set the PlexCombo’s mode jumper
to Cable Select, and connect it to the
end of the cable from the computer’s
IDE interface connector.

Figure 9: How to Install the PlexCo mbo If Your Computer Is Originally Set Up in

Configuration D

About Cable Select

The Cable Select jumper position sets the PlexCo mbo dr ive to use the CSEL signal
from the IDE interface for configuration. This signal automatically selects the correct
Master/Slave setting for the PlexCombo. To use CSEL, you must have:

•

A computer that supports CSEL.

•

A special CSEL cable for IDE.

Figure 10: Using the CSEL Signal to Configure the PlexCombo Drive

NOTE

: The IDE cable supplied by Plextor does

Cable Select, you’ll have to purchase another cable.

not

support CSEL. To use CSEL and

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 15

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

Identifying Whether Your System Uses Cable Select

If you are unsure whether or not your system has a Cable Select cable installed,
either look at the cable (there will be connectors labeled “Master” and “Slave”) or
look at the jumpers on the CD-ROM drive. If any device is jumpered as Cable
Select, then both devices on that cable should be jumpered the same.

Locating the Master Position on a Cable Select Cable

With Cable Select, the Master and Slave roles are determined not by jumpers, but by
the connectors on the Cable Select cable. The connectors are identified as Master or
Slave.

Set the DMA Jumper

Your PlexCombo ships from the factory with no DMA jumper installed. (The pins
are empty.) The empty pins mean the drive is set to Ultra DMA. This setting should
work in most cases, so you don’t have to do anythi ng more.

With some personal computers (generally those with older motherboards), the
computer may “hang” or crash with the PlexCombo set to the default Ultra DMA
setting. If this happens, change the PlexCombo to Multiword DMA mode by
installing the DMA jumper across the two pins just to the left o f the mode jumper.

Figure 11. Add the DMA Jumper If You Need to Change To Multiword DMA

16

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Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

Install the PlexCombo Drive

Before proceeding to install the PlexCombo drive in your personal computer,
double-check your jumper setting.

Record the Serial Number

Record the serial number and TLA code of your drive on the inside front cover of
this manual.

Mount the PlexCombo Drive in the Computer

You can mount your internal PlexCombo drive in any available bay. You must
remove the small panel tha t covers the bay that you wa nt to use.

CAUTION

vertically, the vertical orientation must be with the drive’s right side up (as viewed
from the front).

: You can install your PlexCombo horizontally or vertically. If you install it

Figure 12. For a Vertical PlexCombo Installation, Ensure the Right Side Is Up

If you don’t have an empty bay, remove the existing IDE CD-ROM drive and install
the PlexCombo.

You must make a minimum of two cable connections to your PlexCombo. The two
cable connections that you must make are:

•

IDE cable

•

Power cable

There are also two optional cable connections:

•

An analog audio cable connection if you are using a sound board in your
computer and plan to connect the PlexCombo’s audio output to the audio
connector on the sound board.

•

A digital audio cable connection if the sound board is equipped with SPDIF or
Digital-In and you wish to use the digital audio output from your PlexCombo.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 17

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

Do You Need Another IDE Ribbon Cable?

The IDE cable is a standard 40-pin flat-ribbon cable, usually with three connectors.
One end connects to the IDE port on your computer’s motherboard, and the other
two connectors are free for attaching peripherals such as a hard disk, CD-ROM
drive, or the PlexCombo drive.

You may need to install another IDE ribbon cable in your computer. You can use the
extra IDE cable supplied with your PlexCombo. (Just remember, if you want to use
CSEL and Cable Select settings, this Plextor-supp lied cable won’t work—you’ll
have to purchase a special cable for Cable Select.)

Figure 13: Internal IDE Ribbon Cable

CAUTION

: The length of any IDE cable cannot exceed 18 inches.

Do You Need a Power Cable?

In most computers, you will find free power connectors in the computer ready for
your use. When you open the computer, 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 PlexCombo.

If you do not find any additional connectors (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 retail and mail-order computer stores.

To mount the PlexCombo drive:

1. Make sure the power to your computer and any external peripherals are OFF and
your computer is UNPLUGGED from its power source.

2. If you haven't already removed the cover fro m your computer, remove it now,
following 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 the cover. See Figure 3 for details.

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Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

3. Remove the cover panel from the bay that will hold the PlexCombo drive. To
remove the cover panel, pop it out by pressing outward lightly. (In some older
computers, you may have to remove screws that hold the panel in place.)

Figure 14: Removing the Cover Panel from a Bay

4. 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. Go to step 6.

NOTE:

Plextor does not provide rails. If you need rails, you can obtain them from the

computer manufacturer or from a computer supply retail or mail-order store.

5. If you must use mounting rails, fasten the rail s to the lower pair of holes as
shown in Figure 15. (In some instances, you may need to fasten the rails to the
upper set of holes.) After fastening the rails, check their positioning by sliding the
drive into the bay before you mount the drive or connect any cables.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 19

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

Figure 15: Installing Mounting Rails (if Needed)

6. Plug one connector of the IDE cable into the IDE connector on the rear panel of
the drive before you insert the drive into your computer. ( If the PlexCombo is
the only drive connected, you must use one of the end connectors.) Then thread
the cable through the front of the open bay and back toward the motherboard.
The drive should slide smoothly into the bay. If it does not, check for
obstructions in the bay and ensure the side rails are attached properly.

7. If not already connected, attach the other end of the IDE ribbon cable to the
connector on the motherboard.

Figure 16: Connecting the IDE Ribbon Cable

CAUTION

your drive and the motherboard. Be sure you match the red stripe along one side of
the IDE cable to Pin 1 on the motherboard and Pin 1 on the drive. (Pin 1 on the drive
is closest to the power connector.) 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
motherboard, your PlexCombo, and any other internal IDE peripherals.

: It is easy to accidentally plug your IDE ribbon cable upside down into both

20

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

8. Double-check your work. You must ensure the side of the IDE cable with the red
stripe is matched to Pin 1 on the interface board and on the drive.

CAUTION

connected to the IDE connector on the motherboard, and the other end connected to
the drive. The end connector of the cable should never be left unconnected.

: If you have only one IDE drive, make certain that one end of the cable is

9. Connect a power cable from the computer to the DC INPUT connector of the
PlexCombo drive.(See .) In most computers, you will find free power connectors
that are ready for your 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 PlexCombo.

NOTE

: The computer’s power cable connector and the drive’s power receptacle are

keyed. Inserting the power cable connector improperly will damage the drive.

Figure 17: Cable Connections for an Internal IDE PlexCombo Drive

10. Connect the analog audio cable if you want to use a sound board in your system.
This cable runs from the four-pin analog audio output connector on the rear panel
of your PlexCombo drive to your sound board. See “Using Sound Boards and
Audio Cables” below for more information about audio cables.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 21

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

11. Connect a digital audio cable if your sound board is equipped with the
Sony/Philips digital interface (SPDIF) or Digital-In, and you wish to use the
digital audio output from your PlexCombo. This cable runs from the digital audio
output connector pins on the back panel to the sound board. (This cable is not
supplied by Plextor.)

12. Mount the PlexCombo drive in the computer using the four screws that were
supplied with your drive. Use only these screws.

CAUTION:

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

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

Using Sound Boards and Audio Cables

Whichever category your sound board falls into, you will find that the best source of
information about installing the sound board in your comput er is the board's manual.
Once you have successfully installed the sound board in your computer, you can
continue below for a description of the different cable connections that need to be
made.

Choosing and Connecting Audio Cables

If you need audio cables, you will have to purchase them. Refer to the table below. A
list of several vendors who offer audio cables is in “Appendix C: Helpful Contacts.”

Audio Connection Cable

Required

MPC audio source MPC-compliant

audio cable

Sound Blaster or
compatible sound board

Digital audio output Cable that’s

Sound Blaster­compatible
analog audio
cable

compatible with
SPDIF or
Digital-In.

Note that none of these cables are supplied by Plextor.

How to Connect It

Connect to MPC audio
source, and to analog audio
output connector at the rear
of the PlexCombo.

Connect to Sound Blaster­compatible audio board and
to analog audio output
connector at the rear of the
PlexCombo.

Connect to SPDIF or Digital­In connector on sound board
(if sound board supports
digital audio) and to digital
audio output connector at the
rear of the PlexCombo.

22

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized

After installation, make sure the PlexCombo drive and other IDE peripherals are
recognized by your computer. To check whether they are recognized:

To see if the drive is recognized in Windows:

1. Turn the computer ON. After the computer boots up, you should see the
Windows display.

2. Open Windows Explorer or My Computer and ensure there is an icon for the
PlexCombo, the hard disk, and other CD-ROM drives, if present. The
PlexCombo may be D: or E: or another designator.

3. If the PlexCombo drive is not recognized in Windows, reboot the computer and
use your computer’s setup program to program the BIOS to recognize it.

NOTE:

Refer to the computer’s documentation for information on how to run the

motherboard BIOS setup program.

4. Use the motherboard BIOS setup program to set up IDE Master and Slave
designations, as needed for your configuration, on the primary or secondary IDE
bus. If the IDE interface is disabled on your computer, you will need to enable it.
If a Master or Slave device is set to “disable” or “none” or a similar designation,
change it as appropriate to “enable” or “auto” (or something similar, d epending
on your setup program).

5. Save and exit your CMOS setup to restart your computer with the new settings.

6. In Windows 95, 98, or Me, once the system comes up, click the Start button, then
Settings, then Control Panel, then double-click on System icon, then click on
Device Mana ger tab. Click the + sign next t o the CD-ROM heading and look at
the PLEXTOR CD-R PX-320A entry underneath.

-or­In Windows 2000 or XP, right-click on the My Computer icon and select
Properties. Click on the Hardware tab, then click on the Device Manager button.
Click the + sign next to the CD-ROM heading and look at the PLEXTOR CD-R
PX-320A entry underneath.

