Acard ARS-2018 User manual

ARS-2018/2018E
SCSI to SATA Mirror Smart
User’s Manual
Copyright ©2006 ACARD Technology Corp.
Release: April 2006
Version: 1.0

Copyright and Trademarks
The information in this manual is subject to change without prior notice and does
not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor, who assumes no liability or
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this manual.
ACARD is the trademarks of ACARD Technology Corp. Microsoft and the Windows
Logo are the registered trademarks, and Windows is the trademark of Microsoft
Corporation. All brands and trademarks are the properties of their respective own-
ers.
This manual contains materials protected under International Copyright Conven-
tions. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or
by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the writ-
tenpermissionofthemanufacturer and theauthor. All inquiriesshould be addressed
to ACARD Technology Corp.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction....................................... 4
1.1 Overview ................................................................4
1.2 Features................................................................4
1.3 Specifications.......................................................4
1.4 Package ................................................................5
1.5 Quick Start............................................................5
1.6 HDD Compatibility................................................7
Chapter 2 Installation......................................... 8
2.1 Install HDD into ARS-2018................................. 10
2.2 Install HDD into ARS-2018E ..............................11
2.3 DIP Switch Setting ............................................. 13
2.3.1 ARS-2018 ....................................................................... 13
2.3.2 ARS-2018E..................................................................... 14
2.4 Connect ARS-2018 to PC.................................. 15
2.5 Connect ARS-2018E to PC ................................ 16
Chapter 3 The Control Panel........................... 19
3.1 LCD Panel ........................................................... 19
3.2 LCD Operation....................................................19
3.3 The LEDs ............................................................25
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting ............................. 26
Appendix 1 Migrate Existing HDD to Mirror .. 32
Appendix 2 Mirror Smart Utility ...................... 34
Appendix 3 About RAID................................... 50
Appendix 4 SCSI Adapter Compatibility........ 53
Technical Support Form................................... 54

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
1.2 Features
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
ARS-2018/2018E is an internal/external SCSI to SATA RAID subsystem using cost-
effective SATA hard drives to achieve SCSI efficiency. Both 2018 and 2018E adopt
ACARD’s ROC (RAID-On-Chip) technology, which is essential for drive mirroring,
data rebuilding and protection. The two types are all operated through LCD panel
and utility. They also support SATA hot swap, and make system setting more
convenient.
1.3 Specifications
nHost interface:
w Ultra 160 LVD SCSI features with data transfer rate up to 160MB/s
nSupports RAID 1, JBOD and Normal
nSupports SATA hard drives
nSupports real time rebuilding (up to 3.0GB per minute)
nSupports drive hot swap
nSupports multitasking
nSupports ROC SCSIDE engine
nMinimized CPU utilization
nLCD panel for setting and monitoring the status of system
nLED indicators for showing the status of hard drives
nWarning signal for system failure
nE-mail notification for system failure
nKey lock for data security
nOn-board Flash ROM for quick firmware update
nAutomatic fan speed adjustment to keep a stable environment
nSupports Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003, Linux, Mac OS, Sun
Solaris, etc.

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
1.4 Package
nARS-2018/2018E ×1
nSupport CD ×1
nUser’s manual ×1
nPower cord (ARS-2018E only) ×1
nPack of screws ×2
nKey ×2
nExternal SCSI cable (ARS-2018E only) ×1
nTerminator (optional)
w SCSI daisy chain up to 15 sets
w Selectable SCSI ID from 0 to 15
nDrive interface: SATA
nRemote management: GUI utility software
nError notification: via built-in buzzer, LED or E-mail
nDimension:
w ARS-2018 : 215 (L) × 148 (W) × 85 (H) mm
w ARS-2018E : 280 (L) × 172 (W) × 152 (H) mm
nPower supply: 100V~240V, 50~60Hz auto-switching power supply
nTemperature:
w Operation : 5°C~40°C (not condensed)
w Non-operation : –5°C~50°C
nHumidity : 10%~75%
1.5 Quick Start
Install ARS-2018:
Step 1: Prepare 2 SATA hard drives of the same model.
Step 2: Unlock the 2 trays and take them out of ARS-2018.
Step 3: Put a hard drive into each tray and aim its end to the tray’s connector.
Fasten the hard drive with screws.
Step 4: Put the 2 trays back to ARS-2018 and lock them.

