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---- CHAPTER 8 ----
Hardware Installation
By itself, your PlexWriter 4/12 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. PlexWriter 4/12 uses a SCSI interface as its link.
Plextor strongly recommends the use of a high-performance bus-mastering SCSI
interface board (ISA or PCI). You probably purchased a Plextor kit with such a board
included. If you purchased your PlexWriter 4/12 without a SCSI interface board and
want to connect it to a non-bus-mastering interface board (PIO), we strongly recommend you do not connect any other SCSI peripherals to the same board. Connecting
the PlexWriter 4/12 to a parallel-to-SCSI or to the SCSI interface on a soundboard is
not recommended.
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Board Installation
YOUR TASK: Install a SCSI interface board in your computer.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: Provide the hardware link needed to enable your
CD-R 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-R drive installation and operation manual ---- it is not
a SCSI interface board operation manual. Unless you purchased a SCSI interface board
(and its accompanying manual) bundled in the same box with a PlexWriter 4/12, we
have no way of knowing which type of board you elect to use. There are dozens of SCSI
interface boards 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, you should
refer to the installation/operation manual that you received when you purchased the
board.
Caution: If static electricity may be present in the room where you are working,
discharge any you may have on your body by touching a grounded object
before you remove the host adapter from its packaging.
Static electricity is a silent killer. Just a small jolt to one of the chips on
your interface board may render it useless with no apparent damage
visible. Positioning your computer in a location without a carpet underfoot is one method of guarding against static electricity damage. Using
common sense, such as not walking on a carpeted floor in stocking feet
just before you install your drive, is another.
Before proceeding, make sure the power to your computer and any
external peripherals is OFF and your computer is UNPLUGGED from its
power source.
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
To remove your computer’s cover, follow the directions provided by your computer’s
manufacturer. Typically, this involves loosening or removing several screws on the
back panel of your computer and sliding off your computer’s cover.
Carefully remove the SCSI interface board from its packaging. Select a vacant slot in
your computer where you will install the board (refer to the manual packaged with
your interface board for instructions as to which slot in your system to use). If you are
installing 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.
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
NOTE:
The following section is only for those installing internal drives. If you
have an external drive, skip to page 29.
Mounting an Internal Drive
YOUR TASK: Mount your internal drive inside your computer.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: A securely positioned drive whose connectors are
within easy reach of the various cables that must
attach to it.
YOUR METHOD:
Your PC probably looks something like this:
Available bay with
cover panel removed.
Identify the drive bay where you will mount your
drive. Remove bay cover. If necessary, use
mounting rails to install drive in bay.
Cross-ref
You can mount your drive in any available bay. You must remove the small panel
that covers the bay that you want to use. This most typically is done after you have
removed your computer’s cover. The panel can then be popped out by pressing
outward lightly (in some older cases you may have to remove screws that hold the
panel in place).
You now need to determine if you must install mounting rails on the sides of your
drive. To do so, insert the drive into the open bay. If the drive fits tightly with little (or
no) clearance on either side of the drive, you will not have to use mounting rails. The
drive can be mounted directly into your computer.
Caution: Do not mount your drive in your computer using screws other than those
supplied by Plextor. You may damage the drive if you insert screws that
are too long. If you find that you are having difficulty inserting or ejecting
a caddy from your drive, the cause may be that you are using screws
other than those supplied by Plextor. Another possibility is that you are
using Plextor’s screws but you have tightened them too much. Try
backing the screws out a few turns and see if this corrects the problem.
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
If you must use mounting rails, install them as shown below:
Be sure not to mistake the inner and outer face of
the rail when attaching. The smooth side of the rail
faces away from the drive’s chassis.
There are four holes provided on each side of the drive. To mount an internal drive
in most computers, the rails should be fastened to the lower pair of holes. In some
instances you may need to fasten the rails to the upper set of holes.
