Acomdata DockPod RPDOCKU2FA User manual

User’s Guide
For the
DockPod
Docking Station
Model #: RPDOCKU2FA
Windows & Mac
Please retain this guide.

CONTENTS
CONTACT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
PACKAGE CONTENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
PRODUCT REGISTRATION FOR WARRANTY COVERAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
ABOUT ROCKETPOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
DOCKPOD AT A GLANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
DOCKPOD IN-DEPTH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR MAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

CONNECTING DOCKPOD TO YOUR COMPUTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
HOW TO STACK&PLAY ROCKETPOD MODULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
STACKING ROCKETPOD MODULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
REMOVING STACKED-ON MODULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
TURNING OFF A ROCKETPOD STACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
CONNECTION OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
CONNECTING DOCKPOD TO A USB HUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
CONNECTING YOUR ROCKETPOD STACK TO A FIREWIRE DAISY-CHAIN . . . . . . 31
TROUBLESHOOTING/FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) . . . . . . . . . .33
SOLVING TECHNICAL PROBLEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Mailing Address:
P.O. BOX 5499
Diamond Bar, California
91765-7499
Telephone:
[phone]
Fax:
[phone]
Web:
www.acomdata.com
Customer Service:
customerser[email protected]
Technical Support:
techsuppor[email protected]
Pre-Sales Questions:
[email protected]
3
CONTACT INFORMATION

WELCOME
Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of DockPod, the
Docking Station for RocketPod Hi-Performance Peripherals from
AcomData.
This guide contains instructions on how to connect your DockPod to
your computer and stack on RocketPod modules using the patented
Stack&Play™ system. For instructions pertaining to the usage of a
specific RocketPod product, please see the User's Guide for that
product.
Please read this guide carefully before using your DockPod, and
retain it for future reference.
4

PACKAGE CONTENTS
The package should contain the following items:
• DockPod Docking Station
• FireWire cable (6-pin to 6-pin)
• USB 2.0 cable (compatible with USB 1.x)
• AC adapter and power cord
• User’s Guide
• Warranty Registration Card
If you are missing any of the items listed above, please contact
AcomData Customer Service at [email protected]
or call 1-800-470-4495 or [phone].
5

PRODUCT REGISTRATION
FOR WARRANTY COVERAGE
Please take a few moments to register your AcomData product.
Registration is required in the event that your product needs warran-
ty service. Also, please retain your sales receipt from the purchase
of this product; a copy of the sales receipt is also required to attain
warranty service.
Two ways to register:
1. Fill out and return the Warranty Registration Card included in the
package;
2. Register your AcomData product online at www.acomdata.com.
To register, click on the Customer Support button and follow the
instructions.
Online registration entitles you to free online support services,
including online tech support and customized software updates.
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PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to follow the precautions listed below. Failure to follow
these precautions may cause damage to your AcomData product
and void the warranty.
• Read this User’s Guide carefully and follow the correct procedures
for installing and using the device.
• Do not open the device or attempt to disassemble or modify it.
If it appears to be malfunctioning, contact AcomData Technical
Support.
• Never expose the device to rain or use it near water or in damp or
wet conditions.
• Never place containers on it containing liquids which may spill onto
the device. This can damage the device and increase the risk of
electric shock, short-circuiting, fire or personal injury.
• Make sure that the computer and the device are electrically
grounded. If the device has a three-prong (grounded) plug, never
plug the device into a two-prong (non-grounded outlet).
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• Do not expose the device to temperatures outside the range of
5° C to 40° C (41° F to 104° F). Doing so may damage the device
or disfigure its casing.
• Do not use a third-party AC adapter or power cord. Doing so may
damage the device.
• Do not bump, jar or drop the device as this may damage it or
result in loss of data.
• Do not try to set the device on its side; it is not designed to be
placed on its side.
• Do not disconnect any cables while the device is powered on.
• AcomData highly recommends that you regularly back-up the files
stored on your hard drive(s). AcomData is not responsible for any
data loss, nor will AcomData perform any recovery of lost data or
files.
8

