---- CHAPTER 8 ----
Hardware Installation
By itself, your CD-ROM drive is incapable of communicating with your computer.
You must use a hardware link that enables your drive to ‘‘talk’’ with the rest of your
computer.
Plextor’s 4PleX Plus drives use a SCSI interface as their link. If you own a PC, there
are four ways in which you can make the SCSI connection:
1) Use a separate 16-bit SCSI interface board. This is the most common method
for both internal and external drives. We recommend using a 16-bit SCSI
interface board to maximize the drive’s potential. Using an older 8-bit SCSI
interface board will reduce the performance of your 4PleX Plus.
2) Use a soundboard that also has a SCSI interface built onto it. This helps save
a slot in your computer by combining the functions of two boards (SCSI
interface board and soundboard) into one.
boards use only an 8-bit SCSI chip. If you need the performance a 16-bit
SCSI interface board provides (see page 32), you’ll have to buy a separate
SCSI board or a soundboard with a 16-bit SCSI interface built into it.
3) If you have an external drive, you can also use a parallel-to-SCSI interface.
This is a device that plugs into the parallel port (the one your printer normally
is connected to) of your computer. It is convenient, but typically at a cost of
reduced performance to your CD-ROM drive.
4) If you have an external drive and a portable computer with a PCMCIA slot
(Type II or III), use a PCMCIA-to-SCSI card. This is a small, credit-card size
device that plugs into the PCMCIA slot. It also is convenient, but provides
less performance than a direct connection to a 16-bit SCSI interface board.
PCMCIA connections should, however, provide better performance than a
parallel-to-SCSI interface.
Caution: Many older sound-
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
NOTE: The following section is only for PC users who need to install a SCSI
interface board, or a soundboard with a built-in SCSI interface, in their
computer. If you plan to use a parallel-to-SCSI, or PCMCIA-to-SCSI
interface, you can skip to Chapter 9. If you are a Mac user, you can laugh
at how easy life is and skip to page 29.
Board Installation
YOUR TASK: Install a SCSI interface board, or a soundboard with
a built-in SCSI interface, in your computer.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: Provide the hardware link needed to enable your
CD-ROM drive to communicate with your
computer.
YOUR METHOD:
Remove your computer’s case. Install board and
attach necessary cables.
Let us point out that this is a CD-ROM drive installation and operation manual ---- it
is not a SCSI interface board or soundboard installation and operation manual. Unless
you purchased a SCSI interface board or soundboard (and its accompanying manual)
bundled in the same box with a 4PleX Plus drive, we have no way of knowing which
type of board you elect to use. There are dozens of SCSI interface boards and soundboards
on the market. Each one is installed somewhat differently. Therefore, our instructions
for this section should only be considered as guidelines. For more detailed instructions
on how to properly install your SCSI interface board/soundboard, you should refer to
the installation/operation manual that you received when you purchased the board.
Caution: If static electricity may be present in the room where you are working,
discharge any you may have on your body by touching a grounded object
before you remove the host adapter from its packaging.
Static electricity is a silent killer. Just a small jolt to one of the chips on
your interface board may render it useless with no apparent damage
visible. Positioning your computer in a location without a carpet underfoot is one method of guarding against static electricity damage. Using
common sense, such as not walking on a carpeted floor in stocking feet
just before you install your drive, is another.
Before proceeding, make sure the power to your computer and any
external peripherals is OFF and your computer is UNPLUGGED from its
power source.
PX-43CE/PX-45CE OPERATION MANUAL 21
CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
To remove your computer’s cover, follow the directions provided by your computer’s
manufacturer. Typically, this involves loosening or removing several screws on the
back panel of your computer and sliding off your computer’s cover.
Carefully remove the SCSI interface board from its packaging. Select a vacant slot in
your computer where you will install the board (refer to the manual packaged with
your interface board for instructions as to which slot in your system to use). Plextor
provides only 16-bit SCSI interface boards with its optional bundles, so you must use
a vacant 16-bit slot (16-bit slots are longer than 8-bit slots). If you install an internal
drive, try to pick a slot that is closest to where the drive will be installed.
Remove the cover plate for this slot from the back panel of your computer. Keep the
screw from the cover plate nearby as you will need it in a moment. Save the cover
plate in case you need it at a later date.
Expansion Slot Cover
Rear Panel
Plug the SCSI interface board into the slot you have selected. Rock the board from
end-to-end to ensure that it seats firmly in the slot. Don’t force it. If you cannot push
the board down completely into the slot, remove the board and try again.
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
Once you have successfully inserted the board, fasten it in place using the cover plate
screw that you removed earlier.
PX-43CE/PX-45CE OPERATION MANUAL 23
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