You will find that eight screws were supplied with your drive: four chrome screws
and four black screws. Select which screws to use based on which set of holes you
use to attach the mounting rails.
✓ Use the
holes.
✓ Use the
Check the positioning of the rails by sliding the drive into the bay before you connect
any cables.
chrome screws if you use the upper set of mounting
black screws if you use the lower set of mounting holes.
Check Your Jumper Settings
Once you have determined a) the correct set of holes to use to attach mounting rails;
or b) that you don’t have to use mounting rails, you are almost ready to finish your
drive’s installation. However, before doing so, check your jumper settings one last
time.
If you do not have any SCSI peripherals (e.g., hard disk, scanner, printer, etc.) in your
system other than your CD-R drive, you should not change the jumpers from their
factory setting or remove the termination resistors.
If you do have other SCSI peripherals as part of your computer system, you
to change the settings of the SCSI ID and/or remove the termination resistors. See
Chapters 6 and 7 for information on how to change these settings.
26 PX-R412CS OPERATION MANUAL
may need
cross ref
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
Cable Connections
You must make a minimum of two cable connections to your internal CD-R drive. A
third cable connection need be made only if you are using a soundboard in your
computer.
The two cable connections that you must make are:
1) SCSI cable
2) power cable
Audio Connector
Jumpers
Personal Computer
SCSI Host Adapter
SCSI Interface Connector
SCSI Ribbon Cable
DC Power Supply
DC+12V 0.6A
DC+5V 0.3A
Power Connector
Power Supply
from Personal
Computer
The SCSI cable you will need is a standard 50-pin flat-ribbon cable. If you already
have one other SCSI peripheral (such as a hard disk) and your existing cable has only
two connectors, remove the cable and replace it with a cable with additional
connectors. Connect the SCSI host adapter to a connection on either end of the cable.
Connect the two peripherals to the other two connectors (one at the middle connector
and one at the end of the cable). Refer to Chapter 7 of this manual for setting the
termination of the devices.
CAUTION: It is easy to accidentally plug your SCSI ribbon cable upside down into
both your drive and SCSI interface board. Accordingly, be sure you match
the red stripe along one side of the SCSI cable to Pin 1 on the interface
board (as shown on the next page) and Pin 1 on the drive. Each connector
on the ribbon cable has a ‘‘key’’ in the middle. This key should fit into a
slot in the middle of each connector of the interface board, your
PlexWriter, and any other internal SCSI peripherals.
Double-check your work; you must ensure the side of the SCSI cable with
the red stripe is matched to Pin 1 on the interface board and on the drive.
PX-R412CS OPERATION MANUAL 27
cross-ref.
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
#1
To Pin #1
Either end of the cable may be
connected to either the CD-R drive
or to the SCSI interface board
Pin #1
The easiest way to install your SCSI cable is to plug it into the SCSI connector on the
rear panel of the drive before you insert the drive into your computer. Then you can
thread the cable through the front of the open bay you plan to use and back toward
the SCSI interface board. Connect the cable to your SCSI interface board and finish
mounting your drive in the proper position. The drive should slide smoothly into the
bay. If it does not, check for obstructions in the bay and ensure the side rails (if needed)
are attached properly.
You now need to make the power connection. In most computers you will find
additional power connectors that are ready for 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
CD-R drive.
If you do not find any additional connectors available (either because they were not
supplied or they are all in use), you will have to buy a ‘‘splitter’’ or a ‘‘Y-connector.’’
These also can be found at most computer stores. If you are in a hurry to get started,
you probably can unplug the power connector from your 5.25" floppy drive (if you
have one) and plug it into your CD-R drive. You will be able to use your CD-R drive
until you have the opportunity to buy a splitter or Y-connector. (Of course, you will
lose the use of your 5.25" drive until you buy a splitter/Y-connector.)
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If your computer has only a 3.5" floppy disk drive, you may find that you do not have
a power connector that is the correct size to plug into your CD-R drive. Once again,
you can turn to your local computer store for a splitter to solve this problem.
