Plextor PlexWriter PX-230A Installation And User Manual

ATAPI CD-R/RW DRIVE

INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL

JULY 2005

Model PX-230A

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 ©2005 Plextor Corp.

Second edition, July 2005.

Licenses and Trademarks

Plextor and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks of Plextor Corp; and
PlexWriter is a trademark of Plextor Corp. All other licenses and trademarks are
property of their respective owners.

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

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

iii

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION STATEMENT

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.

CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
STATEMENT

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

LASER INFORMATION

These products have been designed and manufactured according to IEC 60825-1 on the
Safety of Laser products. This product comes under “Class 1 Laser Products.”

CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other
than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

A Laser Caution Label is attached on the top of the internal drive model.

The laser beam emitted from the optical pickup is visible and invisible. Accordingly:

• Do not open the optical pickup housing.

• Obtain service only from Plextor-authorized personnel.

CAUTION: To disconnect the internal CD drive from an electrical current, pull out
the computer’s power plug.

iv PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

Top View of Internal Drive, Showing Caution Label Location

Detail of PX-230A Laser Caution Labels

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

v

Table of Contents

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

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

Meet Your PlexWriter PX-230A.....................................................1

What the PX-230A Does.............................................................1

Features of the PX-230A.............................................................2

Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-230A ............................3

What You Can Do with the PX-230A.........................................3

About Software ...............................................................................4

Precautions ......................................................................................4

Where to Go From Here.................................................................. 5

2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive ...........................7

PX-230A Drive Features and Controls............................................7

Front Panel—PX-230A Internal Drive........................................7

Rear Panel—PX-230A Internal Drive......................................... 8

What Else Is In the PX-230A Box ..................................................9

Save Your Box!........................................................................... 9

Mount the PX-230A Drive............................................................ 10

PX-230A QuickStart Installation ..............................................11

Open the Computer and Prepare for Installation ...........................12

Determine Your Existing IDE Configuration................................ 13

Inspect Your Computer’s Cables...................................................14

Do You Have Cable Select?......................................................15

Do You Need a Power Cable?...................................................16

Set the Drive’s Mode Jumper........................................................16

Changing the Mode Jumper on Your PX-230A Drive ..............17

Select an IDE Configuration .........................................................19

About Cable Select........................................................................24

Mount the PX-230A Drive............................................................ 25

Record the Serial Number .........................................................25

Mount the Drive in the Computer .............................................25

Using Sound Boards and Audio Cables ........................................30

Table of Contents

vi PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

3. Using Your PX-230A .................................................................. 33

What Media to Use ....................................................................... 33

Tray Loading and Operation......................................................... 34

Handling Blank CD Media ....................................................... 35

Cleaning Discs .......................................................................... 35

Mounting Position......................................................................... 36

Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ........................................... 36

Using the Disc/Busy Indicator ...................................................... 36

4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting............................................ 37

Cleaning the PX-230A Drive........................................................ 37

Upgrading Firmware..................................................................... 38

Emergency Eject........................................................................... 39

Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 40

Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized.......................................... 40

Further Troubleshooting ........................................................... 41

5. Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................... 43

Appendix A: PX-230A Specifications............................................ 45

Appendix B: Technical Support .................................................... 55

How to Contact Plextor Technical Support................................... 56

Before You E-mail or Call for Support......................................... 56

Returns.......................................................................................... 57

Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department.................................... 57

Packing Your Drive .................................................................. 57

Shipping Your Drive to Plextor ................................................ 58

Appendix C: Warranty................................................................... 59

If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada........................................... 60

Index................................................................................................. 61

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

1

1. Getting Started

Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor® PlexWriter
PX-230A, a reliable, high-performance recordable CD writer, rewriter,
and player. 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. If your
drive needs service, see your dealer or call Plextor’s Technical Support
Department.

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
reach us.) You will be connected to our friendly, helpful band of 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 PlexWriter PX-230A

The PlexWriter PX-230A is a CD ReWritable drive that provides
professional quality performance for CD writing, rewriting and reading.

What the PX-230A Does

• Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 52X speed.

• Writes to CD-RW (rewritable CD) media at up to 32X speed.

• Reads all CD-ROM, CD-RW, and CD-R data media at a maximum

of 52X speed.

• Reads CD-DA (audio) and CD-R audio media at up to 52X speed.

• Reads CD-RW audio media at up to 40X speed.

Section 1. Getting Started

2 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

Features of the PX-230A

• ATAPI interface: The PX-230A easily installs in virtually any PC
with an E-IDE ATAPI interface.

• High speed transfers: Supports Ultra DMA Mode 2, Multiword
DMA Mode 2, and PIO Mode 4. (DMA mode switching is handled
by the operating system software.)

• MMC compliance: Supports the MMC-3 command set.

• Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-230A to the latest

firmware revision (available from the Plextor web site) without
opening the computer or physically accessing the drive.

• Black tray: Reduces the effect of optical distortion by absorbing
reflections from the laser beam, enhancing read quality.

• Plug and Play: Supports Windows Plug and Play.

• Variety of recording modes: Supports track-at-once, disc-at-once,

session-at-once, multi-session, variable and fixed packet writing,
CD-MRW (Mount Rainier), and raw writing.

• Buffer Underrun Proof Technology: Eliminates buffer underrun
errors, so you can safely use your computer for other tasks while
you’re writing to a CD-R or CD-RW disc.

• High-quality DAE: The PX-230A provides extraordinarily high-
quality digital audio extraction.

• Wide compatibility: Wide CD-R and CD-RW media compatibility.

• Orange Book compatibility: Compatible with Orange Book, Parts II

and III.

Section 1. Getting Started

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 3

• OPC: Optimum Power Control, which adjusts the laser power for the

optimum write strategy.

• CD-TEXT, Karaoke CD: Supports CD-TEXT and Karaoke CD

(VCD format) writing.

• Small form factor: To maximize space inside your computer, depth

of the PX-230A without its bezel is just 6.8 inches (172.5
millimeters).

Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-230A

Here’s what you’ll need in order to install and use the PX-230A drive.

• Computer: Pentium III, 500-MHz or faster CPU.

• Minimum RAM: 128 MB.

• Interface: Model PX-230A requires an IDE ATAPI interface.

