User’s Guide
for Echo™ Express III-D — Thunderbolt™ 3 Edition
3
Thunderbolt
to PCIe Card Expansion Chassis
Support Note: This document was up to date at the
time of printing. However, changes to the hardware or
software may have occurred since then. Please check the Sonnet
website for the latest documentation.
1. Go to www.sonnettech.com/support/kb/kb.php
2. Click the Thunderbolt Product link.
3. Click the Echo Express III-D – Thunderbolt 3 Edition link, and
then click the Manual link.
4. Click the Echo Express III-D – Thunderbolt 3 Edition User’s Guide
[English] link and then check the Document Version information.
If the version listed is later than this document (revision F), click
the Download Now button for the latest version.
Contents
1 Introduction and System Requirements 1
Introduction
Mac Compatibility
Windows Compatibility
Linux Compatibility
System Requirements
Preparing to Use the Echo Express Chassis With a Mac Computer
Preparing to Use the Echo Express Chassis With a Windows Computer
Preparing to Use the Echo Express Chassis With a Linux Computer
2 Echo Express III-D – Thunderbolt 3 Edition (T3E) Description 2
Exterior
Outer Case
Inner Assembly
Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cable
Thunderbolt 3 Connector Retainer Clip
3 PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps 4
4 Complete Setup and Configuration 7
Setup and Configuration Steps—Mac Users
Setup and Configuration Steps—Windows Users
5 Tips, General Information, and Known Issues 9
Tips, General Information
Known Issues
6 Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information 10
Safety Precautions
Warnings
FCC Compliance
Contacting Customer Service
Visit Our Website
A BNC Connector Installation Steps A
Chapter 1 – Introduction and System Requirements
ECHO EXPRESS III-D
ECHO EXPRESS III-D
405.1
15.95
258.5
10.18
97.1
3.82
ECHO EXPRESS III-D SIDE VIEW
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase! The Echo Express III-D –
Thunderbolt 3 Edition (T3E) is a Thunderbolt 3 expansion system
for PCIe cards. Through its PCIe slots, you may connect three
non-GPU adapter cards to any computer with Thunderbolt 3 ports
to expand its capabilities and add connectivity beyond what’s
offered through its native ports.
Mac® Compatibility
• Macs with Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Macs with Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt ports via an Apple
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter plus
Thunderbolt cable (both sold separately)
®
• macOS
• macOS Mojave compatible
10.12.6+
Windows® Compatibility
• PCs with Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Windows 10 (64-bit Edition Version 1809 or greater)
Important Note: Windows computers require the latest BIOS
and Thunderbolt drivers to support this product. Check with
your computer manufacturer for update information.
Linux® Compatibility
• Linux computer with Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Linux Kernel 5.0+
System Requirements
While Echo Express expansion systems requires no drivers,
most expansion cards you install do; Thunderbolt-compatible
drivers to enable them to work properly through the Thunderbolt
interface are required. More information on which cards are
compatible with the Echo Express III-D T3E is available at:
https://sonnettech.com/support
Preparing to Use the Echo Express Chassis With a
Mac Computer
The drivers required to support the Echo Express chassis are
installed as part of macOS; there are no preparation steps beyond
updating your computer to macOS 10.12.6 or newer.
Preparing to Use the Echo Express Chassis With a
Windows Computer
1. Update Windows. You must use Windows 10, 64-Bit Ver sion
1809 or newer. To check the version number, type winver in
the search bar and click enter.
2. Update your computer’s BIOS to the latest version. If you
need help updating your BIOS, contact your computer
manufacturer.
3. Update your Thunderbolt Bus Driver to the latest version;
you will need version 16.3.61.275 or newer. To check
your driver version, go to Settings:Apps:Thunderbolt(TM)
Software and you will see the version number. If it is not
16.3.61.275 or newer, then you need to update it. Check with
your computer manufacturer for an update.
Preparing to Use the Echo Express Chassis With a
Linux Computer
The drivers required to support the Echo Express chassis are
installed as part of Linux Kernel 5.0 and later; there are no
preparation steps beyond updating your computer to Linux Kernel
5.0 or later.
