Akasa elite User manual

leather finish aluminium enclosure
USER MANUAL
GB FR D ES PT
for 2.5” SATA hard drive with eSATA and USB interface

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English
Safety
Packaging complies with
EU directive 94/62/EC
Akasa Company Notices
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
All rights reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation of this material is prohibited without
prior written permission of Akasa, except as allowed under copyright laws. Akasa shall not be liable
for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
Copyright 2008 Akasa Asia Corporation.
Acknowledgements
Microsoft, Windows, Windows 2000 / XP / VISTA, are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. Mac and Apple are the registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Adobe and Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporation.
General Notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may
be trademarks of their respective owners. Akasa disclaims any and all rights in those marks.
FCC Compliance Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
CAUTION
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage PC components. If an ESD-controlled workstation is not
available, wear an antistatic wrist strap or touch the earthed surface before handling the HDD.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Warranty
Warranties extend only to defects that occur during normal use and do not extend to damage
to products that results from incompatibility, abuse, misuse, negligence, unauthorized repair,
modification, incorrect installation, incorrect voltage supply, air/water pollution, any accident
or natural disasters.
The warranty extends only on Akasa enclosure and does not cover a defective HDD,
motherboard etc. as a result of a defective enclosure or power adapter.
Keep your original sales receipt in a safe place. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting
an additional warranty.
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing an Akasa Elite external hard drive enclosure.
This leather-finish enclosure enables external use of 2.5” SATA hard drive with style.
It is a Plug & Play device, which gives you a connection choice between industry standard
USB2.0 or ultra fast eSATA. Your SATA enclosure can be used with a new HDD or existing
drives to allow data recovery, storage expansion and data mobility.
PACKAGE CONTENTS
• Akasa Elite 2.5" SATA enclosure
• USB2.0 data and power cable
• USB-to-DC Power cable
• eSATA Cable
• User's Manual
FEATURES
• Suitable for 2.5" SATA hard drives
• Stylish black leather finish
• Aluminium body enables fanless design
• USB2.0 and eSATA interface
• Supports all capacity 2.5" SATA I / II hard disk drives
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 transfer rates up to 480Mb/s
• eSATA transfer rates up to 3.0Gb/s
• Plug & Play
• Hot-swappable in USB mode
• USB 2.0 USB (1.1 backwards compatible)
• Blue LED power on and data transfer indication
MANUAL CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Hard Disk Installation
• USB Connection
• eSATA Connection
• Hard Disk Formatting
• FAQ
Installation instructions
eSATA data cable
eSATA connection
USB-to-DC power cable
USB connection
USB Data and power cable

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E-SATA DC5V
eSATA port
SPECIFICATIONS
• Internal interface: Serial ATA I / II
• External interface: eSATA, USB2.0 (1.1 backward compatible)
• Transfer rates: up to 480Mb/s on USB 2.0 and up to 3.0Gb/s on eSATA
• Power and data transfer indicator: Blue LED
• Case material: aluminum with black leather finish
• Weight: 140g (without a HDD)
• Dimensions: 132mm (L) x 90mm (W) x 16mm (H)
• Power requirements: 5V, 0.5-2.0A (DC)
• Operating Temperatures: 5 to 50 oC
• Storage Temperatures: -40 to 70 oC
• Operating Humidity: 5 to 90%, non-condensing
SYSTEM REQUIREMENT
PC Requirements
• Minimum Intel Processor Pentium II 350MHz, 64MB RAM
• Windows 2000 / XP / VISTA
• Active USB or eSATA port
MAC Requirements
• Minimum Apple G3 processor, 64MB RAM
• Mac OS 9.1, 9.2, 10.1.5, 10.2, 10.3
• Active USB or eSATA port
BACK PANEL ARRAGEMENT
HDD Installation
USB Port DC 5V Power InputLED indicator
2. Line-up the connectors and gently insert the interface board onto the 2.5" SATA hard drive until
the connection is secure. Insert the assembled HDD and interface board into the housing in the
direction shown on the picture below.
Hard Disk Installation
1. Open the back of the enclosure by undoing the securing screws and sliding out the interface
board from the aluminium housing.
3. Push the HDD fully inside until it is flush with the housing.
NOTE: Ensure the interface board fits into the housing grove. If it does not fit correctly,
it is probably inserted upside down.