A third cable, an audio cable, must be used if there is a soundboard in your system.
This cable runs from the four-pin audio output connector on the rear panel of your
drive to your soundboard. See page 33 for more information about audio cables.
Installation of your internal drive is now complete. Skip to page 32.
External Drive Installation
YOUR TASK: Connect cables from your external drive to your PC
or Mac. Check to see if switch, dial, and terminator
settings need to be adjusted.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: A well-functioning drive that does not conflict with
any other peripherals in your computer system.
Cross-ref.
Cross-ref.
YOUR METHOD:
Follow directions below for making cable
connections. Review your current computer setup
to see if the potential for conflicts exists. If so, make
necessary switch, dial, and/or terminator changes.
If you are installing a single PX-R412CSe and you have no other SCSI peripherals
attached to your system, you should leave the switches, dial, and terminator found
on the rear panel of your drive at their factory settings. If you do have additional SCSI
peripherals (e.g., scanner, printer) attached to your computer, you may need to change
your dial and terminator settings. See Chapters 6 and 7 for information on how to
change these settings.
If you are installing a single PX-R412CSe external drive, connect it as shown on the
next page.
Cross-ref.
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
PC Connection
SCSI Interface Board
Personal Computer
SCSI Cable
X
PX-R412CSe Rear Panel
Mac Connection
(rear view of a Mac)
Y
30 PX-R412CS OPERATION MANUAL
AC Power
Supply
Plugs into X
SCSI Cable
Plugs into
Y
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
If you are installing more than one PX-R412CSe external drive (or one PX-R412CSe
and other external SCSI peripherals), connect them as shown below:
PC Connection & Mac Connection ---- Multiple Drives
SCSI Cable
Personal Computer
SCSI
Interface
Board
Daisy
Chain Cable
X
(Termination enabled
using DIP switch setting)
50-pin High Density
(No terminator)
(No terminator)
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
Audio Cables
We include two audio cables with your internal CD-ROM drive SCSI card kit and one
cable with your external drive SCSI card kit. One cable delivered with your internal
drive is MPC compliant, and the other has connectors designed for use with Sound
Blaster sound cards. The cable delivered with your external drive has two RCA-type
color-coded connectors at one end, which connect to your drive, and a single stereo
mini-jack at the other end, which plugs into the line-in receptacle on your soundboard
(at the back of your computer).
If you purchased an internal drive SCSI card kit and you have a sound card other than
Sound Blaster that is not MPC compliant, you will have to purchase a different audio
cable from a computer supply store. We can help by recommending several vendors
(see listing, p. 44) who offer audio cables and can get them to you quickly at a
reasonable price. Call our Technical Support Department directly at 800-886-3935.
Please see next page for diagrams illustrating the cable connections.
cross ref
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The following diagrams show where the SCSI cable and audio cable need to be
connected to your internal CD-R drive:
Soundboard without SCSI Interface
1 Audio Connector
2 Power Connector
3 SCSI Connector
Soundboard with SCSI Interface (not recommended for PlexWriter)
1 Audio Connector
2 Power Connector
3 SCSI Connector
NOTE: If you connect both a CD-ROM and a CD-R drive to your computer, you
will likely use the CD-ROM drive for applications requiring the soundboard.
If this is the case, you should connect an audio cable between your
soundboard and your CD-ROM drive, not your CD-R drive.
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---- CHAPTER 9 ----
Software Device Driver
Installation
YOUR TASK: Install correct version of software device drivers
into your computer system.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: Enable your CD-R drive to communicate with the
rest of your computer system.
YOUR METHOD:
Insert floppy disk containing device drivers into
your floppy disk drive. Follow directions provided
by supplier of device drivers so that you can copy
the drivers to the proper location in your computer.
