Drobo Mini Getting Started Manual
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Drobo Mini Getting Started Manual

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Drobo Mini Getting Started Guide

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Summary of Contents for Drobo Mini

  • Page 1 Drobo Mini Getting Started Guide...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Daisy-chaining with Your Drobo Mini ..................... 18 Formatting the Drives ..........................21 Selecting a File System and Volume Size for Your Drobo Mini ............. 21 Turning On Your Drobo Mini and Formatting the Drives ............... 22 Where to Go Next......................28 Using Best Practices ..........................

  • Page 3: Before You Begin

    Before You Begin Before you begin setting up your Drobo Mini, it’s a good idea to check system and hardware requirements. This section covers the following topics: Product Features at a Glance Checking Box Contents Checking System Requirements Checking the Hardware You Need Product Features at a Glance For a quick overview of features of the Drobo Mini, refer to the following images.

  • Page 4: Checking Box Contents

    Note: On the side of the Drobo Mini, there is a connection available for a Kensington lock, enabling you to physically lock your Drobo Mini to a stationery object. See the instructions for a Kensington lock for more information. Checking Box Contents Check your product's box to ensure it contains all the components in the list below.

  • Page 5: Connectivity Interfaces Supported For The Drobo Mini

    Connectivity Interfaces Supported for the Drobo Mini Your Drobo Mini connects directly to your computer using one of the following connectivity ports. We recommend that you use the fastest connection you have available on your computer. Notes: You can only use one connection at a time.
  • Page 6 1. Your Drobo device directly connected to a computer (with no daisy-chain). 2. Multiple Drobo devices connected in a chain with a DisplayPort monitor at the end. Drobo Mini Getting Started Guide...
  • Page 7 4.8 Gbit/s, much faster than USB 2.0. In order to take advantage of this technology, your Drobo Mini must be connected to a USB 3.0 port on your computer. If your computer does not have USB 3.0, you can consult with your computer manufacturer to find a compatible USB 3.0 card.

  • Page 8: Checking The Hardware You Need

    In summary, here are the recommended number and type of drives you can use with your Drobo Mini. Note that you need at least two drives in the drive bays to ensure your data is protected in the event of drive failure.
  • Page 9 The mSATA SSD card is not part of the disk pack of your Drobo Mini, allowing you to leave it installed even if you transfer drives from the drive bays to another Drobo device, for example.

  • Page 10: Determining Drive Space Requirements

    Determining Drive Space Requirements In order to protect your data from drive failure, your Drobo Mini requires more space than what you will use for your data, sometimes as much as double or more the amount of space. The best way to determine how much usable, protected storage space you will have available for your data, based on the number and capacity of your drives, is to use our Capacity Calculator at www.drobo.com/calculator.

  • Page 11: Setting Up Your Drobo Mini

    Drobo Mini for use. Note: Be sure to remove the "READ THIS" label from the front of your Drobo Mini before inserting drives and using your Drobo Mini. Setting up your Drobo Mini can be done in just a few easy steps! Install Drobo Dashboard.
  • Page 12 On a Mac, this screen appears as follows. In Windows, this screen appears as follows. Drobo Mini Getting Started Guide...
  • Page 13 3. Follow the directions of the Installer (or Installation Wizard), clicking the Next or Continue button after each page, as appropriate. 4. When you reach the installation page, click the Install button. On a Mac, this screen appears as follows. Drobo Mini Getting Started Guide...
  • Page 14 The Drobo Dashboard application launches and the All Drobos page opens. After a few seconds, Drobo "discovers" all Drobo devices currently connected and displays them on this page. If you have no Drobo devices yet connected or powered on, a "No Drobos Detected" message displays until you do. Drobo Mini Getting Started Guide...

  • Page 15: Installing An Msata Ssd

    Drobo Mini. For more information on drive requirements, see Selecting Drives. It is best to install the mSATA SSD before inserting drives into the Drobo Mini's drive bays. Important Notes: The mSATA SSD is not part of your Drobo device's...

  • Page 16: Inserting The Drives

    1. Gently turn the Drobo Mini on to its side to access the bottom of the Drobo Mini, and open the Drobo Accelerator Bay door by turning the latch from lock to unlock using a coin. 2. Slide the mSATA SSD into the slot as depicted in the image below.

  • Page 17: Connecting Cables On Your Drobo Mini

    Connectivity Interfaces Supported for the Drobo Mini. • If you use the Thunderbolt port, you also have the option to connect the Drobo Mini to another Thunderbolt-enabled device that is attached to your computer (including another Drobo device or a display monitor) in a daisy-chain manner.

  • Page 18: Connecting Directly To Your Drobo Mini

    Connectivity Interfaces Supported for the Drobo. If you are using a Thunderbolt port and would like to connect the Drobo Mini in a daisy-chain, see Connecting Your Drobo Mini in a Daisy-chain. As you follow the steps below, refer to the following image.
  • Page 19 1. Your Drobo device directly connected to a computer (with no daisy-chain). 2. Multiple Drobo devices connected in a chain with a DisplayPort monitor at the end. Drobo Mini Getting Started Guide...
  • Page 20 3. Your Drobo device connected to an external Thunderbolt monitor that is then connected to a computer (with the Drobo device at the end). As you follow the steps below, refer to the following image. Drobo Mini Getting Started Guide...