• 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 need 1 GB of free space. (For
more accurate guidelines, see the help files or documentation for the
recording software you’re using.)

• Operating System: The PX-230A operates under Windows XP,

2000, Me, 98SE (Second Edition), or 98.

NOTE: Roxio Easy Media Creator 7 software requires Windows
2000/XP.

What You Can Do with the PX-230A

Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-230A:

• Record data or audio onto writable or rewritable CD media.

• Play music CDs.

• Save photos and other images on rewritable or writable CDs.

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

use software to drag and drop files onto CD-R or CD-RW media,
then continue adding files and sharing the same disc.

• Archive images and video to CD.

• Master new software programs on CD.

Section 1. Getting Started

4 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

About Software

In order to record on CD-R/RW discs you will need to have mastering,
packet writing, or duplication software installed on your computer
system. If you purchased a retail kit from Plextor, you’ll get software
packages that include such software.

For details on other software that is available for writing to CDs, please
visit the web sites of the companies whose software you are interested
in, refer to their user’s manuals, or look at the help option within the
software. A list of various software that you can use with your Plextor
drive can be found in the Support/Compatibility section of
www.plextor.com

.

Precautions

Like the rest of your computer system, your PX-230A 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 move, carry or transport a disc in the drive because this can

cause damage.

• Do not attempt to open the drive and service it yourself. Removing
the cover may expose you to harmful electrical voltages or the laser
beam. For your safety, entrust service to experienced service
personnel only.

• Keep your CDs 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.

Section 1. Getting Started

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 5

• Do not clean discs using a circular motion. Instead, using a soft, dry

cloth, wipe gently in a radial motion; start at the center of the disc
and proceed to the outer edge.

• Do not attempt to clean your drive using solvent-based cleaners or an

air compressor.

• Do not attempt to clean your drive using a CD cleaning disc. These

discs can damage your drive permanently.

Where to Go From Here

• See Chapter 2, beginning on page 7, to learn how to install your

drive.

Section 1. Getting Started

6 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

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PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

7

2. Installing the

PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

This chapter explains how to physically install your PX-230A internal
ATAPI drive in your computer.

PX-230A Drive Features and Controls

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

Front Panel—PX-230A Internal Drive

Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-230A internal ATAPI drive

• Disc/busy indicator: Illuminated solid green when ready.

Illuminated blinking green when reading and writing. (Blink rate
indicates the type of activity.)

• Tray front door: Attached to tray drawer.

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

8 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

• 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.

• Eject button: Push once to eject tray. Push again to insert the tray
back into the PX-230A. To prevent wear on the drive, always use the
eject button to insert the tray.

Rear Panel—PX-230A Internal Drive

Also familiarize yourself with the drive’s rear panel.

Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-230A internal ATAPI drive

• Digital audio output connector: Outputs a digital stereo signal. Use
this to connect to a sound board that supports Sony/Philips Digital
Interface (SPDIF) or Digital-In.

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

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 9

• Mode jumper: Use the mode jumper to select operation as an IDE

master or slave, or for cable select. In general, leave this jumper at
its factory setting, which is master; and ensure that any other device
on the bus is jumpered as slave.

• IDE/ATA cable connector: Connects to your computer’s IDE

(ATAPI) interface using a standard 40-conductor IDE cable or an
80-conductor IDE/ATA cable.

• Power connector: Connects to your computer’s power supply to

provide DC +5 volts and +12 volts to the PX-230A.

What Else Is In the PX-230A Box

What you find in your Plextor box 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 the PX-230A drive in this
configuration:

• PX-230A CD-R/RW drive

• 4 mounting screws

• Extra jumper

• Emergency eject tool

• Quick Installation Guide

• Plextor software disc with bundled software and PDF of PX-230A

Installation and Users Manual

NOTE: The PX-230A retail package does not contain an IDE ribbon
cable. You can connect your Plextor drive to the free connector on any
existing 40-pin or 80-pin ribbon cable in your computer.

Save Your Box!

Be sure to save the box after you have installed your drive. The box
and its packaging material were designed and drop tested to ensure
your drive can endure rough treatment and still arrive in working
order. If you have to ship your drive back to Plextor, you’ll want to
send it in the original box. (For more details about returning your
drive to Plextor, see page 57.)

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

10 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

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 the Plextor
web site for locations to purchase additional or replacement accessories.

Mount the PX-230A Drive

Installation steps are as follows:

1. Turn OFF your computer system.

2. Set the jumpers for your new PX-230A drive, if necessary.

3. Mount the 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.

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 11

PX-230A QuickStart Installation
For Experienced PC Users Only

If you’ve installed computer peripherals before, 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 98, 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP, and you have
nothing installed on the secondary IDE port. What to do: Leave the
PX-230A’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 98, 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP, the primary IDE port
already has two devices connected and you have a CD-ROM
installed on the secondary IDE port. What to do: Change the CD­ROM to Slave, leave the PX-230A’s jumper set to Master and attach
the PX-230A to the secondary IDE port. Windows recognizes the
new drive automatically.

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

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

12 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

Open the Computer and Prepare for
Installation

To determine whether your PX-230A 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 involves loosening or
removing several screws on the back panel of your computer and
sliding off the cover. See Figure 3 for an example.

Figure 3: Removing a typical computer's cover

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 13

Determine Your Existing IDE Configuration

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

One end of the IDE cable connects to the IDE port on your computer’s
motherboard; and there are usually two other connectors for attaching
peripheral devices such as a hard disk, DVD or CD-ROM drive, or your
PX-230A 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.

If your computer is set up for Cable Select, or CSEL, both devices will
be jumpered as Cable Select. In older computer, this configuration
required a special Cable Select cable.

If there are two IDE cables, one is for the primary IDE bus and the other
is for the secondary bus.

Before you install your PX-230A, your computer’s IDE configuration is
usually one of the following:

• Configuration A: Hard disks connected as Master and Slave devices

on primary IDE port; DVD or CD-ROM drive connected as the
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 secondary IDE port.

• Configuration D: System uses special “Cable Select” cables; all

devices are jumpered for Cable Select.

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

14 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

Inspect Your Computer’s Cables

You can use either the older 40-conductor IDE cable or the newer 80­conductor IDE/ATA cable.