7. If you do not see this drive listed as one of the devices, or if it has a yellow
diamond with an exclamation point (!), contact our Technical Support group to
troubleshoot your IDE controller and driver compatibility and look for possible
conflicts. It may just be a matter of obtaining the latest IDE controller driver, or a
motherboard BIOS update from the manufacturer. Our Technical Support group
will advise you on what to do.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 23

Section 2. Installing Your PlexCombo

Enable DMA

To achieve top speeds for reading and writing with your PlexCombo drive, direct
memory access (DMA) must be enabled for the drive.

To enable DMA in Windows 95, 98, or Me:

1. In Windows 95, 98, or Me, click the Start button, then Settings, then Control
Panel, then double-click on System icon, then click on Device Manager tab. You
will see a list of devices in your system.

2. Double-click the CD-ROM icon and choose the PX-320A drive by clicking on it
once. Then click on the Properties button and select the Settings tab. You will see
the drive properties for the PlexCombo.

3. Ensure the DMA box is checked ON.

4. Click on OK button and then click the Close button to exit th e System Properties
window.

5. When prompted if you want to restart your computer now, select Yes for this
change to be enabled and saved.

To enable DMA for Windows 2000 or XP:

1. Right-click My Computer and select Properties.

2. Select the Hardware tab when the systems properties window appears.

3. In the Hardware tab, select the Device Manager button.

4. Double-click IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers to expand the optio ns.

5. Under IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers, double-click on the listing to bring up the
property dialog box for the Primary IDE channel.

6. Click on the Advanced settings tab.

7. If available, set Transfer Mode for Device 0 and 1 to DMA. Then select OK.

8. Your computer asks if you would like to reboot at this point. Select NO.

9. Repeat steps 5–8 for the Secondary IDE channel.

10. This time, when you are prompted, select Reboot.

24

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

3. Installing and Using Software

There's one more step before you can begin to use your PlexCombo drive: you need
to install special software on your computer. There are two software types:

•

Device driver: This is a software program that allows your computer to interact
with the PlexCombo drive. Drivers are included in Windows XP, Me, 98, 95, and
2000 that let you operate your PlexCombo as a CD-ROM device (reader). The
device driver is installed automatically by the operating system as long as the
IDE interface is enabled in your system’s motherboard BIOS.

Note that the Windows 95 operating system does not provide embedded support
for the packet writing format, or UDF. This means that in order to actually play
packet-written discs such as DVD discs on a Windows 95-based computer, you’ll
need a separate software program. Installing the CyberLink PowerDVD player
software, included with the Plextor software bundle, will give you this ability.

•

Application software : T hese are software programs for specific tasks, such as
mastering CDs, backing up your hard disk or files, capturing audio, duplicating
CDs, and more. Some of these applications are supplied with your PlexCombo if
purchased as a kit from Plextor, while others are available from other vendors.

If you have any problems at all, our technical support staff will help you.

Install Device Drivers

In Windows, your PlexCombo acts as a "CD-ROM Drive" for purposes of
installation and setup. In some cases, you will need to install additional software to
make use of all of the features of the PlexCombo.

•

Using the PlexCombo on a PC:



As CD-ROM drive: The computer’s operating system, whether it is
Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 98, Windows 95, or Windows 2000,
supplies a generic CD-ROM device driver that allows the PlexCombo to
function as a standard CD-ROM drive. You don’t need to install anything
else.



As a DVD-ROM drive: The computer’s operating system (unless it’s
Windows 95) also allows the PlexCombo to function as a DVD-ROM drive.
You don’t need to install anything else to play DVDs.
(In Windows 95, you’ll need additional soft ware to play DVD media. One
example of such software is the CyberLink PowerDVD player software,
included with the Plextor software bundle.)



As a CD-R or CD-RW device: In order to write to CD-R or CD-RW media,
you will need additional software. If you purchased a kit from Plextor,
software is supplied.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 25

Section 3. Installing and Using Software

•

Using the PlexCombo on a Macintosh: Whether using the PlexCombo as a
standard DVD-ROM or CD-ROM, or as a CD-R or CD-RW device, you will
need additional drivers or software besides those that are part of the Macintosh
operating system. You will need to purchase this soft ware separately. The
compatibility list is available from Plextor’s web site at www.plextor.com

.

Before installing any software, check that all the cable connections between your
PlexCombo and computer are correct, that the jumper is set properly, and the
PlexCombo is recognized by your system.

Install Applications Software

In order to take advantage of the PlexCombo’s ability to record on CD-R or CD-RW
media, you will need packet writing or mastering applications software on your PC.

If you purchased your PlexCombo as part of a Plextor kit and you have a PC, much
of the software you need is included. You can also check the compatibility list on the
Plextor web site at www.plextor.com
under other operating systems.

About Recording Software

Installing applications software lets you take advantage of the PlexCombo’s ability
to record on CD-R or CD-RW media. You’ll find these applications in the SimpliCD
and Easy CD Creator software supplied by Plextor.

Applications software lets you use your PlexCombo drive in exciting new ways.

•

Packet writing software: This type of application lets you use your PlexCombo
as an enormous floppy drive. You can drag and drop files straight to a CD-R or
CD-RW disc.

•

Mastering software: In conjunction with your PlexCombo drive, mastering
software lets you create discs in specific formats, such as audio, data, mixed
mode, and others.

•

Duplication software : This software lets you copy CDs.

NOTE

: If you use a CD-R disc with packet writing software, you can’t use that disc
later with mastering software (and vice versa). CD-RW discs also must be used with
either one type of software or the other. You can, however, erase a CD-RW disc and
use it again—and once a disc is erased, you can use it with

, for software that supports the PlexCombo

either

type of software.

26

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 3. Installing and Using Software

SimpliCD

SimpliCD from Oak Techno logies contains software for mastering and duplicati on.
It has these main applications:

•

SimpliCD Copy: Lets you make an identical copy of any disc. It makes exact
copies of any data, audio or video CD.

•

SimpliCD Recorder: This component of SimpliCD lets you make CDs
containing audio, video and slide shows, including audio discs playable in your
car or home stereo. You can also make digital audio files (MP3, WAV or WMA)
from audio CDs.

•

SimpliCD ROM: Lets you save your computer files onto re cordable CD media
to create computer data read-only discs, for archiving or distributing data.
SimpliCD ROM is easily accessed as a folder on your desktop and within

Windows Explorer.
For more information, and to learn how to use these powerful app lications, install
SimpliCD on your PC and refer to the online help guide.

Easy CD Creator

Roxio’s Easy CD Creator also has mastering, packet writing, and duplication
software. There are three main Easy CD Creator applications:

•

CD Copier: Lets you copy any CD.

•

DirectCD Format Utility: Prepares a CD-R or CD-RW disc so you can directly

copy files to it in much the same way that you copy files to a floppy disk or

removable drive. You can then use Windows Explorer, or any other program that

can read from and write to a drive letter, to copy files to a CD. You can also

recover files from damaged CDs, and even repair CDs.

•

Easy CD Creator: Lets you make your own CDs, includin g music CDs that c an

be played on your home or car stereo CD player, or data CDs for storing

computer data such as the files and folders on your hard disk.
When you install Roxio, each application has an online help guide that shows how to
use it.

CyberLink PowerDVD

CyberLink PowerDVD helps you get the most from your PlexCombo when you use
the drive as a DVD-ROM player. PowerDVD has features that let you:

•

Play forward or backward.

•

Display two subtitles simultaneously.

•

Perform digital zoom with correct aspect ratio.

•

Pan & scan for wide screen titles.

•

Control playback with a hidden toolbar.

•

Define opt ions with a multi-user parental contro l.

•

Get information about the DVD disc and the PlexCombo drive.

•

Perform multi-destination screen captures.
This is just the beginning. For a complete guide to features and operation, see the
online help in PowerDVD.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 27

Section 3. Installing and Using Software

Other Software

Besides SimpliCD, Roxio, and PowerDVD, you can use other software with your
PlexCombo. A list of various software packages that you can use with your Plextor
drive can be found in the Support/Compatibility section of www.plextor.com
you’ll find software that supports the PlexCombo under other operating systems.
You will need to purchase this software separately.

. Here

28

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

4. Using Your PlexCombo

This chapter explains how to use your PlexCombo drive and how to load, handle and
care for your CDs and DVDs.

CAUTION

vertical orientation must be with the drive’s right side up (as viewed from the front).

: You can install your PlexCombo horizontally or vertically. However,

What Media to Use

Use the right media! Your PlexCombo drive's capabilities change depending on
which type of disc you use. It currently supports these types:

•

Digital Video Discs: You can immediately play pre-recorded DVD discs,

including movies and other DVDs.

•

CD-ROM: You can immediately play or read pre-recorded discs, such as audio

CDs and data discs.

•

CD-R: Recordable CD. You can record on these discs, but only once. You can

also read them.

•

CD-RW: High-speed and normal-speed ReWritable CD. These discs support

recording and re-recording (up to 1,000 times). You can also read them.

To achieve 20X CD-R writing speed you must use certified media that supports
recording at 20X or greater; and to achieve 10X RW writing speed you must use
high-speed RW media. See “Recommended Media “on page 57 for a list of approved
media at the time this manual was printed, and visit the Plextor web site at
http://www.plextor.com

You can write to high-speed RW discs only with drives that support this new media.
Drives that are capable of writing to high-speed RW media, such as the PlexCombo
20/10/40-12A, are identified by a “Compact Disc ReWritable High Speed” logo.

for an updated list.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 29

Section 4. Using Your PlexCombo

Tray Loading and Operation

To load and unload the tray:

1. While the PlexCombo drive is powered up, push the Eject button on the front
panel. The tray drawer slides out in 3–4 seconds.

