Accordance Systems ARAID M500 User manual

M500 /M500T
A Non-Stop SATA III RAID Subsystem For 2.5” Hard Drives
SATA III RAID 1 Disk Array Subsystem
SYS T EMS I N C .SYS T EMS I N C .

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User's Manual V1.0
Thank you for purchasing our product.
・Before using, please read this user’s manual carefully in order
to set up correct and safe operation.
・Keep this user’s manual at an accessible location for easy
reference whenever required.
・The specifications and the appearance of this product may
change subject to improvements without prior notice.
Safety and Cautions
Introduction of RAID 1 and RAID 0 2
Directions for Use 2
Product Content and Accessories 3
Introduction of the Product 5
Product Features 5
Product Specifications 5
System Requirements 6
Description of Components 6
ARAID Setup 7
Hardware Installation 7
Starting and Operation (for RAID 1 Mode) 9
Local Monitoring 11
Network Management (Linux version is for optional purchase) 11
Upgrading the Firmware for RAID 1 User 12
Checking for ARAID M500 Compatible Drives 13
ARAID M500T (External model) 14
Description of Components 14
Types (Host Interface) of ARAID M500T 14
ARAID LCD Message Comparison Table (for RAID 1 User) 15
FAQ (for RAID 1 User) 17
Product Warranty and After-Service 19
Contact Us 20

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User's Manual
Safety and Cautions
(1) It is suggested that same type of new hard disk (same brand, same model, same
capacity, same origin and same firmware version) should be used for working
with this product. You may use the ARAID SMART program included on the CD
to examine the quality of the hard disks. However, it is suggested that you should
prepare several of the same and new hard disks for backup. If the same hard disk
is not available, you may use a larger-capacity hard disk of the same brand.
(2) When using the ARAID, you are not required to process the new hard disk (Target
disk) with FDISK and FORMAT steps in advance, and you will be able to execute
the backup of hard disk directly with the automatic rebuilding function.
Fig. 1:
Identifying the Hard Disk
Quality with ARAID SMART
program
＊
＊
Directions for Use
Introduction of RAID 1 and RAID 0
RAID 1 RAID 0
Purpose Emphasize the safety
of system & data
Emphasize the
enhancement of data
access performance
Available Capacity 2TB 4TB
Safety Better Disregard
Access Performance Normal Enhance
Table 1: RAID 1 vs RAID 0 (2TB as example)
(1) RAID 1: Using two hard disks, the usable capacity is one hard disk with backup
mechanism, which emphasize the safety of system and data. If one of the
hard disks is failed, then the other one immediately takes over operation.
(2) RAID 0: Need to use two hard disks at the same time, the usable capacity is twice
of the single hard disk, which emphasize the enhancement of
performance.

3
(3) Before using, be sure to confirm that the power equipment is properly connected
and stabilized to ensure the product will operate smoothly.
(4) If smoke or abnormal odor is emitted from ARAID, disconnect the power
immediately.
(5) Do not place the ARAID on an uneven surface.
(6) If in RAID 0 mode, it is forbidden to remove any hard disk while ARAID is in
operation, as this may lead to a permanent loss of the data stored in the hard disk.
Product Content
and Accessories
Upon receiving, please check the items contained in the box. If any loss or damage is
found, contact your dealer or sales representative immediately.
1ARAID M500 x 1 22.5” Hard Disk Tray x 2
5Key for Tray x 44M3*5mm Screw
(for ARAID) x 8
3 User’s Manual x 1
8RS232 External Cable
(white) x 1
7RS232 to USB Cable
(black) x 1
6RS232 Internal Cable x 1
＊
Please check
9Management Programs CD x 1:
・Monitoring Program:
ARAID SMART, ARAID Manager
・Network Management:
SNMP Agent for Windows
・Firmware Upgrade Software:
ARAID Utility
・Drivers:
USB to Virtual Serial port (Windows & Linux)

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User's Manual
＊
＊
＊
Tray with 2.5” drive.
Upper Bay
Lower Bay
1. Step 1-1, 2-1 - The lock direction of Tray
When insert the tray into M500, please pay attention where the
cavity position is. For the upper bay, the cavity is towards to
“up” position. When it’s lower bay, the cavity is toward to “down”
position.
2. Step 1-2, 1-3, 2-2, 2-3
When rotating the lock, please aim the bulge of key at the cavity
position of lock. Inserting the key and press it slightly with turning
it clockwise of 90 degree, then the lock is able to be turned and
the tray can be pull out. If turning the key with counterclockwise
position, it may cause the lock damaged and unable to use.
Step 1-1
Step 2-1
Step 1-2
Step 2-2
Step 1-3
Step 2-3
Fig. 2: Tray with 2.5” drive
Caution

