XtendLan XL-RAID-SATA-USB User manual

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XL-RAID-SATA-USB
Data Backup System
User’s Guide

Forewords
About this manual
Thank you for using products from XtendLan.
This manual will introduce the XL-RAID-SATA-USB product. Before using XtendLan XL-RAID-SATA-USB
Series, you are advised to read this manual first. All information contained in this manual has been
carefully confirmed before printing, but the actual product specifications shall be in accordance with those
at the time of delivery; any update to product specifications or relevant information may be found on
www.XtendLAN.com and no separate notification will be made.

XL-RAID-SATA-USB Quick Installation Guide
1. Package Contents
After opening the box, you should find the following items:
• XL-RAID-SATA-USB product unit (includes two removable hard disk trays)
• AC Power Cable
• RS232 Cable
• USB Cable
• eSATA Cable
• CD (contains product specifications, user manuals and management software)
• User Manual
• Accessories Bag
Should any of the above accessories be missing or the main unit is damaged prior to initial use, please
contact your distributor or supplier.

2. Hardware Installation
Please follow the steps below to complete installation of the XL-RAID-SATA-USB hardware.
Step 1 Place the device on a flat and stable surface. Make sure the fan exhaust is not blocked and there
is sufficient cooling space around the unit. (Please keep away from water sources or other
hazardous
environments that may damage the product.)
Step 2 Remove the Tray and install your hard disk onto the tray. Make sure the hard disk secure screws
are fastened to avoid unnecessary movements to the hard disk.
Step 3 Once the hard disks have been installed, insert the removable trays into appropriate positions of
the XL-RAID-SATA-USB unit and close the handles to secure the disks.
Step 4 Connect the cables included to the appropriate ports of the XL-RAID-SATA-USB and your PC
system.
Step 5 Turn on the power of the XL-RAID-SATA-USB. Wait for the LCD display to show the OK
message before turning on your PC system.

Installation Complete. Your operation system will automatically identify the new hardware and once
recognized, follow the operating system’s instructions to format the hard disks. Once the formatting is
complete the device is then ready for operation.

Contents
Chapter 1 Product Outline
............................................................................................. 7
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 7
1.2 Functions and Features
.......................................................................................... 8
Chapter 2 Product Installation ...................................................................................... 9
2.1 Package Contents .................................................................................................. 9
2.2 Precautions and Requirements
.............................................................................. 10
2.3 Hardware Installation
............................................................................................. 10
Chapter 3 Instructions ...................................................................................................... 12
3.1 System Operating Procedure and Operation architecture .................................... 12
3.2 Changing RAID Level and Scheduling
.................................................................. 12
3.2.1 Changing from RAID 1 to RAID 0 Mode
................................................................ 12
3.2.2 Schedule Backup Settings
..................................................................................... 13
3.3 Change Password Setting
..................................................................................... 14
3.4 Firmware Update
.................................................................................................... 15

Chapter 1 Product Outline
1.1 Introduction
The XL-RAID-SATA-USB provides users with a cost-effective and safe external disk array sub-
system.
Whether you are using this product at home or in the office, its RAID1 support and mirroring
function provides you with real-time data backup, enhancing data security and stability. RAID0
support is also included. By optimizing the use of storage on two separate hard disks, data
transfer speed enhances though there will be no data fault tolerance.

7 Product Outline

1.2 Functions and Features
The XL-RAID-SATA-USB is a disk array system designed to provide users with the most
cost-effective solution for their storage needs. It makes the swapping of hard disks easy while also
guaranteeing data security and completeness.
• 24 Hour Real-Time Data Backup
Using RAID1, all data in the main hard disk can be immediately mirrored onto another hard disk,
ensuring the complete backup of your data at all times.
• Online Automatic Data Rebuild
In RAID1 mode, once a malfunctioning hard disk has been replaced, the system will automatically
rebuild the data to the new disk. No extra settings required.
• Custom Backup Schedule to Prevent Virus Infections
The user can define their own schedule for data backups. This may protect & delay the backup disk
from virus attacks that may have already infected the primary disk.
• LCD Status Display
The simple to use LCD display control panel makes the RAID and backup scheduling setups easy.
The fan and temperature information shown on the display also keeps users up to date on the
system’s status, simplifying product management.
• Plug and Play Support
The removable tray design allows plug and play of hard disks at any time, simplifying maintenance.
• No Drivers Needed
No additional drivers need to be installed. The product is compatible with Windows/Mac/Linux
operating systems.
• Hot Swapping Support
A malfunctioning hard disk can be replaced online without having to turn off the system power.
• GUI Monitoring Software
The Product is provided with a Windows-based RAIDGuide GUI software. Using the RS232 port
connection, the user can monitor the disk array system’s status at all times. An e-mail alert can be
sent if the system malfunctions to ensure complete protection.
8 Product Outline