1
Chapter 2 – Echo Express III-D – Thunderbolt 3 Edition (T3E) Description
1 – Power Indicator LED
This indicator lights when the Echo Express III-D T3E is
powered, the Thunderbolt cable between the chassis and your
computer is plugged in securely, and the computer powered
on. Note that if the Echo chassis is connected to another
Thunderbolt device instead of directly to the computer, any
other Thunderbolt device connected between the computer
and Echo chassis must also be powered on before the Echo
chassis’ power indicator will light up.
2 – BNC Connector Mounting Holes
These accommodate the installation of BNC connectors
like those used for HD/SDI output for the RED ROCKET-X
transcoding card, or for MADI and word clock input and
output from cards like RME’s HDSPe MADI FX.
3 – Power Input Socket
Connect the included AC power cable here.
4 – Threaded Nuts for ThunderLok 3
Attach the included Thunderbolt connector retainer clip here.
Also compatible with ThunderLok 3L.
5 – Thunderbolt Ports
Connect the included Thunderbolt cable, or comparable
Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable, between either port and your
computer’s Thunderbolt port (or other Thunderbolt device in
the chain connected to the computer).
The second port may be used to connect to another
Thunderbolt peripheral device, display(s), or USB device
(when connected with the proper cable).
2
Chapter 2 – Echo Express III-D – Thunderbolt 3 Edition (T3E) Description
Outer Case
Temperature-Controlled Fans
These provide cooling for the installed PCIe cards and
the chassis’ supporting Thunderbolt circuitry. They
operate at a whisper when the cards are running cool,
and automatically speed up in steps as the temperature
rises. Do not block the fans or the vent holes on the
front or back of the chassis to prevent overheating.
Inner Assembly
1 – PCIe Card Bracket Locking Plate
This secures installed PCIe cards and port access
covers in place.
2 – Port Access Covers
These cover openings in the chassis when PCIe
slots are unoccupied.
3 – Slot 1
This is an x8 electrical (x8 mechanical) PCIe 3.0 slot.
It is also compatible with PCIe 2.0 and 1.1 cards.
4 – Slot 2
This is an x8 electrical (x16 mechanical) PCIe 3.0
slot. It is also compatible with PCIe 2.0 and 1.1
cards.
5 – Slot 3
This is an x4 electrical (x8 mechanical) PCIe 3.0 slot.
It is also compatible with PCIe 2.0 and 1.1 cards.
6 – Thunderbolt Interface Card
This card is installed in its own slot and may not be
moved to another slot.
7 – 6-Pin Auxilliary Power Connector
Plugged into this connector is the auxiliary power
cable for cards requiring extra power.
8 – PCIe Card Guides
When installing full-length cards, use these to
support and secure the cards.
9 – Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cable
Connect this cable between the Echo chassis and
your computer (or other Thunderbolt device in the
chain connected to the computer). Connecting the
Echo chassis to a computer port marked with the
USB icon (
10– Thunderbolt 3 Connector Retainer Clip
This clip secures the Thunderbolt 3 connector
plugged into one of the Echo chassis’ Thunderbolt
3 ports to prevent accidental cable disconnection.
This clip is compatible with Sonnet 0.5- and 0.7meter Thunderbolt 3 cables, but not with Sonnet
1- or 2-meter Thunderbolt 3 cables.
) is NOT supported.
3
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps
1. Remove the Echo Express III-D – Thunderbolt 3 Edition (T3E) from its
packaging, and then set it on a flat, level surface.
2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove and set aside the four screws
securing the back of the outer case to the inner assembly (Figure 1).
3. Turn the Echo chassis on its side.
4. Remove and set aside the four screws securing the bottom of the
outer case to the inner assembly (Figure 1).
5. Tilt the Echo chassis upright.
6. Grasping the outer case with one hand, push
the inner assembly through the outer case, and
then gently pull out the inner assembly
(Figure 1). Set aside the outer case.