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Introduction of the Product
＊
Product Features
• Safety：
(1) When using RAID 1 mode, the content of both hard disks will maintain
synchronous status.
(2) A 4cm Japan-made silent and powerful cooling fan.
(3) Safety lock and key for the drive trays
• Convenience：
(1) When setting at RAID 0 Mode, it provides maximum drive performance.
(2) Supports most of the PC operating systems without the need of installing
additional drivers.
(3) Connects with SATA port of PC directly without going through a converter card.
(4) Support AHCI Mode and S.M.A.R.T.
(5) Works with most hard disk brands.
(6) Supports hard disk Hot-Swap and Hot-Plug.
(7) Support GPT format hard disk.
• Man-Machine Interface：
(1) The LCD displays system, hard disk, fan, and temperature status.
(2) The LED displays read/write activity.
(3) Includes an audible alarm (buzzer) to alert of hard disk failure and abnormal
status of the fan and temperature.
• Monitoring Interface：
(1) Provides real-time or simulated RS-232 port and dedicated communication
protocol through a connection with a COM or USB port.
(2) Provides SNMP function for standard network management support.
＊
Product Specifications
Dimensions 165mm (D) x 146mm (W) x 43mm (H)
Weight (w/o hard drives) Approx. 0.5kg
Temperature Operating temperature: 0°C~65°C
Storage temperature: -20°C~70°C
Power Required +5V, +12V
Power Consumption
(w/o hard disk) Approx. 2.84W
Table 3: ARAID M500 Specifications

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User's Manual
(1) Computer Interface: Connect the ARAID to a SATA III (6Gbps) port for maximum
performance.
(2) Hard Disk Interface: The 2.5” SATA III (6Gbps) hard disk or SSD is suggested to
demonstrate the optimal efficiency.
(3) Supported operating system (requires no additional drivers): Windows, DOS,
Linux, SCO UNIX, FreeBSD, NetWare, Solaris, MAC OS, IBM OS/2, and QNX, etc.
＊
System Requirements
1.LCD Display:
Displays the information relating to hard
disk, fan and temperature status.
2.Audible alarm (Buzzer On/Off):
Press this switch to temporarily disable
the buzzer, press again to re-enable the
buzzer.
3.HD1 LED Read/Write indicator:
LED flashes when upper hard disk is
reading or writing the information.
4.HD2 LED Read/Write indicator:
LED flashes when lower hard disk is
reading or writing the information.
1. 4m Japan-made silent and powerful cooling fan.
2.Power connector (4-pin power connector):
Connects to computer’s 4-pin power supply.
3.SATA III data connector:
Connects to the SATA port of the computer.
4.SATA power connector
Connects to the computer’s SATA power
supply.
5. R1: RS232 port (for COM Port)
＊
Description of Components
6. Jumper settings
7. UR1: RS232 port (for USB).
12３４ 2347 56 1
Fig. 3: Front View of ARAID M500 Fig. 4: Rear View and Jumper Setting of ARAID M500
RAID 1
(Default)
RAID 0

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ARAID Setup
(1) Disconnect the computer power source and take off the cover of computer case.
(2) Setup RAID 1 / RAID 0 mode (Jumper).
(3) Install ARAID M500 into computer case where for 5.25” bay position and fix it with
screws.
(4)＊Connect with COM Port
1. Connect the 3-pin of RS232 Internal Cable to R1 port of ARAID M500’s rear panel,
and connect the 4-pin of RS232 Internal Cable to UR1 port of ARAID M500’s rear
panel.
2. Screw the other head of RS232 Internal Cable at the rear panel of computer case.
3. For the COM Port, which can connect with either physical RS-232 port or USB port.
＊Connect with physical RS-232 Port
Connect the RS232 External Cable (white) with (1) the physical RS232 port of computer
and (2) the RS232 port of RS232 Internal Cable.
(5) Connecting SATA cable, and power cable.
(6) Put the computer case back to its position.
＊Connect the simulated RS-232 through a USB port
Connect the RS232 to USB Cable (black) with (1) the USB port of computer and (2) the
RS232 port of RS232 Internal Cable.
If your computer’s physical COM port is built-in to the motherboard,
please purchase your own COM port cable or use USB port for
simulated RS-232.
Install the driver of Windows/Linux which includes in the CD.
＊Hardware Installation
Caution
Caution
Table 4: Hardware Installation Steps

