1. Introduction
The WAVLINK USB C to Dual Bay SATA Adapter is a versatile external hard drive connector designed to expand your storage capabilities and simplify data management. Compatible with most 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA SSDs/HDDs, this adapter connects to your desktops, notebooks, and other devices via a reversible USB-C port, offering data transmission rates up to 5Gbps. It supports reading two hard drives simultaneously, with each bay accommodating up to 18TB. Key features include one-button offline cloning for convenient data backup, two additional USB 3.0 ports with BC1.2 fast charging support, and a 0.5-meter USB-C cable. Its plug-and-play design makes it a portable and essential tool for digital enthusiasts.
2. Package Contents
Please check the package for the following items:
- WAVLINK USB-C to Dual-Bay SATA Adapter
- Power Adapter
- USB-C to USB-A Cable (or USB-C to USB-C depending on variant)
- Quick Start Guide
Figure 1: Package Contents
3. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps for easy plug-and-play setup:
- Insert Hard Drive: Carefully insert your 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD into the SATA connector(s) of the adapter. Ensure the drive(s) are mounted correctly and securely.
- Connect Power: Plug the provided power adapter into a power outlet and then connect it to the SATA adapter. Note: For some 2.5-inch hard drives, an external power supply might not be strictly necessary, but it is recommended for stability, especially with multiple drives or during cloning.
- Connect to Computer: Connect the USB 3.0/USB-C cable from the adapter to an available USB port on your laptop or desktop computer. The LED light on the adapter will blink, indicating it is powered on and connected.
Important Notes for Setup:
- Upon first connection, a new disk window may pop up, or you may need to locate the drive in 'This PC' (Windows) or 'Finder' (Mac) to begin using it.
- If you are using a brand new hard drive, you will need to initialize and partition it in Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) before it can be used.
- Always safely remove the USB adapter from your PC/laptop's operating system before physically disconnecting the cable to prevent data corruption.
Figure 2: Connecting Dual Hard Drives to a Laptop
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Data Transfer
Once connected, your hard drives will appear as external storage devices on your computer. You can drag and drop files, copy, paste, and manage data as you would with any other external drive. The adapter supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) and TRIM, which significantly accelerate transfer speeds compared to conventional USB 3.0, reaching up to 5Gbps.
Figure 3: Illustrative Data Transfer Speeds
4.2 One-Button Offline Cloning
The adapter features a convenient one-button offline cloning function, allowing you to duplicate data from one hard drive (Source Disk A) to another (Target Disk B) without needing a computer connection.
How to Operate Offline Clone (A to B):
- Insert Drives: Insert your Source SATA HDD/SSD into port 'A' and your Target SATA HDD/SSD into port 'B' of the adapter. Ensure the capacity of Target Disk B is equal to or greater than Source Disk A.
- Connect Power: Connect the power supply to the adapter.
- Initiate Clone: Press and hold the 'Clone' button for 3 seconds. Release the button, then quickly press it once more to start the cloning process.
- Monitor Progress: Four LED lights on the adapter will indicate the cloning progress (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). The cloning process is complete when all indicators light up steadily.
- Finalize: After cloning, connect the Target Disk B to your PC and set its status to "Online" in Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) if it doesn't appear automatically.
Important Notes for Offline Cloning:
- Ensure the USB cable is disconnected from any computer during the entire cloning process.
- Always back up any critical files from the target hard drive before cloning, as all existing data on the target drive will be overwritten.
Figure 4: Offline Cloning Process
4.3 OTG Function
The adapter supports OTG (On-The-Go) functionality, allowing compatible mobile phones and tablets to connect directly to the hard disk. This enables easy transfer of high-quality photos, music, movies, and games, expanding your mobile device's storage and media capabilities.
Figure 5: Multi-Scene Applicability (PC, TV, PS4)
Figure 6: Ideal for Various Devices and Drive Types
5. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | WAVLINK |
| Model Number | WL-ST504CP |
| Type | Cable Adapter |
| Product | USB3.0/USB-C to 2.5/3.5 inch SATA 3 Dual Bay Adapter |
| Interface | USB-C (Host), 2x SATA (Drive), 2x USB 3.0 (Hub) |
| Data Transfer Speed | Up to 5Gbps (USB 3.0) |
| Drive Compatibility | 2.5-inch & 3.5-inch SATA I/II/III SSD/HDD |
| Max Drive Capacity | Up to 18TB per bay |
| Features | UASP, S.M.A.R.T, Auto-sleep mode, Hot-swap, Plug and Play, One-button Offline Cloning, BC1.2 Fast Charging (on USB 3.0 ports) |
| System Support | Windows XP/ Vista/ 7/8/8.1/10, Mac OS 9/ 10/ 11 or later, Linux, Chrome OS |
| Certification | CE, FCC |
| Cable Length | 0.5 meters |
Figure 7: Wide Operating System Compatibility
6. Troubleshooting
- Drive Not Detected:
- Ensure the hard drive(s) are securely seated in the SATA connectors.
- Verify the power adapter is correctly connected and the adapter is receiving power.
- Try connecting the USB cable to a different USB port on your computer.
- For new drives, check Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) to ensure the drive is initialized and partitioned.
- Slow Transfer Speeds:
- Ensure you are connected to a USB 3.0 or USB-C port on your computer for optimal speeds.
- Verify your operating system and drivers are up to date.
- Performance can be affected by the speed of the hard drive itself.
- Offline Cloning Fails/Data Loss:
- Confirm the USB cable is disconnected from the computer during the entire cloning process.
- Ensure the target drive's capacity is equal to or greater than the source drive's capacity.
- Double-check that the source and target drives are correctly identified before initiating cloning.
- Any data on the target drive will be overwritten; ensure backups are made if needed.
- OTG Function Not Working:
- Verify that your mobile phone or tablet supports OTG functionality.
- Ensure the device's OTG setting is enabled (if applicable).
7. User Tips
- Safe Ejection: Always use the 'Safely Remove Hardware' option (Windows) or drag the drive icon to the Trash (Mac) before disconnecting the adapter to prevent data corruption and ensure drive longevity.
- Power Management: For 3.5-inch HDDs or when using two drives, always connect the external power adapter for stable operation, even if your computer's USB port seems to provide enough power.
- Drive Health: Utilize S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) features, if supported by your drives and OS, to monitor drive health and anticipate potential failures.
8. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Keep the adapter clean and free from dust. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Avoid liquid cleaners.
- Storage: Store the adapter in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Handling: Handle the adapter and connected drives with care to avoid physical damage.
9. Warranty and Support
This WAVLINK product comes with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. In case of quality problems within 30 days, returns are accepted. For technical support or warranty claims, please contact WAVLINK Direct Store customer service. Emails are typically answered within 24 hours.
For further assistance, please refer to the official WAVLINK website or contact their support channels.