NOTE: The PX-230A retail package does not contain an IDE ribbon
cable. You can connect your Plextor drive to the free connector on any
existing 40-pin or 80-pin ribbon cable in your computer. If your
computer’s ribbon cables don’t have a free connector, you will have to
purchase another ribbon cable.

Although the newer cable has 80 conductors (wires), its connectors have
only 40 pins, so it’s physically interchangeable with the older cable. The
80-conductor cable is slightly wider than the older 40-conductor version.
The wires in the 80-conductor version are narrower, too.

CAUTION: The length of any IDE or IDE/ATA cable cannot exceed 18
inches.

Figure 4: You can use either the older 40-conductor cable (top) or the

new 80-conductor type (bottom).

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 15

Do You Have Cable Select?

Many computers from major manufacturers use special Cable Select
cables. The Cable Select cable typically has markings that identify the
connectors for Master, Slave, and Motherboard; or else it has colored
connectors that identify the connections.

Figure 5: Cable Select cables may have either markings (top) or

colored connectors to indicate where to attach

the master and slave devices.

In the case of an 80-conductor cable with colored connectors:

• The blue connector attaches to the computer motherboard or

controller.

• The gray connector is in the middle of the cable, and goes to any

slave (device 1) drive, if present.

• The black connector is at the opposite end from the host connector

and goes to the master drive (device 0), or to a single drive if only
one is used.

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

16 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

If you are unsure whether or not your system has a Cable Select cable
installed, either look at the cable or look at the jumpers on the existing
DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive. If any device is jumpered as Cable
Select, then both devices on that cable must be jumpered that way.

Do You Need a Power Cable?

In most computers, you will find extra 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 drive 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 PX-230A.

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.

Set the Drive’s Mode Jumper

You specify your drive's Master, Slave, or Cable Select 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 PX-230A 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/Compaq, Dell, or Gateway,
you will need to pay particular attention to whether the computer uses
the Cable Select scheme.

NOTE: The jumper configuration on the drive has priority over Cable
Select. So if the jumper of one device on a cable is set to Master, the
jumper of the other device must be set for Slave. In this case, location of
the devices on the cable is not important.

If you have only one device, it must be set to Master or Cable Select, and
if possible, it should be at the end of the cable.

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 17

Changing the Mode Jumper on Your PX-230A
Drive

The 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 6: Factory settings for mode jumper at the rear

of the internal drive

Changing to a Master, Slave, or Cable Select

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

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

18 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

For example, to change the drive to be a Slave, move the jumper to the
middle set of mode pins, leaving the other pins uncovered. To change
the drive for Cable Select, move the jumper to the left set of mode pins.

Note that if any device is jumpered as Cable Select, then both devices
connected to that cable must be jumpered as Cable Select. (And the
cable you use must be a special Cable Select cable. The newer 80­conductor IDE/ATA cable supports Cable Select.)

Changing Jumper Settings

• To remove a jumper, pull it off with your fingers or a pair of needle­nose pliers.

• To install a jumper, push it onto the jumper pins.

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

Figure 7: Install the mode jumper across vertical pairs of pins

CAUTION: Install the mode jumper across the pins as shown (vertically).
Do not connect one pin switch to another by installing the jumper
lengthwise (horizontally). Doing so could result in damage to the drive.

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 19

Select an IDE Configuration

Set the PX-230A’s jumper and cable it according to the desired
configuration. Keep these rules in mind:

• For best CD-RW performance, try to connect the PX-230A to the

IDE port that is not connected to the hard disk drive or to a DVD or
CD-ROM drive. In most cases, this will be the secondary IDE port.

• For best results, set the PX-230A to be the Master, if possible.

• If you have only one device on a cable, always set its jumper as the

Master, never as the Slave.

Before PX-230A

Installation

How to Install the

PX-230A

A

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

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

Set the mode jumper to Master,
and connect the PX-230A as
Master device to the secondary
IDE port.

Figure 8. How to install the PX-230A if your computer is originally

set up in configuration A

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

20 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

NOTE: The configuration shown in Figure 8 can make it very difficult to

write from the DVD or CD drive to the PX-230A at maximum rated speed
using “on-the-fly” copying.

System configuration and performance will make a big difference.
Depending on how fast the DVD or CD-ROM drive can stream data to
the PX-230A, it may not be fast enough to keep the buffer full. In this
case, the buffer may become empty and a buffer underrun error may
occur. However, because it is equipped with Buffer Underrun Proof
Technology, your PX-230A can still make successful copies if you use
software that supports this feature. (All software shipped with PX-230A
drive retail kits supports Buffer Underrun Proof Technology.)

If you still have problems writing with this configuration, use the image
writing method (that is, write an image to your hard drive, then write that
image onto the CD-R/RW media in your PlexWriter), or record at a lower
speed. We also recommend that DMA be enabled on your computer, if
your system supports it.

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 21

Before PX-230A

Installation

How to Install the

PX-230A

B

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

Set the mode jumper to Master,
and connect the PX-230A as
Master to secondary IDE port.

Figure 9. How to install the PX-230A if your computer is originally

set up in configuration B

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

22 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

Before PX-230A

Installation

How to Install the

PX-230A

C

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

Set the mode jumper to Master,
and connect the
PX-230A as Master to
secondary IDE port.

Figure 10. How to install the PX-230A if your computer is originally

set up in configuration C

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 23

Before PX-230A

Installation

How to Install the

PX-230A

D

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

Set the PX-230A’s mode
jumper to CSEL, and connect
the drive to the end of the cable
from the computer’s IDE
interface connector.

Figure 11: How to install the PX-230A if your computer is originally

set up in configuration D

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

24 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

About Cable Select

The Cable Select jumper position sets the PX-230A drive to use the
CSEL signal from the IDE interface for configuration purposes. This
signal automatically selects the correct Master/Slave setting for the
drive.

Figure 12: Configuring the PX-230A drive for Cable Select

To use Cable Select (sometimes abbreviated as CSEL), you must have:

• A computer that supports Cable Select.

• An IDE cable that supports Cable Select.

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 25

Mount the PX-230A Drive

Before proceeding to install the PX-230A drive in your personal
computer, double-check your jumper setting.