Figure 18: Loading the Tray

2. Lay a blank CD or DVD disc in the depression in the tray, label side up. The disc
should lie flat in the tray.

3. Press the Eject button again and the tray will slide shut with in seconds.

NOTE

: Always use the Eject button to close the tray in a smooth and secure manner.
Closing the tray by pressing the front of the drawer by hand is not recommended and
risks damage or premature wearing of the mechanism and your DVDs and CDs.

Handling CD Media

Take care when handling blank CD-R and CD-RW media. Dust, scratches, and
fingerprints on either side of the disc can cause write errors during recording. When
picking up or holding blank media you can either place your fingers along the outer
edge of the disc, or place one finger through the center hole and one finger on the
outer edge. Once you have finished creating a disc, label it by writing on the top
using per manent ink.

CAUTION

conforms to the ASTM D-4236 standard. Some permanent markers will damage the
media. Also, do not press too hard when writing on the disc.

NOTE:

weight of the label may unbalance the disc and cause write errors during recording or
read errors during reading.

: We recommend using a “non-toxic” marker, such as a Sharpie pen, that

We do not recommend placing self-sticking CD-R labels on the disc. The

30

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Section 4. Using Your PlexCombo

Cleaning Discs

For proper read and write performance, your CD-R, CD-RW, CD-ROM and DVD­ROM discs must be clean. Trying to record on a dirty disc may result in a failed
session and ruin the disc.

To clean the disc, wipe the disc using a clean, soft cotton cloth to remove surface dirt
such as fingerprints. Use a straight-line motion, wiping fro m the center out. Do not
wipe the disc in a circular motion.

Figure 19: Wipe the Disc from the Center Outward

HINT:

Keep your frequently used discs in jewel cases at all times to prevent them

from becoming dirty or damaged.

Playing Audio CDs

In order to listen to an audio CD, connect an audio cable to the analog audio
connector on the rear of the drive and connect the other end to your sound board.

There are two types of audio you may encounter:

•

CD-Audio: This comes from audio discs (like the ones used by your home
stereo) that are translated directly by your PlexCombo into sound. Although, in
most cases a sound board and speakers are used to hear this audio, you can also
listen to it by simply plugging a set of headphones or powered speakers into the
headphone jack on the front of your drive, as shown in Figure 20. You can
control audio playback through software, and adjust the volume with the front­panel volume control.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 31

Section 4. Using Your PlexCombo

Figure 20: Connections for Playing Audio Using the Headphone Jack

•

Sound board audio: This comes from data files that may be present on a disc,
such as a WAV, WMA or MP3 files, that are transferred from the CD to your
computer via the IDE interface. The sound board translates the data from the
digital files into analog sound. If you do not have a sound board, you will not be
able to hear this form of audio from your PlexCombo.

To listen to music through the computer’s sound bo ard, you can cont rol volume
with the volume control on the Windows Taskbar. You can also mute the sound
on your sound board and listen to music through headphones or self-powered
speakers.

NOTE

: The volume control on the front panel of your drive adjusts only the sound
level of the headphone jack. It has no impact on the volume level of the rear panel
audio outputs.

Playing a CD Using a PC

Alternatives for playing CDs include aud io utilities designed into your operating
system (Media Player or CD Player in Windows, for instance) or various other
utilities that can be purchased commercially.

Playing a CD On a Macintosh

Mac users can run a program such as CDT Remote (which is typically included with
FWB’s CD-ROM toolkit).

32

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 4. Using Your PlexCombo

Playing DVDs

To play a digital video disc, insert the DVD as you would any other disc. The
PlexCombo plays both single-layer and dual-layer discs.

The first time: A code on each DVD allows it to be played only on players designed
for a certain regional area, such as North America, Europe, etc. When the drive ships
there is no region code set. The first time a DVD that has a region setting is inserted
into the PlexCombo drive, the action sets the drive to that region code.

If you later insert a DVD with a different region code, you are prompted to either
accept changing the region code or not. If you don’t accept the change, then that
DVD will not play. If you do accept the change, then the PlexCombo’s region code
setting is changed. But remember: you can change the PlexCombo d rive’s region
code only 5 times. After that, you can’t change it any more.

Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media

In conjunction with your PlexCombo drive, mastering and packet writing software
such as EasyCD Creator and DirectCD allow you to write audio, video, data, or other
information to writable (CD-R) or rewritable (CD-RW) media. The PlexCombo
20/10/40-12A writes to new high-speed CD-RW media, as well as to conventional
CD-RW media.

IMPORTANT:

speed and the new high-speed CD-RW discs. Drives manufactured before 1998
cannot read CD-RW discs.

Plextor CD-ROM drives beginning with the 12/20PleX and newer can read CD-RW
discs, including the new, high-speed discs.

Most CD-ROM drives manufactured since 1998 can read both normal-

Determining Write Speed from the BUSY Indicator

When you are writing to a CD-R or CD-RW disc, the color and blink rate of the
front-panel BUSY indicator indicate the speed of writing, as follows:

LED blink interval in

milliseconds

Amber, 50 ms 20X R, 10X RW

Amber, 100 ms 16X R, 4X RW

Amber, 150 ms 1–16X R

Write speed

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 33

Section 4. Using Your PlexCombo

Advantages of VariRec Technolog y

This drive is equipped with VariRec (Variable Recording) technology, a feature
offered by Plextor that allows you to manually adjust the drive's laser power during
the audio recording process.

NOTE

: In order for you to actually perform the adjustment, VariRec must be
supported by the recording software you’re using.

Being able to adjust the laser power during the recording process can have some
definite advantages. For instance, depending on the capabilities of your specific
audio equipment, you may be able to change the sound quality of your recordings to
suit the equipment. Or you may be able to correct compatibility problems that occur
when playing discs on certain audio players.

How the Default VariRec Setting Is Determined

In most cases you don’t have to worr y about settin g VariRec. The setting is 0 (zero)
by default, and this usually works best. This default setting is d e ter mined by a
combination of steps:

1. First, we test many types of CD-R and CD-RW media in our factory to determine

the best write strategy (laser power and other factors) for that media.

2. We include a table of the tested media and their write strategy in your dr ive’s

firmware. (This table is updated when you update your drive by downloading
new firmware from the Plextor web site.)

3. When you insert a recordable disc into your drive, Plextor’s PoweRec technology

automatically identifies the manufacturer, model, and special features of the
media, then adjusts the laser power and writing speed so they’re at the optimum
settings for that d isc.

4. The drive uses OPC (Optimum Power Control) to further fine-tune the laser

power setting to the specific disc that is in your drive.

5. The combined values of the pre-defined write strategies, along with the OPC test

results, create the default VariRec setting of zero.

Changing the VariRec Setting

VariRec lets you increase or decrease the laser power by up to 2 degrees in either the
positive or negative direction from this default. You can change the laser power to do
comparison testing with your CD player (home, auto, or CD-ROM drives) to find the
power setting that best suits you.

Changing the laser power changes the characteristics of the audio being written. You
can hear these changes during audio playback, although what you hear will depend
on speaker quality, audio settings, and environment.

34

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 4. Using Your PlexCombo

When You Write with VariRec

VariRec writes in either Track-at-Once (TAO) or Disc-at-Once (DAO) mode. It
writes CD-DA (digital audio) on CD-R media at 4X speed or 1X speed, rather than
at the full speed of the drive. For this reason, audio recording using VariRec takes a
bit longer than a standard audio recording.

Advantages of BURN-Proof Technology

The PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A incorporates BURN-Proof (Buffer Under-Run Proof )
technology, which guarantees that you can write discs at high speed, and still use
your computer for other tasks while you’re writing.

The Problem: When you use a CD Recordable or CD ReWritable drive to write to a
CD-R or CD-RW disc, the disc needs a constant, steady flow of data to make a
successful write. If this flow is interrupted, you wind up with a d isc that is unusable.
You’ve just created a coaster for your table!

To prevent the interruption of data, every CD-R/RW drive has a buffer, a memory
chip that acts as a kind “holding area.” (Typically, the buffer size is 2 MB or 4 MB.)
However, this buffer can be emptied quickly when you write at high speeds. It can
also be emptied if you use other applications (like surfing the Internet or playing
games or watching movies) while writing; or if your so urce drive cannot read data
fast enough because of its read ability or because the source disc is poor quality and
read errors slow down the data streaming. Any of these factors can produce what is
known as a “buffer underrun error.” Simply put, the buffer is drained of data, the
flow to the disc is interrupted—and you wind up with a usel e ss disc.

The Solution—BURN-Proof: This revolutionary technology compensates for any
interruption in data flow to the disc. BURN-Proof technology “remembers” where
writing stopped on the disc when the data flow was interrupted, then restarts writing
in the same place once the data is available again. The result is that your disc is
written successfully.

What BURN-Proof Means to You: BURN-Proof technology in your
PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A means you can safely use your computer for other things
while you’re writing to a CD-R or CD-RW disc. It reduces the dreaded “coaster
effect,” and lets you multitask freely and easily without bringing the burn to a
screeching halt. All of this is done seamlessly, so you successfully create CDs on the
first attempt.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 35

Section 4. Using Your PlexCombo

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36

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

This chapter explains maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for your
PlexCombo drive.

With proper maintenance, you can prevent problems. If problems arise, you can
often solve many simple problems on your own, rather than wait for assistance from
a Plextor representative.

TIP

: Read all of the section that pertains to you (PC or Macintosh). Many of the
problems discussed happen only rarely, and others may seem as if they do not
pertain to you. However, if you are familiar with the variety of problems that can
occur, you will be better prepared to deal with them if they do occur.

