Rocstor ARCTICROC 4T User Manual
store your future
ARCTICROC 4T
User Manual
4-Bay RAID System
eSATA, 2xFireWire 800, FireWire 400 & USB
Raid 0, Raid 1, Raid 5, Raid 5+Hot-Spare and Raid 0+1
ARCTICROC 4T – 4Bay RIAD System - User Manual
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT NOTICES ............................................................................................................ 4
SAFETY NOTICES .............................................................................................................................. 4
GENERAL NOTICES ............................................................................................................................ 4
CAPACITY DISCLAIMER ...................................................................................................................... 4
CARE AND HANDLING ........................................................................................................................ 4
FCC-B RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT ........................................................... 5
PRECAUTIONS FOR THE RAID SYSTEM………………………………………………………………………..5
GENERAL ............................................................................................................................... 6
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 6
BOX CONTENTS .................................................................................................................... 6
SPECIAL FEATURES ............................................................................................................................ 7
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................... 8
CONNECTORS ........................................................................................................................ 8
SYSTEM VIEWS ...................................................................................................................... 9
INSERTING/REPLACING THE HARD DRIVES IN THE RAID SYSTEM .......................................... 11
CONNECTING THE RAID SYSTEM TO A COMPUTER ............................................................... 17
CONNECTING MULTIPLE DEVICES ...................................................................................................... 19
RAID MODES ....................................................................................................................... 20
RAID MODE COMPARISON LIST ....................................................................................................... 20
RAID 0 (STRIPING) ........................................................................................................................ 21
RAID 1 (MIRRORING) .................................................................................................................... 22
RAID 5 ........................................................................................................................................ 23
RAID 5 + HOTSPARE ...................................................................................................................... 24
RAID 0+1 .................................................................................................................................... 25
SETTING/CHANGING THE RAID MODE & NUMBER OF HDDS (MANUALLY) ............................ 26
RAID SWITCH ............................................................................................................................... 28
HD SWITCH .................................................................................................................................. 28
NUMBER OF DISKS SUPPORTING EACH RAID MODE ............................................................................. 29
HDD SLOT NUMBER ....................................................................................................................... 29
LED INDICATORS .................................................................................................................. 30
SAFE REMOVAL OF THE RAID SYSTEM .................................................................................. 31
EXTERNAL BOOTUP ............................................................................................................. 32
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eSATA PCI EXPRESS CARD INSTALLATION ............................................................................. 33
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................. 33
HARDWARE INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................... 33
DRIVER INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................... 33
VERIFY DRIVER INSTALLATION ........................................................................................................... 34
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS CONCERNING RAID SYSTEMS ........................................................ 36
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................. 38
PARTITIONING AND FORMATTING THE ARCTICROC 4-BAY DRIVE ON A MAC OS ................... 39
PARTITIONING AND FORMATTING THE ARCTICROC 4-BAY DRIVE ON A WINDOWS OS .......... 48
KNOWLEDGE BASE .............................................................................................................. 60
INTRODUCTION TO FORMATTING ........................................................................................ 64
LIMITED WARRANTY ........................................................................................................... 66
TECHNICAL SUPPORT ........................................................................................................... 70
TRADEMARKS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................. 71
COPYRIGHTS ........................................................................................................................ 71
CONTACT INFORMATION ..................................................................................................... 72
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IMPORTANT NOTICES
Safety Notices
• The warranty is void if an unauthorized person attempts and/or repairs the hard disk drive.
• Read all Manuals and instructions carefully before using the device.
• Do not spill any liquid or insert any object into the device.
• Use the device within the specifications indicated, including but not limited to: power
requirements, temperature, humidity, sunlight and magnetism from other devices such as
computers and televisions.
• Please visit the Rocstor website, www.rocstor.com for further information concerning
specifications and use of the device.
General Notices
• Consistently make multiple backup copies of your data for your protection. Hard disk drives
are subject to failure at any time.
• Rocstorage, Inc. shall not be held liable for loss of data or the restoration or recovery of
data on the device. Please view complete Limited Warranty Information in this manual or
on the Rocstor website (www.rocstor.com) for further details.
Capacity Disclaimer
Actual accessible hard drive capacity will indicate up to 10% lower than stated under different
Operating Systems and formatting.
The storage volume is measured in total bytes before formatting. References to round
numbers of gigabytes or terabytes are an approximation only. For example, a disk drive labeled
as having 500GB (gigabytes) has space for approximately 500,000,000,000 bytes before
formatting. After formatting, the drive capacity is reduced by about 5% to 10% depending on
the operating system and formatting used.
Care and Handling
The following instructions concern the proper care and handling of the Arcticroc 4-Bay RAID.
