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Forensic RTX™410-QJ
USER MANUAL
Revised May 17, 2010
Thank you for purchasing WiebeTech’s Forensic RTX410-QJ. Forensic RTX410-QJ features
WiebeTech’s write-blocked technology, quadruple connectivity for each bay, and power/access LEDs all
inside of a tough, durable aluminum frame and lid. The latest feature of Forensic RTX is the new front
panel, with power LEDs for the interface boards as well as HPA/DCO detection on bays 1 and 3.
Whether in the field or in a lab Forensic RTX is a must-have for forensic investigators.
Features
• TrayFree™ technology! Simply slide in a SATA drive and shut the door. Each SATA bay offers a
lock for additional security, and shock protection for longer drive life. All metal bays.
• Copy data from IDE or SATA drives. Bays one (PATA) and three (SATA) are write-blocked. Bays
two and four (SATA) are read/write making it possible to write to SATA drives from the writeblocked drives.
• Quadruple connectivity. Forensic RTX410-QJ comes with all the cables you need to connect to
eSATA, FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB.
• Each hard drive has its own data channel for maximum speed.
• Power and access LEDs let you know status of your hard drives.
• Sturdy aluminum case provides excellent heat dissipation and rugged durability.
• Heavy duty handle allows for easy transport.
• HPA/DCO detection for write-blocked bays.
• Power LEDs for interface boards
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Forensic Device User Advisory
We recommend that you perform a final check on this product.
Prior to first use, please verify that the write-blocking function of this product is working properly. This is
easily done: attach a known good formatted drive, and verify that the drive mounts properly on your
computer. Use a drive that has data on it that you are willing to overwrite. Transfer files to the drive. The
files will appear to transfer to the drive. Thereafter, unmount the drive and remount the drive. The files
that you wrote to the drive should not appear after the drive is remounted. If they do appear, there is a
problem with your forensic device, and you should contact our support department for further instructions.
CRU/WiebeTech support may be reached at:
(866) 744-8722 (toll free)
(316) 744-8722 (international)
(316) 744-1398 (fax)
support@wiebetech.com (email)
Table of Contents
1. Pre-Installation Steps 3
1.1 Forensic RTX410-QJ Accessories 3
1.2 Identifying Parts 3
2. Using Forensic RTX410-QJ 4
2.1 Installing a Host Bus Adapter (HBA) 4
2.2 Jumper Configuration for 3.5-inch IDE/PATA HDD 4
2.3 Installing Hard Drives 4
2.3.1 SATA HDD: 3.5-inch 4
2.3.2 IDE/PATA HDD: 3.5-inch 5
2.3.3 SATA HDD: 2.5-inch 6
2.4 Forensic RTX410-QJ Host Connections 7
2.5 Connecting Forensic RTX410-QJ to your Computer 7
2.6 Daisy Chaining 7
3. Usage with Mac and Windows Operating Systems 7
3.1 Usage with Macintosh Computers 7
3.1.1 Compatibility 7
3.1.2 Using Volumes 7
3.2 Usage with Windows Operating System 8
3.2.1 Compatibility 8
3.2.2 Using Volumes 8
4. HPA/DCO 9
4.1 HPA/DCO Indication 9
4.2 HPA/DCO Mode Setting 9
5. Firmware Updates 10
6. Frequently Asked Questions 10
7. Technical Specifications 11
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Rear View
LED
1. Pre-Installation Steps
1.1 Forensic RTX410-QJ Accessories
Check the accessories with your Forensic RTX410-QJ. Please contact WiebeTech if any parts are
missing or damaged. The box should contain the following items:
1.2 Identifying Parts
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the parts of the Forensic RTX410-QJ. This will help you to
better understand the remaining instructions.
Key lock
Ejection handle
Bays one and three are write-blocked
Bay 1 Write-Block and
HPA/DCO Indication
Bay 3 Write-Block and
HPA/DCO Indication
LED
Front View
Bays two and four are read/write
Accessories Quantity
Forensic RTX410-QJ unit 1
2.5-inch SATA HDD holster 1
eSATA to eSATA cable 4
FireWire 800 to 800 cable 4
FireWire 800 to 400 cable 4
USB cable 4
Power cord 1
Packet of screws and keys 1
Manual and Warranty Information (on CD)
Key lock
Handle
eSATA Port
USB Port
Power
Connection
WARNING: Do not block the ventilation
fan during operation. Overheating may
damage the device or the hard drives.
