StarTech.com 525FCREADAL Manual

Aluminum 5.25” Bay 7-in-1
Flash Card Reader/Writer
525FCREADAL Instruction Guide
The Professionals’ Source For Hard-to-Find Computer Parts
USB
2.0 FLASH
C A R D R E A D E R
* Actual product may vary from photo

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using Your Card Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a StarTech.com aluminum 5.25” card reader/writer. This
multi-purpose panel fits into an open 5.25” bay and provides you with a 7-in-1 card
reader and two USB 2.0 ports, all conveniently located on the front of your computer.
The 7-in-1 reader/writer works with CompactFlash memory cards, IBM-Microdrives,
SmartMedia memory cards, Memory Stick cards, Memory Stick Pro cards, SecureDigital
memory cards, and Multi-Media cards. The card reader/writer plugs into any USB port
and makes it easy to transfer files, images, and music between your computer and your
MP3 player, digital camera, cell phone, PDA or any other flash media device.
Features
•Supports seven different types of flash cards: CompactFlash memory cards, IBM-
Microdrives, SmartMedia memory cards, Memory Stick cards, Memory Stick Pro
cards, SecureDigital memory cards, and Multi-Media cards
•Conveniently provides two front USB 2.0 ports
•Powered by the USB bus; no external power source is needed
•Supports drag and drop between cards
•Reads and writes any files suited for PC or Mac computers
•Fits into any 5.25” drive bay
•Backed by StarTech.com’s one-year warranty
Before You Begin
To ensure a quick and easy installation, please read through this section carefully before
attempting to install the card reader/writer.
WARNING! Flash cards, like all computer equipment, can be severely damaged by static
electricity. Be sure that you are properly grounded before opening your computer case or
touching your card. StarTech.com recommends that you wear an anti-static strap when
installing any computer component. If an anti-static strap is unavailable, discharge
yourself of any static electricity build-up by touching a large grounded metal surface
(such as the computer case) for several seconds.
System Requirements
•Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP with a Pentium-class (or compatible) processor, or Mac
OS 9.0 with a Power PC (or above).
•ACD-ROM drive
•An open USB port

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Contents
This package should contain:
•1x 7-in-1 card reader/writer with 5.25” drive bracket
•1x motherboard connection cable
•1x 3 ft. USB 2.0 cable
•1x bag of screws
•1x rear bracket cover
•1x driver disk
Installation
This section will guide you through the installation of your card reader and the related
software. Please read through the instructions carefully and complete each step in the
order listed.
Depending on your OS and the configuration of your system, the instructions below may
not be identical to what you see on your screen.
Installing the Panel
1. Make sure that your system is unplugged and you are grounded.
2. Remove the cover of your system and remove the cover from a 5.25” drive bay (see
your computer's user manual for details, if necessary).
3. Gently insert the card reader/writer into the open 5.25” bay (after threading the
attached USB cable into the computer) until it is flush with the front of the case.
Make sure the bracket is lined up with the screwholes in the case, and screw the card
reader/writer into place.
4. Thread the attached USB cable out the back of your computer and plug it into a USB
port. You can use the metal rear bracket cover to hold the cable inplace. Finally
screw the bracket cover into an open I/O bracket on the rear of your computer.
NOTE: If you want to use the front USB 2.0 ports on the card reader/writer, you will
need to use the motherboard connection cable. If you do not want to use the front ports,
you can skip ahead to Step 7.
5. Connect the single end of the connection cable to the pins on your card
reader/writer. The connectors are constructed so that it is difficult to connect the
cable incorrectly.

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6. Connect the other end of the cable to your motherboard’s USB connectors. The pins
on the cable come in two groups of four wires. The connectors on the cable are:
7. Re-attach your case cover and power on your computer.
8. Your computer will display a message indicating that new hardware has been
detected.
Installing Your Drivers
Windows 98SE and 2000 users - Follow the onscreen prompts and direct Windows to
the appropriate folder on the driver disk. Windows will install the necessary drivers.
Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Windows XP users - No driver installations required.
Mac OS 9.0 - Follow the on-screen prompts and direct your Mac OS to the appropriate
folder on the driver disk. Click on “Installer” to set up the driver. Follow any on-
screen prompts to complete the installation.
Using Your Card Reader
The LEDs on the panel are your best indication of the card reader’s activity.
• A flashing LED indicates that there is data being transferred to or from the
card.
• The solid LED indicates that the card reader is powered on.
Inserting a Card
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Insert your memory card into the proper slot on the card reader.
3. Mac users: A new icon will appear on your desktop.
Windows users: A new icon will appear in “My Computer.”
4. The card can now be accessed as an extra disk.
Connector Color
Data + Green
GND Black
Data - White
VCC Red
Note: The location and layout of your
motherboard’s USB connectors depends on your
motherboard manufacturer. Improper connection
of wires to the motherboard can result in damage
to the motherboard and/or your card reader.
Make sure you consult your motherboard
manufacturer if you are unsure of the pinout of
your motherboard.

