Model PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
Model PX-712SA Internal SATA Drive
DVD±R/RW, CD-R/RW DRIVE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
APRIL 2004
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, transl ated, or reduced to any electronic medium or
machine-readable form without Plextor’s prior permission.
Manual copyright ©2004 Plextor Corp. First edition, April 2004.
Licenses and Trademarks
Plextor and the Plextor l ogo are registered trademarks 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
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 in terference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interferenc e 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 do es not exceed th e Class B limits for r adio noise emissions from
digital appa ratus set out in the Radi o Interference Regula tions of the Canadian Department
of Communicati ons.
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 produ cts have been designed and manufact ured 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-a uthorized personnel.
CAUTION: To disconnect the internal DVD/CD drive from an electrical current,
pull out the computer’s power plug.
Top View of Internal Drive, Showing Caution Label Location
Detail of PX-712A Laser Caution Labels
Detail of PX-712SA Laser Caution Labels
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Table of Contents
1. Getting Started ..............................................................................1
About this Manual...........................................................................1
Meet Your PX-712..........................................................................2
What the PX-712 Does................................................................2
Features of the PX-712................................................................3
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-712...............................6
What You Can Do with the PX-712............................................6
About Software................................................................................7
Precautions ......................................................................................7
Where to Go From Here..................................................................8
2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive...........................9
PX-712A Drive Features and Controls............................................9
Front Panel—PX-712A Internal Drive........................................9
Rear Panel—PX-712A Internal Drive.......................................10
What Else Is In the PX-712A Box.................................................11
Save Your Box!.........................................................................12
Mount the PX-712A Drive............................................................12
PX-712A QuickStart Installation...............................................13
Open the Computer and Prepare for Installation...........................13
Determine Your Existing IDE Configuration................................14
Set the Drive’s Mode Jumper........................................................15
Changing the Mode Jumper on Your PX-712A Drive..............16
Select an IDE Configuration..........................................................18
About Cable Select ........................................................................23
Identifying Whether Your System Uses Cable Select...............24
Locating the Master Position on a Cable Select Cable..............24
Set the DMA Jumper.....................................................................24
Mount the PX-712A Drive............................................................26
Record the Serial Number.........................................................26
Mount the Drive in the Computer..............................................26
Using Sound Boards and Audio Cables.........................................32
3. Installing the PX-712SA Internal SATA Drive.........................35
PX-712SA Drive Features and Controls........................................35
Front Panel—PX-712SA Internal Drive....................................35
Rear Panel—PX-712SA Internal SATA Drive.........................36
PX-712 Installation and Users Manual vii
Table of Contents
What Else Is In the PX-712SA Box..............................................37
Save Your Box!.........................................................................37
Mount the PX-712SA Drive..........................................................38
Record the Serial Number.........................................................38
Mount the Drive in the Computer.............................................38
4. Using Your PX-712 .....................................................................43
What Media to Use........................................................................43
DVD Media............................................................................... 43
CD-ROM Media .......................................................................43
Tray Loading and Operation......................................................... 45
Handling DVD and CD Media..................................................45
Cleaning Discs .......................................................................... 46
Mounting Position......................................................................... 46
Playing DVDs...............................................................................47
Writing to DVD Media ................................................................. 47
Specifying +R/RW or -R/RW................................................... 47
Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ...........................................47
Using the LED Indicator............................................................... 48
Switching to SpeedRead for Video Playback................................49
5. Advanced Features and PlexTools Professional.......................51
Loading PlexTools Professional Software .................................... 51
Using Silent Mode ........................................................................52
Turning On Silent Mode ...........................................................52
Important Facts about Silent Mode........................................... 54
Using SecuRec..............................................................................55
Password-Protecting a Disc with SecuRec................................55
Reading a Password-Protected Disc..........................................57
Important Facts about SecuRec.................................................57
Using VariRec............................................................................... 58
How the Default VariRec Setting Is Determined......................58
Changing the VariRec Setting...................................................59
Important Facts about VariRec ................................................. 61
Using GigaRec.............................................................................. 61
Burning a Disc with GigaRec....................................................62
How GigaRec Works................................................................63
Important Facts about GigaRec.................................................63
Testing Your CDs and DVDs........................................................64
Measuring Read Transfer Rate..................................................64
viii PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
Table of Contents
Measuring Write Transfer Rate.................................................67
Measuring Q-Check C1/C2/CU Errors......................................69
Measuring Tracking and Focus Error........................................73
Making Q-Check Jitter/Beta Measurements..............................77
Measuring Q-Check PI/PO Errors .............................................81
Advantages of Buffer Underrun Proof Technology ......................83
6. Maintenance and Troubleshooting ............................................85
Cleaning the PX-712 Drive...........................................................85
Upgrading Firmware .....................................................................86
Emergency Eject............................................................................87
Troubleshooting.............................................................................87
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized..........................................87
Using the PX-712A Self-Test Diagnostics................................89
7. Frequently Asked Questions.......................................................93
Appendix A: PX-712 Specifications...............................................95
Specifications for All PX-712 Drives............................................95
Specifications for the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive...............104
Specifications for the PX-712SA Internal SATA Drive..............107
Appendix B: Technical Support...................................................109
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support.................................110
Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call for Support.....................110
Returns ........................................................................................ 111
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department..................................111
Packing Your Drive.................................................................112
Shipping Your Drive to Plextor...............................................112
Appendix C: Warranty.................................................................113
If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada..........................................114
Index...............................................................................................115
PX-712 Installation and Users Manual ix
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x PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
1. Getting Sta rted
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor® PX-712, a
reliable, high-performance recordable DVD and 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 DVD and 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.