Record the Serial Number

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

Mount the Drive in the Computer

You can mount your internal drive in any available bay. You must
remove the small panel that covers the bay that you want to use.

NOTE: The drive can be mounted horizontally or vertically

If you don’t have an empty bay, remove the existing IDE DVD-ROM or
CD-ROM drive and install the PX-230A.

You must make a minimum of two cable connections to your PX-230A.
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 PX-230A’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 PX-230A.

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

26 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

To mount the PX-230A drive:

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

2. If you haven't already removed the cover from 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.

3. Remove the cover panel from the bay that will hold the 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 13: Removing the cover panel from a bay

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 27

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 rails to the lower pair of

holes as shown in Figure 14. (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.

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

Figure 14: Installing mounting rails (if needed)

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

28 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

6. Locate a free connector on your computer’s IDE ribbon cable, and
plug it into the IDE connector on the rear panel of the Plextor drive.
If possible, plug the ribbon cable into the drive before you insert the
drive into your computer. 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 15: Connect one end of the IDE cable to the motherboard and

the other end to the drive. If your Plextor drive is the only device on

the cable, attach it at the end of the cable, leaving the

center connector free.

CAUTION: With some IDE ribbon cables, it is easy to accidentally
plug your IDE cable upside down into both 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.) Note that each
connector on most ribbon cables also has a “key” in the middle. This
key should fit into a slot in the middle of each connector of the
motherboard, your PX-230A drive, and any other internal IDE
peripherals.

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.

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 29

CAUTION: In the case of only one IDE device, you must make
certain that one end of the cable is always connected to the IDE
connector on the motherboard. The other end of the connector must
be connected to a device. For best results, the end connector of the
cable should never be left unconnected.

9. Connect a power cable from the computer to the power connector

(DC INPUT) of the drive. In most computers, you will find free
power connectors that are ready for your use.

CAUTION: The power connector on the cable and the receptacle on
the drive are keyed. Do not force the power connector into the drive,
or the drive and/or the computer may be damaged.

Figure 16: Cable connections for an internal IDE drive

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

30 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

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 drive to the CD-ROM audio
connector on the PC or your sound board. See “Using Sound Boards
and Audio Cables” below for more information about audio cables.

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 PX-230A. This cable
runs from the digital audio output connector pins on the PX-230A
back panel to the sound board. (This cable is not supplied by
Plextor.)

12. Mount the PX-230A drive in the computer using the four screws that
were supplied with your drive. Use only these screws.

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 or the wrong thread type.

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
computer is the board's manual. Once you have successfully installed
the sound board in your computer, you can see the table below for a
description of the different cable connections that need to be made.

If you need audio cables, you will have to purchase them. Refer to the
table. A list of several vendors who offer audio cables is available on
Plextor’s web site.

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 31

Audio Connection

Cable

Required

How to Connect It

MPC audio source MPC-

compliant
audio cable

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

Sound Blaster or
compatible sound
board

Sound
Blaster­compatible
analog audio
cable

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

Digital audio output Cable that’s

compatible
with SPDIF
or Digital-In.

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 Plextor drive.

Section 2. Installing the PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

32 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

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PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

33

3. Using Your PX-230A

This chapter explains how to use your PX-230A drive and how to load,
handle and care for your CDs.

What Media to Use

Use the right media! Your PX-230A drive's capabilities change
depending on which type of compact disc you use.

You can use these types of CD media:

• CD-ROM: You can immediately play or read prerecorded compact

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: Normal Speed, High Speed, Ultra Speed, and Ultra Speed

Plus ReWritable CD. These discs support recording and re-recording
(up to 1,000 times). You can also read them.

To achieve a specific writing speed, you must use the appropriate media.
For instance, to achieve 52X CD-R writing speed you must use certified
52X media; and to achieve 32X CD-RW writing speed you must use
Ultra Speed CD-RW media.

For CD-RW writing:

• Using Normal Speed CD-RW discs (that is, NS-RW media) you can

rewrite at 4X.

• Using High Speed CD-RW discs (HS-RW media), you can rewrite at

16X.

• Using Ultra Speed CD-RW discs (US-RW media) in this drive, you

can rewrite at up to 24X.

• With Ultra Speed Plus CD-RW discs (US-RW+ media) you can

rewrite at up to 32X.

Figure 17: The logo identifies the type of CD-RW media

Section 3. Using Your PX-230A

34 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

See “Recommended Media” on page 46 for a list of Plextor-approved
media at the time this manual was printed, and see the Plextor web site
at www.plextor.com

for an updated list.

You can write to Ultra Speed CD-RW discs only on drives that support
this media. Drives that are capable of writing to Ultra Speed ReWritable
media, such as the Plextor PX-740A, are identified by a “Compact Disc
ReWritable Ultra Speed” logo.

Tray Loading and Operation

To load and unload the tray:

1. While the 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 CD, CD-R, or CD-RW disc in the depression in the tray, label
side up.

3. Press the eject button again and the tray will slide shut within
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 using
your hand is not recommended and risks damage or premature wearing
of the mechanism.

Section 3. Using Your PX-230A

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 35

Handling Blank CD Media

Take care when handling blank CD 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 permanent ink.

CAUTION: We recommend using a “non-toxic” marker, such as a
Sharpie pen, that 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: We do not recommend placing self-sticking CD-R labels on the
disc. The weight of the label may unbalance the disc and cause write
errors during recording or read errors during reading. Also, attempting to
remove the label may permanently damage the disc.

Cleaning Discs

For proper read and write performance, your 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 from the center out. Do not wipe the disc in a circular motion.

Figure 19: Wipe the disc from the center outward

Section 3. Using Your PX-230A

36 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

HINT: Keep your frequently used discs in jewel cases at all times to

prevent them from becoming dirty or damaged.

Mounting Position

You can operate your PX-230A drive in either a horizontal or a vertical
position.

Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media

In conjunction with your drive, mastering and packet writing software
allows you to write audio, video, data, or other information to writable
(CD-R) or rewritable (CD-RW) media. The PX-230A writes to all types
of CD-RW media.

