Plextor PX-W4012TU Installation And User Manual
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Plextor PX-W4012TU Installation And User Manual

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Model PX-W4012TU (External)
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.
TLA/Firmware Revision Number

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Summary of Contents for Plextor PX-W4012TU

  • Page 1 Model PX-W4012TU (External) 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. TLA/Firmware Revision Number...
  • Page 2 Plextor reserves the right to make improvements in the products described in this manual at any time without prior notice. Plextor makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
  • Page 3 The laser beam emitted from the optical pickup is invisible. Accordingly: 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 60825-1 on the Safety of Laser products.
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  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents 1. Getting Started ... 1 About this Manual... 1 Meet Your PlexWriter 40/12/40U... 1 What the PlexWriter 40/12/40U Does ... 1 Minimum Configuration to Use the PlexWriter 40/12/40U... 2 What You Can Do with the PlexWriter 40/12/40U ... 3 Save Your Box!...
  • Page 6 Table of Contents Troubleshooting: General... 26 Troubleshooting: Reading Discs ... 27 Troubleshooting: Writing CD-R and CD-RW Discs... 29 Troubleshooting: Playing Audio Discs ... 34 Troubleshooting for Macintosh Users ... 35 Using the Self-Test Diagnostics ... 35 What You’ll Need ... 35 CD Write/Read Test ...

  • Page 7: 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 if your drive needs service. And if you run into a problem that doesn't seem to be covered, please contact us. (See “Appendix B: Technical Support”...

  • Page 8: Minimum Configuration To Use The Plexwriter 40/12/40U

    CD-R or CD-RW disc. And Plextor backs up this remarkable drive with a one-year full warranty on parts and labor, and unlimited toll- free tech support.

  • Page 9: What You Can Do With The Plexwriter 40/12/40U

    What You Can Do with the PlexWriter 40/12/40U Just look at some of the things you can do with your PlexWriter 40/12/40U: Record data or audio onto writable or rewritable CD media. Play music CDs. Save photos and other images on rewritable or recordable CDs. Create a “CD sneakernet”...

  • Page 10: Save Your Box

    Section 1. Getting Started 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...

  • Page 11: Plexwriter Drive Features And Controls

    PlexWriter Drive Features and Controls Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of your PlexWriter drive. Match the parts of your drive to the illustrations below. Front Panel Figure 1: Front Panel of the PlexWriter 40/12/40U Drive Tray front door: Attached to tray drawer. Headphone jack: Stereo mini-jack for headphones and powered speakers.

  • Page 12: Rear Panel

    Section 1. Getting Started Rear Panel Figure 2: Rear Panel of the PlexWriter 40/12/40U Internal Drive Analog audio output connectors: Output of analog stereo signal. Connect a sound board or audio amplifier here, if desired. Connectors are standard RCA type. Power switch: Press this switch to turn power on or off.

  • Page 13: About Simplicd And Easy Cd Creator Software

    In order to create CD-R and CD-RW discs you will need to have mastering, packet writing, or duplication software installed on your computer system. If you purchased your drive from Plextor, you’ll find two software packages, SimpliCD from Oak Technologies and Easy CD Creator / DirectCD from Roxio, that have this software.
  • Page 14 Do not clean discs using a circular motion. Instead, use a radial motion: start at the center of the disc and proceed to the outer edge. CAUTION: Operate your PlexWriter in horizontal position only. Plextor does not guarantee the drive’s performance in a vertical position.

  • Page 15: Connecting Your Plexwriter

    If you have Windows XP, 2000, or Me, go to step 2 now. If you have Windows 98SE: a) Insert the bundled Plextor Setup Disc in your CD-ROM drive. b) Go to the Software Installation screen, and click on the button titled USB Drivers.

  • Page 16: Connect The Plexwriter Drive

    Section 2. Connecting Your PlexWriter Connect the PlexWriter Drive Before proceeding to install the PlexWriter drive on your personal computer, record the serial number. Record the Serial Number and TLA Code Record the serial number and TLA number of your drive on the inside front cover of this manual.