Upgrading Firmware

Plextor creates firmware revisions to meet the particular needs of large computer
manufacturers, and to include the latest parameters for Plextor-tested media. It is rare
that these changes will substantially affect the performance or operation of your
PlexCombo drive. However, we advise that our customers always update drives with
the latest available firmware. Before troubleshooting a possib le p r oblem with your
drive please make sure to visit our web site at www.plextor.com
the latest firmware.

To obtain new firmware for your PlexCombo drive:

1. Go to the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com

2. Look for firmware upgrades in the Support area, on the Downloads page. There

is a description of the latest firmware revision and its intended use.

3. Download the firmware to your computer.

To upgrade firmware:

1. Run the executable file that you downloaded from Plextor’s web site.

2. Accept all defaults by continuing to click on the “Next” button until you see the

message:

Firmware update has completed.

.

to check i f you have

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 37

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

If you have problems during or right after installation of your PlexCombo drive, use
these tips to help find the problem. You can also use these charts to help find
problems that develop in existing installatio ns.

Start here if you're a PC user. Mac users should start with page 49 and come back
here if they don't find the answer.

Troubleshooting: General

Troubleshooting: General

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

PlexCombo does
not respond (no
LED light; eject
button does not
work).

Disc does not
rotate in
PlexCombo drive .

PlexCombo not
recognized by
computer.

No power. Ensure the power cable is

connected securely from the
computer to the PlexCombo.

When the computer’s power is
turned ON, confirm that the
PlexCombo’s indicator LED is
illuminated briefly, then is
extinguished.

IDE cable isn’t
connected, or cables or
connectors are
damaged.

IDE cable isn’t
connected, or cables or
connectors are
damaged.

Drive or IDE bus is not
enabled in the
computer’s BIOS.

Jumper conflict. Check jumpers for the PlexCombo

IDE cable connection is required
for operation. Ensure that the IDE
cable is securely connected
between computer and
PlexCombo, and is not damaged.

IDE cable connection is required
for operation. Ensure that the IDE
cable is securely connected
between computer and
PlexCombo, and is not damaged.

Ensure the IDE port is enabled and
set properly in motherboard’s
BIOS. See “Make Sure the Drive Is
Recognized” on page 23 for more
details.

drive and the other peripheral
devices (hard disk or CD-ROM
drive) on the same IDE cable.
Ensure the jumper for one device
is set to Master and the other to
Slave. Two devices on one cable
cannot be set to the same setting
(except for Cable Select).

38

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting: General

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

Wrong cable with

jumper set to Cable
Select.

Make sure that a CSEL-compatible
IDE cable is used if you want to
use the PlexCombo with jumper
set to Cable Select.

Ensure the jumpers on both drives
are set to Cable Select.

Cannot eject tray.

Tray is locked by
mastering software.

Refer to application documentation
on how to unlock the eject feature.

CD was not properly
set into tray and is
stuck.

Turn OFF the computer power.
Then, at the PlexCombo’s front
panel, insert a thin object such as
the emergency eject tool or a
paper clip into the emergency eject
hole and eject the tray.

Personal
computer “hangs”
or crashes after
PlexCombo is
installed.

Computer does not
support Ultra DMA.

Your PlexCombo ships from the
factory with no DMA jumper
installed. This means the drive is
set to Ultra DMA, and this setting
should work in most cases.
However, if the computer hangs or
crashes, change the PlexCombo to
DMA by installing the DMA jumper
across the two pins. (See page 16.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 39

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting: Reading Discs

Troubleshooting: Reading Discs

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

PlexCombo drive
has read errors,
may not respond
when accessed
from My
Computer or
Explorer, or
cannot run a
program.

Cannot use other
CD-ROM drives
to read discs
written by
PlexCombo.

Defective DVD, CD­ROM, CD-R, or CD-RW
disc.

Fingerprint,
contaminants, or
scratches on the disc’s
surface that prevent the
drive from reading or
writing data.

Disc is badly
manufactured.

Bad connection
between the
PlexCombo drive and
the computer.

Disc is inserted upside
down.

Blank CD-R or CD-RW
disc is inside the drive.

Trying to read a CD­RW disc in a CD-ROM
drive that does not
support it.

UDF reader is not
installed on the system
to read CD-RW or
packet-written discs
from a CD-ROM drive.

Session was left open
on a CD-R disc and
does not have a Table
of Contents.

Clean the disc as detailed on page

31.
Try a different disc.

Try a different disc.

Make sure the IDE cable is
securely connected to the
computer motherboard and the
PlexCombo.

Inspect the IDE ribbon cable for
any signs of distress, such as
kinking.

Eject the disc and load it with the
label or text side up.

Remove the disc from the drive
and test the drive by using another
disc.

Use the PlexCombo to read CD­RW discs or use a different CD­ROM drive. Only CD-ROM drives
manufactured after 1997 can read
CD-RW discs.

Refer to your packet writing
software manual for how to obtain
a UDF reader and install it on the
computer where you need to
access these discs.

Place th is disc back into
PlexCombo and use the same
software originally used to write to
it. Then close the session/disc.

40

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Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting: Reading Discs

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

Excessive noise.
Excessive

vibration.
Slow read

performance.

Can read only
the last session
of a multisession
CD-R or CD-RW
disc.

CD is poorly balanced.
Poorly manufactured
discs or discs with
poorly distributed ink on
labeling cause
significant vibration at
high speeds because
they are out of balance.
Read errors may also
occur.

If the disc label
(especially adhesive
labels) adds more
weight to one area of
the disc than another it
can also cause the disc
to be out of balance.

“Import previous
session” or a similar
feature was not
enabled when the
multisession disc was
created.

Remove the adhesive label, if
present. Be careful not to damage
the foil underneath.

Clean the disc as detailed on page

31.
If there is no foreign substance on

the disc, contact the disc
manufacturer for a replacement.

Use CD-R or CD-RW mastering
software to import session(s). Such
features may vary in name
depending on the software being
used. Please refer to the
appropriate manual regarding this
feature.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 41

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting: Writing CD-R and CD-RW Discs

Troubleshooting: Writing CD-R and CD-RW Discs

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

Writing error
occurs.

Network is being used.
Mouse was moved or

Windows screensaver
activated while writing.

Other applications are
running.

Power save mode is
active.

Shortage of PC
memory. If there is
insufficient main
memory in the PC,
data may be swapped
to the hard disk, and
this can cause a buffer
underrun.

Automatic thermal
recalibration triggered.
(Some high-speed hard
disks are equipped with
an automatic thermal
recalibration function.)

Defective CD-R or CD­RW media. CD-R or
CD-RW media may be
dirty, scratched, or
damaged.

If necessary, enable BURN-Proof
in the recording software. (Some
software packages have BURN­Proof support for the PlexCombo
drive permanently on, while other
software allows the user to select
whether it is on or off.)

If your software does not support
BURN-Proof and problems occur
when writing, reduce the load on
CPU resources. Some ways to do
this are:



Log off from the network.



Don’t use the mouse.



Disable the screensaver or

power save mode.



Exit all other applications.

If necessary, enable BURN-Proof
in the recording software.

Increase the PC’s main memory
capacity.

Turn off automatic thermal
recalibration for the hard disk.

Use another hard disk.

Re-Write using another CD-R or
CD-RW disc.

42

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Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting: Writing CD-R and CD-RW Discs

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

Cannot write to
CD-R or
CD-RW.

Using authoring
software other than
that bundled with
PlexCombo 20/10/40­12A.

Use the authoring software
provided with the unit.

To use other types of authoring
software, contact the supplier and
ensure the software supports the
PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A (PX­320A) drive. Supported software
lists can also be found on the
Plextor web site at
www.plextor.com

.

CD-R/RW media not
appropriate.

Use CD-R/RW media supported
by Plextor. Supported media lists
can be found on the Plextor web
site at www.plextor.com

Disc inserted upside
down.

Reinsert the disc with the label
right side up.

Defective CD-R/RW
media.

CD-R/RW media may be dirty,
scratched or damaged. Re-write
using another CD-R/RW media.

Computer is short of
hard disk capacity.

Generally, 1.2 to 2 times the size
of the write data is required. This
may vary according to the write
method.

Delete files from your hard disk to
free up sufficient space; or use
another hard disk.

IDE cable is not
connected properly

Ensure the IDE cable is securely
connected between the computer
and the PlexCombo, and that the
cable is not damaged.

.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 43

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting: Writing CD-R and CD-RW Discs

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

CD-R or CD-RW
software cannot
detect
PlexCombo.

Power connector is not
attached to
PlexCombo.

Ensure the computer’s power
cable is securely attached to the
PlexCombo’s power connector.

When the computer’s power is
turned ON, confirm that the
PlexCombo’s indicator LED is
illuminated briefly, then is
extinguished.

Try connecting another power
cable to the PlexCombo.

IDE cable is not
attached to
PlexCombo.

Ensure the IDE cable is securely
attached between the computer
and the PlexCombo.

Ensure the IDE cable pins are not
bent.

Drive or IDE bus is not
enabled in the
computer’s BIOS.

Ensure the IDE interface is
enabled and set properly in
motherboard’s BIOS. See “Make
Sure the Drive Is Recognized” on
page 23 for more details.

Jumper conflict. Check jumper for the PlexCombo

drive and the other peripheral
devices (hard disk or CD-ROM
drive) on the same IDE cable.
Ensure the jumper for one device
is set to Master and the other to
Slave. Two devices on one cable
cannot be set to the same setting.

Wrong cable with
jumper set to Cable
Select.

Make sure that a CSEL­compatible IDE cable is used if
you want to use the PlexCombo
with jumper set to Cable Select.

44

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting: Writing CD-R and CD-RW Discs

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

Using authoring

software other than
that bundled with
PlexCombo 20/10/40­12A.

Use the authoring software
provided with the PlexCombo.

To use other types of authoring
software, contact the supplier and
ensure the software supports the
PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A (PX­320A) drive. Supported software
lists can also be found on the
Plextor web site at
www.plextor.com

.

