Table of Contents: 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... pg. 2 2. Specifications/Features NexStar MX DUAL 3.5” SATA HDD Enclosure ............................................................................ pg. 3 3. System Requirements .................................................................................................................... pg. 4 4.
1. Introduction: Vantec NexStar MX Dual Bay External Hard Drive Enclosure is a quick and simple way to expand storage capacity to your computer. It comes without the hassle of diving inside the PC and messing with all the wires, cables and connections. The sturdy drive cage protects your hard drive while the stylish aluminum case effectively draws away the heat; the front vents and rear fan keep your hard drive(s) cool and improve performance.
2. Specifications/Features: NexStar MX Dual 3.5” SATA HDD Enclosure: SPECIFICATIONS: Application: 3.5” SATA hard drive (x2) Interface/Ports: Serial ATA (Internal), USB 2.0 (External) 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, 1.2A, 50-60Hz Output: DC +5/1.5A, +12V/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 MX Dual 3.5” SATA HDD Enclosure: Fan On/Off Switch USB port to PC/Mac Power Connector On/Off Switch Exhaust Fan Vent USB Port Connect to a computer directly using a USB cable. Fan Automatic fan to keep the hard drives cool.
5. Installation: NexStar MX Dual 3.5” HDD Enclosure: 5.1. Hardware Installation: Preparing the NexStar MX: 1) Release the 2 screws then pull out the rear panel and tray of the NexStar MX Dual Installing two hard drives into the NexStar MX Dual: 1) Place the first HDD onto the drive caddy then insert the HDD into the SATA connector.
2) Place the second HDD onto the drive caddy then insert the HDD into the SATA connector. 3) Secure the hard drives onto the drive caddy with screws provided. 4) Insert the drive caddy back into the aluminum houing. Be sure to align and secure with the screws provided.
Connecting the NexStar MX Dual to your computer: 1) Connect the type B USB connector to the NexStar MX Dual 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 MX Dual and plug the cable into an available outlet. 3) Turn on the NexStar MX Dual via the power switch. 4) Your operating system should detect the NexStar MX Dual 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 MX Dual 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 MX DUAL: NexStar MX Dual 3.5” HDD Enclosure: Warning: NEVER remove the NexStar MX Dual while the hard drive is in use. Doing so may corrupt the data on the hard drive or damage the hard drive, NexStar MX Dual, or computer. Windows 98SE/ME/XP/2000: 1) Make sure all operations using the hard drive within the NexStar MX Dual has ceased. 2) Close any windows and programs pertaining to the NexStar MX Dual.
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.
8. Troubleshooting/FAQ: NexStar MX Dual 3.5” HDD Enclosure: Q. My computer recognizes the NexStar MX Dual, 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. Please refer to the section “Creating A New Partition” for information on how to create a useable partition on your drive. Q.
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 MX Dual? 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. Q. What is JBOD? A.
9. Warranty: The NexStar MX Dual 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.