Plextor PXS88T User Manual

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8X CD-Recordable 8X CD-ReWritable 24X max CD-ROM

Operations Manual

Model:

PX-S88T (Internal)

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Record Your Serial Number

For future reference, record the serial number and the TLA code found

on the back or top of your drive in the space provided below.

TLA/Firmware Revision Number

If your drive came to you pre-installed, you can use Plextor Manager

to display the drive’s serial number and firmware revision (TLA#).

Refer to the Plextor Manager User’s Manual for details.

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.

Plextor’s prior permission.

Licenses and Trademarks

All licenses and trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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FCC NOTICE

This equipment has been tested and found to co mply with the limits for a Class B digital device, purs uant to Part 15 of the FC C Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruc t ions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee interference will not occ ur in a particular installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the in terference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

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Increase the separation b etween the equipment and receiver.

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Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

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connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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Any changes or modifications to the base unit will require the responsible party to test for compliance with FCC Rules ; otherwise, the user loses au thority to operate the equipment.

CAUTION

specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

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

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: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those

Do not open the optical pickup housing. Obtain service only from Plextor-a uthorized personnel.

LASER INFORMATION

These produ cts have been d esigned and manufactured according to IEC 825-1 on the Safety of Laser products. This p roduct comes under “Class 1 Laser Products.” A Laser Caution Marking is attached on the top of the internal drive model: “Caution: Invisible laser radiation when open. Avoid direct exposure to beam.”

VORSICHT

Zur Einhaltung der Funk-Entstörung von nicht selbständig betreibbaren Hochfrequenzgeräten (periphere Anlagenkomponenten).

Dieses Gerät entspricht als E inzelgerät den Funk-Entstöranforderungen der Postverfügung Nr. 243/1991. Wird das Gerät innerhalb einer Anlage zusammen mit anderen Geräten betrieben, so muss bei Inanspruchnahme der “Allgemeinen (Betriebs-) genehmigung” nach der BMPT-AmtsblVfg Nr. 2 43/1991 die gesamte Anlage folgenden Richtlinien entsprechen:

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Dies ist bei der Zusammensetzung einer Anlage (z.B. Computersystem) aus nur einzeln geprüften Geräten nicht immer erfüllt.

: DIE TRENNUNG VOM NETZ ERFOLGT DURCH ZIEHEN DES NETZSTECK ERS.

G-Vfg.243

Grenzwertklas se B der EN55022 Auflagen nach § 2 der BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991

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Table of Contents

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

Meet the PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Drive.....................................................1

What the PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Does................................................. 1

Minimum Configuration to Use the PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline ................2

PlexWriter Drive Features and Controls............................................................2

Front Panel..................................................................................................... 2

Rear Panel...................................................................................................... 3

Precautions......................................................................................................... 3

2. Installation and Maintenance Hints............................................................... 5

Record the Serial Number.................................................................................. 5

Enable DMA...................................................................................................... 5

Upgrading Firmware.......................................................................................... 7

If You Need to Disable DMA........................................................................7

3. Using Your PlexWriter.................................................................................... 9

What Media to Use ............................................................................................9

Tray Loading and Operation.............................................................................. 9

Handling CD Media....................................................................................... 10

Cleaning Discs ............................................................................................... 10

Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ................................................................ 11

Advantages of BURN-Proof Technology.......................................................... 11

Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications .............................................................13

Index...................................................................................................................... 21

Warranty ..............................................................................................................25

PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Operations Manual v

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PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Operations Manual

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1. Getting Started

This manual explains how to use your internal ATAPI PlexWr iter 8/8/24A Slimline drive. Please read this manual carefully and keep it handy for easy reference. Use the manual for operation and troubleshooting.

Meet the PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Drive

The PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline is a CD-ReWritable drive that provides professional quality CD performance for writing, rewriting and reading. This model is supplied as an OEM drive. Its use requires additional integration into a final configuration, suitable for consumer use.

What the PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Does

The PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 8X speed, and it also writes to high-speed CD-RW (rewritable CD) media at up to 8X speed. (Naturally, the drive can also write to conventional CD-RW media at 2X and 4X speeds.) It reads all CD-ROM and CD-R media at a maximum of 24X speed with an average access time of 140 milliseconds.

