LACIE 8BIG RACK THUNDERBOLT 2 USER MANUAL CLICK HERE TO ACCESS AN UP-TO-DATE ONLINE VERSION of this document. You will find the most recent content as well as expandable illustrations, easier navigation, and search capability.
INTRODUCTION WHAT IS IN THIS MANUAL Welcome to the User Manual for the LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt™1) 2. The LaCie 8big is a rackmount direct-attached storage, or DAS. Connect it to a computer that supports Thunderbolt 2 technology for transfer rates that reach up to 20Gb/s. LaCie has constructed the LaCie 8big to handle bandwidth-intensive content such as 4K video and 3D graphics.
BOX CONTENTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Software suite Visit LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 software to download your free suite of utilities including: ■ ■ ■ LaCie RAID Manager (manage the LaCie 8big storage) Intego® Backup Manager Pro (configure automated backups) LaCie Private-Public (protect data with AES 256-bit encryption) MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Client types ■ ■ Mac OS X 10.9 and later A computer that supports Thunderbolt 2 technology or first generation Thunderbolt technology.
LACIE 8BIG RACK THUNDERBOLT 2: ADVANCED STORAGE TECHNOLOGY THUNDERBOLT 2 TECHNOLOGY The LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 uses Thunderbolt 2 technology, the fastest, most versatile connection for your computer. While first generation Thunderbolt technology transfer rates are 10Gb/s bi-directional, Thunderbolt 2 technology provides 20Gb/s bi-directional. Additionally, Thunderbolt 2 technology gives priority to the video stream, apportioning the required bandwidth for playback.
LACIE 8BIG RACK THUNDERBOLT 2 TECHNOLOGY: HIGH-END HARDWARE FOR PERFORMANCE AND REDUNDANCY Featuring hardware RAID and redundant components, the LaCie 8big is a rarity in the world of high-end DAS. While most DAS must choose between high transfer rates or data protection, the LaCie 8big offers both extraordinary performance and built-in protection.
SYSTEM OVERVIEW The LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 is a 1U-sized hard drive enclosure. It houses up to eight 3.5-inch hard drives in its front chassis. Enclosures shipped with hard drives feature high-performance Seagate Desktop HDD. In case of hard drive failure or, the need to expand storage capacity, each individual hard drive is hot-swappable and field replaceable. New or replacement hard drives must meet the following requirements: ■ ■ ■ SATA I or higher 3.
Enclosure weight Hard drives Weight 0 15 Kg / 33 lbs 4 18 Kg / 40 lbs 8 20 Kg / 44 lbs LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 8
Temperature ranges Ambient environment Temperature range Standard (operating) +5ºC to +40ºC Storage (non-operating) -20ºC to +60ºC Important info: The maximum operating ambient temperature for the LaCie 8big is 40°C. Should the environment remain above 40°C for an extended period of time, there is a strong risk that the enclosure will automatically spin down the hard drives and enter idle mode (see Operation). This is a safety precaution to protect the hard drives.
VIEWS Front panel view 1. Rackmount brackets: Attaches the LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 to standard, 19-inch computer equipment racks. See Setting Up. 2. Power button: Push to turn the system on or to enter idle mode. See Operation. 3. Thunderbolt host LED: The LED will turn blue when it is connected to a computer that is compatible with Thunderbolt 2 technology or first generation Thunderbolt technology. See System LEDs. 4.
Rear panel view 1. Identification button and LED: Pushing this button will cause the identification LEDs on the front and rear of the LaCie 8big to blink amber. The alarm will also sound. The flashing LEDs allow you to identify the LaCie 8big among a group of racked devices. There is another identification button on the front of the device that can also be pushed to turn on the identification LEDs and sound the alarm.
Hard drive frames The LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 has two hard drive frames, each housing four 3.5-inch hard drives. Each frame has mounting locations for SATA connections. The hard drive frames provide protection from thermal conduction, radio frequency, and electro-magnetic induction.