Figure 1
Support Note: To avoid damaging components due to static
electricity discharge, wear an antistatic wrist strap while working
inside the Echo Express chassis.
7. Loosen all three thumbscrews of the PCIe card bracket locking plate,
and then remove and set the plate aside (Figure 2).
8. Remove and set aside the port access covers (Figure 2).
WARNING: When handling computer products, take care to prevent
components from being damaged by static electricity; avoid working
in carpeted areas. Handle expansion cards only by their edges and avoid
touching connector traces and component pins. Also, avoid touching the
Echo chassis’ circuit boards and any of its components.
9. OPTIONAL STEP: If you are installing a PCIe card which requires
auxiliary power, locate the wire harness connected to the 6-pin
connector indicated in the graphic to the right (Figure 3). Remove
the cable twist tie securing the wire harness, and move the loose
connector aside for later connection. Otherwise, go to the next step.
Slot 1 x8 (x8)
Slot 2 x8 (x16)
Slot 3 x4 (x8)
6-pin connector
Figure 2
Figure 3
4
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps
Support Note: If you are installing an Avid Pro Tools|HDX PCIe
card, you will need to disconnect the Echo chassis‘ auxiliary power
wire harness plugged into the 6-pin connector indicated in Figure 3, and
then replace it with the one included with the Avid card.
10. OPTIONAL STEP: If you are installing BNC connectors into the
chassis’ mounting holes, skip to the appendix at the end of this
document for instructions. Otherwise, go to the next step.
11. Remove a PCIe card from its packaging, handling the card by its edges
and without touching any components or gold connector pins.
Support Note: If you are installing a x8 PCIe 1.1 card like the
original RED ROCKET (not RED ROCKET-X) or cer tain 10 Gigabit
Ethernet cards, installing it into slot 3 may result in reduced performance.
We recommend you install it into either slot 1 or 2 for best per formance.
12. Line up the card’s connector with the slot, and then gently but firmly
press the card straight into the slot; do not rock the card or force the
card into the slot. If you encounter excessive resistance, check the
card’s connector and the slot for damage, and then try inserting the
card again (Figure 4).
Figure 4
13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 as necessary with any remaining cards.
14. If you installed a card which requires auxiliary power, connect the
auxiliary power connector to it now. If you installed cables with BNC
connectors into the chassis, connect them to the card you
installed.
15. If there are any unoccupied slots, install the port
access covers you removed previously (Figure 4).
16. Secure the cards and port access covers using the
previously-removed PCIe card bracket locking plate
(Figure 4).
17. Grasping the outer case, gently push the inner
assembly back inside, and then secure the outer case
to the inner assembly using the eight screws you
removed previously; do not overtighten the screws
(Figure 5).
Figure 5
5
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps
Support Note: Sonnet’s ThunderLok™ 3 Thunderbolt connector
retainer clip secures the included Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable to
the Echo chassis to prevent accidental disconnects. This clip is compatible
with Sonnet 0.5- and 0.7-meter Thunderbolt 3 cables, but not with Sonnet
1- or 2-meter Thunderbolt 3 cables.
To attach the clip to the cable, remove both items from their packaging, and
then insert the connector through the connector clip as shown (Figure 6).
Note that the connector will pass all the way through the clip; when you
connect the cable to the chassis, the clip will secure the connector.
18. Connect the included Thunderbolt 3 cable (or a comparable
Thunderbolt 3 [40Gbps] cable) between the Thunderbolt 3 port on
the Echo chassis and a Thunderbolt 3 port on your computer, or
other Thunderbolt device in the chain connected to the computer
(Figure 7). Note that cables or ports marked with the USB icon
(
) are NOT compatible. Secure the retainer clip to the chassis if
you attached it. If you are daisy chaining additional Thunderbolt
devices, connect another Thunderbolt cable between the downstream
device and the open Thunderbolt port on the Echo chassis.
Figure 6
19. Connect interface cables between devices, PCIe cards, and computer
as necessary.