Chapter 2 Product Installation
2.1 Package Contents
After opening the box, you should find the following items:
• XL-RAID-SATA-USB product unit (includes two removable hard disk trays)
• AC Power Cable
• RS232 Cable
• USB Cable
• eSATA Cable
• CD (contains product specifications, user manuals and management software)
• User Manual
• Accessories Bag
Should any of the above accessories be missing or the main unit is damaged prior to initial use, please
contact your distributor or supplier.
Product Installation 9

2.2 Precautions and Requirements
1. The XL-RAID-SATA-USB can be used with two hard disks that are of different models and storage
capacities initially. However, for improved performance, we recommend that both disks should have
the same specifications and capacity from the same manufacturer. It is also necessary that the
backup drive be the same or bigger in capacity than the source drive under the RAID1 model.
2. Please ensure that the two hard disks used contain no bad tracks. This avoids system crash or data
loss in the event that one hard disk malfunctions.
3. RAID0 mode offers improved data transfer performance and the full use of both hard disks as one
large capacity disk. It does not offer data mirroring, however so, if one hard disk is damaged, all data
will be lost.
4. We recommend that you decide whether to use the product in RAID0 or RAID1 (default value) mode
before it begins initial operation. Changing the RAID mode at a later date will result in the complete
loss of all data on the hard disks.
2.3 Hardware Installation
Please follow the steps below to complete installation of the XL-RAID-SATA-USB hardware.
Step 1 Place the device on a flat and stable surface. Make sure the fan exhaust is not blocked
and there is sufficient cooling space around the unit. (Please keep away from water sources or
other hazardous environments that may damage the product.)
Step 2 Remove the Tray and install your hard disk onto the tray. Make sure the hard disk secure
screws are fastened to avoid unnecessary movements to the hard disk.
10 Product Installation

Step 3 Once the hard disks have been installed, insert the removable trays into appropriate positions of
the XL-RAID-SATA-USB unit and close the handles to secure the disks.
Step 4 Connect the cables included to the appropriate ports of the XL-RAID-SATA-USB and your PC
system.
Step 5 Turn on the power of the XL-RAID-SATA-USB. Wait for the LCD display to show the OK
message before turning on your PC system.
Installation Complete. Your operation system will automatically identify the new hardware and once
recognized, follow the operating system’s instructions to format the hard disks. Once the formatting is
complete the device is then ready for operation.
Product Installation 11

Chapter 3 Instructions
3.1 System Operating Procedure and Operation architecture
The system operating procedure and operation architecture are as follow: (Default system
password: 0000)
3.2 Changing RAID Level and Scheduling
The XL-RAID-SATA-USB offers two RAID levels – RAID 0 and RAID 1. You may choose the RAID level
suitable for your needs. The factory default is at RAID 1.
Note : 1. Please backup all data on hard disks before changing RAID level.
2. Changing the RAID level results in loss of all data on disks.
3.2.1 Changing from RAID 1 to RAID 0 Mode
Step 1 Log into the system then use “▼” or “▲” with the LCD display to scroll through the options until
“CHANGE RAIDMODE RAID-0” appears. (Default system password: 0000)
12 Instructions

