Plextor PX-W1210TA Operation Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Plextor Manuals
  4. CD/CDR Drive
  5. PX-W1210TA
  6. Operation manual

Plextor PX-W1210TA Operation Manual

Internal
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Model PX-W1210TA (Internal)
Congratulations!
Thank you for purchasing the PlexWriter 12/10/32A, a reliable, high-performance
CD rewriter, recorder and reader. We appreciate the confidence you have shown in
us. Our goal is to put you—and keep you—on the leading edge of CD technology.
To get you there, we first have to help you install your PlexWriter drive properly and
operate it correctly. After that, the responsibility is yours to seek the applications that
make rewritable CD such a powerful and exciting addition to your system.

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Plextor PX-W1210TA

Summary of Contents for Plextor PX-W1210TA

  • Page 1 Model PX-W1210TA (Internal) Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the PlexWriter 12/10/32A, a reliable, high-performance CD rewriter, recorder and reader. We appreciate the confidence you have shown in us. Our goal is to put you—and keep you—on the leading edge of CD technology.
  • Page 2 • Do not open the optical pickup housing. • Obtain service only from Plextor-authorized personnel. LASER INFORMATION These products have been designed and manufactured according to IEC 825-1 on the Safety of Laser products. This product comes under “Class 1 Laser Products.” A Laser Caution Marking is attached on the top of the internal drive model: “Caution: Invisible laser radiation when open.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized... 18 Enable DMA ... 20 3. Installing and Using Software ... 21 Install Device Drivers ... 21 Install Plextor Applications Software ... 22 Plextor Manager 2000 ... 22 CD Res-Q... 22 Other Applications Software... 23 4.
  • Page 4 If You Need to Disable DMA ... 31 Troubleshooting ... 32 Troubleshooting: General... 32 Troubleshooting: Read ... 34 Troubleshooting: Audio ... 36 Troubleshooting: Writing Discs ... 37 Troubleshooting for Macintosh Users ... 42 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Recording ... 43 Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications...

  • Page 5: Getting Started

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

  • Page 6: What You Can Do With The Plexwriter 12/10/32A

    New BURN-Proof™ technology reduces buffer underrun errors, making the writing of CDs even more robust. And Plextor backs up this remarkable drive with a one-year full warranty on parts and labor, and unlimited toll-free tech support.

  • Page 7: Save Your Box

    What's in the 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. Plextor currently sells its PlexWriter 12/10/32A drive in this configuration: •...

  • Page 8: Plexwriter Drive Features And Controls

    Section 1. Getting Started If your drive came pre-installed, some or all of the items above may have been installed and may not be separately available. See Appendix C for locations to purchase additional or replacement accessories. PlexWriter Drive Features and Controls Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of your PlexWriter drive.

  • Page 9: Rear Panel

    Rear Panel Figure 2: Rear Panel of the PlexWriter 12/10/32A Internal Drive • Digital audio output connector: Outputs digital stereo signal. For connecting to a sound board that supports Sony/Philips digital interface (SPDIF) or Digital_In. • Analog audio output connector: Outputs analog stereo signal. Use to connect to sound board or audio amplifier.

  • Page 10: About Mastering Software

    In order to create CD-R and CD-RW discs you will need to have mastering software installed on your computer system. You can check our web site (www.plextor.com) for an updated list of software that supports your drive. We provide a mastering software kit in our retail packaging for your convenience.

  • Page 11: Installing Your Plexwriter

    2. Installing Your PlexWriter This chapter explains how to physically install your PlexWriter in your computer. The steps you'll need to do are as follows: 1. Turn OFF your computer system. 2. Set the jumper for your new PlexWriter drive, if necessary. 3.

  • Page 12: Determine Your Existing Ide Configuration

    Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter 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. 2. Remove your computer’s cover, following the directions provided by your computer’s manufacturer.

  • Page 13: Set The Drive's Jumper

    Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter Set the Drive’s Jumper You specify your drive's master or slave setting before installing it. You do this by changing the position of a jumper on the jumper block at the rear of the drive. Your drive ships from our factory with its jumper set to operate the PlexWriter as a master.

  • Page 14: Select An Ide Configuration

    Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter Figure 5: Install Jumper Across Vertical Pairs of Pins CAUTION: Install jumper across each pin 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.
  • Page 15 NOTE: For best performance, try to connect the PlexWriter to the IDE port that is not connected to the hard disk drive or to a CD-ROM drive. In most cases, connect the PlexWriter to the secondary IDE port. NOTE: For best results, set the PlexWriter to be the master, if possible. DMA setting must be enabled on your system to achieve the drive’s maximum writing speed.