PX-712 Installation and Users Manual 1
Section 1. Getting Started
Meet Your PX-712
The PX-712 is a DVD ReWritable/CD ReWritable drive that provides
professional quality DVD and CD performance for writing, rewriting
and reading.
What the PX-712 Does
For DVDs, the PX-712:
• Writes DVD+R (recordable DVD, “plus” format) media at
up to 12X speed on recommended 8X media.
• Writes DVD-R (recordable DVD, “dash” format) media at
up to 8X speed.
• Writes DVD+RW (re-writable DVD, “plus” format) media
at up to 4X speed.
• Writes DVD-RW (re-writable DVD, “dash” format) media
at up to 4X speed.
• Supports DVD+VR and DVD-VR real time editing.
• Reads DVD discs at up to 16X.
• Reads DVD-Video discs with CSS at up to 2X CLV.
• Supports DVD-RW DRT-DM (Distributed Real Time Defect
Management)
For CDs, the PX-712:
• Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 48X speed.
• Writes to CD-RW (re-writable CD) media at up to 24X speed.
• Reads all CD-ROM, CD-RW, and CD-R data media at a maximum
of 48X speed.
• Reads CD-DA (audio) and CD-R audio media at up to 40X speed.
• Reads CD-RW audio media at up to 32X speed.
2 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
Section 1. Getting Started
Features of the PX-712
• Choice of interfaces:
ATAPI interface: The PX-712A easily installs in virtually any
PC with an E-IDE ATAPI interface.
Serial ATA interface: The PX-712SA takes advantage of the
benefits of the new Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
interface, with its smaller, more flexible cables and faster
• High speed transfers: Supports Ultra DMA33, DMA Mode 2, and
• PoweRec: Plextor Optimized Writing Error Reduction Control
• VariRec: Lets you change the write strategy to record at highest
• Silent Mode: Unique technology that sets the drive for super-silent
• MMC compliance: Supports the MMC-4 command set.
• Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-712 to the latest firmware
• Black tray: Reduces the effect of optical distortion by absorbing
• Plug and Play: Supports Windows Plug and Play.
interface speed.
PIO Mode 4.
(PoweRec) adjusts laser power and writing speed so they’re at the
optimum settings for that particular disc. (For example, when you’re
writing a DVD, PoweRec checks to see if the maximum 12X speed
is possible, and sets the optimum write speed.) You can enable and
disable PoweRec.
quality on different types of discs. Also provides user adjustment of
the recording power above or below a default level. This adjustment
lets you customize the optimum laser power to your own needs.
operation. By controlling access speed, read/write speed, and tray
opening and closing speed, you reduce drive noise to a whisper.
revision (available from the Plextor web site) without opening the
computer or physically accessing the drive.
reflections from the laser beam, enhancing read quality.
PX-712 Installation and Users Manual 3
Section 1. Getting Started
• Self-test diagnostics for ATAPI model: The PX-712A has a self-test
diagnostic function for easy troub leshooting.
• Q-Check tests: The Plextor PX-712 achieves high-quality recording
on virtually any DVD or CD media. To see for yourself, use the QCheck features to check laser operation, or measure and display
characteristics of the media you’re using.
DVD Features
• Lossless linking for DVD+R/RW: Allows DVD+RW discs to be
edited and still play on DVD-ROM players.
• Zero Link for DVD-R/RW: Has 0 b yte gap between sessions so the
discs are compatible with all players. This allows DVD-RW discs to
be edited and still play on DVD-ROM players.
• Wide DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW media compatibility: Compatible
with a wide range of DVD±R and DVD±RW media.
• Multiple DVD types: Supports DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, multi-
border, multi-session, DVD±VR, for read and write.
• Versatile recording modes for DVD+R/RW: Including disc-at-once
(DAO), multi-session, and incremental write for DVD+R; random
access write and sequential write for DVD+RW.