Using the Disc/Busy Indicator

The color and blink rate (in milliseconds) of the front-panel disc/busy
indicator give you information about the drive’s operation, as follows:

Operation

Disc/busy
LED color

On/Off/Blink

Blinking

interval

No disc – Off –
Error – Off –
Ready Green On –
Read data Green Blink 160ms
Read disc’s TOC,

PMA

Green Blink 320ms

Play audio Green Blink 1280ms
OPC operational Green Blink 640ms
Real or simulated

burn

Green Blink 640ms

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

37

4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

This chapter explains maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for
your PX-230A drive.

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

Cleaning the PX-230A Drive

Plextor drives are sealed against external contamination, so in a normal
computer environment and with normal use, your drive should not
require internal cleaning. However, if your drive has been in use for
some time and has just recently started to exhibit read/write problems, it
is possible that dust has accumulated on the laser lens. In this case:

• If your drive is still in warranty and you are experiencing problems,

send the drive to Plextor. (See “Returns” on page 57.)

• If your drive is out of warranty, before returning the drive for repair

you may want to try a short blast of canned air aimed at the center of
the drive. Use only electronics-grade canned air: sterile, filtered, and
moisture-free. If you notice no improvements after this step, you will
need to return the drive for repair.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to clean your drive using any solvent-based
cleaners. Also, do not use an air compressor, because the high-pressure
blast can damage the drive.

ANOTHER CAUTION: Do not use a CD cleaning disc. Cleaning discs
that use a felt pad can scratch the laser lens surface and render the drive
inoperable. Cleaning discs with brushes may also scratch the lens.
Moreover, these cleaning discs are often out of balance, making their
operation very noisy.

Section 4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

38 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

Upgrading Firmware

Plextor creates firmware revisions to meet the particular needs of large
computer manufacturers. It is rare that these revisions will impact the
performance or operation of your drive. However, we advise that you
always update your drive with the latest available firmware. Among
other benefits, updating firmware ensures that your drive has the latest
catalog of recommended media. Before troubleshooting a possible
problem with your PX-230A drive please visit our web site at
www.plextor.com

to check if you have the latest firmware.

To obtain new firmware for your 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 in your drive’s flash memory:

1. In Windows Explorer, double-click the executable file (the filename
ends in .exe) 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.

3. Restart your system.

Section 4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 39

Emergency Eject

If the computer power is turned off or the automatic eject button at the
front of the drive does not work, use this procedure to open the drive.

To use the emergency eject tool to open the drive:

1. Make sure power to the drive is OFF. (That is, turn off your

computer.)

2. At the front of the drive, insert the emergency eject tool, or a paper

clip or other thin, rigid object, into the emergency eject hole.

Figure 20: Emergency eject

3. Push the tool or other object straight in, until the disc tray clicks

open.

4. Carefully continue to slide the disc tray open.

5. If a CD is present, remove the CD from the disc tray.

6. Carefully push the disc tray shut.

Section 4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

40 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

Troubleshooting

If you have problems during or right after installation of your drive, first
make sure the drive is recognized.

Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized

If you’re having trouble after installation, make sure the PX-230A drive
is recognized by your computer. To check whether the drive is
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 Plextor drive, the hard disk, and another DVD or CD­ROM drive, if present. The Plextor icon may be D: or E: or another
designator.

3. If the PX-230A 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.

For the PX-230A, 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, depending on your setup program).

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

Section 4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 41

5. In Windows 98, 98SE, 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 Manager tab. Click the + sign
next to the DVD/CD-ROM drives heading and look for the
“PLEXTOR CD-R PX-230A” 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 DVD/CD-ROM
drives heading and look for the “PLEXTOR CD-R PX-230A” entry
underneath.

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 Plextor Technical
Support. (See “Appendix B: Technical Support” for the different ways
you can contact us.)

If you discover a problem with the PX-230A drive, do not attempt to
service the drive yourself. Contact us to get an RMA number and take
steps to return the drive to Plextor. See “Returns” on page 57 for details.

Further Troubleshooting

If you still have problems, visit the Plextor web site for tips and
troubleshooting help.

Section 4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

42 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

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PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

43

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is “recommended media”?

A: Recommended media are recordable or rewritable CD media that have
been tested by Plextor and found to operate well consistently, from one
manufacturing lot to another. For each drive, Plextor engineers test media
from many different manufacturers and manufacturing facilities, creating a
recommended media list and determining the optimum write strategy for that
particular media type. The results are listed as “recommended media,” and
are also assembled into a media catalog and stored in firmware in Plextor
drives. (See page 46 for a list of recommended media for the PX-230A at the
time this manual was printed, and see the Plextor web site at
www.plextor.com

for an updated list.)

From time to time, the media catalog is updated with new manufacturers and
part numbers as Plextor tests additional media. When this happens, Plextor
makes new drive firmware available. You can download this new firmware
and update your drive.

Q: Do I need an 80-conductor IDE cable?

A: No. Your PX-230A will operate equally well with either the older 40­conductor cable or the newer 80-conductor IDE/ATA cable.

Section 6. Frequently Asked Questions

44 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

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PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

45

Appendix A: PX-230A Specifications

Minimum System Requirements—PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

Computer Pentium III, 500-MHz or equivalent

Minimum RAM 128 MB

Hard Disk Size 1 GB of free space to write to a CD in image mode.

(For more accurate guidelines, see the help files or
documentation for the recording software you’re
using.)

DMA Setting

Enabled

Interface IDE (ATAPI) supported

Operating
System

Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98SE, or 98

NOTE: Roxio Easy Media Creator 7 requires
Windows 2000/XP

Usable Formats

Logical CD
Read/Write

Audio CD, Super Audio CD, Mixed Mode, CD-ROM
Mode-1, CD-ROM Mode-2, CD-ROM XA Mode 2
(Form 1, Form 2), CD-I Bridge (Video CD), Photo CD
(single and multi-session), CD-DA, CD-Extra, CD-R,
CD-RW, CD TEXT, Karaoke CD (VCD format), Video
CD, SVCD, Multi-session, CD+G (Read Only)

Write
Methods,
CD-R/RW

Track-at-once (TAO), disc-at-once (DAO), packet
write (variable and fixed), session-at-once (SAO),
multi-session, Mount Rainier (MRW)

Other Features

Buffer
Underrun
Protection

Buffer Underrun Proof Technology

Data Buffer 2 MB

Appendix A: PX-230A Specifications

46 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

Supported Media

Supported
Media, CD

 Stamped CDs: Discs compliant with

Red/Yellow/Green Book

 CD-R: Orange Book Pt II-compliant discs (Type 74,

Type 80)

 CD-RW: Orange Book Pt III-compliant discs

Supported
Media Size

12 cm, 8cm

Recommended Media

Recommended media are recordable or rewritable CD media that have
been tested by Plextor. For the latest updated list of recommended
media for the PX-230A, see the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com.