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User's Manual
Fig. 5: Hardware Installation Steps
＊
Hardware Installation Steps

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If the hard disk is inserted into
the upper bay, the reading and
writing can be executed on the
first disk only.
Insert 2 brand new HDDs which never been used by ARAID.
ARAID would automatic set two HDDs as synchronized mode, there’s
no need to do rebuilding again. Then user is able to use two HDDs for
installing new O.S. or as data drives (ARAID has to do the disk partition
and formatting before becoming as data drives)
If the two HDDs already have O.S. and data inside, please follow below
instructions to be used with ARAID.
1. Upper Bay for Power-on (Recommend)
(1) Insert the upper bay HDD,
and power-on ARAID.
(2) After power-on process
is completed, then insert
the lower bay HDD
into ARAID.
If the hard disk is inserted into
the lower bay, the reading and
writing can be executed on the
2nd disk only.
Hard Disk(s)
One HDD
Two HDDs
(Brand New)
Two HDDs
(includes
O.S. & Data)
ARAID M500
Only use one disk and insert it either on the upper or
lower bay, which can be power-on. But we strongly
recommend to insert the only one disk on the upper bay
as “Pri” position to use.
Warning
＊
Starting and Operation (for RAID 1 Mode)

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User's Manual
(3) Rebuilding is completed.
2. Lower bay for Power-on
(1) Insert the lower bay hdd,
and power-on ARAID.
(2) After power-on process is
completed, then insert the
upper bay HDD into ARAID.
(3) Rebuilding is completed.
The HDDs which have been used with ARAID and also as an pair,
user can insert these two HDDs into ARAID and power-on ARAID
to use right away.
Hard Disk(s)
Two HDDs
(includes
O.S. & Data)
Two HDDs
(already use
at ARAID)
ARAID M500
Before the HDDs finish the rebuilding process, do not
pull out the source drive, which may cause system hang,
data lost, or system disorder, even the worst may result
in HDDs failure.
Warning
Table 5: Starting and Operation

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The “ARAID SMART” is the monitoring and management program which integrate the local
managing feature of AraidEye, allowing the user to monitor the current health status of 2
hard disks (bad sectors) and to control the real-time status of ARAID (rebuild is finish or in
progress) as well as to learn about the hard disk and temperature related information. If an
error warning is displayed, it can also send out a notification through e-mail.
The “SNMP Agent” provides the enterprise-specific MIB, MIB II and Traps and it can be run
under Windows 2000 / Server 2003 / XP Pro. / Win 7 or later, or Redhat / SUSE Linux. It
allows the medium-large sized network administrator to manage dozens or even thousands
of ARAID disk arrays. It can also be used with HP OpenView, IBM NetView and OpManager
network software to do the central management in order to control the hard disk, fan and
temperature status for all arrays.
＊Network Management (Linux version is for optional purchase)
Fig. 6: ARAID SMART
Fig. 7: Network Management System
＊Local Monitoring

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User's Manual
(1) Turn off the PC
(2) Pull out all the HDDs inside of ARAID M500
(3) If the HDDs inside of ARAID M500 as system
drive, please use any system drive to connect with
the SATA port of PC’s motherboard, then use this
HDD for power-on.
(4) Execute ARAID Utility program (inside of CD)
click “Load Firmware” locates at the right-hand
corner to start the upgrade process (please refer
right-hand side image)
(5) Select the firmware version to be upgraded and then click the “Open File” at the lower
right corner
＊Upgrading the Firmware For RAID 1 User
When doing the firmware upgrade, please do not insert any HDD inside of
ARAID M500, you need to remove all HDDs from upper and lower bays of
ARAID M500. Then follow below steps for the firmware upgrade. If you do
not remove any HDD from ARAID M500 before doing the upgrade, which
may cause ARAID M500 failure and unable to use it.
＊ARAID Utility (firmware upgrade program) is only suitable for Windows O.S.
Warning