• Recording versatility for DVD-R/RW, too: Including DAO,
incremental recording, multi-border recording for DVD-R; and
multi-border recording, incremental recording, restricted
overwriting, DRT-DM for DVD-RW.
• SpeedRead: For DVD-Video discs equipped with CSS copy
protection, you can enable fast playback (SpeedRead) or leave at the
factory default for quiet video playback.
4 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
Section 1. Getting Started
CD-R and CD-RW Features
• Variety of recording modes: Supports track-at-once, disc-at-once,
session-at-once, multi-session, variable and fixed packet writing, and
CD-MRW (Mount Rainier).
• Buffer Underrun Proof Technology: Eliminate s 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.
• Wide compatibility: Wide CD-R and CD-RW media compatibility.
• Orange Book compatibility: Compatible with Orange Book, Parts II
and III.
• OPC and ROPC: Optimum Power Control and Running Optimum
Power Control, which adjust the laser power for the optimum write
strategy.
• CD-TEXT, CD+G: Supports CD-TEXT and CD+G writing.
• GigaRec: Variable capacity recording that lets you change CD-R
disc capacity over a range from 60 percent to 130 percent of the
rated value. You can get much more data onto a CD. Or decrease
disc capacity while gaining improved audio quality.
• SecuRec: Security protection that lets you make your CDs readable
only by persons with the correct password.
• Overburn: Another way of burning more information onto a CD—
audio up to 99 minutes 59 seconds in length, or a data disc up to 875
megabytes in capacity.
PX-712 Installation and Users Manual 5
Section 1. Getting Started
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-712
Here’s what you’ll need in order to install and use the PX-712 drive.
• Computer: Pentium III, 800-MHz CPU or faster. (Pentium 4,
1.6-GHz or faster recommended.)
• Mi n imu m RAM : 128 MB.
• Interface:
Model PX-712A requires IDE ATAPI interface.
Model PX-712SA requires Serial ATA 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 a
DVD, 6 GB of free space is recommended. (For more accurate
guidelines, see the help files or documentation for the recording
software you’re using.)
• Operating System:
Model PX-712A requires Windows XP, 2000, Me, or 98SE.
Model PX-712SA requires Windows XP or Windows 2000.
NOTE: You cannot use the PX-712A with early versions of Windows 98;
if you are using Windows 98, it must be Windows 98SE (Second Edition).
What You Can Do with the PX-712
Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-712:
• Record slide shows or digital video onto DVD+R, -R, +RW and
-RW discs.
• Play DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, and DVD-RW discs.
• 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 or DVD “sneakernet” to share information with
colleagues—just use software such as Roxio’s DirectCD to drag and
drop files onto DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R or CD-RW media, then
continue adding files and sharing the same disc.
• Archive images and video to DVD or CD.
• Master new software programs on DVD or CD.
6 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
Section 1. Getting Started
About Software
In order to record on DVD±R/RW and 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.
PlexTools® Professional is a powerful application software package that
lets you take full advantage of the CD/DVD functions of the PX-712
drive. When installed on your computer, this software lets you use your
Plextor PX-712 to burn CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD discs. It also lets you
take advantage of all the unique new features found in the Plextor PX712 drive.
You can also use Roxio’s Easy CD Creator™ 6 B a sic DVD Edition to
burn DVDs and CDs. The software lets you burn and share anything on
CD or DVD, including music, photos, and videos. You can also back up
your critical data to a CD or DVD. One component of Easy CD Creator
is Drag-to-Disc, which makes the Plextor PX-712 drive as easy to use as
a hard disk drive. (For more information about Easy CD Cre ator, install
this application and examine the help files.)
For details on other software that is available for writing to DVDs or
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 l ist of various software that you can u se 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-712 requires reasonable
care in its installation and use.
• Keep the area around your drive clean from dust, smoke, and other
contaminants.
PX-712 Installation and Users Manual 7
Section 1. Getting Started
• 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 DVDs and 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.
• 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
• If you have a PX-712A internal ATAPI drive, see Chapter 2,
beginning on page 9, to install it.
• If you have a PX-712SA internal drive with the new Serial ATA
interface, see Chapter 3, beginning on page 35, to install it.
8 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
2. Installing the
PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
This chapter explains how to physically install your PX-712A internal
ATAPI drive in your computer.
PX-712A 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-712A Internal Drive
Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-712A internal ATAPI drive
• LED indicator: Illuminated yellow for disc initializing, reading, and
ejecting. Illuminated amber for writing. (Blink rate indicates writing
speed.) Illuminated green during standby and when Buffer Underrun
Proof Te chnology is operational.
• Tray front door: Attached to tray drawer.
PX-712 Installation and Users Manual 9
Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
• 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-712A. To prevent wear on the drive, always use the
eject button to insert the tray.
This button also enables SpeedRead for DVD-Video d iscs with CSS
protection. To enable SpeedRead, with the disc tray empty, press and
hold the eject button for 3 seconds, then insert a DVD-Video disc.