Cannot add
information (add
writing) on CD­R/RW.

Changed authoring
software.

If using different authoring
software than for the previous
writing, errors may occur. Always
use the same authoring software.

Insufficient CD-R/RW
capacity.

Capacity of standard CD-R/RW
media is limited to 650 MB (74­min. type), including lead-in, lead­out and TOC data. Use a different
CD-R/RW media if capacity is
insufficient on current media.

Using disc written on
non-Plextor CD-R or

Use CD-R or CD-RW disc written
by the PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A.

CD-RW drive.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 45

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting: Writing CD-R and CD-RW Discs

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

Cannot write at
higher speeds,
such as 20X and
16X.

DMA is not enabled on
your computer.

Enable DMA for your operating
system. (See page 24.)

Make sure “PIO Mode4/DMA
Mode2” or “Auto” is enabled in
your motherboard BIOS.

Buffer underrun occurs. Ensure the authoring software

supports BURN-Proof. If it
supports BURN-Proof, make sure
that BURN-Proof is enabled on
your computer.

If your software does not support
BURN-Proof and you have buffer
underrun problems, reduce the
load on CPU resources. Some
ways to do this are:



Log off from the network.



Don’t use the mouse.



Disable the screensaver or

power save mode.



Exit all other applications.

Defective or poor
quality CD-R media.

CD-R media may be dirty,
scratched or damaged, or may be
of poor quality. Re-write using the
CD-R/RW media recommended by
Plextor. Supported media lists can
also be found on the Plextor web
site at www.plextor.com

Using authoring
software other than
that bundled with
PlexCombo 20/10/40­12A.

Use the authoring software
provided with the PlexCombo.

If using other software, ensure that
PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A is
supported by the software.
Contact the software supplier to
confirm.

Shortage of PC
memory.

If necessary, enable BURN-Proof
in the recording software.

Increase the PC’s main memory
capacity.

.

46

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting: Writing CD-R and CD-RW Discs

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

PlexCombo and other
IDE CD-ROM drive are
connected on the same
cable.

If necessary, enable BURN-Proof
in the recording software.

Use the image writing method
(safe mode) or record at a lower
speed.

Put the IDE CD-ROM drive on the
primary bus and PlexCombo as
the Master (and the only device)
on the secondary bus.

PlexCombo and hard
disk are connected on
the same cable.

If necessary, enable BURN-Proof
in the recording software.

Remove the PlexCombo from the
cable, set its jumper to Master,
and re-connect it to the secondary
IDE port. (Leave the hard disk
connected to the primary IDE
port.)

CD-ROM drive used as
a source cannot read
data fast enough to
record at higher
speeds, such as 20X
and 16X.

If necessary, enable BURN-Proof
in the recording software.

If your software does not support
BURN-Proof, copy the data to the
computer’s hard disk, then record
from the hard disk to the
PlexCombo.

Cannot write at
10X (CD-RW).

CD-RW media is not
high speed CD-RW.

Use high-speed CD-RW media.
These discs are stamped with a
“High Speed CD-RW” logo.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 47

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting: Playing Audio Discs

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

No sound from
audio CD,
when
everything else
appears to be
functioning
normally.

Low sound
level from
PlexCombo
drive.

Sound board volume
too low.

Mixer settings for
soundboard set too low
or muted.

Need sound board.
Sound board not

properly configured.

Low levels from audio
mixer.

Improper audio cable
connection between
PlexCombo drive and
sound board.

Each sound board has a different
setting for each input source,
including one for CD-Audio. Run your
sound board’s mixer program and
verify that the volume is turned up or
not muted. You can do this by
double-clicking on the speaker icon
on your computer’s task bar.

Check your system configuration to
see if the sound board settings (such
as IRQ, memory, etc.) are conflicting
with other devices on the system.

Check if all the necessary drivers
and multimedia devices required by
your sound board are installed.

Run your sound board’s mixer
program and verify that the volume is
turned up or not muted.

Check the master, CD and line levels
of all audio mixers.

Check the cable connection from
PlexCombo to sound board.

Troubleshooting: Playing DVDs

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

PlexCombo
won’t play
DVD.

DVD set for a different
regional area.

PlexCombo region code
has already been
changed five times.

48

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

DVDs are designed for different
regional areas. Once your
PlexCombo region code is set for a
specific regional area, it will play only
DVD media formatted for that area
by the manufacturer.

You can change the drive’s region
code to a different region five times.
After that you can’t change it any
more.

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting for Macintosh Users

Symptom Possible Causes Solutions

Drive will not
operate as CD­ROM, CD-R or
CD-RW
device.

Drive does not
respond.

Whether using the
PlexCombo as a
standard CD-ROM,
CD-R or CD-RW
device, you will need
additional software and
device drivers that are
not part of the
Macintosh operating
system.

Bad connection
between PlexCombo
drive and IDE interface.

You will need to purchase additional
software. Supported software lists
can also be found on the Plextor web
site at www.plextor.com

Ensure the IDE cable is securely
connected between the computer
and the PlexCombo, and that the
cable is not damaged.

.

Using the Self-Test Diagnostics

The PlexCombo contains a set of self-test diagnostics that can help isolate trouble
and determine if a problem is in the PlexCombo drive or elsewhere.

NOTE

: Using the self-test diagnostics requires opening the computer and removing a
cable from the drive, then replacing the cable at the end of the test. If you previously
installed the PlexCombo in your computer, you should have no fear of the simple
procedures that are required. However, if you’re are not comfortable with opening
your PC or Macintosh and disconnecting cables, you may want to let someone with
more experience handle this aspect of troublesho otin g for you.

The self-test diagnostics includ e :

•

CD write/read test

•

DVD random access test

You can do these tests in any order.

What You’ll Need

To perform the tests you’ll need:

•

Tools to remove the computer’s cover

•

The spare jumper shipped with your drive

•

A blank piece of Plextor-recommended CD-R media (see “Recommended
Media” on page 57, or visit our web site) for the CD write/read test

•

A DVD disc for the DVD random access test

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 49

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

CD Write/Read Test

This tests three functions of the drive: write, random access, and verify.

To perform the CD write/read test:

1. Turn the computer’s power OFF, unplug it from its power source, and open the
computer to gain access to the rear of the PlexCombo drive. Typically, this
involves loo s ening or re moving several screws on the back panel of your
computer and sliding off the cover. (See Figure 3 for an example.)

CAUTION

yourself by wearing an anti-static wristband. This will help prevent static damage to
your computer system.

2. You should be able to see the back of the PlexCombo drive connected to the

NOTE

steps.

3. Hold the ATAPI cable at or near the base of its connection to the PlexCombo.

4. Note the position of the mode jumper at the rear of the PlexCombo. A jumper

5. Install the spare jumper, located in the accessory kit, so that both the CABLE

: Before you attempt to open your computer be sure to properly ground

ATAPI cable, power connector, and, optionally, an analog sound cable.

: You may have to remove the drive from the computer to perform the next two

Carefully remove the ATAPI cable from the PlexCombo by pulling the cable
gently rearward.

will be installed on either the CABLE SELECT, SLAVE, or MASTER positio n.
Write down this jumper position. (You’ll need to replace the jumper after the
test.) Then:



If the jumper is on the MASTER position, move it to the SLAVE or CABLE
SELECT position for this test.



If the jumper is on the SLAVE or CABLE SELECT jumper, leave it in
place.

SELECT and SLAVE positions are jumpered, as shown below.

50

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Figure 21. Place Jumpers Across Both the SLAVE and CABLE SELECT Pins to

Perform the Self-Test Diagnostics.

6. If you removed the drive was removed for access to the cable and mode jumpers,
slide it back into the computer and connect the power cable to the drive.

7. Replace the computer’s cover.

CAUTION

dangerous to the computer’s components and also to you. Be aware of the danger of
electric shock and do not touch any components inside the computer.

: Turning on the computer power without first replacing the cover can be

8. While pressing the eject button on the PlexCombo, turn the computer power on.
The BUSY indicator blinks green and amber.

9. Insert a blank Plextor-recommended CD-R disc. Be sure to use only CD-R media
of the type recommended by Plextor.



The DISC indicator is green to indicate the media is CD-R.



If the DISC indicator blinks amber three times, the loaded disc is not a blank
CD-R disc. Remove the disc and insert a blank, Plextor-approved CD-R disc.

10. The drive begins the diagnostic routine. Upon completion of the diagnostic, you
see the results:



If there was no problem, the disc is ejected automatically.



If there was a problem, the disc is not ejected, and you see the DISC
indicator blink green. One green blink indicates a write or read error. Two
green blinks indicate an initialization error.

11. If the disc was not ejected automatically, press the eject button to eject the disc.

12. Turn off the computer power.

13. If you also want to perform the DVD-ROM test now, go to step 8 in the next
section, “DVD-ROM Test.”

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 51

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

14. If you do not wish to perform the DVD-ROM test, reset the mode jumper at the
rear of the PlexCombo to its original setting as noted in Step 4 above. Also,
remove the spare jumper you installed.

15. Reconnect the IDE cable to the PlexCombo drive. If you removed the drive to
gain access to the cable or jumpers, replace the drive in the computer. Then
replace the computer cover.

DVD-ROM Test

This tests the drive’s DVD-ROM random access.

To perform the DVD-ROM random access test:

1. Turn the computer’s power OFF, unplug it from its power source, and open the
computer to gain access to the rear of the PlexCombo drive. Typically, this
involves loo s ening or re moving several screws on the back panel of your
computer and sliding off the cover. (See Figure 3 for an example.)

CAUTION

yourself by wearing an anti-static wristband. This will help prevent static damage to
your computer system.

2. You should be able to see the back of the PlexCombo drive connected to the

NOTE

steps.

