Plextor PX-712 Installation And User Manual
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Plextor PX-712 Installation And User Manual

Internal atapi drive/internal sata drive
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Model PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive
Model PX-712SA Internal SATA Drive
DVD±R/RW, CD-R/RW DRIVE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
APRIL 2004

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Summary of Contents for Plextor PX-712

  • Page 1 Model PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive Model PX-712SA Internal SATA Drive DVD±R/RW, CD-R/RW DRIVE INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL APRIL 2004...

  • Page 2: Record Your Serial Number

    Plextor’s prior permission. Manual copyright ©2004 Plextor Corp. First edition, April 2004. Licenses and Trademarks Plextor and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks of Plextor Corp. All other licenses and trademarks are property of their respective owners. Record Your Serial Number For future reference, record the serial number and the TLA code (found on your drive’s label) in the space provided below.
  • Page 3 The laser beam emitted from the optical pickup is visible and invisible. Accordingly: • Do not open the optical pickup housing. • Obtain service only from Plextor-authorized personnel. CAUTION: To disconnect the internal DVD/CD drive from an electrical current, pull out the computer’s power plug.
  • Page 4 Top View of Internal Drive, Showing Caution Label Location Detail of PX-712A Laser Caution Labels...
  • Page 5 Detail of PX-712SA Laser Caution Labels...
  • Page 6 This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Meet Your PX-712 ...2 What the PX-712 Does...2 Features of the PX-712 ...3 Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-712 ...6 What You Can Do with the PX-712 ...6 About Software...7 Precautions ...7 Where to Go From Here ...8 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive ...9 PX-712A Drive Features and Controls...9...
  • Page 8 Save Your Box!... 37 Mount the PX-712SA Drive... 38 Record the Serial Number ... 38 Mount the Drive in the Computer ... 38 4. Using Your PX-712 ... 43 What Media to Use... 43 DVD Media... 43 CD-ROM Media ... 43 Tray Loading and Operation ...
  • Page 9 Specifications for All PX-712 Drives...95 Specifications for the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive...104 Specifications for the PX-712SA Internal SATA Drive...107 Appendix B: Technical Support...109 How to Contact Plextor Technical Support ...110 Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call for Support ...110 Returns ...111 Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department ...111 Packing Your Drive...112...
  • Page 10 Table of Contents This page intentionally left blank. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 11: Getting Started

    Please read this manual carefully and keep it handy for easy reference. Use the manual for installation, operation and troubleshooting. If your drive needs service, see your dealer or call Plextor’s Technical Support Department. In this manual you should find all the information you need to successfully install, operate and troubleshoot your drive.

  • Page 12: Meet Your Px-712

    Section 1. Getting Started Meet Your PX-712 The PX-712 is a DVD ReWritable/CD ReWritable drive that provides professional quality DVD and CD performance for writing, rewriting and reading. What the PX-712 Does For DVDs, the PX-712: • Writes DVD+R (recordable DVD, “plus” format) media at up to 12X speed on recommended 8X media.

  • Page 13: Features Of The Px-712

    • MMC compliance: Supports the MMC-4 command set. • Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-712 to the latest firmware revision (available from the Plextor web site) without opening the computer or physically accessing the drive.
  • Page 14 • Self-test diagnostics for ATAPI model: The PX-712A has a self-test diagnostic function for easy troubleshooting. • Q-Check tests: The Plextor PX-712 achieves high-quality recording on virtually any DVD or CD media. To see for yourself, use the Q- Check features to check laser operation, or measure and display characteristics of the media you’re using.
  • Page 15 • Overburn: Another way of burning more information onto a CD— audio up to 99 minutes 59 seconds in length, or a data disc up to 875 megabytes in capacity. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual Section 1. Getting Started...

  • Page 16: Minimum Configuration To Use The Px-712

    Section 1. Getting Started Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-712 Here’s what you’ll need in order to install and use the PX-712 drive. • Computer: Pentium III, 800-MHz CPU or faster. (Pentium 4, 1.6-GHz or faster recommended.) • Minimum RAM: 128 MB.

  • Page 17: About Software

    CD/DVD functions of the PX-712 drive. When installed on your computer, this software lets you use your Plextor PX-712 to burn CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD discs. It also lets you take advantage of all the unique new features found in the Plextor PX- 712 drive.