Close-Up of Panel
8cm Fan
FireWire Ports
Power Supply Fan
Power Switch
Bridge 1 Power LED
Bridge 2 Power LED
Bridge 3 Power LED
Bridge 4 Power LED
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2. Using Forensic RTX410-QJ
2.1 Installing a Host Bus Adapter (HBA)
(Optional) Install a host bus adapter (HBA) with FireWire 800 or eSATA ports
into an empty expansion slot inside your computer. If your computer already
has available FireWire or eSATA ports, or if you would rather use USB, you
can skip this step. Compatible cards are available from WiebeTech
(www.wiebetech.com). The following general steps will work for most cards.
Instructions for individual cards may vary, so consult your card’s user
manual.
a) Power down the computer system.
b) Insert the PCI card into an available PCI slot. Do not force it, but it will take firm pressure to fully
seat the interface. It may help to gently rock the card back and forth as you apply pressure.
c) Once the card is fully seated in the slot, secure it in place with a screw.
d) Turn the computer back on.
2.2 Jumper Configuration for 3.5-inch IDE/PATA HDD
If using a 3.5-inch IDE/PATA drive configure the jumpers on your hard drive. The drive must be set to the
Master setting. Consult the instructions for your drive (some drives display configuration information on
the drive’s label). A few drives have both “Master with Slave Present” and “Master without Slave” options.
Choose the latter in this case. In rare cases, if the Master setting does not work then try Cable Select.
2.3 Installing Hard Drives
2.3.2 SATA HDD: 3.5-inch
For SATA drives simply pull on the ejection
handle and open the door. Then just slide in
your SATA drive and shut the door behind it.
The drive slides in with the label up and the
SATA connection on the drive is the side that
slides in first. For extra security for your hard
drive you can lock the bay, but make sure to
unlock it before pulling on the ejection handle
again.
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(Example)
IDE interface
Jumper
Pins
Power
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2.3.1 IDE/PATA HDD: 3.5-inch
For IDE/PATA drives, pull gently on the handle to slide the tray out. If the tray doesn’t slide out easily, do
not continue to pull on the handle. Check the lock and make sure that the tray is unlocked.
Once the tray is out, remove the tray’s top and bottom coverings with the leverage key. Attach your
IDE/PATA drive to the ribbon cable and to the 4-pin power cable.
Put the drive into the tray and secure it with screws. Set the top and bottom coverings back onto the tray
and put the tray back into the bay of the FRTX. Lock the tray—the tray will not power if left in the
unlocked position—and then move on to the next step.
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Leverage Key
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2.3.3 SATA HDD: 2.5-inch
Open up one of the SATA bays. Slide the 3.5-inch to 2.5-inch converter in with the SATA connection
towards the back and the black grilled top facing up as the picture below shows.
Place the 2.5-inch SATA HDD into the drive slot located on the front of the 3.5-inch to 2.5-inch converter.
When the 2.5-inch drive makes its connection inside of the 3.5-inch to 2.5-inch converter then you can
push the converter all the way inside the TrayFree bay. To uninstall the converter and drive simply pull
on the ejection handle on the TrayFree bay and push the eject button on the 3.5-inch to 2.5-inch
converter. The 2.5-inch SATA drive should eject slightly, just be cautious and hold the converter
horizontal when ejecting a 2.5-inch drive.
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Eject Button
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2.4 Forensic RTX410-QJ Host Connections
Connect the eSATA, FireWire or USB cable from the computer into the port on the Forensic RTX410-QJ.
eSATA USB FireWire 800
2.5 Connecting Forensic RTX410-QJ to your Computer
Plug in the data cables and power cord. The Forensic RTX410-QJ connects to your computer through
FireWire, eSATA or USB. Each drive has its own dedicated connection for maximal data speeds. Plug
one end of each cable to the back of the unit. Insert the other end into an open port on the computer.
FireWire cables
2.6 Daisy Chaining
If daisy-chaining, join all four bays together using three FireWire cables. Connect a fourth FireWire cable
to one of the remaining open FireWire ports on the back of the Forensic RTX. Plug the other end of that
cable into an open FireWire port on the computer. Be sure to label your drives in such a way that you’ll
know which one you’re accessing on the computer.
Your product is now ready to use! Turn on the power switch on the back of the unit. If your target drives
are already formatted, you can begin using them right away. Otherwise you can format them at this time
to prepare them for usage with your computer. For obvious reasons, drives in the write-blocked bays
cannot be formatted.