  • Page 16: About Cable Select

    Record the serial number and TLA code of your drive on the inside front cover of this manual. If your drive came preinstalled, you can get the serial number information using Plextor Manager 2000. See the Plextor Manager 2000 User’s Manual for instructions.
  • Page 17 You must make a minimum of two cable connections to your PlexWriter. The two cable connections that you must make are: • IDE cable • Power cable There are also two optional cable connections: • An analog audio cable connection if you are using a sound board in your computer and plan to connect the PlexWriter’s audio output to the audio connector on the sound board.
  • Page 18 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 19 5. If you must use mounting rails, fasten the rails to the lower pair of holes as shown in Figure 10. (In some instances, you may need to fasten the rails to the upper set of holes.) After fastening the rails, check their positioning by sliding the drive into the bay before you mount the drive or connect any cables.
  • Page 20 Sony/Philips digital interface (SPDIF) or Digital_In, and you wish to use the digital audio output from your PlexWriter. This cable runs from the digital audio output pins on the back panel to the sound board. (This cable is not supplied by Plextor.) PlexWriter 12/10/32A Operation Manual...
  • Page 21 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. PlexWriter 12/10/32A Operation Manual...

  • Page 22: Using Sound Boards And Audio Cables

    Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter Using Sound Boards and Audio Cables Whichever category your sound board falls into, you will find that the best source of information about installing the sound board in your computer is the board's manual. Once you have successfully installed the sound board in your computer, you can continue below for a description of the different cable connections that need to be made.
  • Page 23 In Windows 2000, right-click on the My Computer icon and select Properties. Click on the Hardware tab, then click on the Device Manager button. Click the + sign next to the CD-ROM heading and look at the PLEXTOR CD-R PX- W1210A entry underneath.

  • Page 24: Enable Dma

    Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter Enable DMA To achieve top speeds for reading and writing with your PlexWriter drive, direct memory access (DMA) must be enabled for the drive. To ensure that DMA is enabled: 1. In Windows 95 or 98, click the Start button, then Settings, then Control Panel, then double-click on System icon, then click on Device Manager tab.

  • Page 25: Installing And Using Software

    CDs, and more. Some of these applications are supplied with your PlexWriter if purchased as a kit from Plextor, while others are available from other vendors. If you have any problems at all, our technical support staff will help you.

  • Page 26: Install Plextor Applications Software

    You will need to purchase this software separately. If you purchased your PlexWriter as part of a Plextor kit and you have a PC, much of the software you need is included. Plextor has developed several utilities to help you get the most from your PlexWriter drive.

  • Page 27: Other Applications Software

    Other Applications Software Other valuable applications software—which may already be included if you purchased a kit from Plextor—lets you use your PlexWriter drive in exciting new ways. • Packet writing software: This type of application lets you use your PlexWriter as an enormous floppy drive.
  • Page 28 Section 3. Installing and Using Software This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 12/10/32A Operation Manual...

  • Page 29: Using Your Plexwriter

    This chapter explains how to use your PlexWriter drive and how to load, handle and care for your CDs. CAUTION: Ensure your PlexWriter is in a horizontal position. Plextor does not guarantee the drive’s performance in a vertical position. What Media to Use Use the right media! Your PlexWriter drive's capabilities change depending on which type of compact disc you use.

  • Page 30: Handling Cd Media

    Section 4. Using Your PlexWriter Handling CD Media Take care when handling blank CD-R and CD-RW media. Dust, scratches, and fingerprints on the data side of the disc can cause write errors during recording. When picking up or holding blank media you can either place your fingers along the outer edge of the disc, or place one finger through the center hole and one finger on the outer edge.

  • Page 31: Playing Audio Cds

    Playing a CD Using Plextor Manager 2000 For PC users, Plextor Manager 2000 software provides several unique and powerful capabilities for playing audio. For installation and operating instructions, refer to the separate Plextor Manager 2000 User’s Manual and README files.

  • Page 32: Writing To Cd-R And Cd-Rw Media

    IMPORTANT: Most CD-ROM drives manufactured since 1997 can read both conventional and the new high-speed CD-RW discs. Drives manufactured before 1997 cannot read CD-RW disc. Plextor CD-ROM drives beginning with the 12/20PleX and newer can read CD-RW discs, including the new, high speed discs. Advantages of BURN-Proof Technology...
  • Page 33 Section 4. Using Your PlexWriter The Solution—BURN-Proof: This revolutionary technology compensates for any interruption in data flow to the disc. BURN-Proof technology “remembers” where writing stopped on the disc when the data flow was interrupted, then restarts writing in the same place once the data is available again. The result is that your disc is written successfully.
  • Page 34 Section 4. Using Your PlexWriter This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 12/10/32A Operation Manual...