20. Connect the included power cord between a wall outlet or power strip
and the Echo chassis’ power socket. Note that the Echo Express III-D
T3E‘s power indicator will not light until the computer and any other
Thunderbolt device connected between it and the Echo chassis is
powered on.
Figure 7
6
Chapter 4 – Complete Setup and Configuration
SETUP AND CONFIGURATION STEPS—MAC USERS
This page instructs Mac users how to verify the Echo
chassis and installed cards are recognized by the computer;
Windows users should skip to the next page.
A – Confirm the Echo Express III-D T3E Chassis is
Recognized
1. With the Echo chassis powered and connected to the
computer, turn on the computer. Note that if there are
any other Thunderbolt devices connected between the
Sonnet chassis and your computer, they must also be
powered for you to perform the following steps.
2. Press and hold down the Option key, and then from
the Apple menu, select System Information; a System
Information window will open.
3. In the System Information window, click Thunderbolt
under the Hardware header in the left column
(Figure 8).
4. In the top right column under the Thunderbolt Device
Tree header, you will see Thunderbolt Bus, and then
“Echo Express III TB3” (Figure 8).
Support Note: If “Echo Express III TB3” is not listed,
disconnect and reconnect the Thunderbolt cable
between the computer and Echo chassis. Note that it is not
necessary to shut down the computer before disconnecting
and reconnecting the cable, so long as the installed card is
Thunderbolt-compatible.
B – Confirm the Installed Cards are Recognized
1. In the System Information window click PCI under the
Hardware header in the left column (Figure 9).
2. At the top of the right column, installed cards are listed
(if not, you may to install drivers before the cards are
recognized). Click one of the cards; you should see
“Yes” next to Driver Installed and Tunnel Compatible,
otherwise the card or driver may not be Thunderboltcompatible (Figure 9).
Figure 8
Support Note: While Echo Express chassis don’t
require drivers, installed cards require Thunderbolt-
compatible drivers to enable their use.
C – Install Card Drivers (If Necessary)
1. Launch a web browser, and then go to your card
manufacturer’s website. Download and install the latest
drivers according to the manufacturer’s directions.
2. Restart your computer; your Echo chassis is ready to use!
Figure 9
7
Chapter 4 – Complete Setup and Configuration
SETUP AND CONFIGURATION STEPS—WINDOWS
USERS
A – Confirm the Echo Express III-D T3E Chassis
and Installed Cards Are Recognized
1. With the Echo chassis connected to a power source and
to the computer, turn on the computer. Note that if there
are any other Thunderbolt devices connected between
the Sonnet chassis and your computer, they must also be
powered for you to perform the following steps.
2. When the computer boots for the first time after
you connected the Echo chassis, an Approve New
Thunderbolt™ Devices window appears. From the dropdown menu select Always Connect, and then click OK.
3. Right-click the Windows Start button, and then select
Manage; the Computer Management window appears.
4. In the Computer Management window, click the category
of each card type you installed to expand the listing; a
generic adapter listing will appear. After their drivers are
installed, the listings will change to display the names of
the installed cards.
B – Install Card Drivers, If Necessary
1. Launch a web browser, and then go to your card
manufacturer’s website. Download and install the latest
drivers according to the manufacturer’s directions.
2. Restart your computer; your Echo chassis is ready to use!
8
Chapter 5 – Tips, General Information, and Known Issues
TIPS, GENERAL INFORMATION
Keeping the Cards Cool
With its optimized airflow design and temperature-controlled fan
providing cooling at all times, the Echo Express chassis provides
adequate cooling for the installed cards. Do not operate the Echo
chassis with its cover off, and do not block any of the vents! Otherwise,
the installed cards and Echo chassis’ components may overheat.
Hot Plugging the Echo Express Chassis
When certified Thunderbolt-compatible cards (used with
Thunderbolt-compatible drivers) are installed in the Echo chassis,
you may connect and disconnect the chassis while the computer
is on. Of course, if you have anything connected to the cards,
such as storage devices, cameras, etc., follow proper procedures for
disconnecting those devices before unplugging the Echo chassis.