Please take a moment to review these instructions.
• As with any storage solution, it is recommended that all data be backed up regularly.
• Ensure that you follow the proper removal procedure to disconnect the RAID.
• Do not move or disconnect this device from your computer while it is reading or writing
data. This may cause damage to the RAID.
• Do not place this device near a heat source or expose it to direct flame.
• Do not place the device near any equipment generating strong electromagnetic fields.
Exposure to strong electromagnetic fields may cause the device to malfunction or data to be
corrupted.
• Do not drop or cause shock to your RAID.
• Do not spill any liquid or insert any object into the device.
• Do not attempt to disassemble and service the Rocpro drive during the warranty period.
• Please read the Safety Notices and Limited Warranty information in this Manual and on the
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Rocstor website (www.rocstor.com) for further details.
FCC-B RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates radio frequency energy, and if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications.
PRECAUTIONS FOR THE RAID SYSTEM
The main circuit board of the RAID System is susceptible to static electricity. Proper
grounding is required to prevent electrical damage to the RAID System unit or other connected
devices, including the host computer. Always place the RAID System unit on a smooth surface
and avoid all dramatic movement, vibration and percussion.
• Do NOT allow water to enter the RAID System unit.
• Installation of additional equipment in the host computer may be required. Visit our
website to download the latest product information updates.
• Do NOT attempt to service this unit yourself. Disassembling the RAID System’s inner parts
will expose you to dangerous voltages or other hazards.
• Do NOT block the ventilation. Proper airflow is required to ensure reliable operation and to
prevent overheating.
• Do unplug the RAID System unit from the electrical outlet when not in use to provide an
ecological friendly environment.
• Use only the power supply cable provided with the RAID System unit.
Please thoroughly read and follow the instructions provided in this manual. Failure to
do so may result in damage to the RAID System, and any or all of the connected
devices.
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GENERAL
Introduction
Arcticroc 4T
4-Bay RAID – 2x FireWire 800 FireWire 400, eSATA and USA
(1.1/2.0)
The new Arcticroc 4-Bay RAID system provides massive storage
capacity and advanced RAID configuration in a compact storage
device. The Arcticroc delivers extraordinary performance and
reliability for both Mac and PC users. Specifically designed for
demanding audio/video professionals, the new Arcticroc
contains fast SATA high capacity 3.5” drives in heat dissipating
aluminum case. Silent fans assure quiet operation while
providing maximum airflow for cooling purposes. The trayless
function with SmartGuider ensures swift and simple hot-swapping.
The RAID Mode Switch permits easy configuration options of RAID 0 (Striping), RAID 1
(Mirroring) RAID 5, RAID 5+HotSpare and RAID+1.
Choose Rocstor drives and store your future.
BOX CONTENTS
• 4-Bay RAID System
• 4 Handles
• USB cable, Type B to A
• 6-pin to6-pin FireWire 400 (1394a) cable
• 9-pin to 9-pin FireWire 800 (1394b) cable - one of these
• eSATA cable
• External Power Supply
• Quick Start Guide
• 4 Spare HDD Screws on back of cover lid
• HDD Screws x 16
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4-bay RAID
4 handles
4 spare HDD screws
provided on back part of
cover lid
USB Type B to
A cable
HDD screws x 16
Quick Start Guide
eSATA cable
FireWire 400 cable FireWire 800 cable
External power supply
Special Features
• Supports current SATA II compliant HDDs, fully backward compatible with SATA 1.0 and
SATA 1.0a compliant HDDs
• Connects flexibly via an eSATA, USB 2.0, 1394a or 1394b port
• Provides RAID 0 (Striping), RAID 1 (Mirroring), RAID 5, RAID 5+HotSpare, and RAID 0+1 for
effective storage management
• Supports automatic rebuild in RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 5+HotSpare, and RAID 0+1
• Configures RAID modes easily using switches, no IT expertise required
• Simplifies RAID management, no software installation required
• Monitors system status via LED indicators
• Prevents over-tightened HDDs with auto-limiting segmented screws
• Features a trayless function with the SmartGuider
TM
and user-friendly design enables
effortless HDD hot-swapping
• Dissipates heat efficiently with aluminum housing
• Maximizes airflow with silent fans and mechanical designs
• Supports hot-plug and HDD hot-swap
• Supports both online and offline rebuild
Any loss, corruption, or destruction of data is the sole responsibility of the user of the
RAID System. Under no circumstances will the manufacturer be held liable for the
recovery or restoration of any data.
SmartGuider
TM
is a trayless device that utilizes the simplicity of a handle and screws.
The integrated handle is attached to the HDD with auto-limiting segmented screws.