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USB ConnectionHDD Installation
5. You are now ready to connect your SATA 2.5" enclosure to the system.
Choose the connection you want to use (USB or eSATA) and move to the corresponding chapter
of the manual for further instructions.
NOTE: Do not connect both (USB and eSATA) cables at the same time.
4. Secure the enclosure backplate to the housing using the screws provided.
USB CONNECTION
Connecting the Elite enclosure (USB mode)
1. Connect both Type A connectors of the USB cable to any two available USB ports on the PC
or MAC. NOTE: in some cases using single USB connector can be sufficient
(depends on HDD power consumption).
2. Connect the other end of the USB cable into the USB port of your Elite enclosure. The LED should
light up. Windows or MAC operating system will search for and install the driver automatically.
3. (Windows)
To see your Elite hard drive enclosure open “My Computer” (Windows 2000/XP) or
"Computer" (Windows Vista). Double click on the icon of the external hard drive ready to use.
(MAC)
The icon of the ready to use external drive will appear on the desktop.
ESATA
E-SATA DC5V

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4. To access and browse the external drive under Windows or Mac simply double-click on its icon.
NOTE: If the hard drive inside the enclosure is brand new it needs to be formatted before it
becomes accessible (for instructions see hard disk formatting chapter).
Disconnecting the Elite enclosure (USB mode)
WARNING!
Close all windows and quit all running applications that are stored on the Elite External Drive before
unplugging the USB cable.
NOT DOING SO MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF DATA!
Windows 2000/XP/VISTA
1. Double-click on the [Unplug arrow icon
or Eject Hardware] icon in the system
tray. Dialog box appears as on the right.
2. Highlight the [USB Mass Storage Device]
in the dialog box, click on [Stop], choose
the USB2.0 External Drive that you
want to disconnect, then
click on [Stop] again on next screen.
3. Wait for few seconds, the system prompts
“You may safely remove this device”.
4. You can now unplug the USB cable from the
USB port of the computer.
Mac OS
1. Drag Elite External Drive’s icon into "Trash"
2. MAC OS will dismount the external
drive from the Desktop
3. You can now safely unplug the USB cable
from the USB port of the MAC.
USB Connection
eSATA CONNECTION
NOTE: Motherboard or adapter card with eSATA interface is required.
Connecting the Elite enclosure (eSATA mode)
1. Make sure the system is switched off.
2. Connect both Type A connectors of the USB-to-DC cable to any two available USB ports on
the PC or MAC. NOTE: in some cases using single USB connector can be sufficient (depends
on HDD power consumption).
eSATA Connection
3. Connect the other end of the USB-to-DC cable into the DC 5V port of your 2.5" Elite enclosure.
4. Use supplied eSATA cable to connect the Elite enclosure to the motherboard's eSATA external
port. NOTE: If the port is not present on your motherboard you may need to install an
eSATA adapter (eSATA-45-EX).