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3. Usage with Mac and Windows Operating Systems
3.1 Usage with Macintosh Computers
3.1.1 Compatibility
The Forensic RTX410-QJ is Plug-and-Play compatible under OS X. No drivers
are needed. The USB2 port is USB 1.1 compatible.
3.1.2 Using Volumes
If the hard drive attached to the Forensic RTX410-QJ is already formatted, an icon
representing the drive’s volume will appear (mount) on the desktop. You can
begin using the volume right away. If the drive is unformatted and you are using a
write-blocked bay, try moving to a Windows based OS for usage. If you are using
a read/write bay a message will appear on the desktop saying that the disk is
unreadable. You can use OS X’s Disk Utility to easily format the drive.
Eject the volume before powering down the unit by dragging the volume’s icon to
the trash bin, or by selecting the volume then pressing Command-E. Shutting down the unit without first
ejecting the volume can result in data loss.
3.2 Usage with Windows Operating System
3.2.1 Compatibility
The Forensic RTX410-QJ is Plug-and-Play compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7. No
drivers are needed on this operating system. The USB2 port is USB 1.1 compatible.
3.2.2 Using Volumes
If the hard drive attached to the Forensic RTX is already formatted, you can begin using the volume right
away. If the drive is unformatted and you are using a write-blocked bay, try moving to a Mac based OS
for usage. If you are using a read/write bay a message will appear on the desktop saying that the disk is
unreadable. If no window appears, you can find the volume by right-clicking the “My Computer” icon and
going to “Manage.” When “Computer Management” appears you can select “Disk Management” to begin
formatting your volume as NTFS.
Eject the volume before powering down the unit by single-clicking the green arrow
icon on the task bar, then selecting “Safely remove….” Windows will indicate when
it is safe to disconnect the dock. Shutting down the unit without first ejecting the
volume can result in data loss.
(Mac)
(Windows XP)
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4. HPA/DCO
4.1 HPA/DCO Indication
Forensic RTX’s write-block LED will blink if a drive containing a hidden area
(called an HPA or DCO) is connected. If the drive does not have an HPA or DCO,
the LED will light solid.
See http://www.wiebetech.com/hpa_dco.php for more information.
4.2 HPA/DCO Mode Setting (Requires USB or FireWire connection)
By default, the Forensic RTX is shipped on mode #1, leaving the HPA and DCO areas “as is” on the hard
drive. To change your HPA/DCO mode setting, you must use the WiebeTech Forensic Software Utility.
The Utility is available for download from our website, www.wiebetech.com, or on the WiebeTech Product
CD in the WiebeTech Extras folder. For more info on the Forensic Software Utility, see the separate
user’s manual, which is also on the website and CD.
Your WiebeTech Forensic RTX will alert you to the presence of any HPA or DCO. You may then use the
Forensic Software Utility to manage the HPA/DCO for imaging. There are four modes:
• Leave them in place. The HPA and DCO areas
will be left “as is” on the hard drive. This is an
“indication only” mode. Your WiebeTech
forensic device’s LED will blink to indicate the
HPA/DCO presence. No other action is taken.
• Remove HPA temporarily but ignore DCO.
This mode temporarily lets the user view
information hidden by an HPA. No permanent
changes are made to the hard drive. When the
hard drive is removed from the WiebeTech
forensic device, the HPA is reinstated. Any
DCO is left untouched.
•
Remove HPA permanently but ignore DCO.
This mode completely removes the HPA,
making the data behind it visible. When the
hard drive is removed from the WiebeTech
forensic device, the HPA is NOT reinstated. The DCO and data behind it are left untouched.
• Permanently remove them both. Any HPA or DCO are both completely removed, making all of
the data behind them visible. When the drive is removed from the WiebeTech forensic device,
the HPA and DCO are NOT reinstated.
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5. Firmware Updates
Your WiebeTech Forensic RTX may require an update to its firmware. The Forensic Software Utility can
recognize this and install the appropriate firmware on your device. If your product is running outdated
firmware, you will see the following message upon activation of the Forensic Software Utility:
(Requires USB or FireWire connection)
1. Click “Proceed with Update” to begin the
update process.
2. You will see a status bar showing the progress
of the update.
3. When the update is complete, you will see a
message that says “Firmware is now up to
date.”
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What are HPA and DCO?