Alarm The LaCie 8big features an alarm that will sound when the the enclosure experiences errors: ■ ■ ■ ■ The enclosure temperature is too high A fan fails A power supply fails A disk fails and/or the RAID is broken The alarm also works in tandem with the identification buttons on the front and rear of the device as well as the identification button in LaCie RAID Manager. Push the Mute button to turn off the sound for the alarm.
SYSTEM LEDS The LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 LEDs provide information on the system status. Review the illustrations below for the LED locations on the chassis. See System Overview for further details on each LED. FRONT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Thunderbolt host Thunderbolt daisy chain Status Hard drives Identification Mute REAR 1.
INSIDE THE FRONT CHASSIS 1. Fan LEDs 2. Hard drive LEDs LED BEHAVIOR General LED behavior The list of colors below will help you identify the general status of your LaCie 8big.
Status and hard drive LEDs The status and hard drive LEDs work together to provide up-to-date details on your LaCie 8big’s health. Status LED Hard drive LEDs State Fast blinking blue Blinking blue Startup and shutdown Slow blinking blue Off Hard drives have spun down and the Thunderbolt ports are in idle mode, allowing for daisy chain Solid blue Solid blue The DAS is ready. Solid blue Blinking blue for working hard drives The hard drives are being accessed (read/write).
Thunderbolt 2 ports, identification, and mute LEDs Thunderbolt 2 Behavior State Solid blue on the Thunderbolt 2 host LED The Thunderbolt 2 port is connected to a computer. Solid blue on the Thunderbolt 2 daisy chain LED The LaCie 8big is connected to a daisy chain of Thunderbolt devices and/or displays. Identification Front Identification LED Behavior Rear Identification LED Behavior State Blinking amber Blinking amber Off The identification feature is off.
Hard drive and fan LEDs (inside the front chassis) Hard drives Behavior State Solid blue The hard drives are ready. Blinking blue The hard drives are being accessed (read/write). Blinking blue/red RAID synchronizing or firmware update. Blinking red on a single hard drive Warning that the hard drive may be failing. Blinking red on multiple hard drives Warning that the RAID may be failing. Solid red on a single hard drive The hard drive has failed.
SETTING UP The LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 is shipped with the following installation components: ■ Rack rail kit for a standard 19-inch rack Inner rack rails (A1, A2) Outer rack rails (B1, B2) Screws and washers for the rack rails Inner rack rail M4x4 screws (8) Outer rack rail M5x10 screws (8) Washers (8) Cable management arm kit Power supply cables (certain models are shipped with one power supply cable) Thunderbolt cable (2m) Hard drives (the amount of hard drives can vary by model) LaCie 8big Rack T
STEP 1 - DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL LACIE RAID MANAGER Important info regarding LaCie RAID Manager and LaCie Desktop Manager: Older versions of LaCie Desktop Manager may conflict with LaCie RAID Manager. If you are using LaCie Desktop Manager, go to LaCie support to download and install the latest version. It is recommended that you install the new version before following the steps below.
STEP 2 - RACK RAILS 1. Attach the inner rack rails to the LaCie 8big using four screws on each side. 2. Attach the outer rack rails to the rack. If necessary, unlock the rear screws on the outer rack rails to extend the sliding brackets.
3. Slide the LaCie 8big into the rack. To unlock the rails, pull the rail fasteners on each side toward you. An audible click indicates that the LaCie 8big is securely fastened to the rack.
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STEP 3 - CABLE MANAGEMENT ARM Attach the cable management arm to the back of the rack rails. 1. Snap the right outer connection into the outside rail. 2. Snap the left connection into the outside rail. 3. Guide the right inner connection into the inner rack rail.
