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---- CHAPTER 8 ----
Hardware Installation
By itself, your CD-ROM drive is incapable of communicating with your computer.
You must use a hardware link that enables your drive to ‘‘talk’’ with the rest of your
computer.
Plextor’s UltraPleX drives use a SCSI interface as their link. If you own a PC, there are
four ways in which you can make the SCSI connection:
1) Use a separate SCSI interface board. This is the most common method for
both internal and external drives. We recommend using a 32-bit PCI bus
mastering SCSI interface board to maximize the drive’s potential. Older 8-bit
SCSI interface boards are not recommended. More cost-effective, but with
a decrease in video performance, are 16-bit ISA bus mastering SCSI interface
boards. Both these bus mastering interface technologies also allow you to
take advantage of SCSI multitasking in 32-bit operating systems such as
Windows 95, Windows NT, UNIX, SCO, Solaris, etc. Another possibility is
to use an ISA-PIO SCSI interface board, but performance will suffer, as will
multitasking.
2) Use a soundboard that also has a SCSI interface built onto it. This helps save
a slot in your computer by combining the functions of two boards (SCSI
interface board and soundboard) into one. Plextor recommends against
using the SCSI interface on a soundcard with the UltaPleX. Doing so will
limit the performance of the UltraPleX.
3) If you have an external drive, you can also use a parallel-to-SCSI interface.
This is a device that plugs into the parallel port (the one your printer normally
is connected to) of your computer. It is convenient, but typically at a cost of
reduced performance to your CD-ROM drive.
4) If you have an external drive and a portable computer with a PCMCIA slot
(Type II or III), use a PCMCIA-to-SCSI card. This is a small, credit-card size
device that plugs into the PCMCIA slot. It too is convenient, but may also
provide less performance than a direct connection to a 32-bit or 16-bit SCSI
interface board. PCMCIA connections should, however, provide better
performance than a parallel-to-SCSI interface.
NOTE: The following section is only for PC users who need to install a SCSI
interface board, or a soundboard with a built-in SCSI interface, in their
computer. If you plan to use a parallel-to-SCSI, or PCMCIA-to-SCSI
interface, you can skip to Chapter 9. If you are a Mac user with an external
drive, you can laugh at how easy life is and skip to page 30. Otherwise,
proceed to page 25.
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
Board Installation
YOUR TASK: Install a SCSI interface board, or a soundboard with
a built-in SCSI interface, in your computer.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: Provide the hardware link needed to enable your
CD-ROM drive to communicate with your
computer.
YOUR METHOD:
Remove your computer’s case. Install board and
attach necessary cables.
Let us point out that this is a CD-ROM drive installation and operation manual----it is
not a SCSI interface board or soundboard installation and operation manual. Unless
you purchased a SCSI interface board or soundboard (and its accompanying manual)
bundled in the same box with an UltraPleX drive, we have no way of knowing which
type of board you elect to use. There are dozens of SCSI interface boards and
soundboards on the market. Each one is installed somewhat differently. Therefore, our
instructions for this section should only be considered as guidelines. For more detailed
instructions on how to properly install your SCSI interface board/soundboard, you
should refer to the installation/operation manual that you received when you purchased
the board.
Caution: If static electricity may be present in the room where you are working,
discharge any you may have on your body by touching a grounded object
before you remove the host adapter from its packaging.
Static electricity is a silent killer. Just a small jolt to one of the chips on
your interface board may render it useless with no apparent damage
visible. Positioning your computer in a location without a carpet underfoot is one method of guarding against static electricity damage. Using
common sense, such as not walking on a carpeted floor in stocking feet
just before you install your drive, is another.
Before proceeding, make sure the power to your computer and any
external peripherals is OFF and your computer is UNPLUGGED from its
power source.
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To remove your computer’s cover, follow the directions provided by your computer’s
manufacturer. Typically, this involves loosening or removing several screws on the
back panel of your computer and sliding off your computer’s cover.
Carefully remove the SCSI interface board from its packaging. Select a vacant slot in
your computer where you will install the board (refer to the manual packaged with
your interface board for instructions as to which slot in your system to use). Plextor
provides either 16-bit ISA or 32-bit PCI SCSI interface boards with its optional bundles,
so you must use the correct slot (16-bit slots are longer than 32-bit slots). Older systems
may not have a PCI slot, as this is the newer technology. If you’re installing an internal
drive, try to pick a slot that is closest to where the drive will be installed.
Remove the cover plate for this slot from the back panel of your computer. Keep the
screw from the cover plate nearby as you will need it in a moment. Save the cover
plate in case you need it at a later date.
Expansion Slot Cover
Rear Panel
Plug the SCSI interface board into the slot you have selected. Rock the board from
end to end to ensure that it seats firmly in the slot. Don’t force it. If you cannot push
the board down completely into the slot, remove the board and try again.
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
Once you have successfully inserted the board, fasten it in place using the cover plate
screw that you removed earlier.
ISA Board
PCI Board
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Drive Positioning
YOUR TASK: Determine where you want to install your drive.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: Position the drive in the proper manner so that it
operates correctly.
YOUR METHOD:
If you have an internal drive, find an open bay in
your computer. If you have an external drive, find
an open space on your desktop.
The UltraPleX may be installed either horizontally or vertically. If installed vertically,
make sure that the eject button is positioned near the top of the drive. Doing so will ensure
that your drive will perform as specified.