A:
A Host Protected Area (HPA) and Device Configuration Overlay (DCO) are reserved areas on a hard
drive that are not accessible by the BIOS or OS. Data can be hidden behind an HPA or DCO. Forensic
RTX will alert you if there is an HPA or DCO so that you are aware of it and can take the necessary steps
to retrieve the hidden data. Forensic RTX’s write-block LED will blink if a drive with an HPA or DCO is
connected. If the drive does not have an HPA or DCO then the LED will light solid.
Q:
Why is it necessary to update the firmware of my WiebeTech forensic device?
A:
Firmware relates to the programs and data that control electronic products. Firmware is enhanced
over time, usually to add new features or increase compatibility. Updating firmware can improve the
functionality and dependability of your product. If your WiebeTech forensic device is utilizing outdated
firmware, the WiebeTech Forensic Software Utility can recognize this and implement up to date firmware
on your device. See section 5 of this manual for more information.
Q:
I've attached my Forensic RTX and can see the volume, but it shows up twice. Which one is the real
volume?
A:
If you are seeing your Forensic RTX volume mounted twice, chances are the unit is connected to the
computer using both the eSATA and FireWire connections. When this is the case, the OS may attempt to
mount the RTX twice resulting in two volumes appearing. Simply turn off the RTX and unplug one of the
connections to resolve the problem.
Q:
Why won't the computer let me eject or unmount my drive?
A:
There may be a software application running in the background with an active link to the drive.
Sometimes, you may see a message such as "The disk is in use and could not be ejected. Try quitting
applications and try again."
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2.4 or above (USB only)
It could be a background application like Sherlock or the Finder. This is not a defect or issue caused by
the WiebeTech device. Try invoking the Force Quit feature in OS X to see what software may be running.
For Windows XP, the equivalent command is CTRL-SHIFT-ESC.
Drives connected to the computer via eSATA cannot be ejected in Windows the way FireWire drives can.
However, freeware utilities are available on the internet that provide a similar function.
Q:
Why does my eSATA device appear as a Parallel SCSI device in System Profiler?
A:
The "Serial ATA" tab in System Profile shows devices attached to the internal SATA bus, but not
always devices attached to an eSATA host card. Sometimes these devices will appear under the heading
"Parallel SCSI" instead. This is entirely normal and does not indicate a problem with the device or its
drivers.
7. Technical Specifications
Product name/code:
Host Interfaces:
Drive Types Supported:
Bridges
TrayFree™ Technology:
Shock Absorbing Bays:
HPA/DCO Detection
Lockable Bays:
Power LED:
Access LED:
Operating System
Requirements:
Operating Temperature:
Operating Humidity:
Power Switch:
Power Supply:
Cooling Fan:
External Material:
Shipping Weights:
FRTX400H-QR Weight:
Dimensions:
Warranty:
Forensic RTX410-QJ, RTX and TrayFree are trademarks of CRU Acquisitions Group, LLC. Other marks are the
property of their respective owners.
© 2009, 2010 CRU Acquisitions Group, LLC. All rights reserved.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact support@wiebetech.com for technical support. If you are
interested in purchasing more WiebeTech products, check our website or contact sales@wiebetech.com. We
appreciate being able to serve you!
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eSATA: up to 3 Gbps (95MB/s approximate actual speed)
Dual FireWire 800: up to 800 Mbps (55MB/s approximate actual speed)
USB 2.0: up to 480 Mbps (30MB/s approximate actual speed)
Bay One: 3.5″ IDE/PATA hard drive up to 750GB. Write-blocked.
Bay Two: 3.5” SATA 1 or SATA 2 hard drives up to 2TB. Read/Write.
Bay Three: 3.5” SATA 1 or SATA 2 hard drives up to 2TB. Write-blocked.
Bay Four: 3.5” SATA 1 or SATA 2 hard drives up to 2TB. Read/Write.
All bridges are Oxford 934DSB
Yes, with bays two, three and four
Yes, with bays two, three and four
Yes, on bays 1 and 3
Yes, on all bays
Yes, on all bays
Yes, on all bays
Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7
Mac OS X
Linux distributions using Kernel version
50 – 85° Fahrenheit (10 – 30° Celsius)
5% to 95%, noncondensing
2 position: On / Off
Input: 100-240VAC
Output: 220 Watts
8cm Ball Bearing Fan
Aluminum alloy case
16 lbs without drives
14 lbs without drives
(177mm W x 270mm D x 231mm H)
2-year limited warranty. See warranty statement for details and limitations.
WiebeTech offers free phone support for 90 days after purchase (1-866-744-
8722). After 90 days, email support is available at support@wiebetech.com.
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