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STEP 4 - CABLES Connections ■ ■ Thunderbolt cable Power cables Note regarding a Thunderbolt daisy chain: You can also connect a second Thunderbolt cable to daisy chain compatible devices to the LaCie 8big. A Thunderbolt daisy chain supports up to seven devices, including the computer. See Daisy Chain for further information. Notes on power supplies: Certain LaCie 8big models are shipped with one power supply, which is sufficient for normal operation.
Placement 1. Open the panels on the cable management arm and thread the cables. Allow slack for external connections and sliding the LaCie 8big on its rails. 2. Close the panels.
STEP 5 - HARD DRIVES Remove the cover 1. Slide the LaCie 8big toward you until it locks into position. 2. Release the cover by simultaneously pushing both front latches toward you. 3. Lift the cover.
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Insert the hard drives Important info: Make certain that you are properly grounded before touching the hard drives. 1. Push the hard drive’s lock button to open the latch. 2. Place the hard drive on the LaCie 8big’s hard drive guides. Confirm that the hard drive is correctly aligned on the guides by gently pushing it away from the SATA connection.
3. Slide the hard drive into the SATA connection.
4. Close the hard drive’s latch.
5. Repeat the steps for each hard drive. 6. Close the cover and slide the LaCie 8big into the rack. To unlock the rails, pull the rail fasteners on each side toward you. Secure the LaCie 8big to the rack using the two front screws.
Step 6 - Computer and power connections 1. Connect the power cables to active outlets. 2. Connect the Thunderbolt cable to your computer.
STEP 5 - START THE HARD DRIVES 1. Apply a short push to the power button. See Operation for details on how to use the power button. See the LaCie RAID Manager User Manual for instructions on how to manage the hard drives.
OPERATION POWERING ON The LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 is available for use when: ■ ■ ■ It is plugged into a live power outlet. It is connected to a computer that supports Thunderbolt 2 technology or first generation Thunderbolt technology. The ambient temperature is within the specified temperature range (see System Overview). When booting the LaCie 8big, certain LEDs on the chassis will blink blue for a short period before turning solid blue. See System LEDs for further information.
POWERING OFF THE LACIE 8BIG HARD DRIVES: IDLE MODE 1. Make certain that the LaCie 8big is not in use and that there are no active transfers. 2. Eject the LaCie 8big volumes from your computer. 3. Apply a short push on the power button. See the explanations below to learn how to apply a short push and a long push. 4. The status LED blinks slowly while the hard drive LEDs turn off.
Long push A long push is a manual depression on the power button that lasts more than four seconds. When the product is operating, a long push will cut the power from the LaCie 8big, forcing it to shut down immediately. A long push is not recommended as it may result in data loss. Therefore, it should only be used when troubleshooting a problem.
DAISY CHAIN Use the enclosure's two Thunderbolt 2 technology ports for: ■ ■ Direct connection to a computer that is compatible with Thunderbolt 2 technology or first generation Thunderbolt technology Daisy chaining with devices and displays that are compatible with Thunderbolt 2 technology and first generation Thunderbolt technology DAISY CHAIN: THUNDERBOLT 2 TECHNOLOGY AND FIRST GENERATION THUNDERBOLT TECHNOLOGY Thunderbolt 2 technology is an update of first generation Thunderbolt technology.
How to daisy chain Connect the cable to one of the interface ports on the back of the LaCie 8big and to your computer. The additional port may be used to daisy chain compatible first generation Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 peripherals, such as hard drives and monitors. If you have another Thunderbolt 2 storage device, make certain to connect it to the LaCie 8big before adding first generation Thunderbolt technology devices and/or displays.
SOFTWARE The storage for the LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 is managed by LaCie RAID Manager. Use LaCie RAID Manager to: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Identify the installed hard drives Configure RAID Check the health of the storage Set up storage alerts Troubleshoot the hard drives See the LaCie RAID Manager User Manual for instructions on how to configure the LaCie 8big storage.