  • Page 18: Where To Go From Here

    • If you have a PX-712A internal ATAPI drive, see Chapter 2, beginning on page 9, to install it. • If you have a PX-712SA internal drive with the new Serial ATA interface, see Chapter 3, beginning on page 35, to install it. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 19: Installing The Px-712A Internal Atapi Drive

    ATAPI drive in your computer. PX-712A Drive Features and Controls Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of your Plextor drive. Match the parts of your drive to the illustrations below. Front Panel—PX-712A Internal Drive Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-712A internal ATAPI drive •...

  • Page 20: Rear Panel-Px-712A Internal Drive

    Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-712A internal ATAPI drive • Digital audio output connector: Outputs a digital stereo signal. Use this to connect to a sound board that supports Sony/Philips Digital Interface (SPDIF) or Digital-In. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 21: What Else Is In The Px-712A Box

    DC +5 volts and +12 volts to the PX-712A. What Else Is In the PX-712A Box What you find in your Plextor box depends on what the company that sold you the box put in—or took out—while the Plextor drive was in their possession.

  • Page 22: Save Your Box

    If you have to ship your drive back to Plextor, you’ll want to send it in the original box. (For more details about returning your drive to Plextor, see page 111.)

  • Page 23: Px-712A Quickstart Installation

    IDE connections to the motherboard. To open the computer: 1. Before proceeding, make sure the power to your computer and any external peripherals is OFF and your computer is UNPLUGGED from its power source. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 24: Determine Your Existing Ide Configuration

    In the case of the Cable Select bus, both devices must be jumpered as Cable Select. This configuration requires a special Cable Select cable. If there are two IDE ports, one is for the primary IDE bus and the other is for the secondary bus. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 25: Set The Drive's Mode Jumper

    If your computer is from a large OEM system manufacturer such as IBM, Hewlett Packard, Gateway or Compaq, you will need to pay particular attention to whether the computer uses the Cable Select scheme. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 26: Changing The Mode Jumper On Your Px-712A Drive

    The drive arrives from the factory with its mode jumper set to Master. (A function is ON if the jumper is installed and OFF if the jumper is removed.) Figure 4: Factory settings for mode jumper at the rear of the internal drive PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 27 Figure 5: Install the mode jumper across vertical pairs of pins CAUTION: Install the mode jumper across the pins as shown (vertically). Do not connect one pin switch to another by installing the jumper lengthwise (horizontally). Doing so could result in damage to the drive. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 28: Select An Ide Configuration

    Master device on secondary IDE port. Figure 6. How to install the PX-712A if your computer is originally set up in configuration A PX-712 Installation and Users Manual How to Install the PX-712A Remove the DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive, change it to Slave, and re-connect it to the secondary IDE port.
  • Page 29 (that is, write an image to your hard drive, then write that image onto the DVD±R/RW or CD-R/RW media), or record at a lower speed for best results. We also recommend that DMA be enabled on your computer, if your system supports it. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 30 IDE port. Figure 7. How to install the PX-712A if your computer is originally set up in configuration B PX-712 Installation and Users Manual How to Install the PX-712A Set the mode jumper to Master, and connect the PX- 712A as Master to secondary IDE port.
  • Page 31 IDE port. Figure 8. How to install the PX-712A if your computer is originally set up in configuration C PX-712 Installation and Users Manual How to Install the PX-712A Set the mode jumper to Master, and connect the PX- 712A as Master to secondary IDE port.
  • Page 32 Cable Select. Figure 9: How to install the PX-712A if your computer is originally set up in configuration D PX-712 Installation and Users Manual How to Install the PX-712A Set the PX-712A’s mode jumper to CSEL, and connect the drive to the end of the cable from the computer’s IDE...

  • Page 33: About Cable Select

    • A computer that supports CSEL. • A special CSEL (Cable Select) cable for IDE. NOTE: The IDE cable supplied by Plextor does not support CSEL. To use CSEL and Cable Select, you’ll have to purchase a CSEL cable, or use one that may be supplied with your CSEL-configured system.