  • Page 17: If You Have Windows 98Se

    If you have a computer with Windows 98SE, use the following procedure to install your PlexWriter USB drive: 1. Turn ON your computer system and insert the bundled Plextor Setup Disc in your CD-ROM drive. Go to the Software Installation screen, and click on the button titled USB Drivers.

  • Page 18: Make Sure The Drive Is Recognized

    In Windows XP or 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-W4012TA entry underneath.
  • Page 19 Section 2. Connecting Your PlexWriter 4. Turn the PlexWriter’s power switch ON (the “1” is depressed). 5. Connect the USB cable from your PlexWriter 40/12/40U drive to the Macintosh computer. The Macintosh automatically recognizes the PlexWriter, and you should be ready to use the drive.
  • Page 20 Section 2. Connecting Your PlexWriter This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 40/12/40U Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 21: Installing And Using Software

    If you have Windows 98SE, you need to install a special USB driver. You’ll find this driver on the Plextor Setup Disc, or you can get it from the Plextor web site at http://www.plextor.com. (Follow the links from the home page to Support\Downloads\Drivers.)

  • Page 22: Install Applications Software

    You can drag and drop files straight to a CD-R or CD-RW disc. (Easy CD Creator includes DirectCD packet writing software; The version of SimpliCD that is included in the Plextor kit does not.) Mastering software: In conjunction with your PlexWriter drive, mastering software lets you create discs in specific formats, such as audio, data, mixed mode, and others.

  • Page 23: Simplicd

    Other Software Besides SimpliCD and Easy CD Creator, you can use other software with your PlexWriter. A list of various software packages that you can use with your Plextor drive can be found in the Support/Compatibility section of www.plextor.com. Here you’ll find software that supports the PlexWriter under other operating systems.
  • Page 24 Section 3. Installing and Using Software This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 40/12/40U Installation and Users Manual...

  • Page 25: Using Your Plexwriter

    12X RW writing speed you must use high-speed RW media that supports 12X recording. See “Recommended Media” on page 39 for a list of approved media at the time this manual was printed, and see the Plextor web site at http://www.plextor.com for an updated list.

  • Page 26: Handling Cd Media

    Section 4. Using Your PlexWriter 2. Lay a blank CD in the depression in the tray, label side up. The CD should lie flat in the tray. 3. Press the eject button again and the tray will slide shut within seconds. NOTE: Always use the eject button to close the tray in a smooth and secure manner.

  • Page 27: Playing Audio Cds

    Playing Audio CDs In order to listen to an audio CD, you can play it through your computer’s audio system. Or you can connect an audio cable to the analog audio connectors on the rear of the drive and connect the other end to your sound board or an audio amplifier. There are two types of audio you may encounter: CD-Audio: This comes from audio discs (like the ones used by your home stereo) that are translated directly by your PlexWriter into sound.

  • Page 28: Writing To Cd-R And Cd-Rw Media

    CD-RW discs. Drives manufactured before 1998 cannot read CD-RW discs. Plextor CD-ROM drives beginning with the 12/20PleX and newer can read CD-RW discs, including the new, high-speed discs. Determining Write Speed from the LED Indicator...

  • Page 29: Advantages Of Burn-Proof Technology

    Advantages of VariRec Technology This drive is equipped with VariRec (Variable Recording) technology, a feature offered by Plextor that allows you to manually adjust the drive's laser power during the audio recording process. NOTE: In order for you to actually perform the adjustment, VariRec must be supported by the recording software you’re using.

  • Page 30: How The Default Varirec Setting Is Determined

    (This table is updated when you update your drive by downloading new firmware from the Plextor web site.) 3. When you insert a recordable disc into your drive, Plextor’s PoweRec technology automatically identifies the manufacturer, model, and special features of the media, then adjusts the laser power and writing speed so they’re at the optimum...