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
Install ARS-2018E:
Step 1: Prepare 2 SATA hard drives of the same model.
Step 2: Unlock the 2 trays and take them out of ARS-2018E.
Step 3: Put a hard drive into each tray and aim its end to the tray’s connector.
Fasten the hard drive with screws.
Step 4: Put the 2 trays back to ARS-2018E and lock them.
Step 5: Set a proper and unique SCSI ID for ARS-2018E (see page 2.3.2).
Step 6: Connect ARS-2018E to the SCSI card with an external SCSI cable. Be sure
to add a terminator to the end (see 2.5 ).
Step 7: Connect ARS-2018E with a power cord.
Step 8: Power on ARS-2018E first and then the PC.
Step 9: After powering on, the system will detect a hard drive named Mirror Smart
2018. Before using it, do HDD partition and format if necessary.
Step 5: Set a proper and unique SCSI ID for ARS-2018 (see 2.3.1).
Step 6: Fasten ARS-2018 to the interior of PC with screws.
Step 7: Connect ARS-2018 to the SCSI card with an internal SCSI cable. Be sure to
add a terminator to the end (see 2.4 ).
Step 8: Connect ARS-2018 with 2 power cords to let Mirror Smart work well.
Step 9: After powering on, the system will detect a hard drive named Mirror Smart
2018. Before using it, do HDD partition and format if necessary.
NOTICE:
(1) Be sure to unlock the tray before removing it.
(2) The provided trays are designed for ACARD ARS-2018/2018E/
2019. Do not use any substitutes without ACARD’s authorization.
ACARD will not maintain or provide any after service/warranty if
the problem is due to using a substitute.

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
1.6 HDD Compatibility
ARS-2018/2018E is particularly designed for SATA hard drives.Visit http://
www.acard.com to get the newest support list of hard drives. ARS-2018/2018E is
also compatible with various kinds of SCSI cards, and can operate well in Mac OS
and Linux.
If your hard drive is not approved by ACARD, contact us or local distributor for
assistance.

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
Chapter 2 Installation
Power
connectors
SCSI ID & function switch, see 2.3.1
Four buttons on the LCD
panel, see 3.1
LEDs on the front
panel, see 3.3
ARS-2018
Key locks
SE/LVD SCSI connector
The front
The back

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
ARS-2018E
The front
The back
SE/LVD SCSI connectors
Four buttons on the
LCD panel, see 3.1
LEDs on the front
panel, see 3.3
Key locks
SCSI ID switch, see 2.3.2
Function switch,
see 2.3.2
RS-232 (for test only)
Power switch
Power connector

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
2.1 Install HDD into ARS-2018
Follow the steps below to install the hard drives into the trays of ARS-2018.
(1). Unlock. (2). Open the tray by pushing the fastener
to the left.
(3). Pull the handle to slide the (4). Put a hard drive into the tray, and aim
tray out. its end to the connector of the tray.
(5). Push the hard drive till it attaches (6). Turn the tray carefully and fasten with
the connector. 4 screws.

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(7). Slide the tray into ARS-2018 (8). Finally push the handle to lock the
and push it firmly. tray.
(9). Lock.
2.2 Install HDD into ARS-2018E
(1). Unlock. (2). Open the tray by pushing the fastener
to the left.
NOTICE:
(1) Be sure to unlock the tray before removing it.
(2) The provided trays are designed for ACARD
ARS-2018/2018E/2019. Do not use any sub-
stitutes without ACARD’s authorization.
ACARD will not maintain or provide any after
service/warranty if the problem is due to us-
ing a substitute.

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
(3). Pull the handle to slide the (4). Put a hard drive into the tray, and aim
tray out. its end to the connector of the tray.
(5). Push the hard drive till it attaches (6). Turn the tray carefully and fasten with
the connector. 4 screws.
(7). Slide the tray into ARS-2018E (8). Finally push the handle to lock the
and push it firmly. tray.

