LaCie 2big Thunderbolt User manual

LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 1
LACIE 2BIG THUNDERBOLT 2 USER MANUAL
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LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 2
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the User Manual for the LaCie 2big Thunderbolt™ 2. LaCie's Thunderbolt 2
storage enclosures feature transfer rates with the potential to reach up to 20Gb/s
bi-directional. Connect the LaCie 2big to a computer that supports Thunderbolt 2
technology for the ultimate in performance with 4k video and graphics. The LaCie 2big is
ideal for professional editors, photographers, and graphic artists that demand
extraordinary performance both in the office and the field.
The LaCie 2big also features a USB 3.0 port. Transfer rates can reach up to 5Gb/s when connected to a
computer with a USB 3.0 port. Since it is backwards compatible, USB 3.0 gives you universal connectivity to any
computer with a USB 2.0 port.
This manual will guide you through the process of connecting your LaCie 2big enclosure and explain its features.
For questions on installation or use, consult the Getting Help page.
BOX CONTENT
LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2
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External power supply
■
USB 3.0 cable (USB 2.0 compatible)
■
Thunderbolt cable
■
Removable access panel
■
RAID selection tool
■
Quick Install Guide
■
Important info: Save your packaging. In the event that the hard drive should need to be repaired or
serviced, it must be returned in its original packaging.

LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 3
Software suite
Visit LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 software to download your free suite of utilities including:
Intego® Backup Manager Pro (Mac®)
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Genie® Backup Manager Pro™ (Windows®)
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LaCie Desktop Manager (monitor hard drive health and configure email alerts)
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LaCie Private-Public (protect data with AES 256-bit encryption)
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MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Your system must meet certain requirements in order for your LaCie product to function properly. For a list of
these requirements, please refer to the product packaging or consult the product support web page at
www.lacie.com/support/.

LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 4
VIEWS OF THE ENCLOSURE
Front view
LED and power button1.
Hard drive trays2.

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Top view
Hard drive LEDs1.

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Side view
Removable access panel1.

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Side view - open panel
SELECT: RAID selection button1.
FAST, SAFE, JBOD: LEDs for RAID modes2.
CONFIRM: RAID confirmation button3.

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Rear view - open panel
USB 3.0 port1.
Thunderbolt 2 ports2.
Power supply connection (12V 5A)3.

LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 10
QUIET OPERATION AND HEAT MANAGEMENT
To reduce noise during operation, the LaCie 2big's fan is located at the back of the device. The advanced
thermo-regulated fan guarantees optimal heat management by adjusting its rotational speed for the
environment and a wide exhaust chamber allows for enhanced airflow. Additionally, the LaCie 2big's metal
casing dissipates heat from the hard drives, keeping them safe and prolonging their life. Since LaCie's unique
design draws heat away from the internal hard drives, the external casing will be warm to the touch after
extended use.
Important info: Make sure that the exhaust vent on the back bezel is not obstructed and that there is a
natural airflow across the casing.

LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 11
POSITION AND STACKING
Always make certain to place the LaCie 2big on a flat, even surface designed to support the heat output and
airflow of a professional hard drive enclosure. For proper heat dissipation, the LaCie 2big is designed to stand on
its rubber feet, situated on the bottom of the enclosure. DO NOT place the enclosure on its side when it is
powered on.
When using multiple enclosures, you can stack one LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 enclosure on top of another LaCie
2big Thunderbolt 2 enclosure. However, due to the weight and balance of the LaCie 2big, stacking more than
two enclosures poses a severe risk that the devices will fall. DO NOT stack other hard drives, enclosures, or
equipment on top of the LaCie 2big.
The warranty for your LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 will be voided if you:
Stack more than two LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 enclosures.
■
Stack other hard drives, enclosures, or equipment on top of the LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2.
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LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 12
LACIE 2BIG THUNDERBOLT 2: ADVANCED STORAGE
TECHNOLOGY
THUNDERBOLT 2 TECHNOLOGY
The LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 uses Thunderbolt 2 technology, the fastest, most versatile connection for your
computer. While first generation Thunderbolt technology transfer rates are 10Gb/s bi-directional, Thunderbolt 2
technology provides 20Gb/s bi-directional. Additionally, Thunderbolt 2 technology gives priority to the video
stream, apportioning the required bandwidth for playback. This is a critical advantage when working with
high-end video and 3D graphics.
For example, an editor is working with two streams, 4K video at 12Gb/s and data at 4Gb/s. Whereas first
generation Thunderbolt technology may experience difficulty with the video signal, Thunderbolt 2 technology
allows it to pass without a problem, dividing the bandwidth as needed for playback.
Important cable info: When connecting your Thunderbolt enclosure to a computer or compatible devices,
use cables specifically constructed to support Thunderbolt technology.
Important info: A Thunderbolt enclosure must be connected to a computer that supports Thunderbolt
technology. While the ports on the back of the device can easily seat Mini DisplayPort cable ends for daisy
chaining displays, the Thunderbolt storage will only work when connected to a computer that supports
Thunderbolt technology.

LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 13
LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 technology: hardware RAID for protection and
performance
Featuring hardware RAID, the LaCie 2big is a rarity in the world of high-end direct-attached storage (DAS). While
most DAS must choose between high transfer rates or data protection, the LaCie 2big offers both extraordinary
performance and built-in protection. Its RAID saves your computer from expending critical processing resources
on storage management, which is crucial for video and graphics applications that place heavy demands on
computer CPUs. Further, hardware RAID gives you options to configure the hard drives to suit the needs of your
working environment (see Manage RAID).
The LaCie 2big features:
Desktop convenience
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Aluminum front and all-metal enclosure
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Hardware RAID
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RAIDs FAST (RAID 0), SAFE (RAID 1), and JBOD
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Two Thunderbolt 2 technology ports, up to 20Gb/s bi-directional per port
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One USB 3.0 port, up to 5Gb/s and universal connectivity
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Daisy chain Thunderbolt 2 and first generation Thunderbolt devices (up to seven, including the computer)
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Hot-swappable hard drives to reduce downtime
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LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 14
LEDS AND LED POWER BUTTON
LED STATES
The LED on the front of the LaCie 2big provides indications on the state of its health:
LED State
Solid blue The product is in active mode.
Blinking blue The product is starting up or shutting down. The LED will become solid blue once it has
initialized.
Blinking blue and
red The product is synchronizing the RAID SAFE.
Solid red RAID SAFE is broken; the device's temperature is too high; or, the product is experiencing
a severe error. Contact LaCie technical support
Blinking red RAID SAFE is degraded.
Off
The product is: turned off; not receiving power; in idle mode; experiencing system failure;
or, experiencing electronic board failure. See below for information on powering down the
hard drives within the enclosure. If the device is connected to a power supply and turned
on but the LED remains off, contact LaCie technical support.
Hard drive LEDs
The hard drive LEDS are located on top of the hard drive drawers.
LED Behavior State
Solid blue The product is in active mode.
Blinking blue The product is starting up; data is being copied to or from the product; data is being accessed.
Solid red Failed hard drive. Contact LaCie technical support
Off
The product is: turned off; not receiving power; in idle mode; experiencing system failure; or,
experiencing electronic board failure. See below for information on powering down the hard
drives within the enclosure. If the device is connected to a power supply and turned on but
the LED remains off, contact LaCie technical support.

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Receiving power
The LaCie 2big powers on automatically when it meets the following two conditions:
Connected directly to a computer via the USB port. The computer must be powered on.
■
Connected to a live power source via the included power supply.
■
Note on the USB 3.0 connection: The LaCie 2big can be connected to a USB 2.0 port on your computer.
To take advantage of SuperSpeed USB 3.0 transfer rates, you must connect the enclosure to a computer
with a USB 3.0 port.
LED BUTTON
The LED is also a button to turn the LaCie 2big on or off. Always eject the LaCie 2big’s volumes before turning it
off or placing it in idle and power-saving modes.
Long press. Push the LED for two seconds to power off the enclosure.
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Short press. Push the LED for one second to: power on the device; place the device into idle mode
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(Thunderbolt 2 only, see below); wake the device from idle mode (Thunderbolt 2 only, see below); or, place
the device into power-saving mode (USB 3.0, see below).
The LaCie 2big powers on automatically when it is connected to a computer that is also powered on. However, if
you turn the LaCie 2big off using a long press, you must turn the device on manually.