  • Page 31: Maintenance And Troubleshooting

    PlexWriter drive. However, we advise that our customers always update drives with the 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 32: Troubleshooting

    Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting Troubleshooting If you have problems during or right after installation of your PlexWriter drive, use these tips to help find the problem. You can also use these charts to help find problems that develop in existing installations. Start here if you're a PC user.

  • Page 33: Troubleshooting: Reading Discs

    Troubleshooting: General Symptom Possible Causes Can’t plug USB Self-test switch is in cable into SELF-TEST position, PlexWriter preventing attachment of USB cable. Troubleshooting: Reading Discs Troubleshooting: Reading Discs Symptom Possible Causes PlexWriter drive Defective CD-ROM, has read errors, CD-R, or CD-RW disc. may not respond A fingerprint, when accessed...
  • Page 34 Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting Troubleshooting: Reading Discs Symptom Possible Causes Session was left open on a CD-R disc and does not have a Table of Contents. Excessive noise. CD is poorly balanced. Poorly manufactured Excessive discs or discs with vibration.

  • Page 35: Troubleshooting: Writing Cd-R And Cd-Rw Discs

    Troubleshooting: Writing CD-R and CD-RW Discs Troubleshooting: Writing CD-R and CD-RW Discs Symptom Possible Causes Writing error Network is being used. occurs. Mouse was moved or Windows screensaver activated while writing. Other applications are running. Power save mode is active. Shortage of PC memory.
  • Page 36 PlexWriter PX-W4012TU drive. Supported software lists can also be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com. Use CD-R/RW media supported by Plextor. Supported media lists can be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com.
  • Page 37 PlexWriter PX-W4012TU drive. Supported software lists can also be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com. Install USB storage device driver from setup CD that is bundled with PlexWriter 40/12/40U.
  • Page 38 (add software. writing) on CD- R/RW. Not enough disc capacity. Using disc written on non-Plextor CD-R or CD-RW drive. The disc is written with a CD-R or CD-RW drive from another vendor. PlexWriter 40/12/40U Installation and Users Manual Solutions...
  • Page 39 Contact the software supplier to confirm. 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. If necessary, enable BURN-Proof in the recording software. If your software does not support BURN-Proof, copy the data to the computer’s hard disk, then record...

  • Page 40: Troubleshooting: Playing Audio Discs

    Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting Troubleshooting: Writing CD-R and CD-RW Discs Symptom Possible Causes Cannot write at CD-RW media is not 12X (CD-RW). High Speed CD-RW. PlexWriter 40/12/40U drive is connected to a USB 1.1 port. Troubleshooting: Playing Audio Discs Symptom Possible Causes Disc doesn’t...

  • Page 41: Troubleshooting For Macintosh Users

    PlexWriter drive or elsewhere. The self-test consists of a CD write/read test. What You’ll Need To perform the self-tests you’ll need a blank piece of Plextor-certified CD-R media. (See “Recommended Media” on page 39, or visit our web site.) CD Write/Read Test This tests three functions of the drive: write, random access, and verify.
  • Page 42 Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting 5. Insert a blank Plextor-certified CD-R disc. Be sure to use only CD-R media of the type recommended by Plextor. If the DISC indicator blinks amber three times, the loaded disc is not a blank CD-R disc.

  • Page 43: Frequently Asked Questions About Writing

    “Recommended Media” on page 39 for a list recommended media (including Plextor-certified 40X media) at the time this manual was printed. The most updated list of certified and supported media can be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com.
  • Page 44 Section 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Writing Why doesn’t Roxio’s CD Copier work? Some possible reasons are: Some CD-ROM drives are not fast enough for direct copying to the PlexWriter. They cannot stream data fast enough to record at the PlexWriter’s maximum speed or are not capable of digital audio extraction at high speed.

