WAVLINK USB 3.0 to SATA Dual Bay External Hard Drive Docking Station

1. Introduction

The WAVLINK USB 3.0 to SATA Dual Bay External Hard Drive Docking Station (Model WLAMZ-336A) is a versatile device designed for efficient data management. It supports both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA HDDs and SSDs, offering features such as offline cloning, high-speed USB 3.0 data transfer with UASP, two dedicated USB 3.0 data ports, two fast-charging ports, and integrated SD/Micro SD card readers. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for its setup, operation, and maintenance.

2. Package Contents

• WAVLINK Dual Bay Docking Station
• 12V/4A Power Adapter
• USB 3.0 Type-A to Type-B Cable
• USB-A to USB-C Adapter
• User Manual

Figure 1: WAVLINK Dual Bay Docking Station and its accessories.

3. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the various components and ports of your docking station:

• Dual Drive Bays: Labeled 'Source' and 'Target' for 2.5-inch/3.5-inch SATA HDDs/SSDs. Features adjustable flaps for drive stability.
• USB 3.0 Data Ports (x2): For connecting USB devices and high-speed data transfer.
• Charging Ports (x2): Red USB ports providing up to 2.4A for charging mobile devices.
• SD/Micro SD Card Reader Slots: For direct access to memory cards.
• Power Button: To turn the docking station ON/OFF.
• OTB (One-Touch Backup) / Clone Button: Initiates the offline cloning process.
• Progress Indicator LEDs: Displays cloning progress (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%).
• DC 12V Power Input: Connects to the provided power adapter.
• USB IN Port: Connects to your computer via the USB 3.0 cable.

Figure 2: Front, top, and rear view of the docking station with labeled components.

4. Setup

1. Insert Hard Drives/SSDs: Gently slide your 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD into the designated 'Source' and/or 'Target' bays. Ensure they are securely seated. The adjustable flaps provide stability for different drive sizes.
2. Connect Power: Plug the provided 12V/4A power adapter into the 'DC 12V' input port on the back of the docking station, then plug the adapter into a power outlet.
3. Connect to Computer (Optional): If you intend to use the docking station for data transfer with a computer, connect the USB 3.0 cable from the 'USB IN' port on the docking station to an available USB 3.0 port on your computer.
4. Power On: Press the 'ON/OFF' button on the front panel. The red power indicator light will illuminate.

Figure 3: Hard drives inserted into the docking station bays.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Data Transfer (Connected to Computer)

Once the docking station is connected to your computer and powered on, the inserted drives will appear as external storage devices. You can then drag and drop files, perform backups, or access data directly from the drives.

5.2. Offline Cloning Function

The docking station supports offline cloning, allowing you to duplicate a source drive to a target drive without needing a computer connection.

1. Preparation: Ensure the docking station is disconnected from your computer. Insert the source drive (containing data to be copied) into the 'Source' bay and the target drive (where data will be copied) into the 'Target' bay.
2. Important: The target drive must be equal to or larger in capacity than the source drive. All data on the target drive will be erased during the cloning process.
3. Initiate Cloning: Press and hold the 'OTB' button for approximately 3-5 seconds until the progress indicator LEDs (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) start flashing.
4. Confirm Cloning: Release the 'OTB' button, then quickly press it again to confirm. The 25% LED will begin flashing, indicating the cloning process has started.
5. Monitor Progress: The cloning process LEDs will illuminate sequentially (25% > 50% > 75% > 100%). When all LEDs are solid blue, the cloning is complete.

Figure 4: Offline cloning process diagram. For more information on Western Digital drives, visit http://qr.wdc.com/wdred.

5.3. Using Card Reader and USB Ports

The docking station features additional functionality:

• SD/Micro SD Card Reader: Insert your SD or Micro SD card into the corresponding slot on the front panel to access its contents via your connected computer. Supports up to 2TB SDHC/SDXC.
• USB 3.0 Data Ports: Use these blue ports to connect other USB 3.0 devices for data transfer to/from your computer.
• Charging Ports: The two red USB ports provide up to 2.4A fast charging for smartphones, tablets, or other USB-powered devices. These ports function independently of a computer connection.

Figure 5: Devices charging via the docking station's dedicated charging ports.

6. Maintenance

• Keep the docking station clean by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth.
• Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.
• Ensure proper ventilation around the device, especially during prolonged use or cloning operations, to prevent overheating.
• Always safely eject drives from your computer before removing them from the docking station to prevent data corruption.

7. Troubleshooting

• Drive Not Recognized: Ensure the drive is properly seated in the bay and the docking station is powered on. If connected to a computer, check the USB cable connection and try a different USB port. For new drives, they may need to be initialized and formatted in Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac OS).
• Cloning Failure: Verify that the target drive's capacity is equal to or greater than the source drive's capacity. Ensure the docking station is disconnected from any computer during offline cloning.
• Slow Data Transfer: Confirm you are using a USB 3.0 port on your computer and a USB 3.0 cable. Ensure your hard drives/SSDs are functioning optimally. UASP support requires a compatible operating system and hardware.
• Charging Issues: Check if the charging ports are receiving power (red indicator light). Try a different USB charging cable or device.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

WAVLINK provides 12 months of friendly customer service and support for this product. For technical assistance or warranty claims, please refer to the contact information below:

Figure 6: WAVLINK Customer Support Contact Information.

Phone: +1 8889730883 (UTC-5) Mon - Fri 9AM - 6PM

Email: Contact@wavlink.com