  • Page 34: Identifying Whether Your System Uses Cable Select

    PX-712A set to the default Ultra DMA setting. If this happens, change the PX-712A to Multiword DMA mode by installing the spare jumper across the two DMA jumper pins just to the left of the mode jumper pins. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 35 Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive Figure 11: Add the DMA jumper if you need to change to Multiword DMA PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 36: Mount The Px-712A Drive

    One end connects to the IDE port on your computer’s motherboard, and the other two connectors are free for attaching peripherals such as a hard disk, DVD or CD-ROM drive, or a PX-712A drive. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 37 Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive You may need to install another IDE ribbon cable in your computer. You can use the extra IDE cable supplied with your Plextor drive. (Just remember, if you want to use CSEL and Cable Select settings, this Plextor-supplied cable won’t work—you’ll have to purchase a special...
  • Page 38 (In some older computers, you may have to remove screws that hold the panel in place.) Figure 14: Removing the cover panel from a bay PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 39 The drive can be mounted directly into your computer. Go to step 6. NOTE: Plextor does not provide rails. If you need rails, you can obtain them from the computer manufacturer or from a computer supply retail or mail-order store.
  • Page 40 IDE connector on the motherboard. The other end of the connector must be connected to a device. The end connector of the cable should never be left unconnected. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 41 This cable runs from the four-pin analog audio output connector on the rear panel of your drive to the CD-ROM audio connector on the PC or your sound board. See “Using Sound Boards and Audio Cables” below for more information about audio cables. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 42: Using Sound Boards And Audio Cables

    Use only these screws. CAUTION: Do not mount your drive in your computer using screws other than those supplied by Plextor. You may damage the drive if you insert screws that are too long or the wrong thread type.
  • Page 43 Digital audio output Cable that’s compatible with SPDIF or Digital-In. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual How to Connect It Connect to MPC audio source, and to analog audio output connector at the rear of the Plextor drive. Connect to Sound Blaster-...
  • Page 44 Section 2. Installing the PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive This page intentionally left blank. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 45: Installing The Px-712Sa Internal Sata Drive

    The following pages give more details for this procedure. PX-712SA Drive Features and Controls Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of your Plextor drive. Match the parts of your drive to the illustrations below. Front Panel—PX-712SA Internal Drive...

  • Page 46: Rear Panel-Px-712Sa Internal Sata Drive

    • SATA cable connector: Connects to your computer’s SATA interface using 7-pin SATA ribbon cable. • Power connector: Connects to your computer’s power supply to provide DC +5 volts and +12 volts to the PX-712SA. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 47: What Else Is In The Px-712Sa Box

    If you have to ship your drive back to Plextor, you’ll want to send it in the original box. (For more details about returning your drive to Plextor, see page 111.)

  • Page 48: Mount The Px-712Sa Drive

    2. Remove your computer’s cover, following the directions provided by your computer’s manufacturer. Typically, this involves loosening or removing several screws on the back panel of your computer and sliding off the cover. See the illustration below for an example. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 49 (In some older computers, you may have to remove screws that hold the panel in place.) Figure 21: Removing the cover panel from a bay PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 50 The drive can be mounted directly into your computer. Go to step 6. NOTE: Plextor does not provide rails. If you need rails, you can obtain them from the computer manufacturer or from a computer supply retail or mail-order store.
  • Page 51 CAUTION: The power connector on the cable and the receptacle on the drive are keyed. Do not force the power connector into the drive, or the drive and/or the computer could be damaged. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 52 Use only these screws. CAUTION: Do not mount your drive in your computer using screws other than those supplied by Plextor. You may damage the drive if you insert screws that are too long or the wrong thread type.

  • Page 53: Using Your Px-712

    4. Using Your PX-712 This chapter explains how to use your PX-712 drive and how to load, handle and care for your DVDs and CDs. What Media to Use Use the right media! Your PX-712 drive's capabilities change depending on which type of compact disc you use.
  • Page 54 Figure 24: The logo identifies the type of CD-RW media See “Recommended Media” on page 95 for a list of Plextor-approved media at the time this manual was printed, and see the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com for an updated list.

  • Page 55: Tray Loading And Operation

    CAUTION: We recommend using a “non-toxic” marker, such as a Sharpie pen, that conforms to the ASTM D-4236 standard. Some permanent markers will damage the media. Also, do not press too hard when writing on the disc. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual Section 4. Using Your PX-712...

