User’s Guide
for Echo™ Express SE
™
Thunderbolt
Expansion Chassis for PCIe Cards
Contents
1 Introduction, System Requirements........................................................................................... 1
2 Echo Express SE Description..................................................................................................... 2
Echo Express SE Extererior
Echo Express SE Inner Assembly
Echo Express SE Power Adapter
3 PCIe Card Installation Steps.................................................................................................... 4
4 Verify Connections Using System Information............................................................................ 7
Verify the Echo Express SE is Recognized
Verify the Installed Card is Recognized
5 Tips, General Information, and Known Issues............................................................................. 8
Tips, General Information
Known Issues
6 Specifications, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information........................................ 9
Specifications
Safety Precautions
FCC Compliance
Contacting Customer Service
Visit Our Website
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Chapter 1 – Introduction, System Requirements
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase! The Echo Express SE is a
Thunderbolt expansion system for PCIe cards. Through its PCIe
slot, you may connect an expansion card to your iMac
mini, MacBook
®
Air, or MacBook Pro to expand its capabilities in
ways never before possible!
While the Echo Express SE chassis requires no drivers, the
expansion card you install does; Thunderbolt-compatible drivers
to enable it to work properly through the Thunderbolt interface
are required. More information on what cards are compatible
with Echo Express SE is available at:
http://sonnettech.com/support/charts/thunderbolt/index.html
®
, Mac®
System Requirements
The Echo Express requires the following to operate:
• Mac computer with a Thunderbolt port
• OS X 10.6.8 or later
• Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe card (see Specications on page 9
for details), and Thunderbolt-compatible drivers for the card
• Thunderbolt cable (not included; sold separately)
1
Chapter 2 – Echo Express SE Description
Echo Express SE Exterior
1 – Power Indicator
This indicator lights when the Echo Express SE is powered,
the Thunderbolt cable between Echo Express and your
computer is plugged in securely, and the computer powered
on. Note that if the Echo Express SE 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 – 12VDC Socket
Connect the included DC power adapter between this socket
and the included power cord
3 – Thunderbolt Ports
Connect a Thunderbolt cable between either of these ports
and your computer’s Thunderbolt port; the open port may be
used to connect another Thunderbolt device
2
Chapter 2 – Echo Express SE Description
Echo Express SE Inner Assembly
1 – PCIe Slot
This slot accepts up to an x8
mechanical, half-length (up to 6.6"
long), full- height, single-width PCIe
2.0 card, and also supports PCIe 1.1
cards
2 – Fan
The temperature-controlled fan
provides cooling for the installed
PCIe card and the chassis’ supporting
Thunderbolt circuitry. It operates at
a whisper when the card is running
cool, and speeds up when the
temperature rises. Do not block the
vent holes on the front or back of the
chassis to prevent overheating
Echo Express SE Power Adapter
1 – Power Adapter
Connect this to the Echo Express SE
chassis’ power port. Note that the
power indicator on top lights when
the adapter is connected to AC power
2 – Power Cord
Connect this between a power outlet
and the power adapter. Note that
the power cord included with your
product may appear different than
the one pictured here, depending on
where the product was purchased
3
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation Steps
1. Remove the Echo Express SE chassis from its packaging, and then set it
upside-down on a soft, flat, level surface.
2. Remove and set aside the two screws securing the bottom of
the outer case to the inner assembly (Figure 1).
Support Note: To avoid damaging components
due to static electricity discharge, wear an antistatic
wrist strap while working inside Echo Express SE.
3. Turn the Echo Express SE chassis right-side-up, with the back facing
you (Figure 2).
4. Remove and set aside the two screws securing the
back edge of the outer case to the inner
assembly (Figure 2).
5. Without squeezing it, place your hand on top of the
outer case. Remove the inner assembly by gently
grasping its faceplate by the edges and
pulling (Figure 3). Set aside the outer
case.
Inner
Assembly
Figure 1
Figure 2
Outer
Case
Figure 3
4
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation Steps
6. Remove and set aside the screw used to secure a PCIe card from the
Echo Express SE chassis’ inner assembly (Figure 4).
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 Express SE chassis’ circuit boards
and any of its components.
7. Remove the PCIe card from its packaging, handling the card by its
edges and without touching any components or gold connector pins.
