Microtech USB XpressSCSI User manual

XpressSCSI
USB to SCSI Converter Cable
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Click Here to Begin
Connect up to seven SCSI devices
to your USB compatible Mac or PC.
Works great with existing SCSI
devices.
USB-SCSI-DB25
USB-SCSI-HD50
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For models:
Version 1.0

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USB XpressSCSI
5
1
Introduction
What's the difference between
part# USB-SCSI-DB25 and
part# USB SCSI-HD50?
What's included with
the USB XpressSCSI
Registering the USB XpressSCSI
GETTING
STARTED
Register your USB XpressSCSI for
a chance to win an Apple iMac.
Click here for more info...

Introduction:
Thank you for purchasing the USB XpressSCSI from Microtech International, Inc.
The USB XpressSCSI is a USB to SCSI converter for new Apple iMac, Apple G3, and PC Compatible
owners who wish to use their existing SCSI peripherals such as hard drives, Zip drives, and CD-
ROM drives on a USB enabled system. The USB XpressSCSI is easy to use and provides transfer
rates of up to 1.2MB/sec (12Mb/s).
What is the difference between part# USB-SCSI-DB25 and
part# USB-SCSI-HD50?
The USB XpressSCSI is available in two models — one features a DB25 Female SCSI connector
(USB-SCSI-DB25), the other features an HD50 Male SCSI connector (USB-SCSI-HD50). Although
the two versions are similar, there are a few important differences to consider:
USB-SCSI-DB25
This USB XpressSCSI model features a DB25 SCSI connector. Installation steps will vary
depending on the configuration of the SCSI devices in your system. Refer to Chapter 2:
"Connecting to a Macintosh" or Chapter 3: "Connecting to a PC Compatible" for more infor-
mation.
USB-SCSI-HD50
This version of the USB XpressSCSI features an HD50 male SCSI2 connector. Installation is
performed simply by connecting the male HD50 SCSI end of the USB XpressSCSI to the
female HD50 SCSI connector on your SCSI device. Refer to Chapter 2: "Connecting to a
Macintosh" or Chapter 3: "Connecting to a PC Compatible" for more information.
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DB25 SCSI Connector
HD50 Male SCSI2 Connector
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What's included with the USB XpressSCSI:
The USB XpressSCSI includes the following:
■USB XpressSCSI Converter Cable
■Microtech Installer CD
■Quick-Start Guide
■Warranty Registration Card
System Requirements:
PC Compatible:
■Desktop or laptop PC Compatible with a USB port
■Windows 98
Macintosh:
■Any Apple iMac or USB equipped G3 minitower*
■Mac OS 8.5 or higher
* Does not support 3rd party USB add-on cards.
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Registering the USB XpressSCSI
Thank you again for purchasing the Microtech USB XpressSCSI. In order for us to better serve
you, we encourage you to register your USB XpressSCSI as soon as possible. There are several
benefits to registering the USB XpressSCSI:
Registering your USB XpressSCSI entitles you to free periodic driver software updates
when available.
Registering your USB XpressSCSI entitles you to toll free technical assistance
from Microtech.
By registering online you will be entered in a drawing to win a new Apple iMac.
There are three options for you to register the USB XpressSCSI:
Register online at http://www.microtechint.com/usbregister for instant
registration.
Complete and mail the included Warranty Registration Card to Microtech.
Complete and fax the included Warranty Registration Card to Microtech.
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Click here to
register online
1.
2.
3.
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2
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Installation Overview
Connecting a SCSI Device
Connecting and using more
than one SCSI Device
SCSI Addressing
SCSI Termination
Installing the Driver Software
Connecting to the USB Port
Connecting to a USB Hub
Using the USB XpressSCSI
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USB XpressSCSI
9
CONNECTING
to a Macintosh

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Installation Overview
The USB XpressSCSI is relatively easy to install and operate. To avoid complications during the
installation process, please follow the steps in order as described in this chapter.
Connecting a SCSI Device
Microtech includes accessories to help make setup as convenient and hassle free as possible.
The SCSI connector on your USB XpressSCSI model may or may not be the appropriate SCSI
connector to use in your system configuration (depending on the type of connectors on your
SCSI device(s) and the type of USB XpressSCSI you purchased). You may need to obtain an
adapter to properly connect the USB XpressSCSI to your SCSI device.
USB-SCSI-HD50 model
Plug the male HD50 SCSI-2 connector of the USB XpressSCSI directly to the female
HD50 SCSI-2 connector at the rear of your SCSI device.
Be sure the cable is securely attached to your SCSI device and then fasten with the built-
in locking clamps.
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1.
2.
Plug the male HD50 connector of the
USB-SCSI-HD50 model directly to the
female HD50 connector on your SCSI
device.