Reliable writing is virtually guaranteed, thanks to unique circuitr y t hat automat i cally detects the type of media being recorded and adjusts the PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline to provide the optimum laser power and length of burn. The PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline has an ATAPI interface supporting PIO Mode 4 and DMA Mode 2 (16.67 MB/sec) performance. It also supports the ATAPI-4 command set and CDROM commands, including special commands for CD-R and CD-RW.

The PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline is fully MMC-compliant, supporting writing features such as Disc-at-Once, Track-at-Once and Session-at-Once, as well as variable and fixed packet writing. It also supports the UDF file system implemented through packet writing.

The PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline supports running OPC and is compatible with Windows Plu g & Play. Flas h memory allows upgradi ng the PlexWriter 8/8/ 24A Slimline to the latest firmware revision (available from the Plextor web site) without opening the computer or physically accessing the drive. New BURN-Proof™ technology robust. And Plextor backs up this remarkable drive with a one-year full warranty on parts and labor, and unlimited toll-free tech support.

∗

eliminates buffer underrun errors, making the writing of CDs even more

∗

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

PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Operations Manual 1

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Section 1. Getting Started

Minimum Configuration for the PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline

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Computer: Pentium MMX 200-MHz CPU or faster.

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Mi n imu m RAM: 64 MB.

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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.

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ATAPI settings: In Windows, Direct Memory Access (DMA) should be set to ON. The ATAPI controller must be set to PIO Mode 4 or DMA Mode 2 in the motherboard BIOS or CMOS.

PlexWriter Drive Features and Controls

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

Front Panel

Figure 1: Front Panel of the PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Drive

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Disc tray: Opens to allow changing media: CDs, CD-R, and CD-RW. When the tray is open, push it gently to close.

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LED indicator: Illuminated orange when reading from disc. Slow blinking orange when playing a CD-DA disc. Fast blinking orange when writing to disc.

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Eject button: Push once to eject the disc tray.

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Emergency eject hole: Insert an emergency eject stick, paper clip, or other thin, rigid object to eject the tray if the automatic eject button does not work. Turn OFF power before using this feature.

PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Operations Manual

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Rear Panel

Section 1. Getting Started

Figure 2: Rear Panel of the PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Internal Drive

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Interface connector: Connects to the laptop sled assembly ATAPI interface connector.

Precautions

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

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

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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.

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Do not drop or jolt the drive.

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Do not attempt to open the drive and service it yourself. Removin g the cover may expose you to harmful electrical voltages or the laser beam. For your safe ty, entrust service to Plextor-authorized service personnel only.

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Keep your CD discs free of dirt or other contaminants, by storing them in jewel cases. Use only industry-standard discs. Do not insert dirty, warped, poorly balanced, or cracked discs into the drive.

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Do not clean discs using a circular motion. Instead, lightly wipe in a radial motion; start at the center of the disc and proceed to the outer edge.

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Section 1. Getting Started

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PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Operations Manual

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2. Installation and Maintenance Hints

This chapter offers some hints for installing and maintaining your PlexWriter drive.

Record the Serial Number

Record the serial number of your drive. A good place to record it is the inside front cover of this manual.

Enable DMA

To achieve top speeds for reading and writing with your PlexWriter drive, Direct Memory Access (DMA) must be enabled for the drive.

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

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

2. Double-click the CD-ROM icon and choose the PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline drive by double-clicking on it. Then click on the Settings tab. You will see the drive properties for the PlexWriter.

3. Ensure that the DMA box is checked ON.

4. Click on the OK button and then click the Close button to exit the S ystem Propertie s window.

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

To enable DMA if you have Windows NT 4.0 SP 3 or higher:

1. Connect to the Internet with a browser and click on the following link to download the program “dmachcki.exe.” Save the file to any d ir ectory.

http://download.microsoft.com/download/winntsrv40/utility/1.0.0.1/ nt4/en-us/dmachcki.exe

2. Once the file is downloaded, double-click it to execute the program. The program runs a short diagnosis of your system, then creates another program called “dmacheck.exe” in the same directory.