8. Holding the card with the bracket on the left and the
connector pins facing away from you, line up its
connector with the slot, and then gently
but rmly 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 5).
9. Secure the card using the screw you removed
previously; do not overtighten the screw (Figure 5).
10. Without squeezing it, place your hand on top of
the outer case. Gently push the inner assembly
back into the outer case (Figure 6).
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
5
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation Steps
11. Using two of the screws you removed previously, secure the back
edge of the Echo Express SE’s outer case to its inner assembly;
do not overtighten the screws (Figure 7).
12. Turn the Echo Express SE chassis upside-down, and then using the
remaining two screws you removed previously, secure the bottom of
the outer case to the inner assembly; do not overtighten the screws
(Figure 8).
Figure 7
13. Turn the Echo Express SE right-side-up.
14. Connect a Thunderbolt cable between either
Thunderbolt port on the Echo chassis and a
Thunderbolt port on the computer (or other
Thunderbolt device in the chain connected to the
computer).
15. Connect the included power cord between a wall outlet or
power strip and the power adapter; verify the connector is plugged in
securely. Note that the power adapter’s power indicator will light at this
time.
16. Connect the power adapter cable to the Echo Express SE’s 12V power
socket. Note that the power indicator on the Echo Express SE chassis
will not light until the computer, and any other Thunderbolt device
connected between it and the Echo chassis, is powered on.
Figure 8
6
Chapter 4 – Verify Connections Using System Information
A – Verify the Echo Express SE is Recognized
1. With the Echo chassis powered and connected to the
computer, turn on the computer.
2. From the Apple menu, select About This Mac; the
System Information application will launch.
3. When the About This Mac window opens, click More
Info; a summary of specications will appear.
4. Click System Report; a full report window will appear.
5. In the System Information window, click Thunderbolt
under the Hardware header in the left column
(Figure 9).
6. In the top right column under the Thunderbolt Device
Tree header, you will see the computer, followed by
“Echo Express SE” (Figure 9).
Support Note: If you do not see “Echo Express SE”
listed, disconnect and reconnect the Thunderbolt
cable between the computer and Echo Express SE. 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.
Figure 9
B – Verify the Installed Card is Recognized
1. Click PCI Cards under the Hardware header in the left
column (Figure 10).
3. At the top of the right column, the installed card is
listed. By selecting the card, detailed information is
listed. You should see “Yes” next to Driver Installed and
Tunnel Compatible, otherwise the card or driver may
not be Thunderbolt compatible (Figure 10 ).
Support Note: While the Echo Express SE expansion
chassis requires no drivers, the installed card requires
Thunderbolt-compatible drivers to enable its use.
Figure 10
7
Chapter 5 – Tips, General Information, and Known Issues
TIPS, GENERAL INFORMATION
Keeping the Card Cool
With its optimized airflow design and temperature-controlled fan
providing cooling at all times, Echo Express SE provides adequate
cooling for most cards. Do not operate the Echo Express SE with its
cover off, and do not block any of the vents! Otherwise, the installed
card and Echo Express SE’s components may overheat
Hot Plugging the Echo Express SE Expansion Chassis
When a certied Thunderbolt-compatible card (used with
Thunderbolt-compatible drivers) is installed in the Echo Express
SE, you may connect and disconnect the chassis while the
computer is on. Of course, if you have anything connected to
the card, such as storage devices, cameras, etc., follow proper
procedures for disconnecting those devices before unplugging
the Echo Express SE chassis
There’s No Power Switch and No Need to Unplug the Power
Adapter
Because Echo Express SE 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 cable under
normal use
Power Indicator Operation
Because the Echo Express SE chassis automatically powers on and
off with the computer to which it’s connected, its power indicator
only lights when the computer is on, and turns off when
the computer is sleeping or powered off. Note that the power
adapter’s power indicator remains lit as long as it is connected to
a live power outlet
KNOWN ISSUES
Not all PCIe Cards Will Perform at 100%
Thunderbolt’s PCIe bandwidth is limited to 10 Gb/s. While many
cards will operate at full performance, some may not due to the
fact they require more bandwidth than Thunderbolt is capable of
delivering
OS X Updates May Break Compatibility
Specific device drivers that work under one version of OS X
may not work under a later version. Before updating to the
latest OS, we recommend that you contact your PCIe card’s
manufacturer to verify that the existing drivers work. Note
that other software updates for the computer may also break
compatibility
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 or farther to the Mac mini in the chain
PCIe CARDS ARE NOT HOT-PLUGGABLE!
