Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the QNAP TL-R1200S-RP 12 Bay 2U Rackmount SATA 6Gbps JBOD Storage Enclosure. The TL-R1200S-RP is designed to expand storage capacity for QNAP NAS, Windows, and Ubuntu computers and servers. It features twelve 3.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s drive bays and includes a QXP PCIe card for host connectivity via SFF-8088 or SFF-8644 cables, ensuring reliable read/write performance for storage and backup tasks.
What's in the Box
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- TL-R1200S-RP JBOD Storage Enclosure
- Power Cord x 2
- Mini SAS cable (SFF-8644 to SFF-8088) x 3
- Flat head screw x 36 (for 2.5" HDD)
- Flat head screw x 48 (for 3.5" HDD)
- QXP SATA Expansion Card: QXP-1600eS
- Quick Installation Guide (QIG)
Figure 1: Contents of the QNAP TL-R1200S-RP package, including the 12-bay rackmount enclosure, the QXP-1600eS PCIe expansion card, and three Mini SAS cables.
Product Overview
The QNAP TL-R1200S-RP is a 2U rackmount enclosure designed for high-capacity storage expansion. It features twelve hot-swappable drive bays on the front panel and redundant power supplies for enhanced reliability.
Figure 2: Front view of the QNAP TL-R1200S-RP with several drive bays open, illustrating the hot-swappable drive tray design and installed 3.5-inch hard drives.
Front Panel Components
- Drive Bays (1-12): Hot-swappable bays for 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA hard drives or SSDs.
- Drive Status LEDs: Indicate drive activity and status.
- Power Button: For powering the unit on or off.
- System Status LEDs: Indicate overall system health.
Rear Panel Components
- SFF-8088 Ports (x3): For connecting to the host system via Mini SAS cables.
- Power Supply Units (x2): Redundant power supplies for continuous operation.
- Cooling Fans: Ensure optimal operating temperature.
Setup
1. Hardware Installation
- Install the QXP-1600eS PCIe Card:
Shut down your host system (QNAP NAS, Windows, or Ubuntu server/PC). Open the chassis and install the QXP-1600eS PCIe SATA card into an available PCIe slot. Secure the card with a screw.
- Install Hard Drives:
Open the drive trays on the TL-R1200S-RP. Install 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA hard drives or SSDs into the trays. Secure them with the provided screws. Slide the trays back into the enclosure until they click into place.
- Connect Mini SAS Cables:
Connect one end of the provided SFF-8644 to SFF-8088 Mini SAS cables to the QXP-1600eS PCIe card in your host system. Connect the other end (SFF-8088) to the corresponding ports on the rear of the TL-R1200S-RP enclosure. Ensure all three cables are connected for full bandwidth.
- Connect Power Cords:
Connect both power cords to the redundant power supply units on the rear of the TL-R1200S-RP and then to separate power outlets or a UPS.
2. Initial Power On and Software Recognition
- Power On:
Power on the TL-R1200S-RP enclosure first, then power on your host system. The enclosure will initialize.
- Operating System Recognition:
Once the host system boots, the drives in the TL-R1200S-RP should be recognized by the operating system (QNAP QTS/QTS Hero, Windows, or Ubuntu). For Windows and Ubuntu, you may need to install the QNAP JBOD Manager software and associated drivers (e.g., Marvell drivers) for full functionality and firmware updates. Refer to the QNAP website for the latest software and driver downloads.
- Storage Configuration:
On QNAP NAS, the TL-R1200S-RP can be used as a separate storage pool or volume. It cannot be combined with an existing storage pool/volume on the NAS. Configure storage pools and volumes using the host system's storage management tools (e.g., QTS Storage & Snapshots, Windows Storage Spaces, or Linux LVM/ZFS).
Operating
Basic Operation
- Power On/Off: Press the power button on the front panel to turn the unit on or off. Always ensure the host system is properly shut down before powering off the enclosure to prevent data loss.
- Drive Hot-Swapping: Drives can be hot-swapped. Before removing a drive, ensure it is safely ejected or unmounted from the host operating system to prevent data corruption.
Storage Management
Manage the storage within the TL-R1200S-RP using the tools provided by your host operating system:
- QNAP QTS/QTS Hero: Use the "Storage & Snapshots" application to create new storage pools, volumes, and shared folders.
- Windows: Utilize Disk Management or Storage Spaces to initialize disks, create partitions, and configure RAID or storage pools.
- Ubuntu/Linux: Use command-line tools (e.g.,
fdisk,mkfs,mdadm,zpool) or graphical utilities to manage disks and create file systems.
Maintenance
- Drive Replacement: If a drive fails, safely unmount it from the host system, remove the faulty drive, and insert a new one. The host system's storage management software will guide you through rebuilding the storage array if applicable.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the QNAP website for firmware updates for the TL-R1200S-RP and the QXP-1600eS PCIe card. Firmware updates are typically performed using the QNAP JBOD Manager software on a compatible operating system (e.g., Windows).
- Cleaning: Keep the enclosure free from dust to ensure proper airflow and cooling. Use a soft, dry cloth for external cleaning. For internal cleaning, power down the unit and use compressed air to clear dust from fans and vents.
Troubleshooting
- Drives Not Recognized:
Ensure the QXP-1600eS PCIe card is correctly seated and its drivers are installed on the host system. Verify that Mini SAS cables are securely connected at both ends. Check drive status LEDs on the enclosure. If using Windows/Ubuntu, ensure QNAP JBOD Manager is installed and running.
- Performance Issues:
Confirm that all three Mini SAS cables are connected to maximize bandwidth. Ensure the host system's PCIe slot provides sufficient lanes for the QXP-1600eS card. Check drive health and ensure they are not experiencing errors.
- Excessive Noise:
While the enclosure's main fans are adjustable, the power supply fans may generate noise. Ensure the unit is placed on a stable surface to minimize vibration. If noise is excessive and unexpected, contact QNAP support.
- System Freezes/Instability:
Ensure the host system's operating system and drivers are up to date. Verify that the enclosure's firmware is current. If issues persist, consult QNAP's support resources or knowledge base.
For further assistance, refer to the official QNAP support website or contact QNAP technical support.
Specifications
Figure 3: Dimensions and weight specifications for the QNAP TL-R1200S-RP.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | QNAP |
| Model Number | TL-R1200S-RP |
| Drive Bays | 12 x 3.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s, 3Gb/s (Diskless) |
| Form Factor | 2U Rackmount |
| Interface Card Included | 1 x QXP-1600eS PCIe SATA card |
| Host Connectivity | 3 x SFF-8088 ports |
| Power Supply | 250W Redundant Power Supply Unit |
| Compatible Devices | QNAP NAS, Windows, Ubuntu servers/PCs |
| Material | Metal |
| Item Weight | 33.2 pounds (approx. 15.06 kg) |
| Product Dimensions (LxWxH) | 17.32 x 17.28 x 11.46 inches (approx. 44 x 43.9 x 29.1 cm) |
| First Available Date | April 7, 2020 |
Warranty and Support
QNAP products typically come with a limited manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official QNAP website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For technical support, driver downloads, firmware updates, and additional documentation, please visit the official QNAP support portal:
