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Plextor PX-W8432Ti Operation Manual

Plextor px-w8432ti cdr drives: user guide
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Model PX-W8432Ti (Internal)
Congratulations!
Thank you for purchasing the PlexWriter 8/4/32, 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.

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Summary of Contents for Plextor PX-W8432Ti

  • Page 1 Model PX-W8432Ti (Internal) Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the PlexWriter 8/4/32, 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 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 825-1 on the Safety of Laser products.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized ... 17 Enable DMA... 19 3. Installing and Using Software... 21 Install Device Drivers... 21 Install Plextor Applications Software... 22 PlextorManager 2000 ... 22 CD Res-Q*... 22 Other Applications Software... 23 4. Using Your PlexWriter ... 25 What Media to Use...
  • Page 4 Troubleshooting... 30 Troubleshooting: General ... 30 Troubleshooting: Read ... 32 Troubleshooting: Audio... 34 Troubleshooting: Writing Discs ... 35 Troubleshooting for Macintosh Users ... 39 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Recording ... 41 Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications... 43 Appendix B: Technical Support ... 45 How to Contact Us...

  • 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 8/4/32

    & Play. Flash memory allows upgrading the PlexWriter 8/4/32 to the latest firmware revision (available from the Plextor web site) without opening the drive. 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 8/4/32 drive in this configuration:...

  • Page 8: Plexwriter Drive Features And Controls

    Section 1. Getting Started 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 8/4/32 Drive Tray front door: Attached to tray drawer.

  • Page 9: Rear Panel

    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 mastering software kits in retail packaging for your convenience.

  • Page 10: Precautions

    Do not attempt to open the drive and service it yourself. Removing the cover may expose you to harmful electrical voltages or the laser beam. For your safety, entrust service to Plextor-authorized service personnel only. Keep your CD discs free of dirt or other contaminants, by storing them in jewel cases.

  • 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 jumpers for your new PlexWriter drive, if necessary. 3.

  • Page 12: Determine Your Existing Ide Configuration

    Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter 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. Figure 3: Removing a Typical Computer's Cover Determine Your Existing IDE Configuration With your computer open, determine the existing IDE configuration.

  • Page 13: Set The Drive's Jumpers

    Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter Set the Drive’s Jumpers 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 Jumpers Across Vertical Pairs of Pins CAUTION: Install jumpers across each pin as shown (vertically). Do not connect one pin switch to another by installing the jumpers lengthwise (horizontally). Doing so could result in damage to the drive. Select an IDE Configuration Set the jumper according to the desired configuration, as shown in this table and the illustrations.
  • Page 15 Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter How to Install the PlexWriter Figure 6: Typical IDE Configurations for Connecting the PlexWriter Drive PlexWriter 8/4/32 Operation Manual...

  • Page 16: About Cable Select

    You can mount your internal PlexWriter drive in any available bay. You must remove the small panel that covers the bay that you want to use. CAUTION: Install your PlexWriter horizontally. Plextor does not guarantee the drive’s performance in a vertical position.
  • Page 17 A third cable connection will need to be made if you are using a soundboard in your computer and plan to connect the PlexWriter’s audio output to the audio connector on the soundboard. Do You Need Another IDE Ribbon Cable? The IDE cable is a standard 40-pin flat-ribbon cable, usually with three connectors.
  • 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 Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter CAUTION: It is easy to accidentally plug your IDE ribbon cable upside down into both your drive and the motherboard. Be sure you match the red stripe along one side of the IDE cable to Pin 1 on the motherboard and Pin 1 on the drive. (Pin 1 on the drive is closest to the power connector.) Each connector on the ribbon cable has a “key”...

