Vantec NexStar FX User manual

Copyright © 2010 Vantec Thermal Technologies. All Rights Reserved.
User’s Manual

Package Contents:
1 NexStar FX Gigabit NAS Enclosure x1
2 AC Adapter x1
3 Installation Guide x1
4 Rubber Feet x4
5 User’s CD x1
6 Ethernet Cable x1
7 User’s Manual x1
8 Stand x1
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2
3
4 8
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TRADEMARKS
MS-DOS, Xbox, Microsoft, Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
PS3 and Playstation are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
Apple, iTunes, Macintosh and Mac are trademarks of Apple Computer.
NexStar is a registered trademark of Vantec Thermal Technologies.
*All other third-party brands and names are the property of their respective owners.
If any of these items is missing or damaged, please contact your vendor
immediately.

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Table of Contents
Safety Instructions
Package Content / Part Layout
1. Hardware Installation
2. NexStar FX Setup
3. Conguring the NexStar FX
3.1 Login
3.2 Language Setting
3.3 Disk Tools
3.4 System Settings
3.5 Account Settings
3.6 Server Settings
3.7 Media Server
3.8 Backup (NAS to NAS)
3.9 Log Files
4. Mapping a Network Disk
5. Turn on Network Discovery (UPnP)
6. Q&A
7. Warranty
8. Contact
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03
04
06
08
08
08
10
14
18
24
28
29
30
31
33
35
35

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Safety Instructions
Before starting, take a few minutes to read this manual. Read all instructions
and save this manual for later reference.
Do not bump or drop the NexStar FX. Do not place the NAS on an
unstable cart, stand or table. It may fall and cause serious damage to the
product.
Gaps and openings in the front/back panel are provided for ventilation. Never
block or cover these openings, as it may cause the system to overheat and
become unreliable. Do not place the NAS System on a bed, sofa, rug, or
other similar surfaces.
This appliance must be grounded. The NAS System is equipped with a 3-wire
grounded type power cord. This power cord will only t into a grounded type
of power outlet.
If an extension cord or a power switch is used with the NAS System, make sure
that the total consumption of all the products plugged into the wall outlet does
not exceed the ampere rating.
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet before cleaning. Keep the NAS
System dry. Do not use liquid cleaners, aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.
Back panel of the NexStar FX should never be removed! Removing or opening the
NexStar FX may expose you to dangerous voltages.
Do not place the NAS System near or over a radiator or other heat source.
Do not use the NAS System near water.
Do not place the NAS System where the cord will be Walked on.
Copyright © 2010 Vantec Thermal Technologies. All Rights Reserved.
User’s Manual
x
x

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Warning
NexStar FX NAS System
Caution
This symbol is used to remind user to pay attention to important descriptions
regarding usage and maintenance or additional important information related to this
NAS system.
Note
This symbol is used to provide user with useful information that can make
procedure such as conguration easier to accomplish.
Power Switch
Reset Button
Ethernet Port
USB Port
Power Port

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1. Hardware Installation
Remove the magnetic front cover
Insert SATA Hard Disk
1.
2.

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Put back the front cover
Connect the power adapter
Rebound type power switch is used to protect the operation system.
Power on – require 2-3 minute booting up NAS system.
Power off – require 2 minute shutting down NAS system. Alternatively, the
device can also be turned off from web GUI.
Turn on
Power
Switch
Use the ethernet cable to
connect the NAS to the
Router/ Switch in the network
4.
3.

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2. NexStar FX Setup
Please check your network environment and select the appropriate installation method before installing the
NAS.
2.1 Connect to Network for Ofce /Home
Connect the NAS and PC to the same hub/ switch/ router.
2.2 Connect to PC for Individual System
Connect the NAS directly to your PC by a network cable.
2.3 Conguring NAS System
Open web browser and enter the IP address of the NexStar FX. Congure the NexStar FX using Web GUI. To
nd the IP address of the NexStar FX, please use the Search Utility included in the CD-ROM.
2.4 NexStar FX NAS Search Utility
Insert the NexStar FX user’s CD-Rom in to your computer. Once the autorun initializes, click on “Install
Search Utility”.