ABOUT
ROCKETPOD™
RocketPod is a revolutionary new line of
hi-performance computer peripherals from
AcomData––and they’re unlike anything
you’ve seen before.
If you want a computer peripherals solution
that is portable, expandable, compact, can
eliminate the ‘rat’s nest’ of wires on your
desktop––and is ready for the future––
you want RocketPod.
Patented
Stack & Play™ System
This revolutionary tech-
nology lets you stack
RocketPod peripherals
without additional data
cables or power cords. The
patented Stack&Play connectors
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built into RocketPod devices safely and seamlessly relay power and
data signals between stacked RocketPod modules.
Modular Design
Connect a DockPod Docking Station to your computer and then stack
on the RocketPod modules that you need right now. Then, simply
add more modules as you need them––and as new
RocketPod products become available. You
can stack any combination of up to five
RocketPod modules onto your DockPod.
Portable
Super-compact size and grab-and-go
convenience make it a snap to take
RocketPod peripherals on the go:
• transfer large amounts of data to
another computer;
• bring your work to and from your home
and office;
• secure your daily backups off-site;
or whatever reason you may have to
make your data portable.
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Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and FireWire
No matter what interface you choose, you get blazing performance.
You can even combine USB 2.0 and FireWire RocketPod modules in
the same stack with the DockPod Docking Station.
Hot Swappable
This is the way hot swapping was truly meant to be. Add or remove
RocketPod peripherals without turning off your computer––or fussing
with cables.
Mac or PC
All RocketPod modules are compatible with both Mac and PC.
Rugged and Stylish
With solid metal alloy tops, rugged construction and advanced
technology, RocketPod peripherals are designed to give you years
of reliable performance––and look great while doing it!
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12
Stack&Play™ Connector
Relays electrical power and data
signals to stacked-on RocketPod
modules.
Stack Light
Lights up when a link between the
DockPod and stacked-on RocketPod
module(s) is established.
Voltage Meter
Measures the amount of
power used by stacked-on
RocketPod modules.
Power Button
Lights up blue when the DockPod
is powered on and ready.
DOCKPOD AT

FireWire
(IEEE 1394a) port
USB 2.0 port
AC adapter power port
A GLANCE
ON THE BACK PANEL
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DOCKPOD IN-DEPTH
STACK&PLAY™ CONNECTOR
Your DockPod has two main func-
tions: 1) to supply electrical power
for up to five stacked-on RocketPod
modules, and; 2) to relay data signals
between those modules, your computer,
and other devices connected to the same USB
and/or FireWire data buses.
The Stack&Play connector, located on the top-side of your DockPod,
is the power and data link to your stacked-on RocketPod modules.
The standard power and data connections located on the back of the
DockPod are used to connect DockPod to your computer.
STACK LIGHT
The Stack light, located on the fascia of your DockPod, tells you when
a proper link has been established between the DockPod and any
stacked-on RocketPod modules. The Stack light will be illuminated
when your DockPod is powered on and one or more RocketPod
peripherals are stacked onto the DockPod.
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VOLTAGE METER
Your DockPod is equipped with a built-in, analog voltage meter. The
voltage meter measures the amount of power used by stacked-on
RocketPod modules. Whenever there is a sufficient power fluctuation
caused by some activity from a RocketPod module, the needle will
fluctuate until a rest state is reached.
POWER BUTTON
When the DockPod is turned on, the power button illuminates with
a stunning, deep blue color. DockPod’s power button is also used to
control power to stacked-on RocketPod modules.
FIREWIRE AND USB 2.0 COMPATIBILITY
Your DockPod is equipped with both a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface
and a FireWire (IEEE 1394a) interface for the ultimate combination
of compatibility, convenience and flexibility.
You can use the USB 2.0 connection, or the FireWire connection,
or both at the same time. RocketPod Peripherals that are currently
available or coming soon are available in either USB 2.0, FireWire,
or both USB 2.0 and FireWire Combo configurations.
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About FireWire
FireWire––also known as iLink and the High Performance Serial
Bus––is a cross-platform serial input/output technology for transfer-
ring data between computers and peripherals. Developed by Apple
Computer and Texas Instruments, FireWire was adopted as an offi-
cial standard by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers;
the official name is IEEE 1394x.
Isochronous data transfer at a rate of 400 Mbps
FireWire is suitable for applications where delayed or out-of-order
data frames are unacceptable, such as digital video editing.
Supports up to 63 devices
FireWire devices can be linked in a daisy-chain configuration. With
the use of FireWire hubs, up to 63 devices can be linked on a single
FireWire bus.
Peer-to-peer architecture
FireWire devices are intelligent. Data transmission can take place
without the need for input from the computer.
Cable length up to 4.5 m
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On-bus power up to 45 W
Some FireWire devices do not need to be plugged into an outlet; they
can get their power via the FireWire cable.
Plug & Play
You do not need to install drivers, assign unique ID numbers, or con-
nect terminators.
Hot-swappable
Devices can be added and removed while the computer is running.
Also, you can turn off the device when not needed.
About USB 2.0
USB (Universal Serial Bus) quickly became the standard for low-band-
width computer peripherals, such as printers, scanners, and digital
cameras. The second generation (USB 2.0) is up to 40 times faster,
making it suitable for devices––such as external hard drives––that
require large data throughput.
Data transfer rates up to 480 Mbps
Data transfer rates can vary depending on a number of factors,
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including available CPU resources.
Supports up to 127 devices
Connecting more than one or two USB devices to a computer typi-
cally requires the use of one or more hubs; each hub can accommo-
date several USB devices.
Master-slave architecture
The computer (master) dictates data flow between attached devices
(slaves).
Cable length up to 5 m
On-bus power up to 2.5 W
Suitable for low-powered devices such as flash card readers.
Plug & Play
You do not need to assign unique ID numbers, or connect termina-
tors. On most operating system you do not need to install drivers.
Hot-swappable
Devices can be added and removed while the computer is running.
Also, you can turn off a device when not needed.
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