Then, the entire setup can be slid into the unit by aligning the screws with the specially
designed guides. This results in flexibility and easy removal and insertion of the HDDs.
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MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Mac Users: Window Users:
Hardware: eSATA* or FireWire* (400 or
800) or USB (1.1 or 2.0) port(s.)
Mac: PowerPC or Intel Core Duo
processor
RAM: 64 MB Mac OS X, 256 RAM OS 10.4
OS: 10.2 or higher (PowerPC)
10.4 or higher (Intel)
Hardware: eSATA* or FireWire* (400 or
800) or USB (1.1 or 2.0) port(s.)
Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows
2000, XP, 2003, or Vista
CPU: 266 MHz (Vista 800 MHz)
RAM: 64 MB (Vista 512 MB)
3.5” SATA compatible hard drive is required for the RAID System unit. Once the HDDs
are formatted, the actual available storage capacity can vary depending on the
selected operating environment (normally 5-10 % less).
* Many computers do not come with factory installed FireWire 800 or eSATA ports. Therefore,
you may need to purchase a PCI, PCI-X or PCI-Express card to use these ports. Rocstor offers a
variety of accessories to work with PC Windows or Mac based Computers. Please visit us at
www.ROCSTOR.com
CONNECTORS
• FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) port x2
• FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) port x1
• USB 2.0 Type B port x1
• eSATA port x1
• DC Power Input
• ON/OFF Power Switch
• RAID Mode Switch
• HD Switch
• Lock Port/Slot
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RAID Mode Switch
SYSTEM VIEWS
Front View
The status indication of each LED indicator is listed under the LED INDICATORS section below.
Rear View
LED Indicators
1
Power
HDD 4
HDD 3
HDD 2
HDD 1
RAID Alert
FireWire 800
2
(2 ports)
3
FireWire 400
USB 2.0 Type B
4
eSATA Port
5
6
HD
RAID
eSATA
DC IN
HD Switch
7
Power Switch
8
DC IN
9
Lock Port / Slot
10
10
HDD Slots
Top & Cover View (Exposed)
FRONT Indicator
11
4 Spare HDD Screws
12
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(indicate HDD 1 through HDD 4)
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INSERTING/REPLACING THE HARD DRIVES IN THE RAID SYSTEM
Place the RAID System with its front view facing you. Position one: hand on the front edge and
one on the back edge of the top lid. Simultaneously, push the lid in the direction away from
you, front to back, using your thumbs.
A “click” sound would indicate the release of the top lid security clasp.
Lift the top lid up to remove and expose the top view (or HDD slots). Take out the handles from
the enclosure itself and locate the HDD screws in the packaging box.
(Fasten the Handles onto the HDDs)
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Place the HDD with the metal cover side facing up and ensure that the interface connectors are
oriented toward your left side.
Connectors
Position the handle to the end, which is facing away from the interface connectors, and align it
with the screw hole openings.
Connectors
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Fasten the handle onto the HDD by inserting and tightening the screws, the left one first, then
the right one.
Right
Left
Now, flip the HDD so it is facing you with the PCBA (Printed Circuit Board) on top and the
unfasten handle side facing you.
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Insert and fasten the screws, the left one first, then the right one.
Right
Left
Finally, conduct a test by sliding the handle to ensure the holes glide smoothly on the screw
guides. Repeat the same procedures for the rest of HDDs.
The auto-limiting segmented screws are designed to prevent the HDDs and/or the
handles from damage due to over-tightening. Furthermore, this design makes the
handle slide easily.
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To insert the HDD, hold the handle when it is in the upward position.
When inserting the HDD on its reverse side, the SmartGuider
TM
System won’t be able to
align and the HDD cannot be inserted.
Align the handle with the guide rails and slide the HDD into the indicated slot. Firmly push
downward until a “thump” sound is heard. Repeat the same procedures for the rest of HDDs.
In most cases, you would need to firmly push the trays to close until a “thump” sound is
heard.
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Place RAID System with its front view facing you and the top lid on. Position one hand on the
front edge and one on the back edge of the top lid. Simultaneously push the lid firmly
downward and toward you, back to front.
A “click” sound indicates the top lid is securely attached.
Now, the RAID System is ready for connection to a computer!
Installing
HDDs OK!
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CONNECTING THE RAID SYSTEM TO A COMPUTER
Complete the following steps to connect the RAID System to a host computer.
The RAID System should only be connected to a host computer via one interface.
Connection of the system to a computer via two or more interfaces simultaneously is
not recommended.
Connect the AC/DC power adapter.
HD
RAID
DC IN
eSATA
Insert both ends of the USB 2.0, eSATA, FireWire 400, or Fire Wire 800 cable(s) into the
corresponding port of the RAID System and the host. Use only ONE connection cable.