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2.4.1 NexStar FX NAS Search Utility
Click the Setup button to begin.
2.4.2 NexStar FX NAS Search Utility Setup
If the NAS is in the same subnet, the NexStar FX will be automatically listed as depicted in the picture below.
Select the detected NexStar device and double click to enter GUI set up, or click OK to change IP settings
using this utility.
If you are unable to locate the NexStar FX, please make sure the system is
properly connected to the network. You might have to congure your rewall
or temporarily disable it. Once everything has been prepared, please use the
Search Utility again.

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3. Conguring the NexStar FX
3.1 Login
Input the Username and Password in the login page, “admin” is the default Username & Password.
Changing security privilege is recommended.
3.2 Language Settings
The language can be changed for the entire web interface. Available in English, Germany, Spanish, French,
Japanese and Chinese.

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Single Disk Volume
We highly recommend use EXT3 le system for optimum performance and
functionality.
3.3 Disk Tools
You can create the following disk volumes by clicking on the corresponding icon on the “Disk Tools”.
3.3.1 Hard Drive Setup
When the hard drive is properly installed:
A. Go to “Disk tool”
B. Select “Basic Mode”
C. Select preferred le format -- EXT2,EXT3, FAT32.
D. Press “Format” to start the format process. Format time may vary from hard drive to hard drive. Do not
tamper or power off the NexStar FX when hard drive is being formatted.

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3.4 System Settings
Click “System” for system conguration.
Status of the NexStar FX:
A. Go to “System” and select “Information”
B. This will display the current status of the NexStar FX.
3.4.1 LAN Settings
Conguration of host name and IP address can be done here.
A. Go to “System” and select “LAN Setting”
B. Change Host name and IP address setting
C. Press “Save” when nished.
Obtain IP address automatically (via DHCP)
If your network supports DHCP, the NAS will use DHCP protocol to retrieve the
IP address and related information automatically.
Use static IP address
To use xed IP address for network connection, enter xed IP address, subnet
mask, and default gateway.
Secondary DNS Server:
Enter the IP address of secondary DNS server that provides DNS service for
the NAS in external network.
Primary DNS Server:
Enter the IP address of primary DNS server that provides DNS service for the
NAS in external network.
Please contact your ISP or network administrator for the IP address of primary
and secondary DNS servers. When the NAS plays the role as a terminal and
needs to perform independent connection, e.g. BT download, you must enter
at least one DNS server IP for proper URL connection. Otherwise, the function
may not work properly.

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To use the NTP function, you need to enter a valid NTP server or select one
from the drop down list. If the default address does not work (time.windows.
com), please nd a valid one and then try again. You may turn off the NTP
server and set the time manually if desired.
3.4.2 Time Settings
You may adjust the date and time manually or select your time zone from the drop down list and use a NTP
server to synchronize the time via the internet.
A. Go to “System” and select “Time Settings”
B. Change the date and time.
C. Press “Save” when nished.
3.4.3 Save Conguration
You are able to save the NAS system conguration le to your PC.
A. Go to “System” and select “Save Conguration”
B. Press “Save” to save the server conguration to your computer..

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3.4.4 Restore Conguration
You may restore your NAS conguration from a previously saved conguration at any time.
A. Go to “System” and select “Restore Conguration”
B. Press “Restore” to begin restoration.
3.4.5 E-mail Notication
When the NexStar FX malfunctions or has a warning, an e-mail can be sent to the administrator
automatically. To enable this, you must congure the Mail Server (SMTP server) and enter a valid e-mail
address.
Messages types
- Password Messages: When Administrator password has been changed.
- Update Firmware Messages: When Firmware has updated successfully.
- Disk Full status Messages: When HDD fail or HDD usage is over 90% of entire
capacity
It is recommended that you send a test e-mail to ensure that you are able to
receive the e-mail notications.

