1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing an ORICO product. To ensure the best experience and full utilization of all features, please read this user manual carefully before operating the device.
Please verify that all components listed in the package contents section are present and undamaged. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your original dealer or ORICO customer support for assistance.
Safety Notes
- Do not hit, throw, or puncture the product. Avoid dropping, squeezing, or bending the device.
- Do not use or store this product in humid environments, and prevent it from being wetted or rinsed with liquids.
- Avoid using the product in hot, high-dust environments and keep it away from fire sources.
2. Package Contents
The ORICO 2 Bay Hard Drive Enclosure package typically includes the following items:
Figure 2.1: Package Contents
- HDD Docking Station (ORICO 2 Bay Enclosure)
- Power Cable
- A-B Data Cable (USB3.0)
- Screwdriver
- Screws Package
- User Manual
- Packaging Box
3. Specifications
Below are the technical specifications for the ORICO 2 Bay Hard Drive Enclosure:
Figure 3.1: Product Specifications Overview
| Feature | Detail (2-Bay Model 9828) |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 9828U3/RU3 |
| Name | 2 Big DAS Solution (Pro / Pro RAID) |
| Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Color | Gray |
| Output Interface | USB3.0 Type-B |
| Transfer Speed | USB3.0 5Gbps (Up to 235MB/s real transfer speed) |
| Supported Drive Size | 2.5", 3.5" SATA HDD/SSD |
| Dimensions (L*W*H) | 233.3*143*90mm |
| Power Supply | External 48W Power Supply (12V/4A) |
| Maximum Capacity | 44TB (22TB per single bay) |
| Installation Method | Tool-free |
| Supported Systems | Windows, MAC OS, Android, iOS |
| Plug Type Options | EU Plug, US Plug, AU Plug, UK Plug |
| LED Indicator | Yes (Each tray equipped with an LED indicator light) |
The enclosure features a smart chip for high performance and reliability, supporting UASP, TRIM, and SMART functions for efficient data management.
Figure 3.2: Smart Chip Features
4. Setup and Installation
4.1 Hard Drive Installation
The ORICO 2 Bay enclosure supports tool-free installation for both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA hard drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD).
Video 4.1: Hard Drive Installation Demonstration
Steps:
- Ensure the enclosure is powered off and disconnected from your computer.
- Gently press the release button on the front of a drive bay to open it.
- Slide your 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD into the open bay until it is securely seated.
- Close the drive bay door.
- Repeat for the second bay if installing two drives.
Figure 4.1: Drive Bay Design with Safety Lock
4.2 Initial Connection and Disk Partitioning
After installing the hard drives, connect the enclosure to your computer.
- Connect the external 48W power adapter to the enclosure and a power outlet.
- Connect the provided A-B Data Cable (USB3.0) from the enclosure to an available USB port on your computer.
- Power on the enclosure using the power switch on the back.
Hard Disk Partition Operation Steps (for new drives):
New hard drives must be initialized and formatted before they can be recognized and used by your operating system. Follow these steps for Windows:
- Ensure the hard disk is installed in the enclosure and connected to the computer.
- Right-click "This PC" (or "My Computer") and select "Manage".
- In the Computer Management window, navigate to "Disk Management".
- Locate the newly added hard drive (it will likely appear as "Unallocated" or "Not Initialized").
- Right-click on the disk and select "Initialize Disk". Choose "MBR" for disks 2TB or less, or "GPT" for disks greater than 2TB.
- After initialization, right-click the unallocated space on the disk and select "New Simple Volume". Follow the wizard to create and format the partition.
- Once formatted, the hard disk will be ready for use and assigned a drive letter.
Important: Always back up any important data on your hard drives before performing partitioning or formatting operations to prevent data loss.
5. Operating Modes (RAID Configuration)
The ORICO 2 Bay enclosure supports various RAID modes to optimize performance or data redundancy. The dual-bay model supports RAID 0, RAID 1, Combine (BIG), and Clear (Normal) modes.
Figure 5.1: RAID Mode Overview
5.1 RAID Mode Descriptions (for 2-Bay)
- RAID 0 (Striping): Combines two drives into a single logical unit for increased speed and capacity. No data redundancy.
- RAID 1 (Mirroring): Duplicates data across two drives, providing data redundancy. If one drive fails, data is still accessible from the other. Capacity is limited to the size of the smaller drive.
- Combine (BIG/JBOD): Merges the capacity of two drives into a single large volume without striping or mirroring. Data is written sequentially.