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USB-SCSI-DB25 model
In most cases - you will plug a male DB25 cable (most likely included with your existing
SCSI device) directly to the DB25 female connector of the USB XpressSCSI. In some
instances a gender changer may be required to properly connect to your cable or device.
Be sure the cable is firmly attached to your SCSI device. Built-in hex nuts are provided for
secure attachment.
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1.
2.
Plug a male DB25 cable directly to
the female DB25 connector on the
USB XpressSCSI.
SCSI terminator.

Connecting and Using more than one SCSI Device:
The SCSI standard supports connection to one computer and up to seven SCSI devices. You can
use the USB XpressSCSI (Part# USB-SCSI-DB25 or USB-SCSI-HD50) to connect either one SCSI
device, or several SCSI devices in a series. When more than one SCSI device is connected to
your computer it is referred to as a SCSI chain.
Please note, the SCSI connector on your USB XpressSCSI model may or may not be the
appropriate SCSI connector to use in your system configuration (depending on the SCSI connec-
tion required for your hardware setup and the USB XpressSCSI model you purchased). You may
need to obtain an adapter to properly connect the USB XpressSCSI to your SCSI device(s). You
may also need to acquire additional SCSI cables if you would like to attach additional SCSI
devices. Some of your existing SCSI devices may have already included SCSI cables which may
be appropriate to use. For more information contact the manufacturer of your SCSI device(s),
your local computer dealer, or Microtech's Technical Support Department.
IMPORTANT: Always use a high-impedance (100-ohm) type SCSI cable. Be careful not
to use printer cables, as they may look like SCSI cables, but will cause malfunctions and
possible loss of data.
Follow the steps in the previous section "Connecting a SCSI device" to connect the USB
XpressSCSI to the first SCSI device.
Most SCSI devices include a second SCSI port/connector to attach additional SCSI
devices or an external SCSI terminator. Using an additional SCSI cable connect the next
SCSI device you would like to add to the available SCSI connector on the first device.
Refer to the illustrations on the next page.
Using another SCSI cable connect the next SCSI device you would like to
add to the available SCSI connector on the second SCSI device. Repeat this step when
adding additional devices. Refer to the illustrations on the next page.
Securely plug each cable end into each connector and then fasten with the built-in clamps
or screws.
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The order of the SCSI devices to be connected can be changed. Be sure to assign a
unique SCSI ID address to each device on your SCSI chain. The last device in the SCSI
chain must be terminated. Proceed to the next two sections "SCSI Addressing" and "SCSI
Termination" for more information.
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USB-SCSI-DB25 Example Connection
USB-SCSI-HD50 Example Connection
5.
First SCSI device
connected to USB-SCSI-DB25
via an additional SCSI cable.
Additional SCSI device
connected via an additional
SCSI cable.
Additional SCSI device
connected via an additional SCSI
cable. The last device in a SCSI
chain must be terminated.
USB-SCSI-HD50
connects directly to the
first SCSI device.
Additional SCSI device
connected via an additional
SCSI cable.
Additional SCSI device connected via
an additional SCSI cable. The last device
in a SCSI chain must be terminated.

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SCSI Addressing
The SCSI standard supports connection from one computer to up to seven SCSI devices. When
more than one SCSI device is connected to your computer it is referred to as a SCSI chain.
Each device in a SCSI chain must be assigned a unique SCSI ID number for proper operation.
Therefore, two devices must not have the same ID number. The SCSI ID is independent of the
order of physical device connection. ID numbers 0 to 6 are available for other SCSI devices.
Note: You cannot use the same ID number more than once in a SCSI chain.
Turn off the power to your SCSI device(s) prior to changing the SCSI ID's. The new
number will not become effective while power is still on.
Assign a SCSI ID number between 0 and 6 to each device in the chain. Your SCSI
device(s) will feature either an ID switch, panel, or other method allowing you to change
the SCSI address. Some devices only permit a choice of ID numbers rather than the full
range of 0-6. For information on setting the SCSI ID on your SCSI device refer to the
related device manual.
SCSI Termination
A SCSI terminator is a device which blocks stray SCSI signals in a chain to ensure a reliable con-
nection. SCSI termination is required whether you have just one or many SCSI devices connect-
ed. Termination is usually applied to the last device in a SCSI chain to complete the connection.
Termination can be applied via switches or via external attachments (see illustration below) for
devices without built-in termination.
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External SCSI Terminator may
be required in certain SCSI chains
(actual appearance may vary).
1.
2.