HD
RAID
DC IN
eSATA
It is highly recommended to select only one interface to do data transfer.
18
Turn the power switch to the “ON” position.
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ON
HD
RAID
DC IN
eSATA
When connected, the Power LED light will be steady green, and the HDD LED lights will become
white and blink about 15 seconds. If the HDDs are inside the RAID System, the HDD LED lights
will remain steadily white. If there are no HDDs inside the RAID System, the HDD LED lights will
turn OFF after blinking.
You are now ready to begin using your RAID System!
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Ready
to go!
Due to compatibility issues, if you use the eSATA interface to do the data transfer, the
Silicon Image eSATA host controller is highly recommended.
Connecting Multiple Devices
Using FireWire 400 or 800, you can connect other computer hardware or digital devices to your
RAID System. This connection is called “Daisy chain.” Items which may be connected might be
such as digital video camera, another HD or DVD writer. However, you must use the same
interface in order for Daisy Chain to work. The computer will not recognize the different
interfaces if they are all used at the same time. In addition, if a mix of connections is used, the
resulting speed will be limited to the lowest one available.
When only one of the FireWire connectors is plugged in, the other FireWire connector
will be viewed as a “daisy chain” port. When only one of the USB or eSATA connectors
is plugged in, the connector will be viewed as its originate port, either USB or eSATA
respectively.
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RAID MODES
A Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks (RAID) is a system that utilizes
multiple hard drives to share or replicate data among the disks. The benefit, depending on the
selected RAID Mode (combinations of disks), is one or more of the following: increased data
integrity, fault-tolerance, and throughput or capacity when compared to single drives.
Deleting the current partition prior to changing RAID modes is highly recommended.
Using identical HDDs with the same capacity and RPM, and from the same
manufacturer is highly recommended for best capacity utilization.
RAID Mode Comparison List
RAID mode
RAID 0 (Striping)
RAID 1 (Mirroring)
RAID 5
RAID 5 + HotSpare
RAID 0+1
Size Safe Fast
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RAID 0
RAID 0 (Striping)
RAID 0 (Striping) is a performance-oriented, non-redundant data mapping technique. It
combines multiple hard drives into a single logical unit. Instead of seeing several different hard
drives, the operating system sees only one large drive. Striping splits data evenly across two or
more disks simultaneously, dramatically increasing performance.
Striping can be implemented in disks of differing sizes, but the storage space added to the array
by each disk is limited to the size of the smallest disk. Although Striping is an easily
implemented simple configuration, Striping should never be used for mission critical
applications. The speed of operation is excellent in comparison to other RAID modes.
In Striping mode, it is not possible to see the HDDs as more than one unit. If you
choose to insert all 4 HDDs, it will still be viewed as one single storage unit. When you
choose to insert only two HDDs, there is not limitation on the order of HDD insertion or
the slot number.
A1
B1
C1
D1
Disk 1 Disk 2 Disk 3 Disk 4
In Striping mode, if one disk in the RAID System fails, all data in installed disks will be
lost.
When operating under Striping mode, it is not recommended to do HDD Hot Swap. Any
attempt to do so may result in complete loss of all data.
A2
B2
C2
D2
A3
B3
C3
D3
A4
B4
C4
D4
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RAID 1
RAID 1 (Mirroring)
RAID 1 (Mirroring) consists of at least two drives storing duplicate copies of the same data. In
this mode, the data is simultaneously written to two disks. Thus, the storage capacity of a twodisk array is combined into a single disk and the capacity is limited to the size of the smallest
disk. The speed of operation is very slow in comparison to other RAID modes.
During rebuild, the first HDD inserted into one of the HDD slots is recognized by the RAID
System as the source HDD. To rebuild existing data from a source HDD to a backup HDD (target
HDD), the source HDD must first be inserted into one of the HDD slots. After the host detects
the source HDD, the target HDD should then be inserted in one of the other HDD slot. The RAID
System will then recognize the target HDD and the rebuild process will begin when the HDD LED
starts blinking.
In Mirroring mode, only 2 HDDs are allowed for the function to perform properly.
There is no limitation on the order of insertion or the slot number. However, if all 4
HDDs are inserted, the RAID System can only do Mirroring in the HDDs positioned in
HDD 1 and HDD 2. It is not possible to process two sets of HDDs at the same time.
A
B
C
D
Disk 1
In Mirroring mode, if one of the disks fails, either source or backup, the data is still
available. However, if the source disk fails during the rebuild process, the data in both
disks will be lost.
It is NOT recommended to do Hot Swap for the source disk during the rebuild process
because the data in both disks will be lost.
Disk 2
A
B
C
D
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