  • Page 35: Maintenance And Troubleshooting

    PlexWriter drive. However, we advise that our customers always update drives with latest available firmware. Before troubleshooting a possible problem with your drive please make sure to visit our web site at www.plextor.com to check if you have the latest firmware.

  • Page 36: Troubleshooting

    Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting 2. Double-click the CD-ROM icon and choose the PX-W1210A by clicking on it once. Then, click on the Properties button and select the Settings tab. You now see the drive properties for the PlexWriter. 3. Disable DMA by click the DMA checkbox OFF, then click OK. 4.
  • Page 37 Possible Cause #3 • Jumper conflict. Solution #3 • Check jumper for the PlexWriter drive and the other peripheral devices (hard disk or CD-ROM drive) on the same IDE cable. Ensure the jumper for one device is set to master and the other to slave. Two devices on one cable cannot be set to the same setting.

  • Page 38: Troubleshooting: Read

    Possible Cause #1 • Tray is locked by Plextor Manager 2000 software. Solution #1 • Refer to Plextor Manager 2000 manual how to unlock the eject feature. Possible Cause #2 • CD was not properly set into tray and is stuck.
  • Page 39 Possible Cause #5 • Disc is inserted upside down. Solution #5 • Eject the disc and load it with the label or text side up. Possible Cause #6 • Blank CD-R or CD-RW disc is inside the drive. Solution #6 •...

  • Page 40: Troubleshooting: Audio

    Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting • In Windows 95, 98, NT or 2000 use Plextor Manager 2000 to lower the drive speed. • If there is no foreign substance on the disc, contact the disc manufacturer for a replacement. Symptoms Can read only the last session of a multisession CD-R or CD-RW disc.

  • Page 41: Troubleshooting: Writing Discs

    Possible Cause #2 • CD-R or CD-RW media is not supported. Solution #2 • Use CD-R or CD-RW media recommended by Plextor. Supported media lists can also be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com. Possible Cause #3 • Disc inserted upside down.
  • Page 42 Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting Symptoms CD-R or CD-RW software cannot detect PlexWriter Possible Cause #1 • Power connector is not attached to PlexWriter. Solution #1 • Ensure the computer’s power cable is securely attached to the PlexWriter’s power connector. •...
  • Page 43 Symptoms Writing error occurs. Buffer underrun. Does not record at high speeds, such as 8X and 12X. Possible Cause #1 • DMA is not enabled on your computer. Solution #1 • In Windows 95 and 98, click on Start button, then select Settings/Control Panel, then double-click on System icon, then click on Device Manager tab, then double-click on CD-ROM icon.
  • Page 44 Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting Possible Cause #4 • PlexWriter and other IDE CD-ROM drive are connected on the same cable. Solution #4 • If necessary, enable BURN-Proof in the recording software. (Some software packages, such as Adaptec’s Easy CD Creator 4.02, have BURN-Proof support for the PlexWriter drive permanently on, while other software allows the user to select whether it is on or off.) •...
  • Page 45 Cannot write at higher speeds, such as 8X and 12X. Possible Cause #1 • Using poor quality media. Solution #1 • Use the CD-R/RW media recommended by Plextor. Supported media lists can also be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com. Possible Cause #2 • Buffer underrun occurring.

  • Page 46: Troubleshooting For Macintosh Users

    • Using authoring software other than that bundled with the PlexWriter. Solution #5 • To use other types of authoring software, contact the supplier and ensure the software supports the PX-W1210TA CD-RW drive. Supported software lists can also be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com. Possible Cause #6 •...

  • Page 47: Frequently Asked Questions About Recording

    6. Frequently Asked Questions about Recording What media should I use for my PlexWriter? Supported media lists can also be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com. When can I use CD-RW media? CD-RW media can only be used for writing in ReWritable drives. It is readable only in ReWritable drives or newer MultiRead CD-ROMs with UDF readers installed.
  • Page 48 Section 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Recording What causes buffer underrun errors? Recording CDs requires a source device to provide an uninterrupted stream of data. A buffer underrun occurs when the data stream is interrupted. This can occur if: Another application interrupts the writing process. The write speed is set higher than the source drive can supply data.

