Yottamaster 5-Bay USB 3.0 Hard Drive Enclosure (DF5U3)

1. Introduction

The Yottamaster DF5U3 is a 5-bay external hard drive enclosure designed for both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA HDD/SSDs. It supports a total capacity of up to 90TB (5 x 18TB drives) and features a USB 3.0 interface for data transfer speeds up to 6Gbps. This enclosure is built with an aluminum alloy frame and includes an 80mm RGB silent fan for efficient cooling. This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your Yottamaster DF5U3 enclosure.

Figure 1: Yottamaster 5-Bay USB 3.0 Hard Drive Enclosure (DF5U3)

2. Package Contents

Please verify that all items are present in your package:

• Yottamaster 5-Bay USB 3.0 Hard Drive Enclosure (DF5U3)
• USB 3.0 Type-B Data Cable
• Power Adapter (150W)
• Screws for Drive Installation
• Screwdriver
• User Manual

3. Key Features

• High Capacity: Supports up to 90TB total storage (5 x 18TB drives).
• Drive Compatibility: Designed for both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA I/II/III HDD/SSDs.
• Fast Transfer Speed: USB 3.0 interface provides data transfer rates up to 6Gbps.
• Efficient Cooling: Features an 80mm RGB silent fan to maintain optimal drive temperatures.
• Durable Construction: Built with a robust aluminum alloy frame.
• Plug-and-Play: Driverless installation for ease of use.
• Non-RAID Version: This model does not support hardware RAID. Software RAID can be configured using your operating system's tools.

4. Setup Guide

4.1 Drive Installation

1. Gently pull the lever on the front of an empty drive bay to release and slide out the drive tray.
2. Place your 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD onto the drive tray. Align the screw holes on the drive with those on the tray.
3. Secure the drive to the tray using the provided screws and screwdriver.
4. Slide the loaded drive tray back into the enclosure until it clicks securely into place.
5. Repeat for all desired drives.

Figure 2: Inserting a drive into the tray

Figure 3: Drive trays ready for installation

4.2 Connecting the Enclosure

1. Connect the power adapter to the AC-in port on the rear of the enclosure and then to a power outlet.
2. Connect one end of the USB 3.0 Type-B data cable to the USB 3.0 port on the rear of the enclosure.
3. Connect the other end of the USB 3.0 data cable to an available USB 3.0 port on your computer.
4. Press the power switch on the rear of the enclosure to the "ON" position. The enclosure will power on, and the RGB fan will illuminate.

Figure 4: Rear panel connections

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Initializing and Formatting Drives

For new hard drives, or if you wish to erase existing data, you will need to initialize and format them. This process creates partitions and prepares the drives for use with your operating system.

5.2 Adjusting/Disabling Sleep Mode

The enclosure may enter a sleep mode after a period of inactivity to conserve power and reduce wear on the drives. You can adjust or disable this feature if needed.

6. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Yottamaster DF5U3 enclosure, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the exterior of the enclosure with a soft, dry cloth. Ensure the fan vents are free from dust accumulation to maintain proper airflow.
• Environment: Operate the enclosure in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive moisture.
• Safe Removal: Always safely eject the enclosure from your operating system before disconnecting the USB cable or power to prevent data corruption.
• Firmware Updates: Check the Yottamaster official website periodically for any available firmware updates that may improve performance or address issues.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Yottamaster DF5U3 enclosure, please refer to the following common solutions:

• Drives Not Recognized:
  • Ensure all cables (USB and power) are securely connected.
  • Verify that the enclosure is powered on.
  • Check Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) to see if the drives are detected but uninitialized/unformatted. Refer to the formatting video in Section 5.1.
  • Try connecting the enclosure to a different USB port or computer.
  • Ensure the drives are properly seated in their trays and secured with screws.
• Enclosure Goes to Sleep Unexpectedly:
  • Refer to the videos in Section 5.2 for instructions on how to adjust or disable the sleep timer function.
  • Check your operating system's power management settings, as they can also influence drive sleep behavior.
• Slow Transfer Speeds:
  • Ensure you are using a USB 3.0 port on your computer. Connecting to a USB 2.0 port will result in slower speeds.
  • Verify the quality of your USB 3.0 cable.
  • Performance can be affected by the speed of the installed hard drives themselves.
• Excessive Fan Noise:
  • Ensure the enclosure is placed on a stable, flat surface to prevent vibrations.
  • Check for any obstructions in the fan or vents.

If these steps do not resolve your issue, please contact Yottamaster customer support.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty & Support

9.1 Warranty Information

Yottamaster products come with a standard manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included in your package or visit the official Yottamaster website for detailed warranty terms and conditions specific to your region.

9.2 Customer Support

For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or any product-related inquiries, please contact Yottamaster customer support through their official channels:

• Official Website: www.yottamaster.com
• Support Page: Visit the 'Support' or 'Downloads' section on the official website for FAQs, drivers, and firmware updates.