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
(9). Lock.
2.3 DIP Switch Setting
NOTICE:
(1) Be sure to unlock the tray before re-
moving it.
(2) The provided trays are designed for
ACARD ARS-2018/2018E/2019. Do
not use any substitutes without
ACARD’s authorization. ACARD will
not maintain or provide any after ser-
vice/warranty if the problem is due to
using a substitute.
2.3.1 ARS-2018
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
ON
Pin 1-4 SCSI ID
Pin 5 Reserved
Pin 6 ON : SE Mode
OFF : LVD Mode
Pin 7 ON : For Narrow SCSI Bus
OFF : For Wide SCSI Bus
Pin 8 ON : Terminator Power On
OFF : Terminator Power Off
Function & SCSI ID Switch
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
ID=0 (default) ID=1 ID=2 ID=3
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
ID=4 ID=5 ID=6 ID=7
N/A (reserved
for the host adapter)

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
2.3.2 ARS-2018E
Function Switch
1 2 3 4
ON
Pin 1 Reserved
Pin 2 ON : SE Mode
OFF : LVD Mode
Pin 3 ON : For Narrow SCSI Bus
OFF : For Wide SCSI Bus
Pin 4 ON : Terminator Power On
OFF : Terminator Power Off
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
ID=0 (default) ID=1 ID=2 ID=3
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
ID=4 ID=5 ID=6 ID=7
N/A (reserved
for the host adapter)
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
ID=8 ID=9 ID=10 ID=11
ID=12 ID=13 ID=14 ID=15
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
2.4 Connect ARS-2018 to PC
(1). Open the PC case, insert ARS-2018, and connect two 4-pin power cords to
make Mirror Smart work well.
(2). Connect a SCSI cable to the SCSI adapter’s internal connector.
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
ID=8 ID=9 ID=10 ID=11
ID=12 ID=13 ID=14 ID=15
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON
1 2 3 4
ON

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
2.5 Connect ARS-2018E to PC
Connect one set of ARS-2018E
(1). Insert one end of the SCSI cable into the SCSI adapter’s external connector,
and the other end into the SCSI connector of ARS-2018E.
(3). Connect the other end of the SCSI cable to ARS-2018, and attach a terminator.
(4). Fasten with 8 screws, and close the PC case.

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
(2). Connect the power cord, and attach a terminator to the other SCSI connector of
ARS-2018E.
Connect more sets of ARS-2018E
(1). Insert one end of the 1st SCSI cable into the SCSI adapter’s external connector,
and the other end into the upper SCSI connector of the 1st set.
(2). Insert one end of the 2nd SCSI cable into the lower SCSI connector of the 1st
set, and the other end into the upper SCSI connector of the 2nd set.
1
1
2

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
Once installing successfully, you can find ARS-2018/2018E as Mirror Smart 2018
in “Device Manager” under “My Computer”.
(3). Connect the power cords to each set, and attach a terminator to the last set.
12

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
Chapter 3 The Control Panel
3.1 LCD Panel
▲ : to scroll up the functions or menus.
▼ : to scroll down the functions or menus.
↵: to confirm a setting or enter the selected function.
ESC : to cancel a setting or return to the previous menu.
3.2 LCD Operation
There are 5 major function menus in ARS-2018/2018E as the following charts show.
1: SYSTEM INFORMATION
1.1: RAID information 1.2: Disk1 info 1.3: Disk2 info 1.4: Health info
1.1.1:
Vendor ID
Model ID
1.1.3:
Status
Capacity
1.2.1:
Vendor ID
Model ID
1.2.2:
Revision
SATA speed
1.2.3:
Status
Capacity
1.3.1:
Vendor ID
Model ID
1.3.2:
Revision
SATA speed
1.3.3:
Status
Capacity
1.4.1:
Disk1 and Disk2
Temperature
1.4.2:
Fan 1&2 rpm
(and Fan3 External)
1.1.2:
Revision
SCSI maximum speed

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ARS-2018/2018E Manual
2: SETUP
2.1:
RAID Option 2.2: Health Option 2.3: Display Option
2.1.1:
Max SCSI speed
2.1.2:
RAID alarm (Only
Mirror or JBOD)
2.1.3:
Rebuilding rate
(Only Mirror)
2.1.4:
Auto compare
(Only Mirror)
2.2.1:
Fan detect
2.2.2:
Fan auto control
2.2.3:
Warning
temperatue
2.2.4:
Warning alarm
2.3.1:
Standby time
2.3.2:
Page switch rate
2.3.3:
Info update rate
2.3.4:
Temperature unit
2.3.5:
Key tone
2.1.5:
Read balance
(Only Mirror)
2.3.6:
Terminal speed
(Only display)