  • Page 49: Appendix A: Plexwriter Specifications

    Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications Disc Specifications Useable Formats CD-DA; CD-ROM (Mode 1); CD-ROM XA (Mode 2: form 1 or form 2 and mixed form); CD-ROM (Mixed Mode); Photo CD; VideoCD; CD-I (MPEG movies); CD-Extra (CD-Plus); CD-G; CD Text Recording Modes Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once, Session-at-Once, Multisession, incremental packet writing, fixed and variable packet writing...
  • Page 50 Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications Performance Specifications Sustained Read 14X – 32X CAV: 2.1 – 4.8 MB/sec (Mode 1, XA Mode 2, Form 1) 14X – 24X PCAV: 2.1 – 3.6 MB/sec (CD-DA) 10X–24X CAV: 1.5 – 3.6 MB/sec 8X CLV: 1.2 MB/sec 4X CLV: 600 KB/sec 1X CLV: 150 KB/sec Sustained Write...
  • Page 51 Rear Panel Power Supply DC +5V: Average 500 mA during writing DC +12V: Average 600 mA during writing Interface Connector IDE bus, 40-pin flat ribbon type. Interface complies with ANSI X3T13/1153D (ATA/ATAPI-4). Supports CD-ROM commands, including special commands for CD-R and CD-RW.
  • Page 52 Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 12/10/32A Operation Manual...

  • Page 53: Appendix B: Technical Support

    • Visit our web site (www.plextor.com) for answers to Frequently Asked Questions. • Send us e-mail at support@plextor.com, or send a fax to the attention of the Technical Support Department at 408-986-1010. Include your telephone number and the hours during which you can be reached. Be as detailed as possible in describing your problem.

  • Page 54: Before You E-Mail/Log On/Fax/Call

    Returns You must receive an RMA (Returned Materials Authorization) number from our Technical Support Department before any Plextor drive can be returned for repair or replacement. Any drive sent to Plextor without an RMA number will not be accepted. Drives must be sent postage prepaid. We recommend that you insure your shipment, as Plextor cannot be held responsible for any damage that may occur during shipment.

  • Page 55: Appendix C: Helpful Contacts

    405-742-6633 Labs Creative 408-255-0999 408-255-1011 Digital Research Diamond 800-468-5846 408-325-7408 650-482-4800 650-482-4858 Pacific 408-654-0234 408-982-9329 Inter Connects Plextor 408-980-1838 408-986-1010 Testa CD 520-531-1880 Labs Product Address CD-R software www.adaptec. Devices, cust.svc@ cables, acc. amcdirect.com CD-R software www. cequadrat.com Sound boards www.

  • Page 56: Contacts For Pc Vendors

    Appendix C: Helpful Contacts Contacts for PC Vendors Company http://ibm.com Dell http://dell.com Gateway http://www.gw2k.com Compaq http://compaq.com Hewlett Packard http://www.hp.com/ Intel http://intel.com ASUSTeK Computer http://www.asus.com.tw/ GIGA-BYTE http://www.giga-byte.com/ ABIT http://www.abit-usa.com/ Aopen http://www.aopen-usa.com/ EPOX http://www.epox.com/ SOYO Computers http://www.soyousa.com/ Tekram http://www.tekram.com/ http://www.fic.com.tw/ Micro-Star International http://www.msi.com.tw/ I Will http://www.iwill.com.tw/...

  • Page 57: Index

    analog audio connection · 17 analog audio output connector · 5 applications software · 22 audio sound board · 27 audio cables · 18 audio CD playing · 27 audio, troubleshooting · 36 bay cover panel · 14 contents of · 3 shipping ·...
  • Page 58 · 8 packet-writing software · 23 performance specifications · 46 playing audio CD · 27 Plextor Manager 2000 · 22 audio utilities · 27 power cable · 13 power connector · 5 precautions · 6, 9 primary IDE port · 8 QuickStart installation ·...
  • Page 59 device drivers · 21 installing · 21 mastering · 6 Sony/Philips digital interface connection · 17 sound board audio · 27 connection and · 18 SPDIF connection · 17, 18 specifications · 45 speed reading · 1 writing · 1, 43 stop/eject button ·...
  • Page 60 Index This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 12/10/32A Operation Manual...
  • Page 61 Notes PlexWriter 12/10/32A Operation Manual...
  • Page 62 Notes PlexWriter 12/10/32A Operation Manual...
  • Page 63 Notes PlexWriter 12/10/32A Operation Manual...
  • Page 64 Notes PlexWriter 12/10/32A Operation Manual...

This manual is also suitable for:

Plexwriter 12/10/32a

Table of Contents