1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your atolla Lay-Flat SATA to USB 3.0 HDD Enclosure (Model: CH-326U3S). This device is designed to provide a convenient and efficient way to connect 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) to your computer via USB 3.0, supporting data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps and drive capacities up to 4TB. It also features two additional USB data/charging ports for enhanced connectivity.
Image 1.1: The atolla CH-326U3S Lay-Flat SATA to USB 3.0 HDD Enclosure, shown without a drive inserted.
2. Package Contents
Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package:
- atolla Lay-Flat SATA to USB 3.0 HDD Enclosure (CH-326U3S)
- USB 3.0 Type-A to Type-A Data Cable
- 12V DC Power Adapter
- User Information Book (this manual)
Image 2.1: Contents of the atolla CH-326U3S package, including the docking station, power adapter, USB cable, and user manual.
3. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the components of the atolla CH-326U3S docking station:
- Power Switch: Controls the power to the docking station.
- Power Indicator (LED): Illuminates when the device is powered on.
- HDD Activity Indicator (LED): Flashes to indicate hard drive activity.
- SATA Connector: Internal connector for 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA HDDs/SSDs.
- USB 3.0 Input Port: Connects the docking station to your computer.
- USB Hub Ports (x2): Additional USB ports for data transfer and charging peripheral devices.
- DC 12V Power Jack: Connects to the included power adapter.
Image 3.1: Detailed view of the power switch, power and HDD status indicator LEDs, and the internal SATA connector.
Image 3.2: Detailed view of the two USB Hub ports (data & charging), the USB 3.0 input port, and the DC 12V AC power jack.
4. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps to set up your atolla HDD docking station:
- Connect Power: Insert the DC 12V power adapter into the 'DC 12V' power jack on the docking station, then plug the adapter into a wall outlet.
- Insert Hard Drive: Gently slide your 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD into the docking slot until it firmly connects with the internal SATA connector. Ensure the drive is oriented correctly.
Image 4.1: A 3.5-inch hard drive correctly inserted into the atolla docking station.
- Connect to Computer: Connect one end of the provided USB 3.0 data cable to the 'USB 3.0' input port on the docking station and the other end to an available USB 3.0 port on your computer.
Image 4.2: The atolla docking station connected to a laptop, ready for operation.
- Power On: Press the power switch on the docking station. The 'POWER' LED indicator will illuminate. Your operating system should automatically detect the new hardware.
5. Operating Instructions
Once set up, the docking station functions as an external drive and a USB hub:
- Accessing the Drive: The inserted HDD/SSD will appear as a removable drive in your computer's file explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS). You can now access, transfer, and manage files on the drive.
- USB Hub Functionality: The two additional USB ports can be used to connect other USB devices such as keyboards, mice, or USB flash drives. These ports also support charging for compatible devices.
- UASP Support: The docking station supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) for enhanced data transfer performance with compatible operating systems and drives.
- Power Off: Before disconnecting the docking station or removing the hard drive, ensure you safely eject the drive from your operating system. Then, press the power switch to turn off the device.
6. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your docking station:
- Keep the device in a clean, dry environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Avoid dropping or subjecting the device to physical shock.
- Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the docking station.
- Clean the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners.
- Always safely eject the hard drive from your operating system before powering off the docking station or physically removing the drive.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your atolla docking station, refer to the following common solutions:
- Drive Not Detected:
- Ensure the power adapter is securely connected and the docking station is powered on.
- Verify the hard drive is fully seated in the SATA connector.
- Try connecting the USB 3.0 cable to a different USB port on your computer.
- Check if the drive is properly formatted and initialized in your operating system's Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS). New drives may need to be initialized and formatted.
- Ensure the drive is a SATA HDD/SSD. IDE drives are not compatible.
- Slow Data Transfer:
- Ensure the docking station is connected to a USB 3.0 port on your computer. Connecting to a USB 2.0 port will result in slower speeds.
- Verify your operating system and drivers support UASP.
- The speed of the hard drive itself can be a limiting factor.
- Power Issues (e.g., device turns off unexpectedly):
- Ensure the power adapter is functioning correctly and providing stable power.
- Try a different wall outlet.
- Ensure the USB cable connection to the computer is stable, as some computer USB ports may have power delivery issues.
- Docking Station Power Button Unresponsive:
- If the power button does not respond, disconnect the power adapter from the wall outlet, wait a few seconds, and then reconnect it.
Image 7.1: The atolla CH-326U3S is compatible with SATA HDDs/SSDs only; IDE HDDs are not supported.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | CH-326U3S |
| Brand | atolla |
| Hardware Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Compatible Drives | 2.5-inch / 3.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD |
| Max Capacity | 4TB |
| Data Transfer Speed | Up to 5Gbps (USB 3.0) |
| UASP Support | Yes |
| Total USB Ports | 3 (1x USB 3.0 input, 2x USB Hub for data/charging) |
| Power Input | DC 12V |
| Wattage | 24 watts |
| Item Weight | 12.8 ounces (approx. 363g) |
| Package Dimensions | 9.5 x 5 x 3 inches (approx. 24.1 x 12.7 x 7.6 cm) |
| Docking Station Dimensions | 6.9" x 4.8" x 1.6" (approx. 17.5 x 12.2 x 4.1 cm) |
Image 8.1: Key features and capabilities of the atolla HDD Docking Station.
Image 8.2: Physical dimensions of the atolla CH-326U3S docking station.
9. Warranty and Support
Warranty information for the atolla CH-326U3S is typically provided with the product packaging or can be found on the official atolla website. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or warranty claims, please contact atolla customer service through their official channels.