  • Page 56: Cleaning Discs

    HINT: Keep your frequently used discs in jewel cases at all times to prevent them from becoming dirty or damaged. Mounting Position You can operate your internal PX-712 drive in either a horizontal or a vertical position. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 57: Playing Dvds

    Writing to DVD Media You need special software that supports writing to DVD+R and DVD+RW discs: or to DVD-R and DVD-RW discs. The Roxio Easy CD Creator DVD Edition on the CD that accompanies your PX-712 contains this software. Specifying +R/RW or -R/RW You don’t need to specify whether to write to +R/RW or -R/RW.

  • Page 58: Using The Led Indicator

    Section 4. Using Your PX-712 Using the LED Indicator The color and blink rate of the front-panel LED indicator give you information about the drive’s operation. When you are writing to a CD-R or CD-RW disc, the color and blink...

  • Page 59: Switching To Speedread For Video Playback

    To manually enable SpeedRead and speed up DVD playback: 1. Make sure the PX-712 disc tray is closed and empty. 2. Press and hold the PX-712’s eject button for at least 3 seconds. The LED indicator blinks green three times to indicate SpeedRead will be active for DVD-Video discs with CSS copy protection.
  • Page 60 Section 4. Using Your PX-712 This page intentionally left blank. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 61: Advanced Features And Plextools Professional

    5. Advanced Features and PlexTools Professional The Plextor PX-712 has a number of advanced features that set it apart from other drives. For instance, you can operate in Silent Mode, display and analyze disc errors, password protect an entire disc, increase a disc’s capacity beyond its rated value, and more.

  • Page 62: Using Silent Mode

    Section 5. Advanced Features and PlexTools Professional Using Silent Mode Although the Plextor PX-712 drive is quiet in normal operation, its Silent Mode is ideal for use in environments where “silence is golden.” Silent Mode reduces sound from the drive in several ways: •...
  • Page 63 9. Select Save Changes to Drive to save any Silent Mode changes to the drive. 10. To return Silent Mode to the factory defaults (maximum speed), click the Reset Values button. This also turns Silent Mode off. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 64: Important Facts About Silent Mode

    Section 5. Advanced Features and PlexTools Professional Important Facts about Silent Mode • When first started, the Plextor PX-712 drive is set with Silent Mode off. • When Silent Mode is active, the drive’s maximum speed is always restricted. Any speed settings specified by other applications will be overridden.

  • Page 65: Using Securec

    Section 5. Advanced Features and PlexTools Professional Using SecuRec The Plextor PX-712’s SecuRec function lets you write on a CD-R disc and protect the data with a password. To view the contents of password-protected disc—or even to see a catalog of files—the user must enter the correct password. The password can be entered via PlexTools Professional software, or with SecuViewer software.
  • Page 66 ROM Maker in PlexTools Professional, or any other DAO recording application) to record your data onto a CD-R disc. Once protected with SecuRec, the disc can’t be read by a non-SecuRec drive unless the correct password is entered. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 67: Reading A Password-Protected Disc

    1. Make sure you have PlexTools Pro or SecuViewer on your computer. 2. Insert the password-protected CD-R disc into a PX-712 or Plextor Premium drive. (You only need these drives if you are using PlexTools Professional software. With SecuViewer, you can use any drive.)

  • Page 68: Using Varirec

    • Discs protected with SecuRec using older versions of PlexTools Professional may not be readable with the current version. • Remember your password! Plextor has no way to retrieve data from discs for which the password has been lost or forgotten. For this reason Plextor assumes no responsibility for lost passwords or data.

  • Page 69: Changing The Varirec Setting

    To use PlexTools Professional to change VariRec settings for writing: 1. Place a blank DVD±R or CD-R disc in the PX-712. 2. In the PlexTools menu bar, select Drive Settings. You see the tabs for drive settings.
  • Page 70 Professional to create a disc layout. 9. If necessary, in the list of recording options, make sure the Enable VariRec box is checked and continue recording. Your disc is recorded with the new laser strategy. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 71: Important Facts About Varirec

    In order to use the GigaRec feature, you need: • CD-R drive (such as the Plextor PX-712) that supports GigaRec. • Recording software, such as PlexTools Professional, that supports GigaRec.