  • Page 21: Formatting The Drives

    2. Do one of the following: • Plug the other end of the cable into your host computer, so that the Drobo Mini is the first peripheral in the daisy-chain. Be sure to connect the next Thunderbolt-enabled peripheral or non-Thunderbolt display monitor to the second port on your Drobo Mini, as needed to extend the chain.

  • Page 22: Turning On Your Drobo Mini And Formatting The Drives

    If the amount of available, protected storage space in your Drobo Mini ever exceeds the size of the volume that you chose (this may occur when you add one or more additional drives to your Drobo Mini), then Drobo Dashboard will automatically create a new volume (or volumes) of the same size as the original volume.
  • Page 23 The File Format page for the Drobo Mini in OS X: Drobo Mini Getting Started Guide...
  • Page 24 The File Format page for the Drobo Mini in Windows: 4. Select the appropriate file format for your operating system and click the Next button. Drobo Mini Getting Started Guide...
  • Page 25 5. Click and drag to slide the pointer to the size of the volume you would like to create, and then click the Next button. Tip: We recommend that you select the largest size available, enabling you to increase the number and capacity of your drives without having to format an additional volume. Drobo Mini Getting Started Guide...
  • Page 26 9. Click the Format button. A message appears, informing you that it can take up to 5 minutes to format your drives, and that this may require rebooting your Drobo device. Afterwards, the Format dialog box opens. 10. Click the OK button.
  • Page 27 Warning! When operating your Drobo Mini, always place it on a hard, even surface. Placing the Drobo Mini on a carpet, towel or other uneven surface can block its ventilation holes and prevent the Drobo Mini's cooling system from functioning normally.

  • Page 28: Where To Go Next

    Where to Go Next After you’ve set up your Drobo Mini, you’re ready to store and back up data onto it. Next steps include the following. Click on a topic to learn more. • Implementing best practices to maximize the safety of your data •...

  • Page 29: Checking For Software Updates Automatically

    The following steps keep your Drobo Dashboard and your Drobo device’s firmware up to date automatically. 1. If it’s not already running, launch Drobo Dashboard from the host computer and select the appropriate Drobo device on the All Drobos page.

  • Page 30: Checking For Software Updates Now

    Please ensure that you have read and write privileges to this folder. 2. Launch Drobo Dashboard, select the Drobo Mini from the All Drobos page. 3. Click the Tools option on the Navigation menu for the selected Drobo device to open the Tools page.

  • Page 31: Safely Shutting Down Your Drobo Mini

    Drobo shuts down and restarts after the new firmware is installed. Safely Shutting Down Your Drobo Mini If you plan to shut down your Drobo device for any reason, it is very important that you always do so safely. Improper Drobo device shutdowns may cause file corruption and/or data loss.

  • Page 32: Safely Shutting Down Your Drobo Mini Using Drobo Dashboard

    Safely Shutting Down Your Drobo Mini Using Drobo Dashboard This is the recommended method for safely shutting down your Drobo device. 1. Check that the activity light on your Drobo device is off, indicating that no data is actively being transferred to or from your Drobo device.
  • Page 33 A message box opens, asking you to confirm the shutdown. 5. Click the Yes button. It can take up to two minutes for your Drobo device to power down. Afterwards, the power light turns off, indicating your Drobo device has shut down.

  • Page 34: Safely Shutting Down Your Drobo Mini Manually

    Using the Online User Guide After you’ve set up your Drobo device, you’re ready to use it to store and back up data. To learn how to manage and use your Drobo device, refer to the Online User Guide for your product, which can be found within Drobo Dashboard by clicking the Help &...

  • Page 35: Using Context-Sensitive Help

    Using Context-Sensitive Help On the top right corner of Drobo Dashboard, you will find a ? button. Click this button to display context-sensitive help. The Help window opens in your Internet browser, providing information particular to the page from which you clicked for help.
  • Page 36 2. In the Drobo Registration area, click on the Register my Drobo devices link. The Registration page opens. Drobo Mini Getting Started Guide...
  • Page 37 3. Do one of the following: • If you do not have a Drobo account, click the Create a new Drobo account link. A one- page form opens in your web browser. Fill this in and click Create Account. Fill this in and create your account, and then return to this step to log into your account.
  • Page 38 The next page shows with a check mark that your product has been registered. Note: You can choose to purchase a DroboCare license by clicking on that link. 7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to register additional Drobo devices. 8. When finished, click the Done button.

  • Page 39: Getting Support

    You can also find support in Drobo Dashboard. • In Drobo Dashboard on the All Drobos page, select the Drobo device for which you need to get support, and then click the Help and Support option on the Navigation menu.