Internal
Eject Button UP
Vertical Horizontal
External
Eject Button UP
Vertical Horizontal
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CHAPTER 8 ---- Hardware Installation
NOTE:
The following section is only for those installing internal drives. If you
have an external drive, skip to page 30.
Mounting an Internal Drive
YOUR TASK: Mount your internal drive inside your computer.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: A securely positioned drive whose connectors are
within easy reach of the various cables that must
attach to it.
YOUR METHOD:
Your PC probably looks something like this:
Available bay with
cover panel removed.
Identify the drive bay where you will mount your
drive. Remove bay cover. If necessary, use
mounting rails to install drive in bay.
You can mount your drive in any available bay. You must remove the small panel that
covers the bay that you want to use. Typically, this is done after you have removed
your computer’s cover. The panel can then be popped out by pressing outward lightly
(in some older cases you may have to remove screws that hold the panel in place).
You now need to determine if you must install mounting rails on the sides of your
drive. To do so, insert the drive into the open bay. If the drive fits tightly with little or
no clearance on either side of the drive, you will not have to use mounting rails. The
drive can be mounted directly into your computer.
Caution: Do not mount your drive in your computer using screws other than those
supplied by Plextor. You may damage the drive if you insert screws that
are too long.
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If you must use mounting rails, install them as shown below:
Be sure not to mistake the inner and outer face of
the rail when attaching. The smooth side of the rail
faces away from the drive’s chassis.
There are four holes provided on each side of the drive. To mount an internal drive
in most computers, the rails should be fastened to the lower pair of holes. In some
instances you may need to fasten the rails to the upper set of holes.
You will find that eight screws were supplied with your drive: four chrome screws and
four black screws. Select which screws to use based on which set of holes you use to
attach the mounting rails.
✓ Use the
holes.
✓ Use the
Check the positioning of the rails by sliding the drive into the bay before you connect
any cables.
chrome screws if you use the upper set of mounting
black screws if you use the lower set of mounting holes.
Check Your Jumper Settings
Once you have determined a) the correct set of holes to use to attach mounting rails,
or b) that you don’t have to use mounting rails, you are almost ready to finish your
drive’s installation. Before doing so, however, check your jumper settings one
last time.
If you do not have any SCSI peripherals (e.g., hard disk, scanner, printer, etc.) in your
system other than your CD-ROM drive, you should not change the jumpers from their
factory setting.
If you do have other SCSI peripherals as part of your computer system, you may need
to change the settings of the SCSI ID and Terminator. See Chapters 6 and 7 for
information on how to change these settings.
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Cable Connections
You must make a minimum of two cable connections to your CD-ROM drive. A third
cable connection need be made only if you are using a soundboard in your computer.
The two cable connections that you must make are:
1) SCSI cable
2) power cable
Audio Connector
SCSI Interface Connector
Jumpers
Personal Computer
Power
Pin 1
SCSI Ribbon Cable
SCSI Host Adapter
The SCSI cable you will need is a standard 50-pin flat ribbon cable. If you already
have one other SCSI peripheral (such as a hard disk), and your existing cable has only
two connectors, remove the cable and replace it with a cable with additional
connectors. Connect the SCSI host adapter to a connection on either end of the cable.
Connect the two peripherals to the other two connectors (one at the middle connector
and one at the end of the cable). Refer to Chapter 7 of this manual for setting the
termination of the devices.
CAUTION: It is easy to accidentally plug your SCSI ribbon cable upside down into
both your drive and SCSI interface board. Accordingly, be sure you match
the red stripe along one side of the SCSI cable to pin 1 on the interface
board and pin 1 on the drive (as shown on the next page). Each connector
on the ribbon cable has a ‘‘key’’ in the middle. This key should fit into a
slot in the middle of each connector of the interface board, your UltraPleX
CD-ROM drive, and any other SCSI peripherals. Additionally, ensure
there are no kinks or knicks in the cable and that the length does not
exceed 1.5 meters.
DC Power Supply
Connector
Power Supply
from Personal
Computer
Double-check your work; you must ensure the side of the SCSI cable with
the red stripe is matched to pin 1 on the interface board and on the drive.
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#1
To Pin #1
Either end of the cable may be
connected to either the CD-ROM
drive or to the SCSI interface board
Pin #1
The easiest way to install your SCSI cable is to plug it into the SCSI connector on the
rear panel of the drive before you insert the drive into your computer. Then you can
thread the cable through the front of the open bay you plan to use and back toward
the SCSI interface board. Connect the cable to your SCSI interface board and finish
mounting your drive in the proper position. The drive should slide smoothly into the
bay. If it does not, check for obstructions in the bay and ensure the side rails (if needed)
are attached properly.
You now need to make the power connection. In most computers you will find
additional power connectors that are ready for use. Check the cable running from
your power supply to your hard disk and see if it has extra connectors on it. If so, you
can plug one of these into the power connector found on the rear panel of the
CD-ROM drive.
If you do not find any additional connectors available (either because they were not
supplied, or they are all in use), you will have to buy a ‘‘splitter’’ or a ‘‘Y-connector.’’
These can also be found at most computer stores. If you are in a hurry to get started,
you can probably unplug the power connector from your 5.25" floppy drive (if you
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