Package Contents: NexStar GX External 3.5” HDD Enclosure: • NexStar GX • Power Adapter • Power Cable • USB Cable • User Manual • Driver CD • Screws TRADEMARKS MS-DOS, Microsoft, Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME/XP are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Apple, Macintosh and Mac are trademarks of Apple Computer *All other third-party brands and names are the property of their respective owners.
Table of Contents: 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... pg. 2 2. Specifications/Features NexStar GX External 3.5” HDD Enclosure ............................................................................... pg. 3 3. System Requirements .................................................................................................................... pg. 4 4.
1. Introduction: The NexStar GX provides the next generation of external hard drive enclosures. More than conveniently allowing added storage, the NexStar GX increases expandability by integrating a powered USB hub. Using a specially designed SMART active/passive cooling system ensures that your drive stays cool and functioning optimally. The NexStar GX utilizes high speed USB 2.0, offering speeds up to 480 Mbps, 40 times the speed of USB 1.
2. Specifications/Features: NexStar GX External 3.5” HDD Enclosure: SPECIFICATIONS: Application: Interface/Ports: 3.5” IDE(Parallel ATA) hard drive, ATA-6 compatible USB 2.0 high speed(USB 1.1) 1 port(4 pin) 1 port upstream(B Type)/3 ports downstream(A Type) Windows Requirements: USB 2.0: Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP USB 1.1: Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP Mac Requirements: USB 2.0: Mac OS 10.2 or higher USB 1.1: Mac OS 9.1 or higher Power Supply: Universal auto-switching external power adapter Input: AC 100-240V, 1.
3. System Requirements: • • • • • Intel Pentium II 350MHz-compatible or Apple G3 processor and greater Microsoft Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP or Mac OS 9.1 and greater USB-equipped system with available USB port For USB 2.0 speeds, the system must support USB 2.
4. Interface Information: NexStar GX External 3.5” HDD Enclosure: Exhaust Fan Vent Micro Security Slot USB Hub On/Off Switch Fan Settings Power Connector USB port to PC/Mac USB Hub In order for the USB Hub function to work, the USB cable must be attached to your computer. Fan Settings There are 3 modes available for you to select the desired cooling. Automatic (A) / Manual Low (M/L) / Manual High (M/H). We recommend you leave your unit on the Auto setting.
5. Installation: NexStar GX External 3.5” HDD Enclosure: 5.1. Hardware Installation: Preparing the hard drive: 1) Set the hard drive jumpers to MASTER or SINGLE DRIVE ONLY. Please refer to the documentation included with your hard drive for information on how to accomplish this. Preparing the NexStar GX: 1) Remove the lid of the NexStar GX 2) Unscrew and remove the heatsink tray.
2) Connect the IDE and power cables to the drive. Make sure drive is jumpered to master or single. 3) Insert the heatsink tray back into the enclosure and screw into place. 4) Fold the cables so that they are flat against the drive. Position the thermal probe in front of the hard drive. When finished, attach lid.
Connecting the NexStar GX to your computer: 1) Connect the type B USB connector to the NexStar GX and the type A USB connector to an available USB 1.1/2.0 port on your system. 2) Connect the power cable to the NexStar GX and plug the cable into an available outlet. 3) Turn on the NexStar GX via the power switch. 4) Your operating system should detect the NexStar GX and automatically install the necessary drivers (if you have Windows 98SE/MacOS 8.6, you will need to install drivers).
Mac OS 9.0 or later: 1) No drivers are necessary when using Mac OS 9.0 or later. If the hard drive does not appear on the desktop, be sure to partition your hard drive. Mac OS 8.6: 1) Unplug the NexStar GX if you currently have it connected. 2) USB Mass Storage Support 1.3.5 must be installed on your system. If it is not, you can download the USB Mass Storage Support 1.3.5 from the Apple Software Updates website: http://www.apple.
6. Disconnecting the NexStar GX: NexStar GX External 3.5” HDD Enclosure: Warning: NEVER remove the NexStar GX while the hard drive is in use. Doing so may corrupt the data on the hard drive or damage the hard drive, NexStar GX, or computer. Windows 98SE/ME/XP/2000: 1) Make sure all operations using the hard drive within the NexStar GX has ceased. 2) Close any windows and programs pertaining to the NexStar GX.
7. Creating A New Partition: Note: Most hard drives should come with a CD that includes its installation program. If not, a download should be available on the manufacturers website. The best way to partition a new hard drive is by using the manufacturers program.
Mac OS X 10.x.x: Initializing a Hard Drive: If you are using a new hard drive, you may need to initialize it first. You can initialize your internal hard drive using a program called Drive Setup, which is on the Mac OS CD that came with your computer. 1. Start up your computer from the Mac OS CD. 2. Locate the Utilities folder on the Mac OS CD and double-click it to open the folder. 3. Double-click the Drive Setup icon to open the program. 4. In the list of drives, select the drive you want to initialize.
Mac OS X 10.x.x: Formatting a Hard Drive: 1. Start the Disk Utility tool (under Applications) 2. Select the new hard drive you are trying to install 3. Click on the “Erase” tab 4. Choose a volume format and assign a name to the new drive. 5. Click on Erase. 6. Once complete, your new hard drive should be mounted on your desktop. Note: If the hard drive will not mount on your system, format the drive with a FAT32 or NTFS partition first through a PC system.
8. Troubleshooting/FAQ: NexStar GX External 3.5” HDD Enclosure: Q. What should the jumper settings on my hard drive be set to? A. We recommend the hard drive be set to MASTER. Q. My computer recognizes the NexStar GX, but it does not assign a drive letter to it. A. You are probably using a brand new hard drive. If not, then your computer may not be able to recognize the partition on the hard drive because it is damaged or not a valid format.
Q. Why can’t Windows 98SE read my hard drive? It works with Windows XP/2000. A. Windows 98SE cannot recognize the NTFS file system. If you wish to use the device with Windows XP/2000 and Windows 98SE, you need to format the drive as FAT32. Q. Why can’t I copy files larger than 4GB onto my NexStar GX? A. You have probably formatted the hard drive in the FAT32 file system. FAT32 limits the file sizes to 4GB maximum. The NTFS file system does not have this limitation.
9. Warranty: The NexStar GX comes with a 1 year limited warranty (90 day parts). If your unit should become defective within that time frame, please go to http://www.vantecusa.com for information on how to receive warranty exchange or repair. Cosmetic defects and missing parts are not covered under this warranty. Please check the contents of the unit to make sure you received all parts. Also, check for any cosmetic flaws.