Adaptec AFW-8300 User manual

R
AFW-8300 Host Adapter
Installation
Guide

1
In this Booklet
This Installation Guide explains how to install the AFW-8300 host adapter
and the device driver in your Windows or Macintosh desktop computer.
For instructions on connecting devices to the adapter, and for
troubleshooting tips, refer to the AFW-8300 User’s Guide on the CD.
Note: The 1394 digital interface is also known as FireWire®.
This is Your AFW-8300 Host Adapter 2
Installing Your AFW-8300 3
Installing the Driver 5
About the Internal Power Connector 6

2
This is Your AFW-8300 Host Adapter
The AFW-8300 host adapter is a 64-bit universal PCI card. It will work in
either a 32-bit or 64-bit PCI slot; however, when it is plugged into a 64-bit
slot, it provides better performance because it is able to transfer more
data simultaneously.
See About the Internal Power Connector on page 6 for important
information about powering your 1394 devices.
32-/64-bit PCI Connector
Bracket
6-pin Port
9-pin Ports
Internal Power Connector

3
Installing Your AFW-8300
To install the AFW-8300:
1Discharge any static electricity by touching a grounded metal object
(such as the exposed metal parts on the back of your computer)
before handling the adapter.
Caution: Handle the adapter by its edges or metal bracket. Do
not touch the gold connector or any components on the adapter.
2Turn off your computer and disconnect the power cord. Open the
computer cabinet, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
3Locate an unused 32-bit or 64-bit PCI expansion slot and remove the
expansion slot cover. Save the slot cover screw for use in Step 5.
!
64-bit PCI slots
Slot cover screw
Expansion
slot cover
32-bit PCI slots

4
4Insert the AFW-8300 into the PCI expansion slot. Press down firmly
until the adapter clicks into place. When installed properly, the
adapter should appear level with the expansion slot.
Note: Depending on the tightness of the PCI slot, gentle but
firm force may be required to insert the adapter.
5Secure the adapter bracket with the screw you removed in Step 3.
6If you plan to use FireWire devices that, when combined, draw more
than 1.5 A of power, plug an internal power cable to the adapter’s
internal power connector. (See About the Internal Power Connector on
page 6 for more information.)
7Close the computer cabinet, reattach the power cord, then turn on the
computer.

5
Installing the Driver
Follow the instructions provided for your operating system:
■For Windows OSs, see this page.
■For Macintosh OSs, see page 6.
Driver Installation—Windows
Before you begin, ensure you have the most recent Windows OS updates
installed on your computer. Refer the Microsoft Web site to download
updates.
1When you power on your computer, Windows automatically detects
the new host adapter and loads an embedded driver.
Note: When this Guide was printed, Microsoft 1394 drivers
supported FireWire 400 speeds (400 Mbps) only.
2Restart your computer if you are prompted to do so.
3Go to the Windows Device Manager and check that the AFW-8300 is
installed under the IEEE 1394 Bus Host Controller section.

6
Driver Installation—Macintosh
If you are using Macintosh OS X, no driver installation is required. Your
AFW-8300 works with the drivers built in to your operating system.
Note: Only FireWire 400 is supported on the AFW-8300 in
Mac OS 9.1 – Mac OS X 10.2.4.
If you are using an earlier version of the Macintosh OS, verify that the
necessary drivers are installed on your computer by going to the System
folder and opening the Extensions folder. FireWire Support and FireWire
Enabler should be listed. If these files are not listed, go to
www.info.apple.com and download the latest FireWire software.
Note: Ensure you have the latest FireWire software installed on
your computer before contacting Adaptec for technical support.
About the Internal Power Connector
The AFW-8300 host adapter can provide up to 1 A of power to a single
port, or a total of 1.5 A of power across all three ports if more than one
port is in use. You can increase the amount of power available to
connected devices by connecting the internal power connector (shown
above) to a power supply within your computer.
Refer to the documentation that came with your computer for more
information.

R
Adaptec, Inc.
691 South Milpitas Boulevard
Milpitas, CA 95035 USA
© 2004 Adaptec, Inc.
All rights reserved. Adaptec and the Adaptec logo
are trademarks of Adaptec, Inc. which may be
registered in some jurisdictions.
Part Number: 513702-06, Ver.AALB01/04