  • Page 40: Copyright, Safety And Limited Warranty

    Copyright, Safety and Limited Warranty Copyright and Warranty Drobo, Inc. supports lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of its products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law. Copyright 2012 Drobo, Inc., Drobo, DroboShare, DroboPro, DroboElite/B800i, Drobo B1200i and BeyondRAID are trademarks of Drobo, Inc., which may be registered in some jurisdictions.
  • Page 41 LIQUID HAS SPILLED INTO DROBO, DROBOPRO, DROBOELITE, DROBO FS, PRO FS, B800i, B800fs, B1200i, Drobo 5D, Drobo 5N, OR Drobo Mini; DROBO, DROBOPRO, DROBOELITE, DROBO FS, PRO FS, B800i, B800fs, B1200i, Drobo 5D, Drobo 5N, OR Drobo Mini HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO RAIN OR WATER;...
  • Page 42 Incorrect reassembly can cause electric shock when Drobo is used. Moving – Avoid moving Drobo, DroboPro,DroboElite, DroboFS, ProfS, B800i, B800fs, B1200i, Drobo 5D, Drobo 5N, or Drobo Mini while it is plugged in to avoid shock and vibration damage to the installed hard disk drives.
  • Page 43 Drobo S Specifications & Systems Requirements – Power Supply: AC Input: 100- 240VAC~2.5A, 50-60Hz;DC Output: 12VDC 8.33A & 100W Max; Drobo Power Consumption:4A @ 12V (48W);Operating Temperature: 10°C-35°C (50°-95°F); Non-operating (storage): -10°- 60°C(14°-140°F); Operating Humidity: 5%- 80%; Dimensions: 5.9” wide x 7.3” tall x 10.3” long (150.3mm wide x 185.4mmtall x 262.3mm long);...
  • Page 44 60°C (14°-140°F); Operating Humidity: 5% - 80%; Dimensions: 5.9” wide x 7.3” tall x 10.3” long (150.3mm wide x 185.4mm tall x 262.3mm long); Weight: 8 lbs. (without power supply); Storage: Accepts up to five 3.5” SATA-compliant internal desktop hard drives; Interface: Ethernet; Drobo Dashboard Application (recommended): Microsoft® Windows® 7 SP1+, Microsoft® Windows® 8, Apple®...
  • Page 45 This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numeriquede la classe B respecte toutes les exigencesdu Réglement sur le materiel brouilleur du Canada. Please see http://www.drobo.com for additional compliancy information Industry Canada Statement Complies with the CanadianICES-003 Class B specifications.
  • Page 46 A1:2000 & A2:2003, EN 55024: 1998 plus A1:2001& A2:2003, EN 61000-3-2: 2000 plus A2:2005,EN 61000-3-3: 1995 plus A1:2001& A2:2005, and EN 60950-1:2000+A11:2004. Hereby, Drobo, Inc., declares that this Disk Storage Array and Network Attached Storage link appliance are in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
  • Page 47 YourDrobo, DroboPro, DroboElite, Drobo FS, DroboPro FS, B800i, B800fs, B1200i, Drobo 5D, Drobo 5N, and Drobo Mini have internal batteries that preserve settings when the unit is off. Do not attempt to change the battery. Only a Drobo, Inc. certified technician can change the battery.
  • Page 48 Product. Manufacturers, suppliers, or publishers, other than Drobo may provide their own warranties to You, but Drobo, to the extent permitted by law, provides such manufacturer’s products "as is". SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTED BY DROBO WITH OR WITHOUT THE DROBO BRAND NAME (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SYSTEM SOFTWARE) IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
  • Page 49 This Limited Warranty is governed by and construed under the laws of the country in which the product purchase took place. Drobo, the warrantor under this Limited Warranty, is identified at the end of this document according to the country or region in which the product purchase took place.
  • Page 50 Law. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. 2. If you have an enquiry or you wish to claim under this Limited Warranty, please contact: Drobo Technical Support online at: ) or via: http://www.drobo.com/support/contact-support.php...
  • Page 51 Drobo, and replacement components sold by Drobo and manufactured by or for Drobo. These can be identified because they all have the "Data Robotics" or "Drobo" name, or logo on them. In this Limited Warranty document, we call these products "Products". This Limited Warranty does not apply, for instance, to the hard drives manufactured by other companies which may be in the same package as our Product.
  • Page 52 Drobo; (e) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by a party other than an authorized representative of Drobo or a Drobo Authorized Reseller; (f) to a Product or Product part that has been modified to significantly alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Drobo;...
  • Page 53 Drobo will Advance Ship to You a replacement Product, and You agree to promptly return Your Product at issue within seven (7) days of issuance of the RMA number. In the event Drobo does not receive the Product for which You were issued an RMA within such seven (7) days, Your credit card will be charged the manufacturer's suggested retail price of the replacement Product.
  • Page 54 Products you may purchase. The only warranties for Drobo products and services are set forth in the warranty statements accompanying the products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.

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