  • Page 45: Appendix A: Plexwriter Specifications

    CD in image mode. Operating system Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP. (USB storage driver from Plextor CD must be installed to enable operation on Windows 98 SE.) USB port Version 2.0 or 1.1 (Version 1.1 only allows 4X Write/Rewrite and 6X Read performance.)
  • Page 46 Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications Usable Formats Logical CD Read/Write CD-DA, CD-Extra, CD-ROM Mode-1, CD-ROM XA, Photo-CD, Video-CD, Multisession, CD TEXT, CD+G, UDF, CD-I, CD-Mixed Mode Write Methods Track-At-Once, Disc-At-Once, Packet Write (variable and fixed), Multi-session, Session-At-Once Performance Specifications Read Speed, CD* Speed Mode-1 17-40X...
  • Page 47 Error Rate CD-ROM Mode 1: 1 block/10 CD-ROM Mode 2: 1 block/10 Input Voltage +12V DC Input Current Typical standby current: 450 mA Typical read current: 1,200 mA Typical write current: 1,600 mA Peak current: 2,800 mA Front Panel Eject Eject button;...
  • Page 48 USB 2.0: 480 Mbps max. (high speed) USB 1.1: 12 Mbps max.(full speed) ATAPI support ATAPI-compliant Inquiry string PLEXTOR sp CD-R sp sp sp PX-W4012A NOTE: “sp” indicates a single space. Environmental Conditions Operating Temperature 5 to 35 degrees Celsius...
  • Page 49 Safety Laser Taiwan Korea Australia/NZ PlexWriter 40/12/40U Installation and Users Manual Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications IEC 60950 IEC 60825-1 EN55024, EN55022 BSMI CNS13438 Class B C-Tick 3548 (CISPR22)
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  • Page 51: 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 303-708-0709. Include your telephone number and the hours during which you can be reached. Be as detailed as possible in describing your problem.

  • Page 52: Before You E-Mail/Log On/Fax/Call

    Plextor’s web site, in the Support/Warranty section. Any drive sent to Plextor without an RMA number will not be accepted, and will be returned to you. Be sure to write the RMA number on the outside of the shipping box.

  • Page 53: Appendix C: Helpful Contacts

    HyCD, Inc. 408-988-8282 408-988-8585 Oak Tech- 408-737-0888 408-737-3838 nology Orange 714-779-2772 714-779-9978 Micro Pacific 408-542-8150 408-542-8151 Inter 800-706-0510 Connects Plextor Roxio 866-280-7694 303-684-3020 SONICblue 800-468-5846 541-967-2485 (Formerly Diamond) Testa CD 520-529-8636 408-737-3838 Labs (Part ext. 100 (Oak of Oak Technology)

  • Page 54: 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.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 55: Appendix D: 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.
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  • Page 57: Index

    ac adapter · 42 connecting · 6, 41 access time · 40 adapter, USB 2.0 · 37 analog audio output · 41 analog audio output connectors · 6 applications software · 16 ATAPI support · 42 audio analog · 41 CD-audio ·...
  • Page 58 Index connecting · 10 connecting to Macintosh · 12 recognizing in Windows · 12 driver additional needed for CD-R, CD-RW · generic USB · 15 obtaining · 11 Windows 98SE · 11, 15 duplication software · 7, 16 DVD, using as audio source · 38 Easy CD Creator software ·...
  • Page 59 troubleshooting · 27 rear-panel connectors and switches · 6, 41 rear-panel controls and connectors · 5 recognizing the drive in Windows · 12 reliability · 42 returns · 46 RMA number · 4, 46 Running OPC · 2 safety standards · 42 security sticker ·...
  • Page 60 Index connector · 6, 41 data transfer rate · 42 driver · 15 driver for Windows 98SE · 15 interface · 1, 2, 39, 42 performance · 1 using version 1.1 · 37 USB cable · 6 self-test switch and · 38 USB interface ·...

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