  • Page 72: Burning A Disc With Gigarec

    Burning a Disc with GigaRec To use PlexTools Professional to burn a GigaRec disc: 1. Insert a blank CD-R disc in the Plextor PX-712 drive. (You can’t use DVD±R/RW or CD-RW discs with GigaRec.) 2. In the PlexTools menu bar, select Drive Settings. You see the tabs for drive settings.

  • Page 73: How Gigarec Works

    The Plextor PX-712 can ignore and even overwrite this information, which extends the disc capacity. Important Facts about GigaRec •...

  • Page 74: Testing Your Cds And Dvds

    This function reports the read response of the Plextor PX-712 drive, and is for use on a CD or DVD that contains content— that is, a commercial pressed disc, or a disc recorded on a DVD or CD burner.
  • Page 75 Section 5. Advanced Features and PlexTools Professional To measure read transfer rate response: 1. Place a recorded disc in the PX-712. You can use a pre-recorded, commercially stamped CD or DVD disc; or you can use a recorded DVD+R/RW disc, DVD-R/RW disc, or CD-R/RW disc.
  • Page 76 8. To see the results, select View Log. You see the Test Results window that shows what color corresponds to what test. You can clear all or selected tests, then run more tests for comparison. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 77: Measuring Write Transfer Rate

    Section 5. Advanced Features and PlexTools Professional What the Measurement Means This function reports the read response of the Plextor PX-712 drive. The graph should display a smooth linear curve up to the limit of the recorded data. If the curve is not linear or smooth, repeat the test with another piece of recorded media.
  • Page 78 6. Click OK to exit the Preferences window and return to the Write Transfer Rate Test window. 7. To begin measurement, in the test window, click the Start button. You see the start and current write speed. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 79: Measuring Q-Check C1/C2/Cu Errors

    This function reports on the C1, C2, and CU errors on the current CD in the Plextor PX-712 drive. This test is for use on a CD that contains content—that is, a commercial pressed CD or a CD recorded on a CD- R/RW drive.
  • Page 80 3. Click the Preferences button to view or change the preferences. You can change the scale limit and the time length indication, and you can choose to include all tracks on the disc or only selected tracks. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 81 CU error is detected. 6. To end measurement, click the Stop button, or wait for the measurement to stop by itself. Your window shows the test results, and a graph of the error counts recorded by the application. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 82 C2 level correction. No CU errors are allowed in a recorded disc. CU errors are usually a result of damage to a disc and represent unrecoverable data. Discs with CU errors quite often cannot be read at all. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 83: Measuring Tracking And Focus Error

    If the graph reports CU errors, the disc is defective and should be discarded. Because the Plextor PX-712 can report the number of C2 errors, audio extraction applications can use this reporting to guarantee that the extracted audio matches the original.
  • Page 84 To use PlexTools Professional to measure tracking and focus error: 1. Place a blank DVD+R/RW, a DVD-R/RW, or a CD-R or CD-RW disc in the PX-712. (Don’t use a pre-recorded, commercially stamped disc.) 2. From the PlexTools menu bar, select Q-Check FE/TE Test. You see the Q-Check window with a graph for focus error and tracking error.
  • Page 85 4. Click OK to exit the Preferences window and return to the Q-Check FE/TE Test window. 5. To begin measurement, in the FE/TE Test window, click the Start button. You see the traces representing focus error (FE) and tracking error (TE). PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 86 PoweRec. The FE/TE graphing capability of the Plextor PX-712 drive displays the mechanical characteristics of the disc by indicating how consistently the laser tracks across the surface of the disc, and how accurately the focus is maintained on the recording dye layer.

  • Page 87: Making Q-Check Jitter/Beta Measurements

    This function reports on the degree of beta and jitter on the CD or DVD in the Plextor PX-712 drive. This test is for use on a disc that contains content—that is, a commercial pressed CD or DVD, or a disc recorded on a CD or DVD drive.
  • Page 88 3. Click the Preferences button to view or change the preferences. You can change the sample length (the length of one sample), the time length indication of the graph, and the limit of the beta measurement scale. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 89 6. To end measurement, click the Stop button, or wait for the measurement to stop by itself. Your window shows the test results, and a graph of the error counts recorded by the application. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 90 The book standard regulates jitter value at no more than 35 nanoseconds. Using PlexTools Professional and the Plextor drive, you can use the Q- Check Beta/Jitter Test to determine the quality of writing on a disc. The test graph displays an average rate for jitter occurring between 3T and 11T.