The disc is played back at an accelerated speed.
Rear Panel—PX-712A Internal Drive
Also familiarize yourself with the drive’s rear panel.
Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-712A 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.
10 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
• 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.
• 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.
• DMA jumper: Use the DMA jumper to convert between Ultra
DMA Mode 0-2 (no jumper, default) and Multiword DMA Mode 0-2
(with jumper installed). In general, leave this jumper at its factory
setting, which is Ultra DMA (that is, no jumper installed ) .
• IDE cable connector: Connects to your computer’s IDE (ATAPI)
interface using 40-pin IDE flat ribbon cable.
• Power connector: Connects to your computer’s power supply to
provide DC +5 volts and +12 volts to the PX-712A.
What Else Is In the PX-712A 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 d r ive was in
their possession. Plextor currently sells the P X-712A drive in this
configuration:
• PX-712A DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW drive
• 40-pin IDE ribbon cable
• 1 piece of approved DVD+R media
• 4 mounting scr ews
• Extra jumper
• Emergency eject tool
• Plextor software disc with bundled PlexTools® Professional. Also
contains Roxio Easy CD and DVD Creator 6 Basic DVD Edition.
• PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
PX-712 Installation and Users Manual 11
Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
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 111.)
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. I f 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-712A Drive
Installation steps are as follows:
1. Turn OFF your computer system.
2. Set the jumpers for your new PX-712A 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.
Turn your computer system ON.
The following pages give more details for this procedure.
12 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
PX-712A 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 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP, and you have nothing
installed on the secondary IDE port. What to do: Leave the
PX-712A’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 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-712A’s jumper set to Master and attach
the PX-712A 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.
Open the Computer and Prepare for
Installation
To determine whether your PX-712A 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.
PX-712 Installation and Users Manual 13
Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
2. Remove your computer’s cover, following the directions provided by
your computer’s manufacturer. Typically, this involves loosening or
removing seve ral screws o n 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
Determine Your Existing IDE Configuration
With your computer open, determine the existing IDE configuration.
You can do this by looking at the 40-pin IDE ribbon cable (or cables—
there may be two) and seeing what is connected to them.
One end of the IDE cable is connected to a port on the computer’s
motherboard; and the other end is connected to one or two peripheral
devices (such as a hard disk or CD-ROM drive). If there are two
devices, one is configured as Master and the other the Slave, as
indicated by the position of jumpers on the back of the drive.
In the case of the Cable Select bus, both devices must be jumpered as
Cable Select. This configuration requires a special Cable Select cable.
If there are two IDE ports, one is for the primary IDE bus and the other
is for the secondary bus.
14 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
Before you install your PX-712A, 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.
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-712A as a Master. This will work in most custom system
configurations. If your computer is from a large OEM system
manufacturer such as IBM, Hewlett Packard, Gateway or Compaq, you
will need to pay particular attention to whether the computer uses the
Cable Select scheme.
PX-712 Installation and Users Manual 15
Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
Changing the Mode Jumper on Your PX-712A
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 4: Factory settings for mode jumper at the rear
of the internal drive
16 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI 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.
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. In addition,
the cable you use must be a special Cable Select cable.
Changing Jumper Settings
• To remove a jumper, pull it off with your fingers or a pair of needle-
nose pliers.
• To install a jumper, push it onto the jumper pins.
CAUTION: Ensure power to the drive is OFF before installing or
removing a jumper.
Figure 5: 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.
PX-712 Installation and Users Manual 17
Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
Select an IDE Configuration
Set the jumper according to the desired configuration, as shown in the
tables and illustrations on the next few pages.
NOTE: For best DVD±RW and CD-RW performance, try to connect the
PX-712A 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.
NOTE: For best results, set the PX-712A to be the Master, if possible.
Before PX-712A Installation How to Install the PX-712A
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 PX712A as Master device to the
secondary IDE port.
Figure 6. How to install the PX-712A if your computer is originally
set up in configuration A
18 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
NOTE: The configuration shown in Figure 6 can make it very difficult to
write from the DVD or CD drive to the PX-712A 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-712A, 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-712A can still make successful copies if you use
software that supports this feature. (All software shipped with PX-712A
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 DVD±R/RW or CD-R/RW media), or record at a lower
speed for best results. We also recommend that DMA be enabled on
your computer, if your system supports it.
PX-712 Installation and Users Manual 19
Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
Before PX-712A Installation How to Install the PX-712A
B
Hard disk connected as Master
device, and CD-ROM or DVDROM drive connected as Slave
on the primary IDE port;
Set the mode jumper to
Master, and connect the PX712A as Master to secondary
IDE port.
nothing connected to
secondary IDE port.
Figure 7. How to install the PX-712A if your computer is originally
set up in configuration B
20 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual
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