Magma ExpressBox EB3T-DB User manual

EB3T-DB
User Manual
Thunderbolt™ to PCIe Expansion
Model: EB3T -DB

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ExpressBox 3T |
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Table of Contents
Preface 4
Advisories 4
Safety Instructions 5
Chapter 1 Introduction 7
PCI Express Features 8
Thunderbolt Features 8
Specifications 8
Pre-Installation Information 9
Parts List 9
Tools Required for Installation 10
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation 11
Installation-Procedures Overview 11
Open Enclosure 11
Install PCIe Cards 12
Extra Power 14
Add-in System Blower 14
Install Storage Controller Card 16
Controller Card Installation 16
Storage Drive (s) Installation 18
Attach Power Cord 20
Connect Thunderbolt Cables 20
Attaching Displays 20
Start Host Computer 21
Chapter 3 Verify Installation 22
Hardware 22
Thunderbolt™ 1 Interface Card & LEDs 22
Thunderbolt™ 2 Interface Card & LEDs 24
Backplane & LEDs 27
Software 28
How to check Magma device - Mac OS X 28
How to Check Magma Device - Windows 7 and 8 30
How To Check PCIe cards - Mac OS X 31

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Install PCIe Device Driver 32
Thunderbolt Aware Driver is required for PCIe cards 32
How to Check PCIe cards –Windows 7 and 8 34
Chapter 4 Technical Information 36
Control Fan Speed 36
Older EB3T unit –Fan Controller 37
Setting the Fan to slowest speed mode 37
Setting the Fan to fastest speed mode 38
New EB3T unit –Fan Controller 39
Setting the Fan to fast speed mode 40
Setting the Fan to slowest speed mode 40
Setting the Fan to medium speed mode 40
N-DRIVE CAGE STORAGE KIT 41
Drive Bay Installation 42
Controller Card Installation 47
How to Configure SAS / SATA Raid 49
Chapter 5 Thunderbolt Interface Card Upgrade 57
Interface Card Installation 57
Check & Verify Magma Device in Apple System Profiler 60
Check & Verify PCIe Device in Apple System Profiler 62
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting / FAQ 63
Chapter 7 Fan Upgrade 67
How to replace the fan 67
Chapter 8 How to Get More Help 70
Contacting Technical Support 70
Returning Merchandise to MAGMA 70
Appendix A Compliance 71

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ExpressBox 3T | Preface
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Preface
Advisories
Five types of advisories are used throughout this manual to provide helpful information, or to alert you to the potential for
hardware damage or personal injury.
NOTE
Used to amplify or explain a comment related to procedural steps or text.
IMPORTANT
Used to indicate an important piece of information or special “tip” to help you
CAUTION
Used to indicate and prevent the following procedure or step from causing damage to the equipment.
WARNING
Used to indicate and prevent the following step from causing injury.
DANGER or STOP
Used to indicate and prevent the following step from causing serious injury or significant data loss
Disclaimer: We have attempted to identify most situations that may pose a danger, warning, or caution condition in this
manual. However, Magma does not claim to have covered all situations that might require the use of a Caution, Warning, or
Danger indicator.

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ExpressBox 3T | Preface
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Safety Instructions
Always use caution when servicing any electrical component. Before handling the Magma Expansion chassis, read the following
instructions and safety guidelines to prevent damage to the product and to ensure your own personal safety. Refer to the
“Advisories” section for advisory conventions used in this manual, including the distinction between Danger, Warning, Caution,
Important, and Note.
Always use caution when handling/operating the computer. Only qualified, experienced, authorized electronics
personnel should access the interior of the computer and expansion chassis per UL and IEC 60950-1
The power supplies produce high voltages and energy hazards, which can cause bodily harm.
Use extreme caution when installing or removing components. Refer to the installation instructions in this manual for
precautions and procedures. If you have any questions, please contact Magma Technical Support.
WARNING
Never modify or remove the radio frequency interference shielding from your workstation or expansion unit.
To do so may cause your installation to produce emissions that could interfere with other electronic
equipment in the area of your system.
When Working Inside a Computer
1. Before taking covers off a computer, perform the following steps:
2. Turn off the computer and any peripheral devices.
3. Disconnect the computer and peripheral power cords from their AC outlets or inlets in order to prevent electric shock
or system board damage.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
To help avoid possible damage to systems boards, wait five seconds after turning off the computer before removing a
component, removing a system board, or disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer.
When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables
have a connector with locking tabs. If you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before
disconnecting the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins.
Also, before connecting a cable, make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to service the system yourself except as explained in this manual. Follow installation
instructions closely.