  • Page 91: Measuring Q-Check Pi/Po Errors

    This function reports on the PI (parity inner) and POF (parity outer fails) on the current DVD disc in the Plextor PX-712 drive. This test is for use on a DVD that contains content—that is, a commercial pressed DVD or a disc recorded on a DVD burner.
  • Page 92 (for instance, because of dust, fingerprints, scratches, etc). With POF errors, there is a chance that the data will become unreadable. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 93: Advantages Of Buffer Underrun Proof Technology

    Technology PlexTools Professional software lets you enable or disable Buffer Underrun Proof Technology on the Plextor PX-712 (via Drive Settings | Advanced). But you’ll usually want to leave this feature enabled, because Buffer Underrun Proof Technology guarantees that you can write discs at high speed, and still use your computer for other tasks while you’re writing.
  • Page 94 Section 5. Advanced Features and PlexTools Professional This page intentionally left blank. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 95: Maintenance And Troubleshooting

    Plextor representative. Cleaning the PX-712 Drive Plextor drives are sealed against external contamination, so in a normal computer environment and with normal use, your drive should not require internal cleaning. However, if your drive has been in use for some time and has just recently started to exhibit read/write problems, it is possible that dust has accumulated on the laser lens.

  • Page 96: Upgrading Firmware

    However, we advise that our customers always update drives with the latest available firmware. Before troubleshooting a possible problem with your PX-712 drive please visit our web site at www.plextor.com to check if you have the latest firmware. To obtain new firmware for your drive: 1.

  • Page 97: Emergency Eject

    2. Open Windows Explorer or My Computer and ensure there is an icon for the Plextor drive, the hard disk, and another DVD or CD- ROM drive, if present. The Plextor icon may be D: or E: or another designator.
  • Page 98 Section 6. Maintenance and Troubleshooting 3. If the PX-712 drive is not recognized in Windows, reboot the computer and use your computer’s setup program to program the BIOS to recognize it. NOTE: Refer to the computer’s documentation for information on how to run the motherboard BIOS setup program.

  • Page 99: Using The Px-712A Self-Test Diagnostics

    • Tools to remove the computer’s cover • An extra jumper (supplied) • A blank piece of Plextor-recommended DVD+R, DVD-R, or CD-R media. (See page 96, or visit our web site.) The self-test will write to this media, so you won’t be able to use this disc again.
  • Page 100 Be aware of the danger of electric shock and do not touch any components inside the computer. 8. While pressing the eject button on the PX-712A, turn the computer power on. The LED indicator blinks green, then amber, and the tray ejects. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 101 Figure 41: Place jumpers across both the SLAVE and CABLE SELECT pins to perform the self-test diagnostics on the PX-712A. 9. Insert a blank Plextor-recommended DVD±R or CD-R disc. Be sure to use only media of the type recommended by Plextor.
  • Page 102 If you discover a problem with the PX-712A drive, do not attempt to service the drive yourself. Contact us to get an RMA number and take steps to return the drive to Plextor. See “Returns” on page 111 for details.

  • Page 103: Frequently Asked Questions

    “recommended media,” and are also assembled into a media catalog and stored in firmware in Plextor drives. (See page 96 for a list of recommended media for the PX-712 at the time this manual was printed, and see the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com for an updated list.) From time to time, the media catalog is updated with new manufacturers and part numbers as Plextor tests additional media.
  • Page 104 Section 7. Frequently Asked Questions This page intentionally left blank. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 105: Appendix A: Px-712 Specifications