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(7) Complete the upgrade and shut down (8) Restart both the computer and ARAID
M500, the new upgrade firmware
version can be seen at the first 3
seconds when ARAID M500 restarts
To inquire the suitable hard disks for ARAID, please visit our website as follows:
Go to http://www.accordance.com.tw/, click SUPPORT (under “News” section) and the
applicable table will appear.
※ Compatibility with Western Digital hard disk:
・If selecting Western Digital drives, we suggest that the customer should use the WD
NAS HDD (WD Red, WD Red Pro or WD Re).
・Western Digital warns against using Caviar series drives (Blue/Green/Black label) in a
RAID array.
＊Checking for ARAID M500 Compatible Drives
Table 6: Upgrading the firmware
(6) Click "Start Upgrade". The upgrade process will appear

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User's Manual
1. Power ON/OFF
switch.
2. AC110~220V
power socket.
3. RS232 Connector
(COM port).
＊
＊
Description of Components
Types (Host Interface) of ARAID M500T
Fig. 8: Front View and Rear View of ARAID M500T
Table 7: Specifications of ARAID M500T
ARAID M500T
(External model)
123
Dimensions 180mm (D) x 183mm (W) x 100mm (H)
Weight (w/o hard disk) Approx. 1.65kg
Power Supply Unit 63W Standalone PSU
Power Consumption
(w/o hard disk)
Approx. 5.14W~7.32W (varied depending on
the model)
Power Consumption
(w/o hard disk) Approx. 2.84W
1. SATA connector
1. USB 3.0 connector
2. e-SATA connector
(choose either
interface to use)
Type of Interface Cable Description
Table 8: Types of ARAID M500T External Model
1
12

15
Both hard disks are running
normally.
Upper bay hard disk is normal,
but lower bay hard disk is
failed or abnormal.
Lower bay hard disk is normal,
but upper bay hard disk is
failed or abnormal.
Upper bay and lower bay hard
disks are faulty or abnormal.
Fan is abnormal
Overheat warning (preset
value is 65°C / 149°F)
The capacity of the Secondary
HDD (lower bay) is less than
the Primary HDD (upper bay)
Primary HDD (upper bay)
failed during automatic
rebuilding.
Primary HDD (lower bay)
failed during automatic
rebuilding.
Both hard disks are used as
Source HDD in ARAID.
The capacity of the Secondary
HDD (upper bay) is less than
the Primary HDD (lower bay)
Replace lower bay hard disk.
Replace upper bay hard disk.
Replace both hard disks.
Check if the fan power plug is
loose.
Check if the fan is working
normally and if the storage
temperature is over 65°C.
Replace the Secondary HDD
(lower bay) and its capacity
shall not be less than Primary
HDD.
Replace it with a healthy
Primary HDD (upper bay).
Replace it with a healthy
Primary HDD (lower bay).
Insert the designated Primary
HDD to start the computer.
If starting is succeed, insert
Secondary HDD.
Replace the Secondary HDD
(upper bay) and its capacity
shall not be less than Primary
HDD.
Status Description Action
ARAID LCD Message
Comparison Table (for RAID 1 User)

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User's Manual
Both hard disks are used as
Target HDD in ARAID.
Hard drives are using different
UDMA modes.
Both hard disks are different in
efficiency.
※ If the hard disk fails during the rebuilding, ARAID M500 will skip the bad sectors and then
complete the rebuild.
※ Do not use the hard disk which has been determined failed by ARAID M500, otherwise it may
lead to system damage.
Upper bay hard disk has bad
sectors (upper bay to lower
bay rebuilding is in process).
Upper bay hard disk failed
(upper bay to lower bay
rebuilding is completed).
Lower bay hard disk is failed
(lower bay to upper bay
rebuilding is completed).
Lower bay hard disk has bad
sectors (lower bay to upper
bay rebuilding is in process).
Insert the designated Primary
HDD to start the computer.
If starting is succeed, insert
Secondary HDD.
Restart the computer.
Restart the computer.
After rebuilding, replace
the upper bay hard disk
immediately.
Replace the upper bay hard
disk.
Replace the lower bay hard
disk.
After rebuilding, replace
the lower bay hard disk
immediately.
Status Description Action
Table 9: ARAID LCD Message Comparison Table