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ExpressBox 3T | Preface
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Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Warning
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is the enemy of semiconductor devices. You should always take precautions to
eliminate any electrostatic charge from your body and clothing before touching any semiconductor device or
card by using an electrostatic wrist strap and/or rubber mat.
Static electricity can harm system boards. Perform service at an ESD workstation and follow proper ESD procedures to reduce
the risk of damage to components. Magma strongly encourages you to follow proper ESD procedures, which can include wrist
straps and smocks, when servicing equipment.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):
When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component’s anti-static
packaging material until you are ready to install the component in a computer. Just before unwrapping the anti-static
packaging, be sure you are at an ESD workstation or are grounded.
When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an anti-static container or packaging.
Handle all sensitive components at an ESD workstation. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
Handle components and boards with care. Don’t touch the components or contacts on a board. Hold a board by its
edges or by its metal mounting bracket.

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ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 1 Introduction
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Chapter 1 Introduction
EB3T-DB provides an 'outside-the-box' solution for using PCIe® cards with Thunderbolt-equipped computers. High-
performance work flows are possible by connecting a Thunderbolt equipped computer to a Magma EB3T-DB containing PCIe
cards such as video capture, media transcoding, audio processing, and fast data storage. And because Thunderbolt is also based
on DisplayPort technology, you can daisy chain a high-resolution display with your Magma ExpressBox 3T. Thunderbolt cable is
sold separately.

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ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 1 Introduction
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PCI Express Features
Supports three HALF-length cards
This chassis includes a PCI Express Gen 2 switch. Any two x4 ports, can merge to form an 8-lane port. Therefore, the
x8 connector is used twice which allows slot 3 to be 8-lanes or slot 3 to be 4-lanes and slot 4 to be 4-lanes.
The total PCIe lanes for all 3 slots are 16 lanes. Combinations can be:
X8, x8
X8, x16 –note: the x16 will run at x8 speed
X8, x4, x4
X8, x8, x4 –note: the second x8 will only run at x4 speed
X8, x16, x4 –note: the x16 will only run at x4 speed
Thunderbolt Features
High-speed Thunderbolt connection –10Gbps for Thunderbolt™ 1. 20Gbps for Thunderbolt™ 2
Dual channel, with support for PCIe and DisplayPort protocols
Automatic power-up control by computer
Daisy-chain or end-point device
Specifications
Item
Description
Technology
PCI Express Bus Specification Revision 2.0
PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3
PCI Bridge Architecture Revision 1.2
Backplane
(3) Full length PCI Express Slots
-two x8 PCIe 2.0
-one x4 PCIe 2.0
Thunderbolt™ 1, Interconnect Bandwidth
10Gbps (1.25 GB/s) Bi-directional
Thunderbolt™ 2, Interconnect Bandwidth
20Gbps (2.50 GB/s) Bi-directional
Enclosure
Aluminum Chassis
14.6”W x, 4.3”H x 7.9”H
(371mm x 110mm x 200mm)
System Cooling
(1) Hot Swappable Fan
(1) Removable Blower Fan
Power Supply Options
250 Watt
100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz Power Input
Two 4-pin auxiliary power tabs
Environmental
Ambient Temperature 0° to 50° C
Storage Temperature -20° to 60° C
Relative Humidity 5% to 85% non-condensing
MTBF
50,000
Regulatory Compliance
FCC Class A Verified
CE
RoHS Compliant
Thunderbolt™ 1, Supported Operating Systems
MacOS 10.6.8 or higher
Thunderbolt™ 2, Supported Operating Systems
MacOS 10.9 or higher (not supported 10.8 below)
Warranty
30 day money back guarantee
1 year return to factory

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ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 1 Introduction
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Pre-Installation Information
Before using the Magma Expansion chassis you should perform the following steps:
•Inventory the shipping carton contents for all of the required parts
•Gather all of the necessary tools required for installation
•Read this manual
Parts List
Qty
Item
1
EB3T-DB: Three Slot PCIe Expansion Chassis
1
Fan Blower
1
Drive Bay
1
Carry Bag
1
U.S. Standard 115V Power Cord

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Tools Required for Installation
To complete the installation of the Magma product you will need a Phillips-head screwdriver and ESD wrist strap to prevent
electrostatic discharge.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Warning
All add-in cards are susceptible to electrostatic discharge. When moving cards, it is best to carry the cards in
anti-static packaging. If you need to set a circuit card down, be sure to place it inside or on top of an anti-
static surface. For more information, see “Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge” in the Preface.