CD-R: 4X-52X
media

Maxell, TDK, Fujifilm

CD-R: 4X-48X
media

Taiyo Yuden, Mitsui, Mitsubishi/Verbatim

CD-RW: 4-32X
media

Mitsubishi/Verbatim

Appendix A: PX-230A Specifications

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 47

Performance Specifications

Read Speed,
CD

Speed Mode-1

Discs

Mode-2
Discs

CD-DA
Discs

22-52X

CAV

Stamp,R Stamp, R Stamp,R

20-48X

CAV

Stamp,R,

Stamp,R,

Stamp,R

17-40X

CAV

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

14-32X

CAV

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

10-24X

CAV

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

16X CLV Stamp,R,

RW

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

12X CLV Stamp,R,

RW

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

8X CLV Stamp,R,

RW

Stamp,R,
RW

Stamp,R,
RW

4X CLV R,

RW

R,
RW

R,
RW

Appendix A: PX-230A Specifications

48 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

Performance Specifications (continued)

Write Speed,
CD-R/RW

Speed CD-R Ultra

Speed
CD-RW
Media

High
Speed
CD-RW
Media

Normal
Speed
CD-RW
Media

22-52X

CAV



– – –

20-48X

CAV



– – –

17-40X

CAV



– – –

20-32X

PCAV



– – –

32X

ZCLV

–



– –

20-24X

PCAV



– – –

24X

ZCLV

–



– –

16X

CLV

 

– –

12X

CLV



–



–

8X CLV



–



–

4X CLV



–

 

Appendix A: PX-230A Specifications

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 49

Performance Specifications (continued)

CD Transfer
Rate

Speed Write (KB/s) Read (KB/s)

22-52X 3300-7800 (CAV) 3300-7800 (CAV)
20-48X 3000-7200

(PCAV)

3000-7200 (CAV)

17-40X 2550-6000

(PCAV)

2550-6000 (CAV)

20-32X 3000-4800

(PCAV)

–

14-32X – 2100-4800 (CAV)
20-24X 3000-3600

(PCLV)

–

10-24X – 1500-3600 (CAV)
16X 2400 (CLV) 2400 (CLV)
12X 1800 (CLV) 1800 (CLV)
8X 1200 (CLV) 1200 (CLV)
4X 600 (CLV) –

Initialization
Time

Time measured from power on until disc is available
to read: < 6.5 sec. (typical),

Access Time Random seek access time: < 100 msec.

1/3 Stroke access time: < 110 msec
Full stroke access time: < 250 msec

Sleep Mode Entered after 2 minutes of no access to drive (default

setting)

Wake Mode < 4.5 sec. (max.) to start drive after sleep

Appendix A: PX-230A Specifications

50 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

Front Panel

Eject Eject button; manual emergency eject; software

eject.

Disc/Busy
Indicator

Illuminated solid green when ready. Illuminated
blinking green when reading and writing. (Blink rate
indicates the type of activity.)

Disc Loading Auto

Rear Panel

Power Supply DC +12V,

±10%

DC +5V,
±5%

Typical standby current 20 mA

250 mA

Typical CD read current

(CD 52X)

800 mA 800 mA

Typical write current

(CD-R 52X)

800 mA 800 mA

Typical pause current 600 mA 200 mA
Peak current 1.8 A 1.6 A

Power
Consumption

Maximum 30 W for CD read/write

IDE Interface
Connector

IDE bus, 40-pin flat ribbon type. Interface complies
with ATA/ATAPI.

Maximum total cable length cannot exceed 18 in
(45.7 cm).

Appendix A: PX-230A Specifications

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 51

Rear Panel (continued)

Analog Audio
Output
Connector

Stereo analog output, Molex connector (L*G*G*R),
MPC-3 standard:

 Output voltage (max. volume): 1.5V(p-p)
 Load impedance: 10 k ohms
 S/N ratio: Min. 75dB
 Total harmonic distortion+noise: < 2%
 Dynamic range: Typically 75dB (1kHz)
 Channel separation: Typically 70dB (1kHz)
 Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz (0dB ±5dB)

Digital Audio
Output
Connector

Digital audio output for input to SPDIF or Digital-In
input:

 Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz
 Output: TTL level, 3.3V
 Digital audio line output: 2 pins, non-isolated

Mode Jumper Master (default), slave, cable select (CSEL)

Dimensions and Weight, PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

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

5.75" x 1.63" x 6.8"
146 mm x 41.2 mm x 172.5 mm

Weight 1.8 lbs. (800 g)

Appendix A: PX-230A Specifications

52 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

Host Interface, PX-230A Internal ATAPI Drive

Type ATA/ATAPI-5-compliant

PIO Transfers Modes 0-4

Ultra DMA
Transfers

Modes 0-2

Multiword
DMA transfers

Modes 0-2
(DMA changes controlled by operating system and
device manager)

ATAPI
Command Set

Refer to the Plextor ATAPI command manual.