A device driver is a software program that allows your computer to interact with your
drive. If you do not use a device driver, or you use an outdated version of the required
device driver, you will not be able to operate your PlexWriter 4/12. The lack of a
device driver, or the use of an improper version of a device driver, are the most
common causes of calls to Plextor’s Technical Support Department.
For the purpose of setup and installation, the primary source of the device driver you
require to support your PlexWriter 4/12 CD-ROM function should be your operating
system or Plextor. Your PlexWriter 4/12 acts as a ‘‘CD-ROM Drive’’ for the purpose
of setup and installation. This allows it to be easily recognized and supported by the
generic CD-ROM device driver files in Windows 95 or OS/2 Warp, as well as the
DOS/Windows driver provided in Plextor Manager. Even if you are not running DOS
or Windows 3.11 and do not need the Plextor Manager device driver, there are other
valuable utilities provided with Plextor Manager. We recommend you review the
separate manual for this software to determine if you want to install these utilities.
NOTE: Mac users purchasing a bare drive must purchase device drivers separately.
Those that purchased a Plextor software or SCSI kit have a device driver
included.
Additionally, software called packet writing software allows you to use the drive as a
read/write CD-ROM drive (in Windows 95 and NT 4.0). If you purchased a retail kit
with software and/or SCSI card, this software is included.
You will also need to have an ASPI Manager file for DOS/Windows 3.x or a mini-port
driver file (*.MPD) for Windows 95 to support your SCSI host adapter. ASPI Managers
are provided by SCSI host adapter manufacturers. Mini-port drivers are generally
included with Windows 95. However, if your SCSI host adapter was released recently
it may not be supported by your release of Windows 95. In this case, you should
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contact the host adapter manufacturer who should have provided the required *.MPD
file. If you bought a PlexWriter kit with a SCSI host adapter, Plextor has included the
applicable ASPI Manager and *.MPD files with your Plextor Manager software.
A more common problem is that the CD-ROM ASPI Manager that you received with
your SCSI interface board at the time of purchase needs to be updated in order to work
with your PlexWriter 4/12. SCSI interface board manufacturers are continuously
updating their ASPI Manager to provide support for new SCSI peripherals as they enter
the market. Most of these companies will provide you with an updated ASPI Manager
at little or no cost. In addition, if you have a modem, you can call the bulletin board
or Web site that many of these companies maintain and download the most recent
version of their ASPI Manager (see page 44 for a listing of BBS numbers and Web
addresses). Please contact Plextor’s Technical Support Department if you need help
in finding the proper ASPI Manager for use with your SCSI interface board.
Before installing drivers, check that all the cable connections between your CD-R
drive and PC are correct and that all switches, dials, and termination are set properly.
If you are using a PX-R412CSe external drive, turn its power switch to OFF. (After
completing the installation, remember to turn the power back on before turning on
your computer).
If you purchased a bare drive (internal or external), a drive kit with software, or a drive
kit with a SCSI host adapter and software, we have included a special Plextor device
driver for use with a DOS or Windows PC. This device driver was custom designed
by Plextor to ensure optimum reading performance of your PlexWriter. Please refer
to the separate Plextor Manager User’s Manual provided for PC installation.
cross-ref
If you are installing your drive on a UNIX workstation, please refer to your system’s
documentation. UNIX operating systems also provide CD-ROM device drivers.
However, third party software is needed for mastering and recording CDs.
All of the above issues regarding device drivers are primarily applicable to operating
your PlexWriter 4/12 as a CD-ROM device (reader). In order to take advantage of the
PlexWriter 4/12’s ability to record on CD-R media, you will also need special software.
We recommend purchasing CD-mastering software and packet writing software,
which also happens to be included in all Plextor software and SCSI kits. Plextor also
provides a HDD disaster recovery program in these kits called CD Res-Q. For those
who purchase a bare CD-R drive and own a Plextor 12PleX or faster CD-ROM, the
DiscDupe feature of Plextor Manager will allow copy of CDs direct from CD-ROM
to CD-R drive.
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