    Appendix A: PX-712 Specifications This appendix shows specifications for all PX-712 drives, followed by unique specifications for the PX-712A and PX-712SA. Specifications for All PX-712 Drives Front Panel Eject Eject button; manual emergency eject; software eject. LED Indicator Yellow when initializing, reading, or ejecting disc.
  • Page 106 DVD+RW: Random access write, sequential write Write DVD-R: DAO, incremental recording, multi-border Methods, recording DVD-R/RW DVD-RW: DAO, multi-border recording, incremental recording, restricted overwriting, DRT-DM Write Track-at-once (TAO), DAO, packet write (variable and Methods, fixed), session-at-once (SAO), CD-MRW (Mount CD-R/RW Rainier) PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 107 (although your results may be poor). CD-RW: 24X Mitsubishi Chemical/Verbatim CD-RW: Ricoh, Mitsubishi Chemical/Verbatim 4X-10X NOTE: All CD-RW media are rewritable up to 1,000 times. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PX-712 Specifications...
  • Page 108 2X CLV Yes (Single or dual-layer disc) NOTE: When a DVD-Video with CSS (copy protection via the Content Scrambling System) is loaded, the PX-712 slows its playback speed to reduce drive noise. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R...
  • Page 109 6-8X PCAV 6X CLV 4X CLV 2.4X CLV Write Speed, Speed DVD-R/RW 6-8X PCAV 6X CLV 4X CLV 2X CLV 1X CLV PX-712 Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PX-712 Specifications Mode-2 CD-DA Discs Discs – – Stamp,R, Stamp,R Stamp,R, Stamp,R,...
  • Page 110 Speed Write (Kbps) Rate — 8310-16620 (PCAV) 8310-11080 (PCAV) 8310 (CLV — 5540 (CLV) 2.4X 3324 (CLV) 2770 (CLV) 1385 (CLV) PX-712 Installation and Users Manual Ultra High Normal Speed Speed Speed CD-RW CD-RW CD-RW Media Media Media – –...
  • Page 111 Sleep Mode Entered after 2 minutes of no access to drive (default setting) Wake Mode < 5 sec. (max.) to start drive after sleep PX-712 Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PX-712 Specifications Read (Kbps) 3180–7200 (CAV) 2710–6000 (CAV) 2170–4800 (CAV) 1600–3600 (CAV)
  • Page 112 11msec half sine, 10 sec interval: Operating CD read: 5.0G 0-Pk DVD read: 5.0G 0-Pk CD-R write: 1.5G 0-Pk CD-RW rewrite: 0.5G DVD+R/RW write: 0.5G PX-712 Installation and Users Manual (5-300Hz) 0-Pk (5-300Hz 0-Pk (5-300Hz) 0-Pk (5-300Hz) 0-Pk (5-300Hz) 0-Pk...
  • Page 113 Safety UL (C-UL) Europe Safety Laser Taiwan BSMI Korea Australia/NZ C-Tick PX-712 Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PX-712 Specifications bits bits Standard UL 1950 FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 FCC Part15B-Class B CSA 22.2 No. 950 ICES-003 Class B...

  • Page 114: Specifications For The Px-712A Internal Atapi Drive

    Typical CD read current (CD 48X) Typical DVD write current (DVD+R 12X) Typical write current (CD-R 48X) Typical pause current Peak current PX-712 Installation and Users Manual DC +12V, DC +5V, ±10% ±5% 100 mA 500 mA 1.1 A 650 mA 1.1 A...
  • Page 115 Dimensions and Weight, PX-712A Internal ATAPI Drive Dimensions 5.75" x 1.63" x 7.48" (W/H/D) 146 mm x 41.3 mm x 190 mm (excluding front panel) Weight < 2.2 lbs. (1.0 kg) PX-712 Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PX-712 Specifications...
  • Page 116 Modes 0-2 Transfers Ultra DMA Modes 0-2 (Ultra DMA33) Transfers ATAPI Refer to the Plextor ATAPI command manual. Command Set Inquiry string PLEXTOR sp DVDR sp sp sp PX-712A sp sp (where “sp” is one space) PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 117: Specifications For The Px-712Sa Internal Sata Drive

    (DVD+R 12X) Typical write current (CD-R 48X) Typical pause current Peak current Power Average 19W for DVD read/write Consumption PX-712 Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PX-712 Specifications DC +12V, DC +5V, ±10% ±5% 100 mA 650 mA 1.1 A 750 mA 1.1 A...
  • Page 118 Serial ATA: Power, 15 pins; signal, 7 pins Connector Serial ATA 1.5 Gbps (150MB/sec) Transfers ATAPI Refer to the Plextor ATAPI command manual. Command Set Inquiry string PLEXTOR sp DVDR sp sp sp PX-712A sp sp (where “sp” is one space) PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 119: Appendix B: Technical Support

    If you have not been successful in your quest, our Technical Support Department will help you solve problems that relate specifically to your PX-712 drive. In many cases, a problem that appears to be caused by your Plextor drive actually originates in another part of your computer.