RAID The information below provides a basic guide to the RAID modes available to the LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2. Note that the levels of performance and protection differ based upon the number of drives in a volume. For instructions on how to configure RAID, see the LaCie RAID Manager User Manual. RAID EXAMPLE The level of RAID available to a volume is contingent upon the amount of hard drives.
JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) Hard drives in a JBOD configuration store data sequentially. For example, data is written to Disk 1 first. Once Disk 1 is full, data will be written to Disk 2, then Disk 3, etc. Two advantages to this level of RAID are the availability of 100% of the hard drives’ total storage capacity and easy expansion. However, all data will be lost if a single hard drive fails.
RAID 0 RAID 0 is the fastest RAID mode since it writes data across all of the volume's hard drives. Further, the capacities of each hard drive are added together for optimal data storage. However, RAID 0 lacks a very important feature: data protection. If one hard drive fails, all data becomes inaccessible. A recommended option is RAID 5, which offers comparable performance and data protection in case a single drive fails.
RAID 1 RAID 1 provides enhanced data security since all data is written to each hard drive in the volume. If a single hard drive fails, data remains available on the other hard drive in the volume. However, due to the time it takes to write data multiple times, performance is reduced. Additionally, RAID 1 will cut hard drive capacity by 50% or more since each bit of data is stored on all the hard drives in the volume.
RAID 5 RAID 5 writes data across all hard drives in the volume and a parity block for each data block. If one physical hard drive fails, the data from the failed hard drive can be rebuilt onto a replacement hard drive. While the files stored on a RAID 5 volume remain intact should one hard drive fail, data can be lost if a second hard drive fails before the RAID is rebuilt with the replacement hard drive. A minimum of three hard drives is required to create a RAID 5 volume.
RAID 6 RAID 6 writes data across all hard drives in the volume and two parity blocks for each data block. If one physical hard drive fails, the data from the failed hard drive can be rebuilt onto a replacement hard drive. With two parity blocks per data block, RAID 6 supports up to two hard drive failures with no data loss. RAID 6 synchronizing from a failed hard drive is slower than RAID 5 due to the use of double parity. However, it is far less critical due to its double-disk security.
RAID 10 RAID 10 combines the protection of RAID 1 with the performance of RAID 0. Using four hard drive as an example, RAID 10 creates two RAID 1 segments, and then combines them into a RAID 0 stripe. With eight hard drive, the RAID 0 stripe will include four RAID 1 segments. Such configurations offer exceptional data protection, allowing for two hard drive to fail across two RAID 1 segments.
RAID+Spare A RAID+Spare volume gives you a “hot-spare” that is ready to synchronize data immediately should a hard drive fail. If a hard drive in the volume fails, the data starts to synchronize with the spare. The clear advantage for a RAID volume with a spare is that you do not have to wait for a replacement hard drive. However, the spare cannot be used as storage during standard operation since its sole task is to take over should a hard drive fail.
HARDWARE MAINTENANCE The LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 has a front chassis and rear chassis, each with its own cover. Review the details below for hardware module locations and, where applicable, replacement. Important info: Refer to the product's Warranty Information before performing any hardware repairs or maintenance that is not described in this manual.
REPLACING A POWER SUPPLY UNIT (PSU) For optimal power management, the power load for the LaCie 8big can be shared between the two PSU. If one should fail, all power will automatically run from the active PSU, guaranteeing continuous operation. To help extend the lifetime of your hardware, make certain to replace a failed PSU as soon as possible. Follow the instructions below to replace a PSU: 1. Locate the PSU on the rear of the enclosure. 2. Unlock the PSU by pushing its latch toward the handle. 3.
FRONT CHASSIS Removing the front cover Make certain that the LaCie 8big is not being accessing before following the steps below. 1. (Skip this step if you are hot-swapping hard drives or fans.) Eject the LaCie 8big volumes from the computer and apply a short push on the power button. Wait for the components to completely cool before moving to Step 2. 2. Slide the enclosure toward you until it locks into position. 3. Release the cover by simultaneously pushing both front latches toward you. 4.
