Vantec NexStar MX User manual

USER’S MANUAL
www.vantecusa.com

Package Contents:
Dual 3.5” RAID Enclosure w/Fan
USB 3.0 & eSATA Interface
1 NexStar MX
2 USB 3.0 Cable
3 eSATA Cable
4 Power Adapter
5 User’s Manual
6 Enclosure Stand
7 Installation Screws
1
3
5
7
4
2
TRADEMARKS
MS-DOS, Microsoft, Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Apple, 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.
6

Table of Contents:
Table of Contents
1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Introduction
Specications/Features
System Requirements
Parts Layout
Installation
LED Indicator
Mode Conguration
Disconnecting the NexStar MX
Hardware Formatting Guide
Warranty
Contact
02
03
04
05
06
09
10
14
15
21
21

Introduction
2
1.Introduction:
Vantec NexStar® MX Dual Bay External HDD
Enclosure now in the USB 3.0 and eSATA
interface is a quick and simple way to expand
storage capacity to your computer. It comes
without the hassle of diving inside the PC
and messing with all those wires, cables
and connections. It provides maximum
storage with the increased capacity of two
spanning hard drives for your precious family
photos, music, video, and games. It supports
Individual, RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD modes
for effective storage management. The sturdy
drive cage protects your hard drive while
the aluminum case effectively draws away
the heat; the front vents and the rear fan
keep your hard drive(s) cool and improve
performance. The Vantec NexStar® MX is a
high performance, high capacity, and durable
portable storage solution and lets you store
your personal data in an enclosure with style!

Specifications/Features
3
2.Specications/Features:
Dual 3.5” RAID Enclosure w/Fan USB 3.0 & eSATA Interface
Features:
• Aluminum Casing Cools Down Your Hard Drive
• 40mm Rear Heat Exhaust Fan
• Easily Add Storage to Any System with USB 2.0, 3.0 or eSATA
• Hot-Swappable: Plug & Play Without Rebooting
• Attractive LED Indicates Power & HDD Activity
• Supports Individual, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1 Modes
Specifications:
• Model: NST-400MX-S3R
• Device Support: SATA I/II/III Hard Drives
• Device Size: 3.5”
• Internal Interface: SATA
• External Interface: USB 3.0 & eSATA
• HDD Capacity: Up To 6TB*
• Power Supply: AC Adapter
• Fan: 40mm
• Material: Aluminum & Plastic
• Dimension: 197 x 123 x 72 mm
*Check our website www.vantecusa.com for any updates
eSATA Cable
USB 3.0 Cable
Power Adapter

Syetem Requirements
4
3.System Requirements:
Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7
1. For USB 2.0 speeds, the system must
support USB 2.0 specifications
2. For USB 3.0 speeds, the system must
support USB 3.0 specifications
3. For eSATA Speeds, the System Must
Support eSATA Specifications
4. Port Multiplier Is Required For eSATA
Mac OS 10.4 & greater
1. For USB 2.0 speeds, the system must
support USB 2.0 specifications
2. For USB 3.0 speeds, the system must
support USB 3.0 specifications
3. For eSATA Speeds, the System Must
Support eSATA Specifications
4. Port Multiplier Is Required For eSATA

Parts Layout
5
4.Parts Layout:
Power ON/OFF Switch
eSATA Port
USB 3.0 Port
Power Jack
1
2
3
4

Installation
6
5.Installation:
Dual 3.5” RAID Enclosure w/Fan USB 3.0 & eSATA Interface
5.1.Hardware Installation:
Installing the hard drive:
(1) Release the four screws then
pull out the rear panel and tray
of the NexStar MX.
(3) Place the second HDD onto the
drive caddy then insert the HDD
into the SATA connector.
(2) Place the first HDD onto the
drive caddy then insert the HDD
into the SATA connector.
( figure 5.1-A )
( figure 5.1-C )
( figure 5.1-B )
( figure 5.1-A )
( figure 5.1-C )
( figure 5.1-B )

Installation
7
(5) Choose the Mode Configuration
for the NexStar MX. Connect the
power adapter and power on the
unit. Press the reset button and
hold for 5-7 seconds.
*For Mode Configuration details,
see page 9.
(4) Secure the hard drive onto
the drive caddy with the
provided screws.
(6) Insert the drive caddy back into
the aluminum housing. Be sure to
align and secure with the provided
screws.
( figure 5.1-E )
( figure 5.1-D )
( figure 5.1-F )
( figure 5.1-E)
( figure 5.1-D)
( figure 5.1-F)
ON
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NOTE:
For new hard drives, you will need to initialize and
partition your hard drive before it will appear in
Windows Explorer or on your Mac desktop. Please
refer to your hard drive manufacturer’s documentation
or read the”Creating a New Partition” section of this
manual.
NOTE:
If you can see the USB icon in the system tray, but there
is no any disk appear in your computer, please confirm
your hard disk is partitioned.
DC12V
POWER
eSATA
ONOFF
USB3.0
Installation
8
Connecting the NexStar to your computer:
USB 3.0
eSATA
Connect the type (B) USB connector to the
NexStar and the type (A) USB connector to an
available USB port on your system.
Connect the power cable to the NexStar and
plug the cable into an available outlet.
Turn on the NexStar via the power switch.
Your operating system should detect
the NexStar and automatically install the
necessary drivers. Once your operating system
finishes setting up the NexStar , it will mount
your hard drive. On Mac OS systems, the
new volume should appear on desktop. On
a Windows PC, the new volume will appear
under My Computer.
Your NexStar External Hard Drive is now ready
for use.
USB3.0 Cable
eSATA Cable
or
Connect the eSATA to the NexStar and to an
available eSATA port on your system.
Connect the power cable to the NexStar and
plug the cable into an available outlet.
Turn on the NexStar via the power switch.
Your operating system should detect
the NexStar and automatically install the
necessary drivers. Once your operating system
finishes setting up the NexStar, it will mount
your hard drive. On Mac OS systems, the
new volume should appear on desktop. On
a Windows PC, the new volume will appear
under My Computer.
Your NexStar External Hard Drive is now ready
for use.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)