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Installing the Driver Software
Macintosh Installation (Mac OS 8.5 or above):
Insert the Microtech Installer CD-ROM
Double-click on the "Microtech Installer" Icon
Follow any instructions displayed on the screen.
After installing the driver software, finish reading this chapter and connect the USB
XpressSCSI to your computer. For instructions on connecting the USB XpressSCSI
directly to your computer proceed to the section "Connecting to the USB Port" (page 16).
For instructions on connecting to a USB hub, proceed to the section "Connecting to a
USB Hub"(page 17).
Installation note: If you attempt to attach the USB connector to the USB port of your
Macintosh or hub prior to installing the USB XpressSCSI drivers you may receive the following
(or a similar) message:
If this occurs, click "OK", install the driver software, and then attach the USB connector. For
more information on attaching USB devices proceed to the section "Connecting to the USB Port"
(page 16) or "Connecting to a USB Hub" (page 17).
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1.
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Connecting to the USB Port:
Connect the USB connector of the USB XpressSCSI to the USB port on your
Macintosh. In the case of the Apple iMac, USB ports are located both on the
side of the iMac as well as on the keyboard.
Make sure the cable ends are firmly connected. Be careful not to confuse the upper
and lower parts of the connector. Do not force connections, as this may damage the
computer, the USB XpressSCSI, or your SCSI device(s).
Attach the USB connector from the USB
XpressSCSI to the USB port on your computer
Enlarged view
1.
2.

Connecting to a USB Hub (using with other USB devices):
Connect the USB hub (purchased separately) to your computer's USB port.
Then connect the USB connector of the USB XpressSCSI to a port on the USB hub.
Make sure the connectors are secured firmly.
Using the USB XpressSCSI
The USB XpressSCSI cable by itself is "hot-pluggable," that is it can be safely attached to and
detached from a live system. It is important to note however - SCSI devices are not hot-plug-
gable (based on industry standards). When SCSI devices are attached to the USB XpressSCSI,
you should not attempt to hot-plug the USB XpressSCSI to or from your computer.
Instead, when making changes to your hardware setup while SCSI devices are connected to the
USB XpressSCSI, (for example adding or removing SCSI) you should restart your computer.
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Attach the USB connector from the USB hub
to the USB port on your computer
Enlarged view
Attach the USB connector from
the USB XpressSCSI to the USB
port on the USB hub
Enlarged view
1.
2.
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USB XpressSCSI
18
3
Installation Overview
Connecting a SCSI device
Connecting and using more
than one SCSI Device
SCSI Addressing
SCSI Termination
Connecting to the USB Port
Connecting to a USB Hub
Installing the Driver Software
Using the USB XpressSCSI
CONNECTING
to a PC Compatible

USER'S
MANUAL
USER'S
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Installation Overview
The USB XpressSCSI is relatively easy to install and operate. To avoid complications during the
installation process, please follow the steps in order as described in this chapter.
Connecting a SCSI Device
Microtech includes accessories to help make setup as convenient and hassle free as possible.
The SCSI connector on your USB XpressSCSI model may or may not be the appropriate SCSI
connector to use in your system configuration (depending on the type of connectors on your
SCSI device(s) and the type of USB XpressSCSI you purchased). You may need to obtain an
adapter to properly connect the USB XpressSCSI to your SCSI device.
USB-SCSI-HD50 model
Plug the male HD50 SCSI-2 connector of the USB XpressSCSI directly to the female
HD50 SCSI-2 connector at the rear of your SCSI device.
Be sure the cable is securely attached to your SCSI device and then fasten with the built-
in locking clamps.
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19
Plug the male HD50 connector of the USB-
SCSI-HD50 model directly to the female HD50
connector on your SCSI device.
1.
2.

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USB-SCSI-DB25 model
In most cases - you will plug a male DB25 cable (most likely included with your existing
SCSI device) directly to the DB25 female connector of the USB XpressSCSI. In some
instances a gender changer may be required to properly connect to your cable or device.
Be sure the cable is firmly attached to your SCSI device. Built-in hex nuts are provided for
secure attachment.
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20
1.
2.
Plug a male DB25 cable directly to
the female DB25 connector on the
USB XpressSCSI.
SCSI terminator.
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