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Idle mode (Thunderbolt 2 only)
You can use the LED button to enter idle mode:
Unmount the volumes (see Unmounting Your Drive).1.
Apply a short press to the LED button.2.
The enclosure will stop sending power to the hard drives. Idle mode allows you to daisy chain Thunderbolt 2
devices and first generation Thunderbolt devices even when the hard drives are not active.
To exit idle mode, apply a short press to the LED button. The hard drives spin up and the volumes should appear
on the desktop.
Technical note: The LaCie 2big must receive power via its power cable to allow for a daisy chain in idle
mode.
Power-saving mode (USB 3.0)
The LaCie 2big will stop sending power to the hard drives when it enters power-saving mode. To spin down the
hard drives, apply a short press to the LED button. Perform the same action to exit power-saving mode.

LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 17
CABLES AND CONNECTORS
THUNDERBOLT
Your LaCie product features Thunderbolt 2 technology, the most flexible interface ever created. When
connected to a computer that supports Thunderbolt 2 technology, your LaCie device can reach up to 20Gb/s,
bi-directional, on a single port, the fastest data connection available on a personal computer.
You can also use Thunderbolt 2 technology storage devices with computers that support first generation
Thunderbolt. However, you will be limited to first generation technology transfer rates, up to 10Gb/s,
bi-directional.
Thanks to support for both data streams and mini DisplayPort video, you can connect either a storage peripheral
or a display to a Thunderbolt port. However, it's not possible to use a mini DisplayPort cable to connect a
storage peripheral to a Thunderbolt port. You must use a Thunderbolt cable.
Connector Face
(to computer)
Cable End
(to computer)
Cable End
(to product)
Connector Face
(to product)

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USB 3.0
USB is a serial input/output technology for connecting peripheral devices to a computer. SuperSpeed USB 3.0 is
the latest implementation of this standard, and it provides higher bandwidth and new power management
features.
Transfer rates can attain up to 5 Gbits/s as opposed to USB 2.0's 480 Mbits/s. This means USB 3.0 is
theoretically up to ten times faster than its predecessor.
Your LaCie drive is shipped with a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 cable to ensure maximum data transfer performance
when connected to a compatible USB 3.0 port. The cable will also work when connected to a USB 2.0 or 1.1 port,
but drive performance will be limited to their respective transfer rates.
Connector Face
(to Computer)
Cable End
(to Computer)
Cable End
(to Hard Drive)
Connector Face
(to Hard Drive)

LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 19
GETTING CONNECTED
Follow the steps in the order they are given to ensure that the LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 volume mounts
correctly on your computer. By default, the drives are configured in FAST mode (see Manage RAID) and
formatted for Mac (HFS+ journaled).
WINDOWS AND THE LACIE 2BIG
Since the LaCie 2big is preconfigured for Mac, Windows users must clean the hard drives when first connecting
the device to the computer. Directions to clean the hard drives can be found below (Windows only - clean the
hard drives).

LaCie 2big Thunderbolt 2 User Manual 20
CONNECT THE POWER AND INTERFACE CABLES
Remove the side panel to access the interface and power connections. Place one hand on the front of the1.
device for balance and use the other hand to push on the rear of the panel and slide the panel away from the
enclosure. Important: The side panel may require added pressure to remove it from the slot.
Connect the included power supply in the following order:2.
The LaCie 2big’s power port.1.
An active power outlet.2.
Choose a port to connect the LaCie 2big:3.
Thunderbolt 2:
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