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ExpressBox 3T | Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
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Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
The following steps will guide you through the installation of your Magma Expansion System.
CAUTION
Before touching anything inside the enclosure, move to an ESD station and follow proper ESD procedures.
Failure to do so may result in electrostatic discharge, damaging the computer or its components. For more
information, see “Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge” in the Preface.
Installation-Procedures Overview
Below is the concise version on how to set up the EB3T.
1. Open Enclosure
2. Install PCIe cards (see notes below)
3. Install storage controller card
4. Install Drives
5. Attach Power Cord
6. Connect Thunderbolt cable
7. Start Host computer
8. Hardware Check
9. Verify Installation (via Operating System)
When installing 3rd Party PCIe card, start with one card first just to see if there are any software and hardware
issues or incompatibility problems that may occur. This way you can troubleshoot the problem more easily and
efficiently. If everything works well and there are no configuration issues, you can proceed with the installation of
the remaining 3rd party PCIe cards. Always refer to or read “3rd party manufacturer installation guide” for
further instructions.
Open Enclosure
Loosen the thumbscrew that retains the top cover of the chassis and slide the lid towards you as shown below:

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Install PCIe Cards
Some card manufacturers recommend that you install their software driver prior to installing the card. If this is the case, be sure
to install the card driver before connecting EB3T-DBto the computer.
Slot 1 accepts x1 or x4 PCIe cards or the provided Fan Blower
Slot 2 accepts x1, x4 or x8 PCIe cards
Slot 3 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x4, x8 or x16 (next to Thunderbolt interface card)
Make sure that all cards are fully seated in their connectors. When correctly seated, there will be a firm resistance when you
pull up gently on the card. To keep the cards in place, secure them in the enclosure with their retaining screws.
After securing the cards verify that they do not touch each other.

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You can’t install a “FULL-LENGTH” PCIe card in the EB3T-DB. It can only accommodate / accept a “HALF-LENGT”
card, see pictures below.
If you are installing a “FULL-LENGTH” PCIe card, the EB3T-DB expansion unit is not the corret model to use. You
need the EB3T model, it has no internal “Drive Bay.

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Extra Power
Some PCIe cards require extra power. There is one extra 4-pin AUX power connector that can be used for providing extra
power to cards. The Aux power connector is under the drive bay housing.
Add-in System Blower
If the PCIe cards run hot or are over 20 watts of power, Magma recommends installing the blower in the x4 Slot of ExpressBox
3T-DB. Use caution if loading three cards at once. Check for heat with two cards first.

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CAUTION
Before touching anything inside the enclosure, be sure unit has been off and is cool. Beware of touching
anything in chassis if unit has been on.

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Install Storage Controller Card
NOTE
A Storage controller card is not included with EB3T-DB. Magma does not sell a PCIe controller card.
There are several companies such as ATTO, Areca, Adaptec and Startec and etc. that manufacture
these type of cards.
A controller card can be a RAID or Non-RAID PCIe card. If you are planning on setting up a RAID configuration you
need a RAID controller card. Otherwise, a simple HBA PCie controller will work.
ATTO and ARECA are the two most common controller cards that are compatible with EB3T expansion unit.
Controller Card Installation
Use a disk controller card that can support 4 drives. We recommend using Areca Controller card or a PCIe controller card that is
supported by Windows Operating system and Apple Mac OS X. for Mac OS, make sure it has an Apple Thunderbolt compatible
driver. Below are pictures of two Arecas PCIe Controller cards.
1. 8-port Controller card support 8 drives.
2. 4-port Controller card support 4 drives.
Connect the SAS / SATA Cable to the controller card.
Plug in Controller Card and secure it. Make sure the card is firmly seated into the PCIe slot.

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Storage Drive (s) Installation
Storage drives (i.e SSD or SATA Drives) are not included with EB3T-DB. You have to purchase it separately from a
3rd party vendor. The following are steps on how to install drives in the Magma EB3T drive bay.
Remove drive tray(s) as shown from the pictures below.
Place drive inside the tray as shown from the pictures below.

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Turn the tray over and secure the drive.
Install Drive Tray
Secure all drive trays

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Attach Power Cord
Connect Thunderbolt Cables
Attach Thunderbolt cable into either top or bottom port on the ExpressBox 3T. Plug in Display Monitor, DVI/HDMI,
or Display. If no display will be used, you can daisy chain other Thunderbolt devices. Plug in the other end of the
Thunderbolt cable to the Thunderbolt port on the computer.
Attaching Displays
You can use an appropriate Display Port connector to add a Display Port, HDMI, DVI, or VGA Display.
The Display Port connector can plug into the other Thunderbolt port on ExpressBox 3T
Make sure your display is plugged in and the appropriate adapter is connected.