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3.4.6 Firmware Upgrade
A. In this page, you may check the current rmware version and upgrade if a new one is available. If you
have downloaded the newer rmware and it is saved on your computer, browse for the *.gz le and then
select it to start the upgrade. Please note that the upgrade process may vary in time, please be patient.
B. You may also do a rmware upgrade through a direct connection between the NexStar FX and the com-
puter. To do this, please connect the NAS directly to your computer using a network cable and then start the
rmware update. This will speed up the rmware update process and also reduce the chance of failure.
Do not turn off your unit during the rmware upgrade process. This may
damage your device!
Please check www.vantecusa.com for the latest Firmware update.

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3.5 Account Settings
3.5.1 User Management
A. Here you can Create users and change passwords, assign quota and private folder to users if desired.
B. The NAS system by default creates an “Admin” and “guest-share”. There is a maximum of 128 users that
can be created (including system default users). You can create a new user according to your needs. The
following information is required when creating a new user:
-Admin
Administrator has access to system administration and cannot be deleted.
-Guest-Share
This is a built-in user and will not be displayed on User Management page. When you use a nonregistered
user name to login, the server will recognize the user as a guest and will allow limited access. A guest does
not belong to any user group.
-User name
The user name must not exceed 20 characters, except double-byte characters, such as Chinese, Japanese,
and Korean or “ / \ [ ] : ; | = , + * ? < > ` ‘ also numerical number can not be used as rst character.
-Password
The password is case-sensitive and can be maximum of 16 characters. It is recommended to use a pass-
word at least 6 characters long including 1 numeric key.
Double-byte characters, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean can be used
as subfolders.

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You can perform the following actions for user management:
C. Add User
Add user by giving a name, password, and usage quota. Click “Next” to continue.
D. Assign group to the new users if desired. Then click next.
E. Assign share folder permission to user, Click “Conrm” to nish setting.

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3.5.2 Share Management
A. Create SAMBA/FTP shares folder and assign users to accessing.
B. Add Share Folder
Press “Add Share” and enter share folder name.
Click “Next” to continue.
C. FTP/ SAMBA Access
Assign users or groups who will be accessing the SAMBA and FTP.
Grant access to All
Select Grant access to all will give anonymous access to all users without any
password.
NFS Server
NFS Server can either be enabled or disabled depending on your
requirements. To be able to get the correct NFS path, please refer to
“Share management” and check path enclosed, for example: NFS path is
“192.168.1.11:/mnt/ide4/guest-share” , then 192.168.1.11 is your NAS IP
address /mnt/Ide4 is NAS path, guest-share is the folder you wish to share.

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3.5.3 Group Management
In this page you can see all existing groups for the NAS and manage them by adding or removing them from
the list. Groups are not required to grant access to the NAS system but will help the admin manage multiple
users and easily share a folder among a group of people.
A. Add group
Press “Add Group”. Enter the desired group name and click “Next” to continue.
B. Assign users and folder to this new group.
C. Modifying Groups
Select the group from the existing group list and modify the members by pressing the “Members” button
for further settings. Once done, press the “Save” button to apply the new settings.
D. Removing Groups
To remove a group, select it from the existing groups list and then press the “Delete Group” button.

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3.6 Server Settings
All server settings such as DHCP, FTP, NFS and print server can be congured here.
3.6.1 File Server
A. Windows Setting (SAMBA)
In this section, you can change the workgroup that the NAS belongs to and modify its description. The
IP for the WINS Server (Windows Internet Name Server) can be left blank unless this is required for your
network.
B. FTP Server Setting
This service can be enabled or disabled. When enabled, the default FTP port number will be set to 21 but
you can change that if required.
FTP Character set: By default, this is set to English (CP437). If your le names include characters from
another language, change the encoding here and select your language from the drop down list.
C. NFS Server Setting
NFS Server can either be enabled or disabled depending on your requirements. To be able to get the
correct NFS path, please refer to “Share management” and check path enclosed, for example: NFS path
is “192.168.1.11:/mnt/ide4/guest-share” then 192.168.1.11 is your NAS IP address /mnt/Ide4 is the NAS
path, guest-share is the folder you wish to share.
D. Guest Access Setting
Guess Access Setting allows you to enable sharing to the “guest” account and with quota size limitation.