  • Page 21: Using Soundboards 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. Using Soundboards and Audio Cables Whichever category your soundboard falls into, you will find that the best source of information about installing the soundboard in your computer is the board's manual.
  • Page 22 Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter NOTE: Refer to the computer’s documentation for information on how to run the motherboard BIOS setup program. 4. Use the setup program to set up IDE Master and Slave designations as needed for your configuration, on the primary or secondary IDE bus. If the IDE interface is disabled on your computer, you will need to enable it.

  • Page 23: Enable Dma

    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 24 Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 8/4/32 Operation Manual...

  • Page 25: Installing And Using Software

    As a CD-R or CD-RW device: In order to write to CD-R or CD-RW media, you will need additional software. If you purchased a kit from Plextor, software is supplied. Using the PlexWriter on a Macintosh: Whether using the PlexWriter as a standard CD-ROM or as a CD-R or CD-RW device, you will need additional drivers or software besides those that are part of the Macintosh operating system.

  • 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, much of the software you need is included for use on a PC. 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. You can just Drag & Drop files straight to a CD-R or CD-RW disc.
  • Page 28 Section 3. Installing and Using Software This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 8/4/32 Operation Manual...

  • Page 29: Using Your Plexwriter

    1,000 times). You can also read them. NOTE: Firmware upgrades for your PlexWriter drive are available as downloads from the Plextor web site. Please check the web site at www.plextor.com. Tray Loading and Operation To load and unload the tray: 1.

  • 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 Audio CDs Connections for Playing Audio CDs There are basically two types of audio: CD-Audio: This comes from audio discs (like the ones used by your home stereo) that are translated directly by your PlexWriter into sound. You do not need a soundboard to hear this audio.

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

    (CD-R) or rewritable (CD-RW) media. IMPORTANT: Only newer CD-ROM drives can read CD-RW discs. Drives manufactured before 1997 cannot read them. Plextor CD-ROM drives starting with the 12/20PleX or newer can read CD-RW discs. PlexWriter 8/4/32 Operation Manual...

  • Page 33: Maintenance And Troubleshooting

    Upgrading Firmware Plextor creates firmware revisions to meet the peculiar needs of large computer manufacturers. It is rare that these will impact the performance or operation of your PlexWriter drive.

  • Page 34: Troubleshooting

    Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting 2. Double-click the CD-ROM icon and choose the PX-W8432T 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. Enable DMA by click the DMA checkbox ON, then click OK. Disable DMA by click the DMA checkbox OFF, then click OK.
  • Page 35 Possible Cause #4 Wrong cable with jumper set to Cable Select. Solution #4 Make sure that a CSEL-compatible IDE cable is used if you want to use the PlexWriter with jumper set to Cable Select. Possible Cause #5 Power connector is not attached to PlexWriter or does not work. Solution #5 Ensure the computer’s power cable is securely attached to the PlexWriter’s power connector.

  • Page 36: Troubleshooting: Read

    Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting Troubleshooting: Read Symptoms PlexWriter drive has read errors, may not respond to a DIR command or cannot run a program. Possible Cause #1 Defective CD-ROM, CD-R, or CD-RW disc. A fingerprint, contaminants, or scratches on the disc’s surface may prevent the drive from reading or writing data.
  • Page 37 Symptoms Cannot use other CD-ROM drives to initialize or discs written by PlexWriter. Possible Cause #1 Trying to read a CD-RW disc in a CD-ROM drive that does not support it. Solution #1 Use the PlexWriter to read CD-RW discs or use a different CD-ROM drive. Only CD-ROM drives manufactured after 1997 can read CD-RW discs.

  • Page 38: Troubleshooting: Audio

    Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting Symptoms Can read only the last session of a multisession CD-R or CD-RW disc. Possible Cause “Import previous session” or a similar feature was not enabled when the multisession disc was created. Solution Use CD-R or CD-RW mastering software to import session(s). Such features may vary in name depending on the software being used.