3. Hold the ATAPI cable at or near the base of its connection to the PlexCombo.

4. Note the position of the mode jumper at the rear of the PlexCombo. A jumper

5. Install the spare jumper, located in the accessory kit, so that both the CABLE

6. If you removed the drive was removed for access to the cable and mode jumpers,

: Before you attempt to open your computer be sure to properly ground

ATAPI cable, power connector, and, optionally, an analog sound cable.

: You may have to remove the drive from the computer to perform the next two

Carefully remove the ATAPI cable from the PlexCombo by pulling the cable
gently rearward.

will be installed on either the CABLE SELECT, SLAVE, or MASTER positio n.
Write down this jumper position. (You’ll need to replace the jumper after the
test.) Then:



If the jumper is on the MASTER position, move it to the SLAVE or CABLE
SELECT position for this test.



If the jumper is on the SLAVE or CABLE SELECT jumper, leave it in
place.

SELECT and SLAVE positions are jumpered, as shown in Figure 21.

slide it back into the computer and connect the power cable to the drive.

52

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

7. Replace the computer’s cover.

CAUTION

dangerous to the computer’s components and also to you. Be aware of the danger of
electric shock and do not touch any components inside the computer.

: Turning on the computer power without first replacing the cover can be

8. While pressing the eject button on the PlexCombo, turn on the computer power.
The BUSY indicator blinks green and amber.

9. Load the DVD disc. The DISC indicator is yellow to indicate the media is DVD.

10. The drive starts the diagnostic routine. Upon completion of the diagnostic, you
see the results:



If there was no problem, the disc is ejected automatically.



If there was a problem, the disc is not ejected, and you see the DISC
indicator blink green. One green blink indicates a read error. Two green
blinks indicates an initialization error.

11. If the disc was not ejected automatically, press the eject button to eject the disc.

12. Turn off the computer power.

13. Reset the mode jumper at the rear of the PlexCombo to its original setting as
noted in Step 4 above. Also, remove the spare jumper you installed.

14. Reconnect the IDE cable to the PlexCombo drive. If you removed drive to gain
access to the cable or jumpers, replace the drive in the computer. Then replace
the computer cover.

If you discover a problem with the PlexCombo drive, do not attempt to service the
drive yourself. Contact us to get an RMA number and take st eps to return the drive to
Plextor. See “Returns” on page 64 for details.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 53

Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

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54

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

6. Frequently Asked Questions

What media should I use for my PlexCombo?

To achieve 20X CD-R writing speed you must use certified 20X media; and to
achieve 10X RW writing speed you must use high-speed RW media. See
“Recommended Media” on page 57 for a list recommended media (including 20X
certified media) at the time this manual was printed. The most updated list of
supported media can be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com.

When can I use CD-RW media?

CD-RW media can only be used for writing in ReWritable drives. It is readable only
in ReWritable drives or newer MultiRead CD -ROM s with UDF readers installed.
UDF readers are available from software companies that develop packet-writing
software. With CD-RW media you can:



Use as if it were a large capacity floppy disc.



Transport files to and from work.



Copy your important data periodically.



What writing speed can I expect with CD-RW media?

The PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A supports new high-speed CD-RW media, and can
write to this media at speeds from 4X to 10X. You can also use normal-speed
CD-RW media in this PlexCombo; in this case, the drive writes at 4X speed.

When should I use CD-R media?

CD-R media can be read in most CD-ROM, CD-Recordable or CD-ReWritable
drives. Use CD-R media to:

Why doesn’t Roxio CD Copier work?

Some possible reasons are:

Store large projects as you develop them.



Permanently archive important data.



Copy your music to CD for personal use.



Create specific format discs.



Create disc for distribution to others.



Share non-editable presentations



Some CD-ROM drives are not fast enough for direct copying to the
PlexCombo. They cannot stream data fast enough to record at the
PlexCombo’s maximum speed or are not capable of digital audio extraction
at high speed.



The CD-R disc being used is poor quality, scratched, badly manufactured, or
has oily fingerprints.



Some CDs have copy prevention or other feature that does not allow direct
CD-to-CD duplication.



Software may not support that disc format.



You are trying to copy packet-written discs, which is not possible because of
the difference in technology between packet writing and mastering.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 55

Section 6. Frequently Asked Questions

What causes buffer underrun errors?

Recording CDs requires a source device to provide an uninterrupted stream of data.
A buffer underrun occurs when the data stream is interrupted. This can occur if:



You do not ha ve BURN-Proof enabled in your softwar e or your software
does not support this feature.



Another application interrupts the writing process.



The write speed is set higher than the source drive can supply data.



The computer has insufficient RAM (random-access memory).



You are using poor quality discs, scratched discs, discs with fingerprints, or
badly manufactured discs.

Buffer underrun errors are not a problem with the PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A, thanks
to its remarkable BURN-Proof technology. To eliminate buffer underrun errors,
simply make sure BURN-Proof is enabled in the recording software. Some software
packages, such as Roxio’s Easy CD Creator, have BURN-Proof support for the
PlexCombo drive permanently on, while other software allo ws the user to select
whether it is on or off.

Can I use a DVD player as a source for audio recording?

In general, DVDs are a poor source for audio extraction. If you do want to use
another DVD player for audio extraction to the PlexCombo, if possible do not install
it on the same IDE cable as the PlexCombo. (Note that in some instances DVDs will
not work as anything other than a Master; in such cases, you’ll have to install your
PlexCombo as a Slave. This is not ideal, but it will work.)

Can I play all DVDs in my PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A?

A code on each DVD allows it to be played only on players designed for a certain
regional area, such as North America, Europe, etc. Your PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A
has an internal setting to correspond to the desire d region.

When the drive ships there is no region code set. The first time a DVD that has a
region setting is inserted into the PlexCombo drive, it sets the drive to that region
code. If you later insert a DVD with a different region code, you are prompted to
either accept changing the region code or not. If you don’t accept the change, then
that DVD will not play. If you do accept the change, then the PlexCombo’s region
code setting is changed. But remember: you can change the PlexCombo drive’s
region code only 5 times. After that, you can’t change i t any more.

56

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Appendix A: PlexCombo Specifications

Minimum System Requirements

Computer Pentium II 350 MHz CPU or faster.
Minimum RAM 64 MB
Hard Disk Size 800 MB to 1 GB of free space to write to a CD in image

mode

ATAPI Settings DMA should be set to ON.

IDE controller should be set to PIO Mode4/DMA Mode2
or Auto in the motherboard BIOS.

Operating System Windows XP, Me, 2000, 98, 95; or Macintosh

Recommended Media



CD-R: 20X To ensure 20X write speed, Plextor recommends using



CD-R: 16X Taiyo Yuden, TDK, Ricoh, Mitsui Chemicals, Kodak,



CD-R: 1X-12X Taiyo Yuden, TDK, Mitsui Chemicals, Ricoh, Kodak, Fuji



CD-RW Ricoh, Verbatim /Mitsubishi Chemical

Supported Media

Supported Media,
Stamped CD

Supported Media, DVD DVD single/dual layer, DVD-R, DVD-RW (Ver. 1.0 and

Supported Media, CD-R Orange Book Pt II-compliant discs (Type 74, Type 80)

only certified 20X media available from Ricoh, Taiyo
Yuden, Mitsui Chemicals, Kodak, Maxell, Fuji (Futalo),
Verbatim /Mitsubishi Chemical
(With PoweRec, some poorer quality discs are recorded
at 16X)

Note

: For the latest updated list of certified 20X media,
see Plextor’s web site at:
http://www.plextor.com

Maxell, Fuji (Cyanine), Verbatim /Mitsubishi Chemical

Photo Film, Maxell, Verbatim /Mitsubishi Chemical

(All are rewritable up to 1,000 times.)

Red, Yellow Book-compliant discs

1.1)

Supported Media Size 12 cm

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 57

Appendix A: PlexCombo Specifications

Usable Formats

Logical CD Read/Write CD-DA, CD-Extra, CD-ROM Mode-1, CD-ROM XA,

Photo-CD, Video-CD, Multisession, CD TEXT, CD+G,
UDF, CD-I, CD-ROM Mixed Mode

Write Methods Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once, Session-at-Once, Packet

Write (variable and fixed), Multisession

Logical DVD Read DVD-ROM, DVD-Video

Performance Specifications

Read Speed, CD Speed Mode-1 Mode-2 CD-DA

Read Speed DVD Speed Stamp DVD-R DVD-RW
5-12X Yes (Single-

3-8X* Yes (Dual­ 2X CLV Yes Yes Yes

1X CLV Yes Yes Yes
*When playing DVD video, the drive runs at 2X CLV

Write Speed, CD-R
(Data)

Write Speed, CD-R
(CD-DA)

Write Speed, CD-RW 10X CLV, 4X CLV

Initialization Time < 13 sec. (typical), < 15 sec. (max.)

Access Time CD: <100 ms (typical)

Sleep Mode, Wake
Mode

17-40X Stamp,R Stamp,R Stamp,R
14-32X Stamp,R,RW Stamp,R,RW Stamp,R,RW
10-24X Stamp,R,RW Stamp,R,RW Stamp,R,RW
8X CLV Stamp,R,RW Stamp,R,RW Stamp,R,RW
4X CLV Stamp,R,RW Stamp,R,RW Stamp,R,RW

– –

layer disc)

Yes (Dual-

layer disc)

20X Z-CLV, 16X CLV, 8X CLV, 4X CLV, 1X CLV
Lead in, 16X. Data in, 20X.

20X Z-CLV, 16X CLV, 8X CLV, 4X CLV, 1X CLV
For CD-DA, CD-TEXT, Mixed Mode CD, CD+G.
When VariRec is enabled, drive runs at 1X or 4X.

