User’s Guide
for Echo™ Express SE II
™
Thunderbolt
-to-PCI Express® Card Expansion Chassis
Contents
1 Introduction, System Requirements........................................................................................... 1
2 Echo Express SE II Description.................................................................................................. 2
Echo Express SE II Extererior
Echo Express SE II Inner Assembly
Echo Express SE II Power Adapter
Thunderbolt Connector Lock
3 PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps........................................................................ 5
4 Verify Connections Using System Information............................................................................ 8
Verify the Echo Express SE II is Recognized
Verify the Installed Card is Recognized
5 Tips, General Information, and Known Issues............................................................................. 9
Tips, General Information
Known Issues
6 Specifications, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information...................................... 10
Specifications
Safety Precautions
FCC Compliance
Contacting Customer Service
Visit Our Website
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Chapter 1 – Introduction, System Requirements
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4.646
ECHO EXPRESS SE II
FRONT VIEW
118.01
ECHO EXPRESS SE II
REAR VIEW
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase! The Echo Express SE II is a
Thunderbolt-to-PCI Express card expansion chassis. Through its
PCIe slots, you may connect two expansion cards to any Mac
with a Thunderbolt port to expand its capabilities in ways never
before possible!
While the Echo Express SE II chassis requires no drivers, the
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 Echo Express SE II is available at:
http://sonnettech.com/support/charts/thunderbolt/index.html
®
10.963
278.46
ECHO EXPRESS SE II
SIDE VIEW
System Requirements
The Echo Express SE II requires the following to operate:
• Mac computer with a Thunderbolt port
• Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe cards (see Specifications on page
10 for details), and Thunderbolt-compatible drivers for the card
• Thunderbolt cable (not included; sold separately)
1
Chapter 2 – Echo Express SE II Description
Echo Express SE II Exterior
1 – Power Indicator
This lights when: the Echo Express
SE II 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 II is connected
to another Thunderbolt device
instead of directly to the computer,
any other Thunderbolt devices
connected between the computer and
Echo chassis must also be powered
on before the Echo chassis’ power
indicator will light up.
2 – 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.
3 – 12V DC Socket
Connect the included DC power
adapter between this socket and the
included power cord.
2
Chapter 2 – Echo Express SE II Description
Echo Express SE II Inner Assembly
1 – PCIe Slots
These are x4 electrical (x8 mechanical)
PCIe 2.0 slots. They are also compatible
with PCIe 1.1 and 3.0 cards.
2 – Thunderbolt Interface Card
This is installed into its own slot and
may not be moved to another slot.
3 – Port Access Covers
These cover openings in the chassis
when PCIe slots are unoccupied.
4 – Temperature-Controlled Fan
This provides cooling for the installed
PCIe cards and the chassis’ supporting
Thunderbolt circuitry. It operates at
a whisper when the card is running
cool, and automatically speeds up
in steps as the temperature rises. Do
not block the vent holes on the front,
back, or bottom of the chassis to
prevent overheating.
3
Chapter 2 – Echo Express SE II Description
Echo Express SE II Power Adapter
1 – Power Adapter
Connect this to the Echo Express SE
II 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.
Thunderbolt Connector Lock
This lock secures Thunderbolt connectors
plugged into the Echo Express SE II’s
Thunderbolt ports to prevent accidental
cable disconnection. This lock is not
compatible with optical Thunderbolt
cables.
4
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps
1. Remove the Echo Express SE II chassis from its packaging, and then set
it upside-down on a soft, flat, level surface.
2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove and set aside the four screws
securing 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 II.
3. Flip the Echo chassis over. Place your hand on top of the
outer case. Push the inner assembly into the outer case,
and then gently pull out the inner assembly
(Figure 2). Set aside the outer case.
Figure 1
Outer
Case
4. Turn the inner assembly on its side with the PCIe slots facing up.
Remove and set aside the screw securing a port access cover from the
Echo Express SE II chassis’ inner assembly (Figure 3).
5. Remove and set aside the loose port access cover (Figure 3).
6. Repeat steps 5 and 6 as necessary with the remaining port access
covers to install a second card or double-width card.
Inner
Assembly
Figure 2
Figure 3
5
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps
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 II chassis’ circuit boards and any of its components.
7. Remove a PCIe card from its packaging, handling the card by its edges
and without touching any components or gold connector pins.
8. 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).
9. Secure the card using the screw you removed
previously; do not overtighten the screw
(Figure 4).