  • Page 120: How To Contact Plextor Technical Support

    • The serial number and TLA (top level assembly) number of your PX-712 drive. Your serial number and TLA number appear both on the drive label and on a sticker at the rear of internal drives. • The latest version of firmware you loaded onto the drive, if applicable.

  • Page 121: Returns

    Returns In the unlikely event that you need to return a drive to Plextor, you need an RMA (Returned Materials Authorization) number. You need this number before any Plextor drive can be returned for repair or replacement. Here’s how you get an RMA number and return your drive: 1.

  • Page 122: Packing Your Drive

    Be sure to write the RMA number on the outside of the shipping box. Any drive sent to Plextor without an RMA number will not be accepted. NOTE: The RMA number must be clearly visible on the outside of the shipping box.

  • Page 123: Appendix C: Warranty

    In the event this product is found to be defective within the warranty period, PLEXTOR will, at its option, repair or replace the defective unit.

  • Page 124: If You're Outside The U.s. Or Canada

    All drives returned to PLEXTOR must be securely packaged and shipped postage prepaid. The drive will be returned to the customer at Plextor’s expense when originating within the United States. For a drive originating outside of the United States, the customer is responsible for shipping costs in both directions.

  • Page 125: Index

    Buffer Under Run Error Proof GigaRec and · 63 Buffer Underrun Proof Technology · 5, 83 LED indicator and · 9, 36, 95 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual C1/C2/CU error measurement · 64, 69, 72 cable analog audio · 26 audio ·...
  • Page 126 · 105 sound board and · 32 connector PX-712 Installation and Users Manual analog audio output · 11, 31, digital audio · 10, 32 IDE interface · 11, 30, 36, 105 power · 11, 31, 36, 41 SATA interface ·...
  • Page 127 · 99 DVD+VR · 2 DVD-R · 93 drive capabilities · 43 media · 97 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual Index writing speed · 2, 99 DVD-RW · 93 drive capabilities · 43 DRT-DM · See distributed real time defect management media ·...
  • Page 128 IDE configuration determining for PX-712A · 14 examples · 18 selecting for PX-712A · 18 types of · 15 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual IDE interface connector · 11, 30, 36, 105 IDE ports · 14 IDE ribbon cable · 26 cable select ·...
  • Page 129 · 26, 38, 46, 102 mounting PX-712A · 26, 28 mounting PX-712SA · 38 mounting rails · 29, 40 MPC-compliant audio cable · 33 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual Index MSF · 63 MTBF · 103 multiword DMA, PX-712A set to ·...
  • Page 130 · 9, 12, 20, 21 installation examples · 18 installation, cable select · 22 interface · 3, 6, 104 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual minimum computer · 104 minimum configuration · 104 mode jumper · 15 mounting · 26 operating system ·...
  • Page 131 DVD-Video · 2, 4, 49, 98 silent mode and · 52 SpeedRead and · 49 rear-panel connectors PX-712A · 10 PX-712SA · 36 recognizing the PX-712 drive in Windows · 87 recommended media definition · 93 recording modes CD · 5, 96 DVD ·...
  • Page 132 · 64, 73, 76 transfer rate CD · 101 DVD · 100 tray PX-712 Installation and Users Manual closing · 45 front door · 9, 36 loading and unloading · 45 loading specification · 103 silent mode and · 52 troubleshooting ·...
  • Page 133 GigaRec and · 63 monitoring · 48 silent mode and · 52 VariRec and · 3, 61 writing to CD-R · 47 PX-712 Installation and Users Manual Index writing to CD-RW · 47 writing to DVD+R · 47 writing to DVD+RW · 47 yellow book ·...
  • Page 134 Index This page intentionally left blank. PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 135 Notes PX-712 Installation and Users Manual...
  • Page 136 Plextor CORP. 48383 Fremont Blvd. Suite 120 Fremont CA 94538-6509 www.plextor.com Phone: 510-440-2000 800-886-3935 Fax: 510-651-9755 E-mail: info@plextor.com...

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