Inquiry string PLEXTOR sp CD-R sp sp sp PX-230A sp sp

(where “sp” is one space)

Environmental Conditions

Mounting
Position

Horizontal or vertical orientation:

 Horizontal: ±10 degrees
 Vertical: 0±10 degrees, from right side orientation

Operating
Temperature

5 to 40 degrees Celsius

Operating
Humidity

20 to 80 % relative humidity
(Non-condensing)

Storage
Temperature

–40 to +65 degrees Celsius

Storage
Humidity

5 to 95 % relative humidity (non-condensing)

Acoustic Noise Playing balanced disc: Maximum 46dB

Playing unbalanced disc: Maximum 47.5dB

Vibration,
Operating

CD read, random: 0.5G

0-Pk

(5-500Hz)

CD-R, CD-RW write: 0.3G

0-Pk

(5-500Hz)

Appendix A: PX-230A Specifications

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 53

Environmental Conditions (continued)

Vibration, Non­Operating

2.0G

0-Pk

(5-300Hz)
Random: 0.5G (5~500Hz)
(Power off, without disc)

Shock,
Operating

CD read: 6.0G

0-Pk

CD-R, CD-RW write: 2.0G

0-Pk

Shock, Non­Operating

2ms half sine wave: Min 160 G
180in/sec square wave: Min 80G
(Power off, without disc)

Electrostatic
Discharge

±8KV aerial discharge, with no hard errors, no
damage

Reliability

MTBF 125,000 POH at 25% duty cycle

Tray Loading 50,000 load/unload cycles

Read Error
Rate

CD-ROM Mode 1: 1 block/10

12

bits

CD-ROM Mode 2: 1 block/10

9

bits

Safety, Laser, and EMC Standards

Country/
Region

Type Agency Standard

USA Safety UL UL 1950
Laser FDA 21 CFR Subchapter J
EMC FCC Part15 Subpart B

Class B
Canada Safety UL (C-UL) CSA 22.2 No. 950-M89
Europe Safety CE EN60950
Laser CE EN60825-1
EMC CE EN55024,

EN50022 Class B

Appendix A: PX-230A Specifications

54 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

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PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

55

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 drive,
please refer first to the relevant sections of this manual regarding setup
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. 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 answers to
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
PX-230A drive. In many cases, a problem that appears to be caused by
your Plextor drive 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.

Appendix B: Technical Support

56 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

How to Contact Plextor Technical Support

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

• Visit our web site (www.plextor.com

) for answers to Frequently

Asked Questions.

• Send us e-mail at [e-mail]

. 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 1-800-204-0332 or 937-615-1610 and select the tech support
option.

Before You E-mail or Call for Support

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

• The serial number and TLA (top level assembly) number of your
PX-230A drive. Your serial number and TLA number appear 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 operating system you are using.

• The brand name and model number of your computer (e.g., Dell

466/NP, Hewlett-Packard Pavilion 752n, 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).

Appendix B: Technical Support

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 57

Returns

In the unlikely event that you need to return a drive to Plextor, you need
an RMA (Returned Materials Authorization) number. You will need this
number before any Plextor drive can be returned for replacement. Here’s
how you get an RMA number and return your drive:

1. Contact Plextor Technical Support. You will receive assistance in

troubleshooting your system. If the drive is determined to be
defective, you will receive an RMA number.

2. Plextor will e-mail you with the RMA number and shipping

information.

3. When you receive the RMA number, pack the Plextor drive securely

in a box, and include the RMA number with the drive.

4. Write the RMA number in large bold numbers on the outside of the

box, and ship it to Plextor.

Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department

You can contact our RMA Department and request an RMA number at:

• [e-mail]

• Or by calling us at 1-800-204-0332 or 937-615-1610.

Packing Your Drive

Check the drive to make sure there is no disc inside, and if possible,
pack your drive in the original box. Some of our customers have not
held on to their boxes and have had to resort to less-than-secure methods
to get drives back to us.

CAUTION: Never ship the drive with a CD disc inside it.

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 The
UPS Store) 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.

Appendix B: Technical Support

58 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

Shipping Your Drive to Plextor

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

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

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

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

59

Appendix C: Warranty

PLEXTOR CORP. (“Plextor”) warrants your PX-230A drive 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 or stored under abnormal
use and/or 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
loss 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 service, you must contact PLEXTOR’s Technical
Support Department by e-mail ([e-mail]

) or by calling
1-800-204-0332 or 937-615-1610. The Technical Support Department
will attempt to diagnose and correct your problem. If the unit does not
function properly, they will provide you with a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number. You may be asked to furnish proof of
purchase to confirm that the unit is still under warranty.

All product returns must be authorized in advance by PLEXTOR.
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.

Appendix C: Warranty

60 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

All drives returned to PLEXTOR must be securely packaged and
shipped postage prepaid.

The drive will be returned to the customer at Plextor’s expense when
originating within the United States. For a drive originating outside of
the United States, the customer is responsible for shipping costs in both
directions.

NOTE: Warranty validity is limited to that applicable in the location where
the drive was originally purchased.

If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada

Note that the warranty and RMA policy only apply to the United States
and Canada. If you are in South America, contact your dealer or reseller
for all warranty and RMA claims.

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

61

Index

A

access time · 49
achieving best performance · 19,

20

analog audio

cable · 25, 30

output connector · 8, 30, 31, 51
ATAPI command set · 52
audio

analog · 8, 51

digital · 31, 51

B

bay cover panel · 26
black tray · 2
blue book · 46
box contents, · 9
buffer · 2, 45
Buffer Underrun Proof Technology

· 2

C

cable

40-conductor IDE · 14

80-conductor IDE/ATA · 14

analog audio · 25

audio · 30

cable select, replacing · 15

digital audio · 25

IDE · 25, 28

MPC · 31

power · 16, 25

Sound Blaster · 31

SPDIF · 31

cable connections, · 29
cable select · 13, 23, 24, 51

cable for · 15
configuring for · 24
identifying · 15
installation · 23
master · 15
setting mode jumper · 17
signal · 24
slave · 15
using 80-conductor cable for ·