10. Repeat steps 7 – 9 with any remaining
cards.
11. Flip the inner assembly back over to its
upright position. Place your hand on
top of the outer case, and then gently
push the inner assembly back into the
outer case (Figure 5).
12. Turn the Echo Express SE II chassis upside-down, and then using the
four screws you removed previously, secure the outer case to the inner
assembly; do not overtighten the screws (Figure 8).
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
6
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps
13. Turn the Echo chassis right-side-up.
14. Connect a Thunderbolt cable between either Thunderbolt port on the
Echo chassis and a Thunderbolt port on your computer (or other
Thunderbolt device in the chain connected to the computer). 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.
15. Using a Phillips screwdriver, secure the Thunderbolt cable(s) to
the Echo Express SE II with the supplied Thunderbolt cable lock
(Figure 7). Note that if you are using an optical Thunderbolt cable,
the supplied Thunderbolt cable lock is not compatible, and you
should skip to the next step.
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 II’s 12V power
socket. Note that the power indicator on the Echo Express SE II chassis
will not light until the computer, and any other Thunderbolt device
connected between it and the Echo chassis, is powered on.
Figure 7
7
Chapter 4 – Verify Connections Using System Information
A – Verify the Echo Express SE II 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 specifications 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 II” (Figure 9).
Support Note: If “Echo Express SE II” is not listed,
disconnect and reconnect the Thunderbolt cable
between the computer and Echo Express SE II. 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 (Fig ure 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 II
expansion chassis requires no drivers, installed cards
require Thunderbolt-compatible drivers to enable their use.
Figure 10
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, Echo Express SE II provides
adequate cooling for the installed cards. Do not operate the Echo
Express SE II with its cover off, and do not block any of the vents!
Otherwise, the cards and chassis’ components may overheat.
Hot Plugging the Echo Express SE II Expansion Chassis
When a certified Thunderbolt-compatible card (used with
Thunderbolt-compatible drivers) is installed in the Echo Express
SE II, 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 II chassis.
There’s No Power Switch and No Need to Unplug the Power
Adapter
Because the Echo Express SE II 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 II 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 10Gbps. 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 to or farther from the computer in the chain.
PCIe CARDS ARE NOT HOT-PLUGGABLE!
Never install a PCIe card into Echo Express SE II 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 up to six Thunderbolt devices total in a daisy
chain, including the Apple Thunderbolt Display.
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.
Some PCIe Cards May Not Fit in Echo Express SE II
Cards installed into Echo Express SE II must be no more than
7.75" (16.76 cm) long.
Adding or Replacing a Card
Shut down the computer, and then disconnect the power adapter
and Thunderbolt cables from the Echo Express SE II before
disassembling the chassis and installing or replacing a card.
FW800 PCIe FireWire® adapter and Sonnet’s Tempo™
9
Chapter 6 – Specifications, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information
Specifications
External Connectors Two Thunderbolt
Power
Expansion Slots x4 electrical (x8 mechanical) PCIe
2.0
PCIe Cards Supported Two half-length (up to 7.75" long),
full-height, single- width x8 PCIe
cards, or one double-width card
plus one single-width card
Compatible PCIe Cards See Sonnet Website:
(www.sonnettech.com)
Power Adapter Input: 100-240V AC 1.6A, 50-60 Hz
Output: 12V@7.0A (80W)
PCIe Card Minimum
25W
Guaranteed Power
Operating Temperatures +32˚ F to +95˚ F
(0˚ C to +35˚ C)
Dimensions WxDxH 6.5 x 11 x 4.6 in.
(16.5 x 27.9 x 11.7 cm)
Weight 3.7 lbs.
(1.7 kg)
RoHS Compliant Yes
Package Contents • Echo Express SE II Chassis
(1)
• Power Adapter
• Power Cord
• Thunderbolt Connector Lock
• User’s Guide
1. Thunderbolt cable required; sold separately
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, 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 the chassis
may result in a malfunction leaving the product inoperable.
Warnings (continued)
• 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.
• 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 II 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 Customer Service
The Sonnet Web site located at www.sonnettech.com has the
most current support information and technical updates. Before
you call Customer Service, please check our Web site for the latest
updates and online support files, and check this User’s Guide for
helpful information.
When you call 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
USA Customers
If further assistance is needed, please contact Sonnet Customer
Service at:
Tel : 1-949-472-2772
(Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Pacific 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
files, 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.
©2013 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-SE2-E-A-100913
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