Plextor PX-W1610TA Operation Manual
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Plextor PX-W1610TA Operation Manual

Internal high-performance cd rewriter, recorder and reader
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Model PX-W1610TA (Internal)
Congratulations!
Thank you for purchasing the PlexWriter 16/10/40A, 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-W1610TA

  • Page 1 Model PX-W1610TA (Internal) Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the PlexWriter 16/10/40A, 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..............20 Enable DMA ...................... 21 3. Installing and Using Software ................. 23 Install Device Drivers..................23 Install Plextor Applications Software..............24 Plextor Manager 2000 ..................24 CD Res-Q....................... 24 Other Applications Software ................25 4.
  • Page 4 Table of Contents Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media..............31 Advantages of BURN-Proof Technology............31 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting ..............33 Upgrading Firmware ..................33 If You Need to Disable DMA ................ 33 Troubleshooting ....................35 Troubleshooting: General................35 Troubleshooting: Read ................... 37 Troubleshooting: Audio .................

  • 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 service. In this manual you should find all the information you need to successfully install, operate and troubleshoot your drive.

  • Page 6: Minimum Configuration To Use The Plexwriter 16/10/40A

    CD Res-Q is provided free of charge if you purchase the SCSI model PlexWriter drive as a retail kit. If you purchased a non-Plextor retail box or an ATAPI-interface PlexWriter such as this one, CD Res-Q is not included. But you can purchase this software directly from Plextor.

  • Page 7: Save Your Box

    Section 1. Getting Started What's in the Box Save Your Box! What you find in your Plextor box depends on what the company that Be sure to save the box after you have sold you the box put in—or took installed your PlexWriter drive.

  • 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

    Section 1. Getting Started Rear Panel Figure 2: Rear Panel of the PlexWriter 16/10/40A 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 Software

    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.

  • Page 11: Precautions

    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: Install your PlexWriter horizontally. Plextor does not guarantee the drive’s performance in a vertical position.
  • Page 12 Section 1. Getting Started This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 16/10/40 Operation Manual...

  • Page 13: Installing Your Plexwriter

    2. Installing Your PlexWriter This chapter explains how to QuickStart Installation—For physically install your PlexWriter in your computer. The steps you'll need Experienced PC Users Only to do are as follows: If you’ve installed computer peripherals 1. Turn OFF your computer system. before, you’re in luck with the 2.

  • Page 14: Determine Your Existing Ide Configuration

    Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter Figure 3: Removing a Typical Computer's Cover Determine Your Existing IDE Configuration With your computer open, determine the existing IDE configuration. You can do this by looking at the 40-pin IDE ribbon cable (or cables—there may be two) and seeing what is connected to them.

  • Page 15: Changing The Jumper On Your Internal Plexwriter Drive

    Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter Changing the Jumper on Your Internal PlexWriter Drive As shown in Figure 4, the PlexWriter drive arrives from the factory with its 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 Jumper at the Rear of the Drive Changing to a Master, Slave, or Cable Select...

  • Page 16: Select An Ide Configuration

    Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter Select an IDE Configuration Set the jumper according to the desired configuration, as shown in this table and the illustrations in Figure 6. Before PlexWriter Installation How to Install the PlexWriter A Hard disks connected as master and Connect the PlexWriter as master slave devices on primary IDE port;...
  • Page 17 Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter How to Install the PlexWriter Figure 6: Typical IDE Configurations for Connecting the PlexWriter Drive PlexWriter 16/10/40 Operation Manual...

  • Page 18: 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 19 Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter 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 20 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 21 Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter 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 22 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 23: 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 24: Make Sure The Drive Is Recognized

    Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter Audio Connection Cable How to Connect It Required MPC audio source MPC-compliant Connect to MPC audio audio cable source, and to analog audio output connector at the rear of the PlexWriter. Sound Blaster or Sound Blaster- Connect to Sound Blaster- compatible sound board compatible...

  • Page 25: Enable Dma

    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- W1610TA entry underneath.
  • Page 26 Section 2. Installing Your PlexWriter To enable DMA if you have Windows NT 4.0 SP 3 or higher: 1. Connect to the Internet with a browser and click on the following link to download the program “dmachcki.exe.” Save the file to any directory. http://download.microsoft.com/download/winntsrv40/utility/1.0.0.1/ nt4/en-us/dmachcki.exe 2.

  • Page 27: 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 28: Install Plextor Applications Software

    PlexWriter under other operating systems. 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 29: Other Applications Software

    Section 3. Installing and Using 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 30 Section 3. Installing and Using Software This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 16/10/40 Operation Manual...

  • Page 31: Using Your Plexwriter

    10X RW writing speed you must use high-speed RW media. See “Recommended Media “on page 49 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 32: Tray Loading And Operation

    Section 4. Using Your PlexWriter Tray Loading and Operation To load and unload the tray: 1. While the PlexWriter drive is powered up, push the Stop/Eject button on the front panel. The tray drawer slides out in 3–4 seconds. Figure 13: Loading the Tray 2.

  • Page 33: Cleaning Discs

    Section 4. Using Your PlexWriter Cleaning Discs For proper read and write performance, your CD-R, CD-RW, and CD-ROM discs must be clean. Trying to record on a dirty disc may result in a failed session and ruin the disc. To clean the disc, wipe the disc using a clean, soft cotton cloth to remove surface dirt such as fingerprints.
  • Page 34 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 35: 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 36 Section 4. Using Your PlexWriter What BURN-Proof Means to You: BURN-Proof technology in your PlexWriter 16/10/40A means you can safely use your computer for other things while you’re writing to a CD-R or CD-RW disc. It reduces the dreaded “coaster effect,”...