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Front chassis components 1. 2. 3. 4.
REPLACING A HARD DRIVE If a failed hard drive is under warranty, make certain to contact LaCie Technical Support to receive a replacement hard drive (see Getting Help for contact information). When adding or replacing hard drives, consider using Seagate Desktop HDD that are optimized for use with your LaCie 8big. For further information on compatible hard drives, visit LaCie Technical Support. Important info: Replace a faulty hard drive with a hard drive of equal or greater capacity.
4. If applicable, remove the old hard drive from the tray and replace it with the new hard drive. Make certain to use the same four screws when fixing the new hard drive to the tray. 5. Place the hard drive on the hard drive guides. Confirm that the hard drive is correctly aligned on the guides by gently pushing it away from the SATA connection. 6. Slide the hard drive into the SATA connection.
7. Close the hard drive’s latch. 8. Repeat the steps for each hard drive. 9. Replace the cover and slide the enclosure into the rack. To unlock the rails, pull the rail fasteners on each side toward you. Secure the DAS to the rack using the two front screws.
When replacing hard drives that are members of an active RAID configuration, the hard drive LEDs will blink red and blue indicating that the RAID is synchronizing data. You can continue to use the LaCie 8big storage but performance will be reduced until the synchronization is complete.
Replacing a fan Caution: The fans are hot-swappable and can be replaced when the LaCie 8big is powered on. You must use caution when removing a fan. In most instances, the fan will stop rotating once it is removed from its slot. It is highly recommended that you use extreme caution with the fans since moving parts can cause severe damage to your hands and body. Important info: The LaCie 8big is temperature controlled via an internal sensor.
4. Insert the replacement fan into the empty slot.
REAR CHASSIS: NON-SERVIECABLE COMPONENTS The components in the rear chassis are NOT hot-swappable and are NOT serviceable at any location outside of LaCie-approved service centers. Removing the rear cover without permission from LaCie technical support will void your product’s warranty. Additionally, removing, replacing, or changing any part in the rear chassis or, performing any action that involves the components in the rear chassis, will void the product’s warranty.
GETTING HELP If you are having problems with your LaCie product, consult the table below for a list of available resources. Order Source Description Location 1 Quick Install Guide Concise steps to follow for getting your Either a printed leaflet or accessory box and included in the product up and product box, or download PDF from the product page running 2 Support Pages Includes interactive troubleshooting topics for most common problems www.lacie.
TROUBLESHOOTING TOPICS Note: Interactive troubleshooting, a highly effective way to resolve problems with your product, is available from www.lacie.com/support/. Select your product, then click the “Troubleshooting” tab. The LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 will not turn on. Q: Can you confirm that the LaCie 8big is properly connected? A: Make certain: ■ ■ ■ ■ The power cables are properly connected to one or both power supplies and to a live power source.
The LaCie 8big is unresponsive. Q: Have you tried to restart the system? A: Eject the volume from the computer and shut down the LaCie 8big by applying a short push on the front button. If nothing happens after a few minutes, you can force the LaCie 8big to turn off by applying a long push (more than four seconds), then release it. Once off, restart the product by pushing and immediately releasing the front button.
A: Review the installation steps (Setting Up). Make certain that both ends of the Thunderbolt cable are firmly connected to the ports and that the device is receiving power via the included power supply. Q: I connected the enclosure to my new Mac with an older Mini DisplayPort cable that I use for my monitors. Why can't I see the volume(s) on the desktop? A: Thunderbolt 2 storage requires cables specifically constructed for Thunderbolt technology. Use the cable that was shipped with your device.