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FAQ
(for RAID 1 User)
Q: What should I do if the power fails while auto-rebuild is in progress and I don’t have
UPS equipment?
A. Simply turn on the computer again and the Automatic Reset Function (ARF) will continue
the rebuilding progress from the interrupted point by itself. Whether rebuilding progress
was from Pri. to Sec. (upper bay to lower bay) or from Sec. to Pri. (lower bay to upper
bay), when resuming the power, the computer will boot from the source drive by itself and
continue the rebuilding automatically (in this case, the Panel Switch should be continue to
be set at “Dual Mode”).
Q: How to prevent the hard disk from getting infected by a virus?
A. (1) If one of the hard disks in the ARAID is infected, both of them will be infected at the
same time. Therefore, ARAID has been specially designed to set single disk operation
directly on the front panel in order to the limit reading and writing on the computer to a
single hard disk. After confirming the input data is accurate, the user can proceed the
rebuilding steps for achieving synchronized content of both hard disks.
(2) Through our experiences in dealing business with customers in Japan, Taiwan Power
Plant Company, Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Philips as well as that possessed by
our MIS personnel, to accomplish the optimal anti-virus effect, it is strongly suggested
that the user should purchase one to several trays and several hard disks for doing
the off-line backup regularly. In the event the hard disk is infected, the user may select
a suitable backup hard disk and restart the uninfected system and information within
the shortest period of time (i.e. executing the father-son-grandson multi-generation
rebuilding function described in our catalogue).
Q: What is the procedure when a hard drive fails?
A. (1) If you need to replace the hard disk or pull out the disk for other reasons, to protect the
completeness of the data, please pull out the hard disk after shutting down the
equipment as much as possible. If it is not allowed to shut down the equipment,
execute such work during the period when the ARAID reading and writing is least
frequent (when the LED indicator is not flashing). Because if you pull out the hard
disk without shutting down the equipment, the correction message may appear under
Windows when using such hard disk later on; further, there’s a risk that the data
contains in the hard disk may get lost once you decide to execute the correction.
(2) If the hard disk to be replaced is the same series and brand but with bigger capacity,
please insert the original disk into the upper bay and then use it to start the computer.
After power-on is completed, insert the new disk into the lower bay and the hard
＊
＊
＊
Power failure while hard disk rebuilding is in progress
Using ARAID-specific Mirror-On-Demand anti-virus function
Replacement or upgrading of hard disks

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User's Manual
disk automatic rebuilding function will begin (if the rebuilding isn’t executed, shift the
Panel Switch from “Single” to “Dual” and the HDD TYPE under BIOS should still set at
“AUTO”).
Q: What is the procedure if an incompatibility exists with my equipment or operating
system when using an ARAID product?
A. If the customer encounters any incompatible scenario, please contact us and we will help
you solve the problem.
Q: When turn off the buzzer of M500, why it can’t be stop(close) immediately?
A. This is firmware design purpose, so it’s a normal condition.
＊
＊
Incompatibility of the ARAID with my existing equipment/operating system:
Buzzer Alarm
Be sure to insert the smaller capacity hard disk into the upper bay
and the bigger capacity hard disk into the lower bay, and they should
not be wrongly inserted.
Do not mix SATA I (1.5 Gbps), SATA II (3 Gbps) and SATA III (6.0
Gbps) hard disks in the ARAID to avoid affecting the efficiency.
We recommend tag a sticker on the panel of the tray for ease of
identifying the brand, capacity and model number of the hard disk.
Caution
Caution
Caution

19
Product Warranty
and After-Service
(1) ARAID: One year warranty starting from the purchase date.
(2) Fan: Five years warranty starting from the purchase day.
2. In the event the ARAID does not operate as expected, please refer to the ARAID LCD
Message Comparison Table and solution (p.15) as well as FAQ (p.17).
3. If the product has failed under normal operation status, where the error has been diagnosed
by Accordance as not having been caused by unauthorized action and the product is still
within its warranty period, then Accordance shall provide the maintenance services as free
of charge.
4. If any of the followings happens during the warranty period, Accordance shall charge
reasonable maintenance fees:
(1) Where the warranty label has been destroyed or becomes incomplete or where the
unauthorized disassembly is obvious.
(2) Where the failure is caused due to improper storage location, falling, moving or
transportation.
(3) Where the damage is caused by unstable voltage such as fire, earthquake, flood, lightning
strike or other natural disasters.
(4) Where the failure or the damage is due to use under the conditions beyond that stated in
the User’s Manual.
5. The maintenance services will be available if over its warranty period, however, Accordance
will charge reasonable maintenance fees and parts cost.
1. Duration of product warranty