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Hard Disk Formatting
HARD DISK FORMATTING
WARNING!
Before you partition or format your hard disk, please be aware that this will destroy all your existing data
on the drive, so make sure you have a backup if required.This step is usually only required the first time
you install a factory new hard drive or if you want to change the existing format of the drive.
Windows 2000/XP/VISTA
Step1
To partition the drive please connect the
enclosure either via USB or eSATA connection
then go to "START", right-click on
[My Computer] and choose [Manage].
A [Computer Management]
window will appear (as on the right).
Step2
Click on [Disk Management] on the left part of
this window and all connected disk drives will be
listed in the right part. Find the Hard Disk
that you added with it's partition status on
the right. You can create a new or delete
an existing partition by right clicking on this
area.
Step3
Right-click on the hard disk partition
status area and choose [New Partition...].The
“New partition wizard”will appear.
Step4
Following the "wizard"instructions to partition
and format your HDD.
Step5
Wait until the "wizard" finished formatting your
eSATA drive. It should now appear in
[My Computer] ready to use.
Mac OS
NOTE:
Mac OS does not recognize NTFS formatted
drives.
Mac OS9.2 and earlier, does not support creating
partitions on an external drive. To do that, you
would need to purchase additional 3rd party
software. Initializing is no problem on all
Operating Systems.
Mac OS X, use the Disk Utility to format and
create partitions on your external disk.
• Select “Disk Utilities” in the utilities folder.
• Choose your external drive and format it
according to your requirement.
GENERAL REMARKS
• Only one interface (USB or eSATA) can be connected at the same time.
• For better heat dissipation and performance, do not cover the Enclosure and leave enough room around it.
• Never expose the product to water or humid conditions.
eSATA Connection
5. Boot-up your system. The enclosure LED should light up and your external drive should be ready
to use. NOTE: in some cases switching off the system may not be required (depends on
motherboard Hot-Swap support for eSATA port).
(Windows)
To see you Elite hard drive enclosure open “My Computer” (Windows 2000/XP) or "Computer"
(Windows Vista). Double click on the icon of the external hard drive ready to use.
(MAC)
The icon of the ready to use external drive will appear on the desktop.
6. To access and browse the external drive under Windows or Mac simply double-click on its icon.
NOTE: If the hard drive inside the enclosure is brand new it needs to be formatted before it
becomes accessible (for instructions see hard disk formatting chapter).
Disconnecting the Elite enclosure (eSATA mode)
WARNING!
Do not unplug the SATA or power cable when using the Elite eSATA.
DOING THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF DATA!
1. Turn off the system
2. Unplug the enclosure
NOTE: in some cases switching off the system may not be required (depends on motherboard Hot-
Swap support for eSATA port).

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FAQ
FAQ
1. Does the enclosure need any drivers in USB mode?
The embedded drivers of Windows 2000/XP/VISTA control the enclosure in USB mode via mass
storage device driver strategy and there are no additional drivers required.
2. Does the enclosure need any drivers in eSATA mode?
The motherboard’s SATA drivers control the enclosure in eSATA mode and there are no additional
drivers required.
3. When do I need to format the HDD?
The HDD needs to be formatted only if it is brand new or you want it to use with different file
format.
4. Is there a HDD imitation?
All capacity of SATA I and SATA II hard drives up to 9.5mm high are supported.
5. Do I need to restart the system if connecting the enclosure via USB?
No, via the USB connection the enclosure is Hot Swappable and can be connected/disconnected at
any time.
6. Do I need to restart the system when connecting the enclosure via eSATA?
Most motherboards don’t support the Hot Swap on eSATA/SATA connection but some do. Please
refer to your motherboard manual.
7. My system doesn’t have an eSATA port, can I still use the enclosure?
You can use the enclosure in USB mode or equip you PC system with a SATA to eSATA adapter/
SATA to eSATA cable and your Notebook with an eSATA expansion card.
8. Do I need to use USB-to-DC cable in USB mode?
Most likely yes, but it depends on your HDD power requirments and amount of current available
from your PC / MAC USB.
9. Do I need to use USB-to-DC cable in eSATA mode?
Yes, it is required to power up the enclosure as the eSATA cable only carries data. Some HDD may
only require single USB port to be used but using both is recommended.
10. Can I power the enclosure from the adapter instead of USB ports?
Yes, the compatible product (5V, 2A) from our range is AK-PAHUB.
11. Will my HDD overheat if left on for a long period of time?
No, to prevent the hard drives from overheating the body of the enclosure is made of thick
aluminium, which enhances heat dissipation. Avoid keeping the enclosure near a radiator or on
direct sunlight.
12. I've connected the enclosure but it doesn't appear in the explorer.
If you use eSATA connection, try restarting the system.
If you use USB connection, make sure that both USB connectors are connected to the motherboard.
If you connect the enclosure via a USB hub make sure it has additional power from an adapter.
If you have any more questions please contact as at: [email protected]