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Removing a Card
1. Make sure that none of the LEDs on the front of the card reader are flashing. If you
remove the card when the LEDs are flashing, data may be lost from your card.
2. Mac users should drag the memory card icon to the Trash bin.
Windows users should right-click on the drive icon and choose to eject the card.
3. Physically remove the card from the reader.
Uninstalling Your Card Reader
Use this procedure to uninstall the card reader/writer.
Windows users
1. Make sure there is no card reader connected to the USB port.
2. Click on the “Uninstaller” icon in the taskbar.
3. Click on “USB Storage Device - Change/Remove.”
4. Remove all installed components and click Next.
5. Choose “Yes, I want to restart my computer now” to restart your computer and click
Finish.
Mac users
1. If there is a memory card connected to the card reader, drag the memory card icon
into the Trash. Wait until the icon has disappeared.
2. Disconnect the card reader.

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Troubleshooting
The card reader is not detected.
The reader has not been properly connected or is not receiving enough power. Make
sure that the reader’s USB cable is firmly seated in the USB port.
The card does not fit in the reader.
Make sure you are installing the card in the proper slot and that the card is facing the
right direction. Check with the card manufacturer’s instructions.
Adrive letter is shown for the card, but it can not be accessed.
The card has not been formatted or is formatted incorrectly. Follow the instructions
provided by the manufacturer of your digital media device (i.e., your MP3 player,
digital camera, etc.) to format the card using your digital media device.
No icon appears when a card is inserted into the reader (Mac OS X).
The card may have been formatted in Windows’ FAT-32 format. Using a PC or digital
device, re-format the card using the OS X-compatible FAT or FAT-16 format.

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Front Ports 2 x 4 pin USB (Type A)
7-in-1 Flash Card Reader/Writer Slots
Standards USB 2.0
Data Transfer Rate USB 2.0 devices: Up to 480Mbits/sec
USB 1.1 devices: Up to 12Mbits/sec
Flash Cards 700Kbits/sec to 480Mbits/sec
Flash Card Compact Flash I & II Card
Compatibility IBM Micro Drive
Smart Media Card
Secure Digital Card
Multi-Media Card
Memory Stick
MS Pro Card
LED Indicators 4 x Activity
Enclosure Color Aluminum
Dimensions (LxWxH) 5.8 x 1.6 x 3.1 in. (147 x 42 x 80mm)
Weight 1.29lbs (0.6kgs)
System Requirements An available 5.25” bay
98SE/2000/ME/XP or Mac OS 9.0 and up
(OS X for USB 2.0 speeds)
Technical Specifications

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Technical Support
The following technical resources are available for this StarTech.com product:
On-line help:
We are constantly adding new information to the Tech Support section of our web site. To
access this page, click the Tech Support link on our homepage, www.startech.com. In the
tech support section there are a number of options that can provide assistance with this
product.
Knowledge Base - This tool allows you to search for answers to common issues using
key words that describe the product and your issue.
FAQ - This tool provides quick answers to the top questions asked by our customers.
Downloads - This selection takes you to our driver download page where you can
find the latest drivers for this product.
Call StarTech.com tech support for help:
USA/Canada: 1-800-265-1844
UK/Ireland/Europe: 00-800-7827-8324
Support hours: Monday to Friday 8:30AM to 6:00PM EST (except holidays)
Warranty Information
This product is backed by a one-year warranty. In addition, StarTech.com warrants its
products against defects in materials and workmanship for the periods noted,
following the initial date of purchase. During this period, the products may be
returned for repair, or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion. The
warranty covers parts and labor costs only. StarTech.com does not warrant its products
from defects or damages arising from misuse, abuse, alteration, or normal wear and
tear.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.com USA LLP (or their
officers, directors, employees or agents) for any damages (whether direct or indirect,
special, punitive incidental, consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of business,
or any pecuniary loss, arising out of or related to the use of the product exceed the actual
price paid for the product.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages. If such laws apply, the limitations or exclusions contained in this statement
may not apply to you.

Revised: February 03, 2004