1. Product Overview
The Yottamaster PS200RC3 is a 2-bay USB-C RAID hard drive enclosure designed for personal and office storage. It supports both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA HDDs/SSDs, offering data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps and supporting a total capacity of up to 32TB. This enclosure features multiple RAID modes (RAID 1, JBOD, and PM) to optimize data management and protection.
Image: Front view of the Yottamaster PS200RC3 2-Bay USB-C RAID Hard Drive Enclosure, showcasing its aluminum casing and front drive bays.
Image: The enclosure connected to a computer, illustrating its support for up to 2x16TB large capacity for backing up and transferring data.
2. Package Contents
- Yottamaster PS200RC3 2-Bay Enclosure
- USB-C to USB-C Cable
- Power Adapter
- Screws for HDD/SSD installation
- Screwdriver
- User Manual (this document)
3. Setup and Installation
3.1 Installing Hard Drives
- Ensure the enclosure is powered off and disconnected from your computer.
- Gently press the front panel to release the drive trays.
- For 3.5-inch HDDs: Pull up the blue clasps on both sides of the drive bracket and gently insert the hard disk. The clasps will secure the drive.
- For 2.5-inch SSDs/HDDs: Use a screwdriver to open the blue clasps on the side of the bracket. Place the 2.5-inch drive into the bracket and secure it with the provided screws. Note: Be sure to pay attention to the difference in screw types (wider threads secure drive to sled; tighter threads secure sled to enclosure).
- Slide the loaded drive trays back into the enclosure until they click into place.
Image: Step-by-step illustration of inserting a hard drive into the enclosure using the push design mechanism.
3.2 Connecting the Enclosure
- Connect the power adapter to the DC port on the back of the enclosure. Ensure the arrow-marked side of the power connector faces upwards for correct insertion.
- Plug the power adapter into a power outlet. The indicator light on the power adapter should illuminate.
- Connect the USB-C cable from the enclosure's Type-C port to your computer's USB-C port.
- Turn on the power switch on the back of the enclosure.
Video: Demonstrates the correct way to connect the power adapter to the Yottamaster enclosure, highlighting the importance of proper orientation.
Video: Shows the physical installation of hard drives into a dual-bay enclosure and connecting it to power and a computer.
3.3 Initializing and Formatting Drives
New HDDs/SSDs must be partitioned and formatted under disk management before use. If a hard drive is not recognized, it may be due to a lack of partitioning.
Video: A comprehensive guide on installing and formatting hard drives for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
4. Operating the Enclosure (RAID Modes)
The PS200RC3 supports RAID 1, JBOD, and PM modes. RAID 1 provides data redundancy, JBOD combines drives into a single large volume, and PM (Port Multiplier) treats each drive as an independent disk.
Image: Rear view of the enclosure, highlighting the RAID DIP switches and connectivity ports (Type-C, DC power, Power button).
Warning: Setting up RAID will wipe out all data on your hard drives. Please back up all data before changing the RAID mode.
4.1 Setting RAID Modes via Hardware
For detailed direction of the RAID mode, please check the sticker on the back panel of the enclosure or read the directions on the user manual.
- Safely eject the device from your computer and turn off the enclosure.
- Use a small tool (like a pen or paperclip) to adjust the DIP switches on the back panel to the desired RAID configuration.
- Hold the 'SET' button and turn on the power switch simultaneously.
- Continue holding the 'SET' button for approximately 15 seconds, then release. The RAID mode will be configured.
- Connect the enclosure to your computer and check Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) to confirm the RAID setup.
Video: Detailed instructions on how to set up RAID modes using the hardware DIP switches on a Yottamaster external hard drive enclosure.
4.2 Setting RAID Modes via Software
For advanced RAID configuration or modification, Yottamaster provides RAID management software. This software allows for more granular control over RAID settings.
Video: Demonstrates how to modify RAID modes using RAID management software on Windows.
5. Maintenance and Best Practices
5.1 Data Backup
Always back up your data to prevent potential loss, especially before performing any operations that modify disk configurations. Hard drives are precision devices, and data loss can occur.
5.2 Auto-Sleep Function
The enclosure features an auto-sleep function that activates after 10 minutes of data inactivity. This function can be adjusted or disabled using the provided software.
Video: Step-by-step guide to adjust or disable the sleep mode on the enclosure.
5.3 Heat Dissipation
The enclosure is designed with an aluminum alloy casing, front and rear cooling holes, and an air convection cooling duct to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
Image: Illustrates the cooling features of the aluminum 2-bay hard drive enclosure, including cooling holes and air convection design.
6. Troubleshooting
- Hard Drive Not Recognized: Ensure the new HDD/SSD is partitioned and formatted. If the hard drive is not recognized at all, it is possible that the issue could be related to the lack of partitioning on the new drive. Check all cable connections.
- Data Loss in RAID 1: If one HDD is broken, the corresponding LED light will turn RED. Do not change the current RAID mode, or all data will be lost. Safely eject the device from the computer, turn off the device, and replace the broken drive with a new, formatted one. Turn on the device, and it will automatically rebuild the current RAID mode.
- Overheating: Ensure proper ventilation around the enclosure. Avoid blocking cooling vents.
- Connectivity Issues: Verify the USB-C cable is securely connected to both the enclosure and the computer. Try a different USB port or cable.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | PS200RC3 |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Desktop (Windows, Mac OS, Linux) |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches, 2.5 Inches |
| Max Number of Supported Devices | 2 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 10 Gigabits Per Second (USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C) |
| Connectivity Technology | SATA, USB |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Max Memory Storage Capacity | 32 TB (16TB per bay) |
| Item Weight | 3.99 pounds |
| Dimensions | 11.06 x 9.84 x 4.69 inches |
Image: The Yottamaster enclosure integrated into an office workstation setup, demonstrating its use in professional environments.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or to download the latest drivers and firmware, please visit the official Yottamaster website. You can also find additional FAQs and troubleshooting guides there.
Contact information for customer support is typically available on the manufacturer's website or in the product packaging.