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Français
Sécurité
L’emballage est compatible avec la
directive 94/62/EC de l’UE
Avertissement de la compagnie Akasa
Les informations contenues dans ce document sont sujettes à modifications sans préavis.
Tous droits réservés. Toute reproduction, adaptation, ou traduction de ce document est interdite sans
autorisation écrite de Akasa, excepté ce qui est autorisé par les lois sur les droits d’auteur. Akasa ne
peut être tenu responsable pour des erreurs techniques ou éditoriales ou des omissions dans le présent
document. Droits d’auteur 2008 Akasa Asia Corporation.
Reconnaissances
Microsoft, Windows, Windows 2000 / XP / VISTA, sont des marques commerciales déposées de
Microsoft Corporation. Mac et Apple sont des marques commerciales déposées de
Apple Computer, Inc.
Adobe et Acrobat sont des marques déposées de Adobe Systems Incorporation.
Remarque générale: D’autres noms de produits utilisés dans le présent document sont uniquement
utilisés par souci d’identification et peuvent être des marques commerciales de leurs propriétaires
respectifs. Akasa n’est le propriétaire d’aucun des droits associés à ces marques.
Déclaration de conformité de la FCC
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
Cet appareil est conforme à l’Article 15 des Règles de la FCC. Son fonctionnement est sujet aux deux
conditions suivantes:
1. Cet appareil ne peut pas causer d’interférence dangereuse
2. Cet appareil doit accepter toutes les interférences reçues, y compris les interférences qui peuvent
engendrer un fonctionnement indésirable.
ATTENTION
Une décharge électrostatique (ESD) peut endommager les composants du PC. Si aucune station de travail
protégée contre les décharges électrostatiques n’est disponible, portez un bracelet antistatique ou touchez
une surface reliée à la masse avant de manipuler le disque dur.
Des changements ou des modifications qui ne sont pas expressément approuvés par les parties
responsables de la conformité de l’appareil peuvent entraîner l’annulation de l’autorité de l’utilisateur pour l’
utilisation de cet appareil.
Garantie
Les garanties ne couvrent que les défauts qui surviennent pendant une utilisation normale et ne s’
appliquent pas aux dommages du produits résultants d’incompatibilité, abus, mauvaise utilisation,
négligence, réparation non autorisée, modification, mauvaise installation, erreur d’alimentation, pollution
de l’air/l’eau, d’accident ou de catastrophes naturelles.
La garantie ne couvre que les boîtiers Akasa et ne couvre pas un disque dur défectueux, carte mère
défectueuse, etc. provenant d’un boîtier ou d’une alimentation défectueuse.
Conservez votre preuve d’achat originale dans un endroit sûr. Rien dans le présent document ne peut être
interprété comme constituant une garantie supplémentaire.
INTRODUCTION
Merci d’avoir acheté un boîtier de disque dur externe Elite d’Akasa.
Ce boîtier avec finition en cuir permet d’utiliser un disque dur externe SATA 2,5 pouces.
C’est un appareil Plug & Play, qui vous offre comme choix de connexion le standard industriel
USB2.0 ou l'ultra rapide eSATA.
Votre boîtier SATA peut être utilisé avec un nouveau disque dur ou des disques existants pour la
récupération des données, l’extension du stockage et la mobilité des données.
CONTENU DE L’EMBALLAGE
• Boîtier SATA 2,5 pouces Elite d’Akasa
• Câble de données et d’alimentation USB2.0
• Câble d’alimentation USB-vers-CC
• Câble eSATA
• Manuel d’utilisateur
CARACTERISTIQUES
• Approprié pour les disque durs SATA 2.5"
• Elégante finition en cuir noir
• Corps en aluminium pour un design sans ventilateur
• Interface USB2.0 et eSATA
• Prend en charge toutes les capacités de disques durs 2,5 pouces SATA I / II
• Taux de transfert Hi-Speed USB 2.0 jusqu’à 480Mb/s
• Taux de transfert eSATA jusqu’à 3.0Gb/s
• Plug & Play
• Hot-swappable en mode USB
• USB 2.0 (compatible USB 1.1)
• DEL bleue d’indication de mise sous tension et de transfert des données
MANUAL CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Hard Disk Installation
• USB Connection
• eSATA Connection
• Hard Disk Formatting
• FAQ
Instructions d'installation
Connexion USB
Câble de données et
d’alimentation USB
Connexion eSATA
Câble d’alimentation
USB-vers-DC
Câble de données eSATA