- Clear (Normal): Each drive operates independently, appearing as separate volumes to the system.
Important: Before changing RAID modes or replacing hard disks, always power off the enclosure and back up all important data to prevent loss.
5.2 Configuring RAID Modes
RAID modes can be managed via a physical DIP switch on the back of the enclosure or through dedicated software.
Figure 5.2: Manual RAID Management via DIP Switch
- Manual Configuration: Use the DIP switch and the 'SET' button on the back of the enclosure to select your desired RAID mode. Refer to the specific instructions in the full PDF manual for the correct DIP switch settings for each mode.
- Software Configuration: For more advanced customization and easier management, download the official ORICO software from their website. This software allows you to configure RAID modes and monitor your drives.
6. Maintenance and Care
6.1 Efficient Heat Dissipation
The ORICO enclosure is designed with efficient heat dissipation features to protect your hard drives and ensure stable operation.
Figure 6.1: Heat Dissipation System
- Aluminum Alloy Shell: Provides excellent thermal conductivity.
- Low-Noise Cooling Fan: Actively dissipates heat to prevent overheating.
- Honeycomb & Mesh Design: Optimizes airflow for effective cooling.
6.2 Intelligent Sleep Function
To extend the lifespan of your hard drives and conserve energy, the enclosure features an intelligent sleep mode.
Figure 6.2: Intelligent Sleep Feature
- The enclosure will automatically enter sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity.
- This reduces power consumption and minimizes wear and tear on the hard drives.
6.3 Hard Drive Lifespan and Data Backup
While the enclosure is designed for reliability, hard drives are consumable items with a finite lifespan.
- The service life of a hard drive is influenced by working hours and environmental conditions.
- It is generally recommended to replace hard drives every 3-5 years to prevent data loss due to aging or failure.
- ORICO is not responsible for data loss. Always maintain regular backups of your important data.
7. Troubleshooting (Common Queries)
This section addresses common issues and their solutions.
Figure 7.1: Common Queries and Solutions
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: New hard drives must be initialized and formatted before the system can recognize and use them. Refer to the "4.2 Initial Connection and Disk Partitioning" section for detailed steps on how to initialize and format your hard drive using Disk Management.
Q: What should I do if the hard disk appears in RAW format in Disk Management due to improper extraction or power outage?
A: You can attempt to restore the disk using the chkdsk command. Open Command Prompt as an administrator, type chkdsk X: /f (replace X with the drive letter of the affected disk), and press Enter. After the scan and repair are complete, restart your computer. The disk should then be displayed correctly.
Q: The hard drive shows dynamic invalidity in disk management after it was removed from an old computer?
A: This issue often arises from system-specific configurations. Reinstall the hard drive into its original computer, back up your data, and then format it. If the original computer is unavailable, you may need to use dynamic disk conversion software to convert it to a basic disk.
Q: The hard drive is only displayed but has no drive letter?
A: In Disk Management, right-click the disk partition, select "Change Drive Letter and Paths...", and then add a drive letter for the partition.
Q: The device automatically disconnects during transmission and then reconnects itself after a while?
A: This could be due to power saving settings, unstable USB connection, or driver issues. Ensure your USB cable is securely connected and try a different USB port. Check your computer's power management settings to prevent USB devices from being turned off to save power. If the issue persists, update your USB drivers or contact support.
8. User Tips
- Hard Drive Compatibility: This enclosure supports 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA HDDs/SSDs. Hard drives are not included with the product.
- Tool-Free Installation: The design allows for easy, tool-free installation of hard drives, making setup quick and convenient.
- Data Backup: Always maintain regular backups of your critical data, especially before making any changes to RAID configurations or formatting drives.
- RAID Configuration: For RAID models, ensure you understand the implications of each RAID level (e.g., data redundancy vs. speed) before configuration.
- PDF Manual: A comprehensive user manual in PDF format is available for download from the official ORICO website or by contacting customer support for detailed instructions on RAID setup and other advanced features.
9. Warranty and Support
9.1 Product Warranty
This ORICO product comes with a 12-Month Limited Warranty. This warranty is applicable only to the original end-user purchaser of the product.
Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
9.2 Technical Support
For any questions, suggestions, or technical assistance regarding your ORICO product, please contact our customer support team:
- Official Website: www.orico.cc
- Customer Service E-mail: supports@orico.com.cn
A detailed user manual in PDF format is available for download. You can access it via the official ORICO website or by contacting customer support. Download User Manual (PDF)