High speed: 4X, 10X.
Normal speed: 4X

Time measured from power on until disc is available to
read

DVD: <150 ms (typical)
Time measured from start command until bus free (no
disconnect)

Sleep mode entered after 2 minutes of no access to
drive. For wake mode, < 5 sec. (max.) to start drive after
sleep.

layer disc)

Yes (Dual­layer disc)

58

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Appendix A: PlexCombo Specifications

Performance Specifications (continued)

Error Rate CD-ROM Mode 1: 1 Block/1012 Bits
CD-ROM Mode 2: 1 Block/10

Data Buffer 2 MB
Spindle Motor Brushless

9

Bits

Front Panel

Eject Eject Button; Manual Emergency Eject; Software Eject
DISC Indicator LED Green: CD-ROM loaded

Yellow: DVD loaded

BUSY Indicator LED Green: Disc load

Yellow: Reading disc
Amber: Writing data to disc
Green during writing: BURN-Proof is active

BUSY Indicator Blink
Interval and Write
Speed

50 ms interval, 20X (R) Z-CLV; 10X (RW)
100 ms interval, 16X (R) Z-CLV; 4X (RW)
150 ms interval, 1-16X (R) CLV

Disc Loading Auto
Headphone Jack Stereo mini-jack, 0.8V +/- 0.3V at 32 ohms
Headphone Volume

Control

Wheel knob

Rear Panel

Power Supply DC +5V: Typically 800 mA during writing, 900 mA during

reading. Peak 1.1 A.
DC +12V: Average 1 A during writing, 900 mA during
reading. Peak 2.0 A.

Interface Connector IDE bus, 40-pin flat ribbon type. Interface complies with

ATA/ATAPI-5. Maximum total cable length must be less
than 18 in (45.7 cm).

Analog Audio Output Stereo analog output, Molex connector (L*G*G*R),

MPC3 standard

Digital Audio Output Digital audio output for input to SPDIF or Digital-In input
Mode Jumper Master (default), Slave, Cable Select
DMA Jumper No jumper: Ultra DMA Mode 0-2 (default)

Jumper installed: DMA Mode 0-2

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 59

Appendix A: PlexCombo Specifications

DVD Regional Setting

Compatibility
Changing regional

setting

RPC phase-2-compatible
Max. 5 times

Host Interface

Type ATA/ATAPI-5-compliant
PIO Transfers Modes 0-4
Multiword DMA

Transfers
Ultra DMA Transfers
ATAPI-5 Command Set Supports CD-ROM commands, including special

Inquiry string PLEXTOR sp CD-R sp sp sp PX-320A sp sp

Modes 0-2

Modes 0-2

commands for CD-R and CD-RW.

(where “sp” is one space)

Environmental Conditions

Operating Temperature 0 to 40 degrees Celsius
Performance Guarantee

Temperature
Operating Humidity
Storage Temperature –40 to 60 degrees Celsius
Storage Humidity

5 to 40 degrees Celsius

20% to 80% (non-condensing)

20% to 95% (non-condensing)

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions (W/H/D)
(excluding front panel)

5.75" x 1.63 x 7.48"
146 mm x 41.3 mm x 190 mm

Weight 2.4 lbs. (1.1 kg)

Reliability

MTBF 60,000 Power On Hours
Tray Loading 75,000 Load/Unload Cycles

60

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Appendix A: PlexCombo Specifications

Safety Standards

Country/ Region Type Agency Standard

USA Safety UL UL 1950
Laser FDA FDA 21 CFR
EMC FCC FCC 15J-Class B
Canada Safety CSA CSA 22.2 No. 950
Europe Safety CE EN60950/IEC60825
Safety TUV IEC60950
Laser CE IEC60825-1
EMC CE EN55024, EN50022
Taiwan EMC BSMI CNS13438 Class B

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 61

Appendix A: PlexCombo Specifications

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62

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Appendix B: Technical Support

Store Plextor’s e-mail, web site, phone, and fax numbers in a convenient location.
Keep your drive’s serial number and a copy of your sales receipt handy as well.

If you experience a problem while installing or operating your PlexCombo drive,
please refer first to the relevant sections of this manual regard ing se tup and
installation (Chapters 1–3). If you do not uncover the solution there, please refer next
to the maintenance and troubleshooting chapter that begins on page 37. It contains
solutions to the most common types of problems fielded by our technical support
staff. You may also wish to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section
of our web site to assist you in troubleshooting the problem on your own.

NOTE

: We encourage you to go the Plextor web site (www.plextor.com) before
attempting to contact Technical Support. The answers to the most common questions
callers ask can be found quickly in the support area. Select PlexHelper for online
troubleshooting or FAQs for common questions.

If you have not been successful in your quest, our Technical Support Department
will help you solve problems that relate specifically to your PlexCombo drive. In
many cases, a problem that appears to be caused by your PlexCombo actually
originates in another part of your computer. In such instances, our technical support
staff will try to help you identify the part at fault and will refer you to the
manufacturer of that part for further assistance.

How to Contact Us

There are several ways for you to contact Plextor’s Technical Support Department:

•

Visit our web site (www.plextor.com
Questions.

•

Send us e-mail at [e-mail]
Technical Support Department at 303-708-0709. Include your telephone number
and the hours during which you can be reached. Be as detailed as possible in
describing your problem. Please include system configuration, hardware and
software, as well as versions of drivers used.

•

Call 800-886-3935.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

) for answers to Frequently Asked

, or send a fax to the attention of the

63

Appendix B: Technical Support

Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call

Please gather as much of the following information as possible before contacting us.

•

The serial number and TLA number of your PlexCombo. Your serial number can
be found both on the warranty card that accompanied the drive and on a label on
the drive itself. The TLA number appears both on the drive label and on a sticker
at the rear of internal drives.

•

The latest version of firmware you loaded onto the drive, if applicable.

•

The version of the Windows, Mac, or UNIX operating system you are using.

•

The brand name and model number of your computer (e.g., Dell 466/NP, Micron
P66PCI Powerstation, ALR Evolution V, Apple Macintosh, Performa 575, etc.).

•

The type of VGA, Super VGA, or other graphics board you use.

•

Brand name and model number of any other peripherals you have installed or
connected to your computer (e.g., CD-ROM, scanner, fax board, network board).

Returns

You must receive an RMA (Returned Materials Authorization) number before any
Plextor drive can be returned for repair or replacement. Any drive sent to Plextor
without an RMA number will not be accepted.

You can contact our RMA Department and request an RMA number and RMA
forms at [e-mail]
available on Plextor’s web site, in the Support/Warranty section.

Any drive sent to Plextor without an RMA number will not be accepted. Be sure to
write the RMA number on the outside of the shipping box.

NOTE

: The RMA number must be clearly visible on the outside of the shipping box.

Drives must b e sent postage prepaid. We recommend tha t you insure your shipment,
as Plextor cannot be held responsible for any damage that may occur during
shipment.

, or by fax at or 303-708-0709. Forms are also

64

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Appendix C: Helpful Contacts

Use the contacts below for CD-R and CD-RW software and components, and for PC
vendors.

Contacts for CD-R and CD-RW Components

Company Phone Fax Product Web

Address

Applied
Micro­systems
Corp.
Creative
Labs

HyCD, Inc.
(formerly
Creative
Digital
Research)
SONICblue
(Formerly
Diamond)
FWB 408-969-8620 408-969-8621 Mac device

Pacific
Inter
Connects
Plextor Recommend

Roxio 866-280-7694 303-684-3020 CD-R software www.roxio.
Testa CD

Labs
(Part of
Oak Tech­nology)

800-426-3925 425-883-3049 Devices,

cables, acc.

405-742-6600
800-998-1000

408-988-8282 408-988-8585 Windows,

800-468-5846 541-967-2485 Sound boards www.

408-542-8150
800-706-0510

520-529-8636
ext. 100(TCD)

408-737-0888
(Oak)

405-624-6780 Sound boards www.

UNIX CD-R
software

drivers

408-542-8151 Audio cables www.piccable.

boards, audio
cables, all
other technical
support needs

408-737-3838
(Oak
Technology)

CD-Tach
performance
benchmarks

www.amc.com

creativelabs.
com
www.cdr.com
(Goes to HyCD
web site)

diamondmm.
com
www.fwb.com

com
www.

plextor.com

com
www.tcdlabs.
com
www.oaktech.
com

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

65

Appendix C: Helpful Contacts

Contacts for PC Vendors

Company Web Address

IBM http://ibm.com
Dell http://dell.com
Gateway http://www.gw2k.com
Compaq http://compaq.com
Hewlett Packard http://www.hp.com/
Intel http://intel.com
ASUSTeK Computer http://www.asus.com.tw/
GIGA-BYTE http://www.giga-byte.com/
ABIT http://www.abit-usa.com/
Aopen http://www.aopen.com/
EPOX http://www.epox.com/
SOYO Computers http://www.soyousa.com/
Tekram http://www.tekram.com/
FIC http://www.fic.com.tw/
Micro-Star International http://www.msi.com.tw/
I Will http://www.iwill.com.tw /
ELITEGROUP COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
Free Computer Technology http://www.freetech.com/

http://www.ecs.com.tw/

66

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Appendix D: Warranty

PLEXTOR CORP . (“Plextor”) warrants your PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A against any
defect in material and workmanship, under normal use, for a period of one year
following its date of purchase. In the event this product is found to be defective
within the warranty period, PLEXTOR will, at its option, repair or replace the
defective unit.

This warranty is void: a) if the unit is operated o r stored under abnormal use a nd
maintenance conditions; b) if the unit is repaired, modified or altered, unless such
repair, modification or alteration is expressly authorized in writing by PLEXTOR;
c) if the unit is subjected to abuse, neglect, lightning strike, electrical fault, improper
packaging, or accident; d) if the unit is installed improperly; or e) if the serial
number of the unit is defaced or missing.