  • Page 37: 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 38 Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting 2. Double-click the CD-ROM icon and choose the PX-W1610TA 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 clicking the DMA checkbox OFF, then click OK.

  • Page 39: 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 40 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. Solution #2 Turn OFF the computer power.

  • Page 41: Troubleshooting: Read

    Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting Troubleshooting: Read Symptoms PlexWriter drive has read errors, may not respond when accessed from My Computer or Explorer, 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 42 Clean the disc as detailed on page 29. In Windows 95, 98, ME, 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.

  • Page 43: 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 44: 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 45 Use the authoring software provided with the PlexWriter. To use other types of authoring software, contact the supplier and ensure the software supports the PX-W1610TA CD-RW drive. Supported software lists can also be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com.
  • Page 46 Section 5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting Symptoms Writing error occurs. Buffer underrun. Does not record at high speeds, such as 12X and 16X. Possible Cause #1 DMA is not enabled on your computer. Solution #1 Enable DMA for your operating system: If you have Windows 95, 98 or ME, enable DMA as described on 21.
  • Page 47 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.) Use the image writing method (safe mode) or record at a lower speed.
  • Page 48 Cannot write at higher speeds, such as 12X and 16X. 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 49 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-W1610TA 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 higher speeds, such as 12X and 16X.

  • Page 50: Troubleshooting For Macintosh Users

    Macintosh operating system. Solution You will need to purchase additional software. Supported software lists can also be found on the Plextor web site at www.plextor.com. Symptoms Drive not responding. Possible Cause Bad connection between PlexWriter drive and IDE interface.

  • Page 51: Frequently Asked Questions About Recording

    “Recommended Media “on page 49 for a list recommended media (including 16X certified media) at the time this manual was printed. The most updated list of supported media can 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.
  • Page 52 Section 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Recording Why doesn’t 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 53: Appendix A: Plexwriter Specifications

    IDE controller must be set to PIO Mode 4 or DMA mode 2 in the motherboard BIOS or CMOS. Recommended Media CD-R: 16X To ensure 16X write speed, Plextor recommends using certified 16X media available from the following companies: TDK, Taiyo Yuden, Ricoh, Mitsubishi Chemical/Verbatim, Mitsui Advanced Media,...
  • Page 54 Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications Performance Specifications Sustained Read 17X – 40X CAV: 2.6 – 6.0 MB/sec (Stamp/CD-R) 14X – 32X CAV: 2.1 – 4.8 MB/sec (Stamp/CD-R/CD-RW) 10.4X–24X CAV: 1.6 – 3.6 MB/sec (CD-RW) 8X CLV: 1.2 MB/sec (Stamp/CD-R/CD-RW) 4X CLV: 600 KB/sec (Stamp/CD-R/CD-RW) CD-DA: Drive reads at 4X CLV with buffered read Sustained Write...
  • Page 55 Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications Front Panel Eject Eject Button; Manual Emergency Eject; Software Eject Indicator LED Green: Power on and disc is in drive Yellow: Initializing or reading disc Blinking orange: Writing data to disc Disc Loading Auto Headphone Jack Stereo mini-jack, 0.8V +/- 0.2V at 32 ohms Headphone Volume Wheel knob...
  • Page 56 Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications Dimensions and Weight Dimensions (W/H/D) 5.78" x 1.64" x 7.95" (excluding front panel) 146mm x 41.3mm x 202mm Weight 2.5 lbs. (1.2 kg) Reliability MTBF 60,000 Power On Hours Tray Loading 75,000 Load/Unload Cycles PlexWriter 16/10/40 Operation Manual...

  • Page 57: 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 58: Before You E-Mail/Log On/Fax/Call

    Returns You must receive an RMA (Returned Materials Authorization) number before any Plextor drive can be returned for repair or replacement. Any drive sent to Plextor without an RMA number will not be accepted. You can contact our RMA Department and request an RMA number and RMA forms at rmasupport@plextor.com, or by fax at 408-727-1522 or 208-730-8719.

  • Page 59: Appendix C: Helpful Contacts

    408-325-7408 Sound boards www. diamondmm. 650-482-4800 650-482-4858 Mac device www.fwb.com drivers Pacific 408-654-0234 408-982-9329 Audio cables www.piccable. Inter Connects Plextor 408-980-1838 408-986-1010 Recommend www. boards, audio plextor.com cables, all other technical support needs Testa CD 520-531-1880 CD-Tach http://tcdlabs. Labs performance simplenet.com...

  • Page 60: Contacts For Pc Vendors

    Appendix C: Helpful Contacts Contacts for PC Vendors Company Web Address 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...

  • Page 61: Index

    Index problems with · 48 CD-R changing software and · 25 analog audio writing to · 31 connection · 19 CD-R media · 27, 47 analog audio output connector · 5 CD-ROM media · 27 applications software · 24 CD-RW audio changing software and ·...
  • Page 62 IDE cable · 15 specifications · 50 IDE configuration playing audio CD · 29 determining · 10 Plextor Manager 2000 · 24 examples · 13 audio utilities · 30 selecting · 12 power cable · 15 IDE interface connector · 5 power connector ·...
  • Page 63 Index stop/eject button · 4 closing tray · 28 rails · 16, 17 support · 53 RAM, minimum · 2 reading a CD · 1 rear panel connectors · 51 rear-panel connectors and jumpers · 5 technical support · 53 recognizing the drive in Windows ·...
  • Page 64 Index This page intentionally left blank. PlexWriter 16/10/40 Operation Manual...

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