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E-SATA DC5V
port eSATA
SPECIFICATIONS
• Interface interne: Serial ATA I / II
• Interface externe: eSATA, USB2.0 (compatible USB1.1)
• Taux de transfert: jusqu’à 480Mb/s avec USB 2.0 et jusqu’à 3.0Gb/s avec eSATA
• Indicateur d’alimentation et de transfert de données : DEL bleue
• Matériau du boîtier: Aluminium avec finition en cuir noir
• Poids: 140g (sans disque dur)
• Dimensions: 132mm (L) x 90mm (l) x 16mm (H)
• Spécifications de l’alimentation: 5V, 0.5-2.0A (DC)
• Température de fonctionnement: 5 to 50 oC
• Température de stockage: -40 to 70 oC
• Humidité en fonctionnement: 5 to 90%, sans condensation
SPECIFICATIONS DU SYSTEME
Spécifications du PC
• Processeur Intel Pentium II 350MHz, 64Mo de RAM minimum
• Windows 2000 / XP / VISTA
• Port actif USB ou eSATA
Spécifications MAC
• Minimum processeur Apple G3, 64Mo de RAM
• Mac OS 9.1, 9.2, 10.1.5, 10.2, 10.3
• Port actif USB ou eSATA
AMENAGEMENT DU PANNEAU ARRIERE
Port USB Entrée Alimentation
5V CC
Indicateur DEL
2. Alignez les connecteurs et insérez doucement le panneau d’interface sur le disque SATA 2,5
pouces jusqu’à ce que la connexion soit bien fixée. Insérez le disque dur assemblé et
le panneau d’interface dans le boîtier dans la direction indiquée sur l’illustration ci-dessous.
Installation du disque dur
1. Ouvrez l’arrière du boîtier en dévissant les vis de fixation et en faisant glisser le panneau du
boîtier en aluminium.
3. Poussez complètement le disque dur à l’intérieur jusqu’à ce qu’il s’encastre dans le boîtier.
REMARQUE: Assurez-vous que le panneau d’interface s’insère dans la rainure du boîtier. S’il ne s’
insère pas correctement, c’est qu’il est probablement inséré à l’envers.
Installation du disque dur

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Connexion USBInstallation du disque dur
5. Vous êtes maintenant prêt(e) à connecter votre boîtier SATA 2.5" au système.
Choisissez la connexion que vous voulez utiliser (USB ou eSATA) et allez au chapitre
correspondant du manuel pour plus d’instructions.
REMARQUE: Ne connectez pas les deux câbles (USB et eSATA) en même temps.
4. Fixez le plateau arrière du boîtier en utilisant les vis fournies.
CONNEXION USB
Connexion du boîtier Elite (mode USB)
1. Connectez les deux connecteurs de type A du câble USB à l’un des deux ports USB disponibles
sur le PC ou le MAC. REMARQUE: dans certains cas l’utilisation d’un simple connecteur USB
peut être suffisante (en fonction de la consommation de l’alimentation du disque dur).
2. Connectez l’autre extrémité du câble USB au port USB de votre boîtier Elite. La DEL
devrait s’allumer. Le système d’exploitation Windows ou MAC recherchera et installera le
pilote automatiquement.
3. (Windows)
Pour voir votre boîtier de disque dur Elite, ouvrez “Poste de travail” (Windows 2000/XP)
ou "Ordinateur" (Windows Vista). Double cliquez sur l’icône du disque dur externe prêt à l’emploi.
(MAC)
L’icône du disque externe prêt à l’emploi apparaîtra sur le bureau.
ESATA
E-SATA DC5V