There’s No Need to Unplug the Power Adapter
Because an Echo Express chassis automatically powers on and
off with the computer to which it’s connected, there’s no power
switch, nor is there any need to disconnect the power adapter or
power cable under normal use.
Power Indicator LED Operation
The chassis automatically powers on and off with the computer
to which it’s connected, and its power indicator only lights when
the computer is on and turns off when the computer is sleeping
or powered off.
Connecting Additional Thunderbolt 3 Peripheral Devices
The Echo Express chassis includes two Thunderbolt 3 ports;
the first is reserved for connection to your computer, while
the second supports daisy-chaining of up to five additional
Thunderbolt peripheral devices.
Using Expansion Cards Without Installing Drivers
Some Thunderbolt-compatible expansion cards, like Sonnet’s
™
Allegro
operating system) drivers, and are ready to use out of the box.
Replacing a Card After Initial Installation
Shut down the computer, and then disconnect the power cable
and Thunderbolt cables from the Echo Express III-D T3E before
opening the chassis and replacing the card.
PCIe CARDS ARE NOT HOT-PLUGGABLE!
Never install a PCIe card into the Echo chassis while it is
connected to a computer or power outlet! If you do, you risk
injury, and damage to the card, chassis, and computer.
Pro USB 3.1 PCIe cards, use inbox (built into the
Using the Echo Chassis to Charge Your Notebook Computer
or Laptop Computer With Thunderbolt 3
®
Apple
MacBook Air® and MacBook Pro®, and some PC laptop
computers with Thunderbolt 3 may be charged slowly via the Echo
chassis’ Thunderbolt 3 port (via 15W Power Delivery). Computers
with Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt ports cannot be charged via
Thunderbolt.
How to Identify Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cables
Look for the Thunderbolt icon (
) AND the number 3 on
the connector housings to identify these cables. Cables with
USB-C connectors that only have the Thunderbolt icon without
the number 3 may only support 20Gbps speeds, and are not
recommended for PCIe cards with high bandwidth requirements.
Cables marked with the USB icon (
) are NOT compatible for
connecting the Echo chassis to the computer.
KNOWN ISSUES
Not All Computers’ Thunderbolt 3 Performance is Equal
While this product features a 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interface,
some computers equipped with Thunderbolt 3 use an
implementation of Thunderbolt 3 that limits PCIe performance
to 20Gbps. Mid-2017 and earlier 13-inch MacBook Pro computers
with four Thunderbolt 3 ports have this limitation in the two
right-hand Thunderbolt 3 ports, while offering full performance
from the left-hand ports.
Not all PCIe Cards Will Perform at 100 %
Thunderbolt 3’s PCIe bandwidth is limited to 40Gbps. While
most cards will operate at full performance, some may not due
to the fact they require more bandwidth than Thunderbolt 3 is
capable of supporting.
Not All Thunderbolt 3 Cables Deliver Full Performance
Full performance from the Echo chassis requires the use of the
included Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable (which also supports up
to 100W power delivery), or a comparable Thunderbolt 3 cable.
When shopping for a Thunderbolt 3 cable, please be aware that
some support only lower data transfer speeds (20Gbps) and/or
power delivery capabilities.
Operating System (OS) Updates May Break Compatibility
Specific device drivers that work under one OS version may not work
under a later version. Before updating your computer to the latest
OS, we recommend that you contact Sonnet or your PCIe card’s
manufacturer to verify that the existing drivers work. Note
that other software updates for the computer may also break
compatibility.
Echo Express III-D T3E Provides Upstream Power
The Echo chassis can provide up to 15 watts to bus-powered
Thunderbolt 3 peripheral devices, enabling them to operate
without connecting an additional power adapter.
Some Devices’ Performance May be Affected by Where They
Are Connected in a Thunderbolt Chain
However small, Thunderbolt introduces latency to a device chain.
If you expand with additional Thunderbolt expansion chassis,
you may need to experiment with which cards work better in
chassis closer to or farther from the computer in the chain.