Never install a PCIe card into Echo Express SE while it is
connected to a computer or power outlet! If you do, you risk
injury, and damage to the card, chassis, and computer
Connecting Additional Thunderbolt Devices
You may connect the Echo Express SE plus up to ve additional
Thunderbolt devices, including the Apple Thunderbolt Display, in
a daisy chain connected to the computer
Using Expansion Cards Without Drivers
Some Thunderbolt-compatible expansion cards, like Sonnet’s
™
Allegro
SATA Pro 6Gb eSATA cards, use drivers built into the OS.
Cards listed as Thunderbolt-compatible, but stating “no drivers
required” fall into this category
Some PCIe Cards May Not Fit in Echo Express SE
Cards installed into Echo Express SE must be no more than 6.6
inches (16.76 cm) long
Replacing a Card
Shut down the computer, and then disconnect the power
adapter and Thunderbolt cables from the Echo Express SE before
disassembling the chassis and replacing the card
FW800 PCIe FireWire® adapter and Sonnet’s Tempo™
8
Chapter 6 – Specifications, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information
Specifications
External Connectors Two Thunderbolt
Power
Expansion Slot x 8
PCIe Card Support Half-length, full-height, single-
Compatible PCIe Cards See Sonnet Website:
Power Adapter Input: 100-240V AC 1.6A, 50-60 Hz
PCIe Card Minimum
Guaranteed Power
Operating Temperatures +32˚ F to +95˚ F
Dimensions WxDxH 5.7 x 8.8 x 2.9 in.
Weight 2.4 lbs.
RoHS Compliant Yes
Package Contents • Echo Express SE Chassis
1. Slot will physically accommodate an x8 PCIe card; however, the actual electrical
bandwidth of Thunderbolt is x4.
2. T hunderbolt cable required; available at the Apple Store and your reseller
(1)
10 Gb/s PCIe 2.0
width x8 PCIe card
(www.sonnettech.com)
Output: 12V@ 5.0A (60W)
25W
(0˚ C to +35˚ C)
(14.5 x 22.3 x 7.4 cm)
(1.1 kg)
• Power Adapter
• Power Cord
• User’s Guide
(2)
SAFETY 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, re,
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
Warnings (continued)
• Follow the instructions in this manual carefully; contact your
reseller or local distributor for additional advice not covered in
this User’s Guide
FCC Compliance
Echo Express SE 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.
Contacting Sonnet Customer Service
USA Customers
The Sonnet Web site located at www.sonnettech.com has the
most current support information and technical updates. Before
you call Sonnet Customer Service, please check our Web site for
the latest updates and online support les, and check this User’s
Guide for helpful information. When you call Sonnet Customer
Service, have the following information available so our customer
service staff can better assist you:
• Product name
• Date and place of purchase
• Computer model
• PCIe card model
• Operating system version
• Software/rmware versions
If further assistance is needed, please contact Sonnet Customer
Service at:
Tel : 1-949-472-2772
(Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Pacic Time)
E-mail: support@sonnettech.com
For Customers Outside the USA
For support on this product, contact your reseller or local
distributor.
Visit Our Web Site
For the most current product information and online support
les, visit the Sonnet Web site at www.sonnettech.com/support/.
Register your product online at http://registration.sonnettech.com
to be informed of future upgrades and product releases.
• Do not drop the chassis; dropping or mishandling the chassis
may result in a malfunction leaving the product inoperable
• 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, switch it off immediately and unplug it from the
electrical outlet
9
©2012 Sonnet Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Sonnet, the Sonnet logotype, Creativity Stored Here, Simply Fast, the Simply Fast logotype,
Allegro, Echo, and Tempo are trademarks of Sonnet Technologies, Inc. FireWire, iMac, Mac, the Mac logo, MacBook, and OS X are trademarks of Apple
Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. Thunderbolt 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. Printed in the USA.
UG-ECHO-EXP-SE-E-A-080312
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