1. Introduction
The ORICO MacData Series HDD Docking Station is a high-performance external storage solution designed for efficient data management and expansion. Featuring a Type-C 10Gbps interface and support for daisy-chaining, it is ideal for professionals requiring vast media resources and high-speed data transfer, especially for video editing and large data centers. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your docking station.
2. Package Contents
Please check the package for the following items:
- DAS Studio Unit (1)
- User Manual (1)
- Power Cable (1)
- Screw Pack (1)
- Screwdriver (1)
- Data Cable (C to C/A, 1M) (1)
3. Setup Instructions
3.1 Hard Drive Installation
The ORICO MacData Series supports 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA HDDs/SSDs. Follow these steps to install your hard drives:
- Open the Tray: Press the door button on the left side of the bay to open the hard drive tray.
- Attach Hard Drive to Bracket: Pull out the hard drive bracket. Align the four fixing holes on the bracket with the screw holes on your 2.5/3.5-inch hard drive and tighten the screws using the provided screwdriver.
- Insert Tray: Install the bracket with the hard drive into the hard disk cabinet. Close the door firmly until it clicks into place.
3.2 Initial Hard Drive Partitioning (First Use)
For a brand new hard drive, it must be partitioned (formatted) before it can be recognized by your computer. If the hard drive is not recognized or data is lost, it is recommended to make a backup in advance if there is important data. Contact customer service if issues persist.
Hard Disk Partition Operation Steps:
- Put the hard disk into the hard disk box and connect it to the computer.
- Format/Partition the hard disk: Right-click 'My Computer' -> 'Manage' -> 'Disk Management' -> Right-click 'Disk 1' -> 'Format/Partition'.
- For drives larger than 2TB, select 'GPT' (GUID Partition Table). For drives 2TB or smaller, 'MBR' (Master Boot Record) can be used.
- Follow the prompts to create a 'New Simple Volume' and assign a drive letter.
4. Operation
4.1 Connecting to Your Device
Use the provided 2-in-1 data cable (Type-C to A or Type-C to C) to connect the docking station to your computer or other compatible device. Ensure the power cable is connected to the docking station and a power outlet, then press the power button.
4.2 Daisy Chain Functionality
The ORICO MacData Series supports daisy-chaining, allowing you to connect multiple docking stations in a cascading manner to expand your total storage capacity. You can daisy-chain up to three storage cabinets to achieve a total capacity of up to 330TB (with 5-bay units, each bay supporting 22TB).
4.3 Software RAID Function
Software RAID utilizes the operating system's software functionality to implement RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology. This allows you to manage multiple hard drives to create a RAID array, providing benefits such as data redundancy and performance enhancement, without requiring specialized RAID controller hardware.
4.4 Smart Sleep Mode
The docking station features a Smart Sleep Mode. After 10 minutes of data-free interaction, the device automatically enters hibernation to reduce hard drive wear and power consumption. If you need to disable this function, please contact customer service for assistance.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Heat Dissipation
The docking station is designed with an aluminum alloy body and a cooling fan to effectively reduce internal temperature, ensuring stable operation of the hard drives during long-term data transmission.
5.2 Hard Drive Care Tips
- The hard drive itself is a consumable item. Its service life is directly related to working hours and environment.
- It is generally recommended to replace hard drives every 3-5 years to prevent data loss and damage caused by old hard drives.
- Always back up important data regularly. The manufacturer is not responsible for data loss.
5.3 General Care
- The unit is equipped with silicone anti-slip pads at the bottom to reduce vibrations and prevent slipping.
- Each tray has an LED indicator light to check the working status of the installed hard drive.
- The body is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, providing a refined texture and durability.
6. Troubleshooting
6.1 Common Queries
- Q: After a brand new hard drive is connected to the computer, why can't it be found and the drive letter cannot be displayed?
- A: After the new hard drive is connected to the computer, it must be formatted before the system can recognize it and use it. Operation method: first, right-click "Computer", then click "Manage", open "Disk Management", find the newly added hard drive, and right-click for "Initialization", select "MBR" (hard disk capacity less than or equal to 2TB) or "GPT" (greater than 2TB), then "New Simple Volume". By default, the next step is to format the partition. After the formatting is completed, the hard disk can be used normally and the new Added drive letter.
- Q: What should I do if the hard disk appears in RAW format in Disk Management due to improper extraction or power outage?
- A: Restore through the chkdsk command: open cmd as an administrator, enter
chkdsk/fand press Enter (i is the drive letter of the disk). After the scan and repair is completed, restart and it will be displayed. - Q: The hard drive shows dynamic invalidity in disk management after it was removed from the old computer?
- A: This is caused by a problem with your system. Just reinstall the hard drive into the original computer motherboard, then back up the data and format it. If your old computer has been scrapped or cannot enter the system, you can download a dynamic disk conversion software to directly convert it into a basic disk.
- Q: The hard drive is only displayed but has no drive letter?
- A: Go to Disk Management, right-click the disk partition, select Change Drive Path and Name, and add the disk name for use.
- Q: Automatically disconnects during transmission and then reconnects itself after a while?
- A: When this happens, there may be a problem with the computer USB interface, USB data cable problem, computer USB driver problem, hard disk problem, or hard disk cabinet problem. You need to contact our technical staff to troubleshoot for you one by one.
7. Specifications
| Feature | 9948C3 (4-Bay) | 9958C3 (5-Bay) |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | 9948C3-SV-BP | 9958C3-SV-BP |
| Size (L*W*H) | 264.7*135.6*196.6mm | 268*135.6*163mm |
| Material | Aluminum alloy + ABS | |
| Color | Silver | |
| Transmission Speed | 10Gbps | |
| Output Interface | USB-C | |
| USB Cable | 2-in-1 C to A/C (1M) | |
| Power Supply | Built-in 150W | |
| Number of Bays | 4 Bays | 5 Bays |
| Maximum Capacity | 88TB (Single bay 22TB Max) | 110TB (Single bay 22TB Max) |
| Supported Systems | Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android, iOS | |
| External Interface | USB | |
| Plug Type | EU Plug, US Plug, AU Plug, UK Plug | |
8. User Tips
- Maximum HDD Size: The docking station supports up to 22TB per bay, allowing for a total of 110TB in the 5-bay model. This is a hardware capability, not just a stated limit.
- RAID 0 Support: The device supports RAID 0 configuration for enhanced performance, achieving 10Gbps transfer rates.
- Operating System Compatibility: It is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, offering broad usability across different platforms.
- Disabling Sleep Mode: If the automatic sleep function is not desired, please contact ORICO customer service for instructions on how to disable it.
9. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information, technical support, or to inquire about disabling the smart sleep function, please refer to the official ORICO website or contact their customer service directly. A comprehensive user manual in PDF format is available for download at ORICO User Manual (PDF).