Step 2 Press the “ENT” button and the screen will show the message “RAID-0 MODE YES NO”.
Press the “ENT” button again to confirm.
Step 3 System will show the warning “DATA WILL LOSE YES NO”. To confirm loss of data is allowed,
press the “ENT button”.
Step 4 System will show the message “RESET SYSTEM YES NO”. Press the “ENT” button to confirm.
Step 5 After confirming you will hear a “Beep” sound confirming that the system has been changed to
the RAID mode as directed.
※ To change from RAID 0 to RAID 1 mode, at Step 1 go to the “RAID-1 MODE YES NO” option before
pressing the “ENT” button instead. Follow the remaining steps to change the RAID mode.
3.2.2 Schedule Backup Settings
When the user uses RAID 1 mode for backups, since both hard disks are being mirrored online at the
same time, the backup data may contain viruses. To avoid this problem, the Schedule Backup function
provided by the XL-RAID-SATA-USB allows the user to define a backup interval of multiple days. At the
scheduled intervals the RAID will back up the data from the Primary Disk to the Secondary Disk. This
means the data in the disk array system does not have to be mirrored constantly at all times. This
approach also saves system processing time, making data backup more efficient and effective.
Instructions:
The user can specify a certain number of days (1~30 days) and at the appropriate times the system will
automatically back up the data.
Step 1 Log into the system then use “▼” or “▲” with the LCD display to scroll through the options until
“SCHEDULE BACKUP YES NO” appears. (Default system password: 0000)
Instructions
13

Step 2 After pressing the “ENT” button the display will show “SCHEDULE BACKUP TIME 0=>30
(DAYS) 00)”. Use the “▼” or “▲” buttons to adjust to the number of days between backups.
Once the backup time has been set please press the “ENT” button.
Step 3 System will now ask you to confirm the settings. Press the “ENT” button to confirm.
Step 4 The system will now show that the settings have been recorded.
If DAY is set to “00” then the device will operate in RAID 1 mode with constant mirroring at all times.
Note : 1. If Schedule Backup is used, since hard disk data is not backed up simultaneously, if a hard disk malfunctions then all new
data since the last backup will be lost. Before using this function, we recommend that you consider carefully the use of
RAID 1 Mode or Schedule Backup as well as the backup interval length.
2. Scheduled Backup does not store data from other hard disks to the RAID. It only copies all data from the RAID’s primary
disk to the secondary disk.
3. To cancel the Schedule Backup function, set the days to “00”. The system will revert to the RAID 1 mode.
3.3 Change Password Setting
To prevent unauthorized system settings, the XL-RAID-SATA-USB incorporates a password feature to
help administrators protect their data. Be sure to record the new password somewhere safe after
making a change. Losing the password will cause a great inconvenience to the user.
Step 1 Log into the system then use “▼” or “▲” with the LCD display to scroll through the options until
“SETUP PASSWORD YES NO” appears. (Default system password: 0000)
Step 2 After pressing the “ENT” button please use the “▼” or “▲” buttons to adjust and set the 1st, 2nd,
3rd and 4th digit of the password.
14 Instructions

Step 3 Once you have made the change, please press the “ENT” button. The following message will
be shown “PASSWORD:XXXX YES NO”.
Step 4 Please press the “ENT” button again. The message “SETUP PASSWORD OK” will be shown,
indicating that you have successfully set a new password.
3.4 Firmware Update
You can update firmware through the RAIDGuide software via RS232 connection. Insert the CD, click
on "Management Software" and then click "RAIDGuide 1.28.1.14" to begin installation or open the
"RAIDGuide v1.28.1.14" file in the "Management Software" file and click "setup.exe" to begin installation.
Note : 1. If your hardware is functioning normally, it is recommended not to try and update the firmware to avoid any incompatibility
from occurring which may result in data loss!
2. When updating firmware becomes necessary, please be sure to backup all information on the HDDs to avoid possible
accident(s) during the update, which may result in data loss!
Run RAIDGuide GUI and open the window, select RAID System 1 Setting under “Advanced” in the tool
bar above, and the Setting window will appear. Click the RS232 UPGRADE button. The system will
pop up the following window and prompt “Do you want upgrade firmware?”, click “OK” to start updating
Firmware.
Instructions
15

Select Serial port address: COM1 and Baud Rate: 9600
Click “Open Files” button to locate, then open the Firmware update file.
16 Instructions

Specify the correct Firmware update file, and click “Run”, then the system will begin updating firmware
with the following message “Verifying…Address:xxxx”.
When update is complete, the system will show a message advising successful upgrade.
Instructions 17