  • Page 39: 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 40 Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting When the computer’s power is turned ON, confirm that the PlexWriter’s indicator LED is illuminated briefly, then is extinguished. Try connecting another power cable to the PlexWriter. Possible Cause #2 IDE cable isn’t connected properly. Solution #2 Ensure that the IDE cable is securely inserted, and is not damaged.
  • Page 41 Possible Causes #2 Network is being used. Mouse was moved or Windows screensaver activated while writing. Other applications are running. Power save mode is active. Solution #2 If problems occur when writing, reduce the load on CPU resources. Some ways to do this are: Log off from the network.
  • Page 42 Cannot write at 8X speed. 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 43: Troubleshooting For Macintosh Users

    To use other types of authoring software, contact the supplier and ensure the software support the PX-W8432T CD-RW drive. Supported software lists can also be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com. Possible Cause #6 CD-ROM drive used cannot read data fast enough to record at 8X.
  • Page 44 Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 8/4/32 Operation Manual...

  • Page 45: 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 46 Section 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Recording This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 8/4/32 Operation Manual...

  • Page 47: Appendix A: Plexwriter Specifications

    Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications Disc Specifications Useable Formats: Read Useable Formats: Write Disc Diameter Writing Modes Recommended Media § CD-R: 8X, 4X, 2X § CD-R: 1X § CD-RW: 4X, 2X Performance Specifications Data Transfer Rate Sustained Read/Write Burst Read/Write Average Random Access Spindle Motor Error Rate...

  • Page 48: Environmental Conditions

    Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications Front Panel Eject Lights Disc Loading Headphone Jack Volume Control CD-Audio Controls Rear Panel Power Supply Interface Connector Audio Output Jumper Switches Environmental Conditions Operating Temperature Performance Guarantee Temperature Operating Humidity Storage Temperature Storage Humidity Dimensions and Weight Dimensions (W/H/D) (excluding front panel) Weight...

  • Page 49: Appendix B: Technical Support

    Visit our web site (www.plextor.com) for answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Send us email 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 50: 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 51: Appendix C: Helpful Contacts

    800-390-9328 CeQuadrat 800-330-6734 Creative 405-742-6600 Labs Creative 408-255-0999 Digital Research Diamond 800-468-5846 650-482-4800 Pacific 408-654-0234 Inter Connects Plextor 408-980-1838 Testa CD 520-531-1880 Labs Product 408-262-2533 CD-R software 425-861-8391 Devices, cables, acc. 650-843-3799 CD-R software 405-742-6633 Soundboards 408-255-1011 Windows, UNIX CD-R...

  • Page 52: Contacts For Pc Vendors

    Appendix C: Helpful Contacts Contacts for PC Vendors Company Dell Gateway Compaq Hewlett Packard Intel ASUSTeK Computer GIGA-BYTE ABIT Aopen EPOX SOYO Computers Tekram Micro-Star International I Will ELITEGROUP COMPUTER SYSTEMS Free Computer Technology PlexWriter 8/4/32 Operation Manual Web Address http://ibm.com http://dell.com http://www.gw2k.com...

  • Page 53: Index

    applications software · 22 audio cable · 17 audio CD playing · 27 audio output connector · 5 audio, troubleshooting · 34 bay cover panel · 14 contents of · 3 shipping · 3 cable audio · 17 IDE · 13 power for drive ·...
  • Page 54 · 43 playing a CD · 27 Plextor Manager audio utilities · 28 Plextor Manager 2000 · 22 power cable · 13 power connector · 5 precautions · 6, 9 primary IDE port · 8 QuickStart installation · 7 PlexWriter 8/4/32 Operation Manual rails ·...
  • Page 55 volume control · 4, 27 weight · 44 writing frequently asked questions · 41 writing a CD · 1 writing discs troubleshooting · 35 writing to CD-R and CD-RW · 28 PlexWriter 8/4/32 Operation Manual Index...
  • Page 56 Notes PlexWriter 8/4/32 Operation Manual...

This manual is also suitable for:

Plexwriter 8/4/32

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