9
Chapter 6 – Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information
SAFET Y PRECAUTIONS
Please read this section carefully before proceeding. These
precautions explain the correct and safe use of this device,
thereby helping to prevent injury to you or others, and also help
you to minimize the risk of damaging the device.
Warnings
Always follow the basic warnings listed here to avoid the risk of
serious injury or death from electrical shock, short-circuiting, fire,
and other hazards. These warnings include, but are not limited to:
• Do not attempt to modify the enclosure. If this device appears
to be malfunctioning, contact your reseller or local distributor.
• Do not drop the chassis; dropping or mishandling chassis may
result in a malfunction leaving the product inoperable.
• Do not insert your fingers or foreign objects inside the slot(s).
• Do not expose the device to rain, use it near water or containers
that contain liquids which might spill into any openings, or in
damp or wet conditions.
• If unusual smells, sounds, or smoke come from the device, or if
liquids enter it, unplug it from the electrical outlet immediately.
• Follow the instructions in this manual carefully; contact your
reseller or local distributor for additional advice not covered in
this User’s Guide.
Contacting Customer Service
The Sonnet Web site located at www.sonnettech.com has the
most current support information and technical updates. Before
contacting Customer Service, please check our Web site for the
latest updates and online support files, and check this User’s
Guide for helpful information.
Email support requests generally receive the fastest responses, and
are usually processed within a 24-hour period during normal
business hours, excluding holidays. When you contact Customer
Service, have the following information available so the customer
service staff can better assist you:
• Product name
• Date and place of purchase
• Computer model
• PCIe card models
• Operating system version
• Software/firmware versions
• A System Report (macOS) or a Microsoft System Information
MSINFO32 (Windows) report (Windows), along with a
description of the issue(s) you are encountering with your
device
If further assistance is needed, please contact us at:
USA, Canada, or Mexico Customers
Please contact Sonnet Customer Service at:
E-mail: support@sonnettech.com
Tel : 1-949-472-2772
(Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific Time)
FCC Compliance
Echo Express III complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not
cause harmful interference, AND this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
For Customers Outside North America
For support on this product, contact your reseller or local
distributor.
Visit Our Web Site
For the most current product information and online support files,
visit the Sonnet Web site at www.sonnettech.com. Remember to
register your product online at https://registration.sonnettech.com
to be informed of future upgrades and product releases.
©2019 Sonnet Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Sonnet, the Sonnet logotype, Allegro, and Echo are trademarks of Sonnet Technologies, Inc. Mac, the Mac logo, MacBook
Air, MacBook Pro, and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. Thunderbolt 3 and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of
Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Product specifications subject to change without notice.
UG-ECHO-EXP3FD-TB3-E-F-100219
Appendix A – BNC Connector Installation Steps
1. Remove and set aside the two screws securing the Thunderbolt
interface card to the inner assembly (Figure A-1).
2. Gently push down on the edge of the card to disengage the card from
its slot (Figure A-1) .
3. Grasping the card by its edges, rotate the bracket out of the inner
assembly, and then pull out the card (Figure A-2). Set aside the
Thunderbolt interface card on flat surface, component side down.
Figure A-1
4. Insert the BNC cables through the BNC connector mounting holes in
the inner assembly (Figure A-3). Route the cables out over the top of
the PCIe slot riser card.
5. Slide the connector nuts over the BNC cables, and then secure the
connectors to the inner assembly (Figure A-3).
Figure A-2
Figure A-3
A
Appendix A – BNC Connector Installation Steps
6. Grasping the Thunderbolt interface card by its edges, insert the card
back into the inner assembly (Figure A-4).
7. Line up the card’s connector with the slot, and then gently but firmly
press the card straight into the slot; do not rock the card or force the
card into the slot. If you encounter excessive resistance, check the
card’s connector and the slot for damage, and then try inserting the
card again (Figure A-5).
Figure A-4
8. Using the two screws you removed previously, secure the Thunderbolt
interface card to the inner assembly; do not overtighten the screws
(Figure A-5).
9. Return to step 11 on page 5 to complete the PCIe card and chassis
setup steps.
Figure A-5
B
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