Q: Are both ends of the Thunderbolt technology cable securely attached? A: ■ ■ ■ ■ Only use a cable that supports Thunderbolt technology. Check both ends of the Thunderbolt cable to make sure they are fully seated in their respective ports. Try disconnecting the Thunderbolt cable then wait 10 seconds before reconnecting it. If the hard drive is still not recognized, restart your computer and try again. Problem: I'm receiving file transfer error messages and Time Machine does not work.
Problem: The bandwidth for the LaCie 8big is not as fast as I had expected. It has the same transfer rates as my first generation Thunderbolt technology storage device. Q: Does your computer support Thunderbolt 2? A: The LaCie 8big must be connected to a computer that supports Thunderbolt 2 technology to attain Thunderbolt 2 technology transfer rates.
SAFETY GUIDELINES Important info: Do-it-yourself repairs not covered in this manual will invalidate the warranty. SAFE HANDLING The LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 must run with all of its parts and units in place. In order to comply with applicable safety, emission, and thermal requirements, no covers should be removed during normal operation. All parts must be installed according to the instructions (see Setting Up). Permanently unplug the unit if you think that it has become damaged in any way.
ENVIRONMENT A safe electrical ground connection must be provided to the power cord. Check the grounding of the enclosure before applying power. Provide a suitable power source with electrical overload protection to meet the requirements laid down in the technical specification. Never expose your device to rain, or use it near water, or in damp or wet conditions. Never place objects containing liquids on the enclosure, as they may spill into its openings.
RACK SYSTEM SAFETY PRECAUTIONS The rack cabinet must be capable of supporting the total weight of the installed enclosure(s) and the design should incorporate stabilizing features suitable to prevent the cabinet from tipping or being pushed over during installation or in normal use. When loading a rack cabinet with the units, fill from the bottom up and empty it from the top down. Do not add any load onto the LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 when it is mounted on its rack rails and installed on its slide.
RACK INSTALLATION PREREQUISITES The LaCie LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 enclosure is designed for installation into an industry standard 19-inch rack cabinet subject to the following requirements: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ There must be a minimum depth of 850mm (33.5 inches) from rack posts to maximum extremity of enclosure (including rear cabling and cable management kit). The rack must be able to support enclosures weighing up to 20Kg (45 lb.).
EQUIPMENT HANDLING PRECAUTIONS Observe all conventional ESD precautions when handling LaCie 8big Rack Thunderbolt 2 internal components. Avoid contact with backplane components, module components, etc. Hard drives are fragile and must be handled with care during removal/replacement.
WARRANTY INFORMATION Please read this page carefully in order to understand your warranty rights and responsibilities. 1. If your product's warranty is still valid and you wish to receive support, please contact LaCie technical support. In order to do this, you must first create an account here. 2. LaCie discourages customers from performing repairs to the product that are not explained in this manual. 3. Please contact LaCie technical support before performing hardware repairs. 4.
discover a defect covered by the warranty set forth above, your sole and exclusive remedy will be for LaCie, in its sole discretion to (i) repair or replace the product at no charge to you; or, if a repaired unit or replacement product is not available, (ii) to refund the current market value of your product. You acknowledge and agree that replacement product, at the sole option of LaCie, may be a new product or a remanufactured product.
EXCEPT FOR THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE, ALL PRODUCTS ARE SOLD “AS IS” AND LACIE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, NONINFRINGEMENT AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Read carefully all information related to warranty and precautions of use of your new LaCie product in the user manual. For products purchased in the United States, you may contact LaCie at 22985 NW Evergreen Parkway, Hillsboro, Oregon 97124. Email: sales@lacie.com. Website: www.lacie.com. Customer service: 503-844-4503. Service DOA On rare occasions, a newly purchased LaCie product may be delivered in non-working order.
LEGAL INFO COPYRIGHTS Copyright © 2014 LaCie. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of LaCie. CHANGES The material in this document is for information only and subject to change without notice.
firmware programmed at the factory to match the intended destination. The firmware setting is not accessible by the end user. WEEE This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed of with your other household waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by handing it over to a designed collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