15

CD

reading speed · 47
recording modes · 2, 45

write methods · 2, 45
CD cleaning disc, don’t use · 5, 37
CD-DA reading speed · 1
CD-R

compatibility · 2

media · 33, 46

reading speed · 1

writing · 36

writing speed · 1, 48
CD-R/RW software · 4
CD-ROM, playing · 33
CD-RW

compatibility · 2

high speed · 48

media · 33, 46

normal speed · 48

reading speed · 1

ultra speed · 48

writing · 36

writing speed · 48
CD-TEXT · 3
cleaning disc · 35
cleaning your drive · 37

Index

62 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

precautions · 5, 37
closing tray · 34
compatibility

CD-R · 2

CD-RW · 2
computer, minimum, PX-230A · 3,

45
configuration

cable select · 24

PX-230A minimum · 3, 45

types of IDE · 13
connection

sound board and · 30
connector

analog audio output · 8, 30, 51

digital audio · 8, 30, 51

IDE interface · 9, 28, 50

power · 9
connectors and jumpers, PX-230A

rear-panel · 8, 50, 51
contents of box · 9
controls, front-panel, PX-230A · 7,

50
cover panel, bay · 26
CSEL · See cable select

D

data buffer · 45
digital audio · 31
digital audio extraction · 2
digital audio output · 51

connector · 8, 30, 31, 51
Digital-In connector · 8, 30, 31, 51
dimensions, PX-230A · 3, 51
disc

cleaning · 35

labels · 35

loading · 50
disc/busy indicator · 7, 50

blink rate · 36

color · 36, 50

DMA support · 2, 52
drive, recognizing in Windows · 40

E

eject

emergency · 8, 39
methods for · 50

eject button · 8

closing tray · 34

electrostatic discharge

specification · 53
EMC standards · 53
emergency eject hole · 8, 39
emergency eject tool · 8, 9, 39
error rate specification · 53

F

FAQs · 43
features · 2
firmware

obtaining · 38

upgrading · 2, 38, 43
flash memory · 2, 38
formats · 45

CD · 2
frequently asked questions · 43
front panel controls · 7, 50

H

hard disk size · 3, 45
high speed CD-RW

media · 33

write speed · 48
host interface, PX-230A · 52
humidity

specification · 52

storage · 52

Index

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 63

I

IDE cable, 40-conductor · 14
IDE cable, connecting · 28
IDE configuration

determining for PX-230A · 13
examples · 19
selecting · 19

types of · 13
IDE interface connector · 9, 28, 50
IDE ports · 13
IDE/ATA cable, 80-conductor · 14
initialization time · 49
inquiry string, PX-230A · 52
installation

examples · 19

PX-230A · 7
interface, PX-230A · 45

ATAPI required · 3

J

jumper, mode · 9, 16, 51

K

Karaoke CD · 3

L

label, disc · 35
laser standards · 53

M

maintenance · 37
master · 13, 16, 19, 51

cable select · 15

setting drive as · 16

setting in BIOS · 40

setting mode jumper · 17
media

care and handling · 35

CD-R · 33, 46
CD-RW · 33, 46
high speed CD-RW · 33
recommended · 43, 46
size · 46
supported · 2, 46
ultra speed CD-RW · 33

ultra speed plus CD-RW · 33
memory, minimum · 3, 45
minimum cable connections, · 25
minimum computer · 3, 45
minimum configuration · 3, 45
minimum RAM · 3, 45
MMC-4 command set · 2
mode jumper · 9, 51

changing · 17, 18

setting · 16
motherboard BIOS setup program ·

40
mounting · 25, 26
mounting position · 25, 36, 52
mounting rails · 27
MPC-compliant audio cable · 31
MTBF · 53
multiword DMA support · 2, 52

N

noise specification · 52
normal speed CD-RW

media · 33

write speed · 33, 48

O

OPC · See optimum power control
opening the computer · 12
operating system · 3, 45
optimum power control · 3
optional cable connections · 25
orange book · 2, 46

Index

64 PX-230A Installation and Users Manual

P

packing for shipment · 57
PIO support · 2, 52
plug and play, support for · 2
position, mounting · 25, 36, 52
power

cable · 16
connecting cable · 29

connector · 9, 50
precautions · 4
primary IDE port · 13
PX-230A

achieving best performance · 20

configuration examples · 19

connectors and jumpers, rear-

panel · 8
controls, front-panel · 7
host interface · 52
inquiry string · 52
installation · 7
installation examples · 19
installation, cable select · 23
interface · 2, 3, 45
minimum computer · 45
mode jumper · 16
power requirements · 50
rear-panel connectors · 8, 50, 51

Q

questions, frequently asked · 43
quickstart installation, · 11

R

rails · 27
RAM, minimum · 3, 45
read specification, CD · 47
reading speed

CD-R · 1
CD-RW · 1

rear-panel connectors, PX-230A · 8

recognizing drive in Windows · 40
recommended media · 46

definition · 43
recording modes, CD · 2, 45
red book · 46
reliability · 53
returns · 9, 57
RMA number · 9, 57, 58

S

safety standards · 53
screws, mounting · 30
secondary IDE port · 13
security sticker · 10
selecting an IDE configuration · 19
serial number, recording · 25
shipping your drive · 9, 57, 58
shock specification · 53
slave · 13, 19, 51

cable select · 15

setting drive as · 16

setting in BIOS · 40

setting mode jumper · 17
sleep mode · 49
software · 4, 36

CD-R/RW · 4
Sony/Philips digital interface · See

SPDIF
Sound Blaster-compliant audio

cable · 31
sound board, connections to · 30
SPDIF

cable · 31

connector · 8, 30, 31, 51
specifications · 45
speed

monitoring · 36

reading CD-R · 1

reading CD-ROM · 47

reading CD-RW · 1

writing CD-R · 1

Index

PX-230A Installation and Users Manual 65

stereo output signal · 8, 51
support · 55

T

technical support · 55, 56
temperature

specification · 52

storage · 52
TLA code · 25
transfer rate, CD · 49
tray

closing · 34

front door · 7

loading and unloading · 34

loading specification · 53
troubleshooting · 40

U

ultra DMA support · 2, 52
ultra speed CD-RW

media · 33

write speed · 33, 48
ultra speed plus CD-RW

media · 33

write speed · 33
upgrading firmware · 2, 38, 43

V

vibration specification · 52

W

wake mode · 49
warranty · 59
web site, Plextor · 55
weight, PX-230A · 51
white book · 46
Windows, version required · 3, 45
write methods, CD · 2, 45
writing a CD image · 3, 45
writing speed

achieving · 33
CD-R · 1, 48
CD-RW · 48
high speed CD-RW · 33
monitoring · 36
normal speed CD-RW · 33
ultra speed CD-RW · 33

ultra speed plus CD-RW · 33
writing to CD-R · 36
writing to CD-RW · 36

Y

yellow book · 46

PLEXTOR CORP.
48383 Fremont Blvd.
Suite 120
Fremont CA 94538-6509

Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:

510-440-2000

510-651-9755

[e-mail]

www.plextor.com