3. Double-click the file “dmacheck.exe” to execute it.

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Section 2. Installation and Maintenance Hints

4. In the ATAPI DMA support box, check Enable ON for both channels, then select OK.

5. When you see the warning prompt, just select Yes.

6. A FINISHED prompt appears indicating that DMA detection settings have been changed. Select OK and reboot your system manually.

To enable DMA for Windows 2000:

1. Right-click My Computer and select Properties.

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

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

4. Double-click ATA/ATAPI Controllers to expand the options.

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

6. Click on the Advanced settings tab.

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

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

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

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

PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Operations Manual

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Section 2. Installation and Maintenance Hints

Upgrading Firmware

Plextor creates firmware revisions to meet the peculiar needs of large computer manufacturers. It is rare that these will impact the performance or operation of your PlexWriter drive. However, we advise that our customers always update drives with the latest available firmware. Before troubleshooting a possib le p r oblem with your drive please make sure to visit our web site at www.plextor.com the latest firmware.

To obtain new firmware for your PlexWriter drive:

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

2. Look for firmware upgrades in the Support area, on the Downloads page. There is a description of the latest firmware revision and its intended use.

3. Download the firmware to your computer.

To upgrade firmware:

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

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

Firmware update has completed.

If You Need to Disable DMA

If the firmware upgrade does not complete successfully, you may need to disable DMA. In this case, please follow the appropriate procedure below.

To disable DMA in Windows 95, 98 and ME:

1. Click the Start button, then Settings, then Control Panel, then double-click on System icon, then select the Device Manager tab. You see a list of devices in your system.

2. Double-click the CD-ROM icon and choose the PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline by double-clicking on it. Then, click on the Settings tab. You now see the drive properties for the PlexWriter.

3. Disable DMA by clicking the DMA checkbox OFF, then click OK.

4. Close the System Properties window by clicking on the Close button.

5. When prompted, reboot your system.

6. After the firmware upgrade is completed, use this same procedure (but check DMA on) to enable DMA again before using the PlexWriter.

to check i f you have

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Section 2. Installation and Maintenance Hints

To disable DMA in Windows NT 4.0 SP 3 or higher:

1. Connect to the Internet with a browser and click on the following link to download the program “dmachcki.exe.” Save the file to any d ir ectory.

http://download.microsoft.com/download/winntsrv40/utility/1.0.0.1/ nt4/en-us/dmachcki.exe

3. Double-click the file “dmacheck.exe” to execute it.

4. In the ATAPI DMA support box, check Disable for both channels, then select OK.

5. When you see the warning prompt, just select Yes.

6. A FINISHED prompt appears indicating that DMA detection settings have been changed. Select OK and reboot your system manually.

To disable DMA in Windows 2000:

1. Right-click My Computer and select Properties.

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

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

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

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

6. Click on the Advanced settings tab.

7. If available, set Transfer Mode for Device 0 and 1 to No DMA. Then select OK.

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

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

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

PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Operations Manual

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3. Using Your PlexWriter

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

What Media to Use

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

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CD-ROM: You can immediately play or read prerecorded discs, such as audio CDs and data discs.

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

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CD-RW: High-speed ReWritable CD. These discs support recording and rerecording (up to 1,000 times). You can also read them.

To achieve 8X CD-R writing speed you must use certified 8X media; and to achieve 8X RW writing speed you must use high-speed RW media. See “Recommended Media “on page 13 for a list of approved media at the time this manual was printed, and see the Plextor web site at http://www.plextor.com

NOTE

: You can write to high-speed RW discs only on drives that support this media. Drives that are capable of writing to high-speed RW media, such as the PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline, are identified by a “Compact Disc ReWritable High Speed” logo.

for an updated list.

Tray Loading and Operation

To load and unload the tray:

1. While the PlexWriter drive is powered up, push the Eject button on the front

panel. The tray drawer slides out in 3–4 seconds.

Figure 3: Loading the Tray

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

in the tray.

3. Snap the CD onto the spindle.

4. Press the front of the tray to close it.

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Section 3. Using Your PlexWriter

Handling CD Media

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

CAUTION

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

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

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.

Cleaning Discs

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

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

Figure 4: Wipe the Disc from the Center Outward

HINT:

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

from becoming dirty or damaged.

PlexWriter 8/8/24A Slimline Operations Manual