PLEXTOR will not, under any circumstances, be liable for direct, special, or
consequential damages such as, but not limited to, damage or lo ss of property or
equipment, loss of profits or revenues, cost of replacement goods, or expense or
inconvenience caused by service interruptions. Under no circumstances will any
person be entitled to any sum greater than the purchase price paid for the unit.

To obtain warranty servic e, you must contact PLEXTOR’s Technical Support
Department by calling 800-886-3935. They will attempt to diagnose and correct your
problem by phone. If the unit does not function proper ly, they will issue a Ret urn
Material Authorization (RMA) number. You may be asked to furnish proof of
purchase to confirm that the unit is still under warranty.

All drives returned to PLEXTOR must be securely packaged and shipped postage
prepaid. All product returns must be authorized in advance by PLEXTOR’s
Technical Support Department. Authorization is confirmed by issuance of the RMA
number, which must be written prominently on the outside of the box in which the
defective unit is returned to PLEXTOR.

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

67

Appendix D: Warranty

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68

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

A

access time · 58
analog audio output

connector · 5, 21, 59
application software · 26
ATAPI setting · 2
ATAPI-5 command set · 1, 60
audio

CD-audio · 31

digital · 59

sound board audio · 32

speed of writing · 58
audio cable · 22
audio CD, playing · 31
audio, troubleshooting · 48

B

bay cover panel · 19
blink rate

BUSY indicator · 33

writing speed and · 59
box

contents of · 3

shipping · 3, 64
buffer · 59
buffer underrun · 35, 56
BURN-Proof · 2, 35, 56

BUSY indicator and · 4
BUSY indicator · 4, 59

blink rate · 33, 59

C

cable

audio · 22

IDE · 18

MPC · 22

power for drive · 18

Sound Blaster · 22

SPDIF · 22
cable connections · 21
cable select · 15

Index

identifying · 16
master · 16
setting mode jumper · 11

CD

read formats · 58
read speed · 58

CD Copier software · 27, 55

problems with · 55
CD-audio · 31
CD-DA write speed · 58
CD-R

changing software and · 26

read formats · 58

write speed · 1, 29

data · 58

writing · 25, 33
CD-R media · 29, 55
CD-ROM

playing on Macintosh · 32

playing on PlexCombo · 25

read speed · 1
CD-ROM media · 29
CD-RW

changing software and · 26

read formats · 58

reading from · 33

write speed · 1, 29, 55, 58

writing · 25, 33
CD-RW media · 29, 55
cleaning disc · 31
closing tray · 30
components, contacts for · 65
computer, minimum · 2, 57
configuration

CSEL · 15

IDE types · 10

minimum · 2, 57
connection

digital audio · 59

sound board and · 22
connector

analog audio output · 5, 21, 59

digital audio · 5

digital audio output · 59

IDE interface · 5, 59

power · 5, 59
connectors and jumpers, rear-panel · 5, 59

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

69

Index

contacts · 65
controls, front-panel · 4, 59
cover panel, bay · 19
CSEL signal · 15

D

data buffer · 59
device driver · 25

installing · 25

diagnostics · 2, 49

CD write/read test · 50

DVD-ROM test · 52
digital audio output · 59
digital audio output connector · 5, 22, 59
Digital-In connection · 22, 59
Digital-In connector · 5
dimensions · 60
DirectCD software · 27
disc cleaning · 31
DISC indicator · 4, 59
disc label · 30
disc loading · 59
DMA · 60

enabling · 24

enabling in Windows 2000 · 24

enabling in Windows 95/98/ME · 24

enabling in Windows XP · 24

setting · 2, 57
DMA jumper · 5, 16, 59
DMA setting and writing speed · 12
drive

installing · 17

recognizing in Windows · 23
driver · 25
duplication software · 6, 26
DVD

playing · 6 , 25, 27, 33, 56

read formats · 58

read speed · 1, 58

region code · 33 , 48

region code setting · 56

regional setting · 60

using as source for writing · 56
DVD-ROM media · 29

E

EasyCD Creator software · 27
eject button · 4, 59

closing tray · 30
emergency eject hole · 4

enabling DMA · 24
environmental conditions · 60
error rate specification · 59

F

firmware · 34

obtaining · 37
upgrading · 2, 37

formats · 58

CD-R · 58
CD-ROM · 58
CD-RW · 58
DVD reading · 58

front-panel controls · 4, 59

H

hard disk size · 2, 57
headphone jack · 4, 32, 59
headphone volume control · 59
high-speed media · 1, 29, 47, 55

reading from · 33
host interface · 60
humidity specification · 60

I

IDE configuration · 2

determining · 10

examples · 13

selecting · 12
IDE interface connector · 5
IDE ribbon cable · 18

connecting · 20
initialization time · 58
inquiry string · 60
installation · 9, 17

mounting position · 7, 17

QuickStart · 9
interface connector · 59

J

jumper

DMA · 5, 16, 59

mode · 5, 11, 59

L

label, disc · 30
laser power

70

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

Index

adjusting with VariRec · 2, 34
optimum · 2

M

Macintosh

playing CD on · 32
troubleshooting · 49

using PlexCombo on · 26
maintenance · 37
master · 10

cable select · 16

setting in BIOS · 23

setting mode jumper · 11
mastering software · 6, 26
media · 29, 55

care and handling · 30

recommended · 29, 55, 57

supported · 57
memory, minimum · 2
minimum configuration · 2, 57
mode jumper · 5, 59

setting · 11, 12
mounting position · 7, 17, 29
mounting rails · 19, 20
MPC-compliant aud io cable · 22
MTBF · 60
multiword DMA · 5

O

OPC · 2, 34
opening the computer · 9
operating system · 57

P

packet writing software · 6, 26
PC vendors · 66
performance specifications · 58
playing audio CD · 31
playing DVD · 6, 27, 33

troubleshooting · 48
power cable · 18

connecting · 21
power connector · 5, 59
power supply · 59
PowerDVD software · 6, 27
PoweRec · 1, 34
precautions · 6
primary IDE port · 10

Q

QuickStart installation · 9

R

rails · 19, 20
RAM, mi nimum · 2, 57
read specification

CD · 58
DVD · 58

reading a CD

troubleshooting · 40
rear-panel connectors an d j umpers · 5, 59
recognizing the drive in Windows · 23
recording, frequently asked questions · 55
region code · 33

changing · 33

setting · 56
reliability · 60
returns · 64
RMA number · 3, 64
Roxio software · 6, 27
Running OPC · 2

S

safety standards · 61
screws, mounting · 22
secondary IDE port · 10
security sticker · 3
selecting an IDE configuration · 12
self-test diagnostics · 2, 49

CD write/read test · 50

DVD-ROM test · 52
serial number, recording · 17
setting region code · 48
shipping your drive · 3, 64
SimpliCD · 6, 27
SimpliCD Copy · 27
SimpliCD Recorder · 27
SimpliCD ROM · 27
slave · 10

setting in BIOS · 23

setting mode jumper · 11
sleep mode · 58
software

application · 25, 26, 27

device driver · 25

DirectCD · 27

duplication · 6

installing · 25

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 71

Index

mastering · 6
obtaining current list · 28
packet writing · 6
PowerDVD · 6, 27
Roxio · 6, 27
Roxio CD Copier · 27, 55
Roxio EasyCD Creator · 27
SimpliCD · 6, 27
SimpliCD Copy · 27
SimpliCD Recorder · 27

SimpliCD ROM · 27
Sony/Philips digital interface · See SPDIF
Sound Blaster-compliant audio cable · 22
sound board audio · 32
sound board, connections to and · 22
SPDIF cable · 22
SPDIF connection · 22, 59
SPDIF connector · 5
specifications · 57
speed

monitoring · 33, 59

reading CD-ROM · 1, 58

reading DVD · 1, 58

writing · 12, 13

writing audio · 58

writing CD-DA · 58

writing CD-R · 1, 29, 58

writing CD-RW · 1, 29, 55, 58

writing with VariRec · 35
spindle motor · 59
stereo output signal · 5
support · 63

cannot write to CD-R or CD-RW · 43
CD Copier problems · 55
CD-R, CD-RW software does not

detect drive · 44
computer crashes · 39
disc does not rotate · 38
does not record at high speeds · 42
drive does not operate (Macintosh) · 49
drive does not respond · 40
drive does not respond (Macintosh) ·

49
drive not recognized · 38
general problems · 38
low sound level · 48
Macintosh installation · 49
no audio · 48
noise · 41
playing DVD · 48
read errors · 40
reading discs · 40
reads only last session · 41
self- test diagnostics · 2, 49
slow read performance · 41
vibration · 41
write errors · 42
writing CD-R, CD-RW · 42

U

ultra DMA · 5, 16
upgrading firmware · 2, 37
usable formats · 58

T

technical support · 63
temperature specification · 60
TLA code · 17
tray

closing · 30
front door · 4
loading and unloading · 30

troubleshooting

audio problems · 48
cannot add information to CD-R, CD-

RW · 45
cannot eject tray · 39
cannot play DVD · 48
cannot run PlexCombo-created discs

on other drives · 40
cannot write at higher speeds · 46
cannot write CD-RW at 10X · 47

72

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual

V

VariRec · 2, 34

changing setting · 34
default setting · 34
writing speed · 35

volume control · 4, 32, 59

W

warranty · 67
weight · 60
Windows 2000

enabling DMA in · 24

Windows 95/98/ME

enabling DMA in · 24

Windows XP

enabling DMA in · 24

write specification

Index

CD-DA · 58
data · 58

writing

DVD as source · 56
frequently asked questions · 55
limitations on speed · 13
using image · 2

VariRec and · 35

writing speed

DMA setting · 12

monitoring · 33, 59
writing to CD-R · 33
writing to CD-RW · 33

PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual 73

Index

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PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual