ORICO NVMe SSD Docking Station IT28E User Manual

Introduction

The ORICO IT28E NVMe SSD Docking Station is a versatile device designed for efficient data processing and storage management. It supports simultaneous reading and writing for both NVMe M-Key SSDs and 2.5-inch/3.5-inch SATA SSDs/HDDs. Key features include bidirectional offline cloning, high-speed data transfer up to 10Gbps, and an independent aluminum heat sink for M.2 NVMe drives. This manual provides detailed instructions for setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance of your docking station.

Image: The ORICO IT28E docking station with both SATA and NVMe drives inserted, showcasing its dual compatibility.

Package Contents

Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact customer support.

• 1 x ORICO NVME & 2.5/3.5 SATA Hard Drive Docking Station
• 1 x SSD Enclosure (for M.2 NVMe)
• 1 x Cooling Vest (for M.2 NVMe)
• 1 x Silicone Thermal Pad (for M.2 NVMe)
• 1 x Plastic Stopper (for M.2 NVMe)
• 1 x Power Adapter
• 1 x 2-in-1 USB Type-C to USB A/C Cable (1m)

Image: A visual representation of all components included in the ORICO IT28E product package.

Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the various ports and indicators on the ORICO IT28E docking station.

Image: Detailed view of the ORICO IT28E's front and rear panels, highlighting the SATA interface, M.2 interface, LED indicators, ON/OFF switch, cloning direction switch, clone START button, USB 3.2 Type-C port, and 12V/3A power port.

Front Panel:

• 1. SATA Interface: Slot for 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA SSDs/HDDs.
• 2. M.2 Interface: Slot for M.2 NVMe M-Key SSDs (2230/2242/2260/2280).
• 3. LED Indicator: Displays power and activity status.
• 4. ON/OFF Switch: Power button for the docking station.

Rear Panel:

• 1. Cloning Direction Switch: Toggles between M.2 to SATA cloning (1->2) or SATA to M.2 cloning (2->1).
• 2. Clone START Button: Initiates the offline cloning process.
• 3. PC-CLONE: Indicates the mode for PC connection.
• 4. USB 3.2 Type-C Port: Connects the docking station to your computer for data transfer.
• 5. 12V/3A Power Port: Connects the power adapter to the docking station.

Setup and Installation

Follow these steps to set up your ORICO IT28E docking station and install drives.

M.2 NVMe SSD Installation (with Heat Sink Case):

1. Slide out the SSD tray: Locate the button on the M.2 SSD enclosure. Slide the button to the left and push the SSD tray out from the bottom.
2. Attach cooling accessories: Paste the silicone thermal pad onto your M.2 NVMe SSD. Then, attach the cooling vest onto the SSD, ensuring proper contact. Insert the fixed knob for fixation.
3. Insert SSD into tray: Carefully insert your M.2 NVMe SSD into the tray, paying attention to the orientation.
4. Push tray back into enclosure: Push the SSD tray back into the aluminum enclosure until it clicks into place.
5. Insert M.2 enclosure into docking station: Insert the assembled M.2 SSD protective case into the designated M.2 slot on the hard drive base.

Image: Visual instructions for installing an M.2 NVMe SSD, including attaching the cooling vest and inserting it into the docking station.

2.5"/3.5" SATA SSD/HDD Installation:

1. Ensure the docking station is powered off.
2. Align your 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA SSD/HDD with the SATA interface slot.
3. Gently insert the drive until it is firmly seated. Do not force the drive.

Power Connection:

1. Connect the provided power adapter to the 12V/3A power port on the rear of the docking station.
2. Plug the power adapter into a standard wall outlet.

Connecting to a Computer:

1. Connect one end of the 2-in-1 USB Type-C cable to the USB 3.2 Type-C port on the rear of the docking station.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to an available USB-A or USB-C port on your computer (laptop, desktop, etc.).
3. Turn on the docking station using the ON/OFF switch on the front panel.
4. Your computer should detect the connected drives automatically.

Operating Instructions

Data Transfer Mode (Connected to PC):

When connected to a computer, the ORICO IT28E functions as an external drive dock, allowing you to read and write data to both NVMe and SATA drives simultaneously.

• Ensure drives are properly installed and the docking station is powered on and connected to your computer.
• The drives will appear as removable storage devices in your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
• You can now drag and drop files, copy, paste, or perform any standard file operations.
• The docking station supports up to 10Gbps transfer speed for NVMe and 5Gbps for SATA drives.

Image: The docking station in use, demonstrating its 10Gbps transfer speed with performance benchmarks for both 2.5"/3.5" SATA and M.2 NVMe drives.

Offline Cloning Function:

The ORICO IT28E supports bidirectional offline cloning, allowing you to duplicate data between an NVMe drive and a SATA drive without a computer connection.

Important: Before cloning, ensure the capacity of the target disk is equal to or larger than the source disk to avoid data loss. The target disk will be formatted during the cloning process.

Image: A visual guide to the bidirectional cloning feature, showing the cloning direction switch and progress indicators.

1. Install Drives: Insert the source drive (the drive you want to copy from) into one slot and the target drive (the drive you want to copy to) into the other slot. Ensure they are firmly seated.
2. Disconnect from PC: Ensure the docking station is NOT connected to any computer via the USB cable.
3. Connect Power: Connect the power adapter to the docking station and plug it into a wall outlet.
4. Power On: Press the ON/OFF switch on the front panel to power on the unit.
5. Select Cloning Direction: Use the "Cloning Direction Switch" on the rear panel to select the desired cloning direction:
   • 1 -> 2: Clones from M.2 NVMe (Slot 1) to SATA (Slot 2).
   • 2 -> 1: Clones from SATA (Slot 2) to M.2 NVMe (Slot 1).
6. Initiate Cloning: Press and hold the "Clone START Button" on the rear panel for approximately 3-5 seconds until the LED indicators begin to flash. Release the button.
7. Confirm Cloning: Press the "Clone START Button" again briefly to confirm and begin the cloning process.
8. Monitor Progress: The LED indicators will show the cloning progress (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%).
9. Cloning Complete: The cloning process is complete when all LED indicators are solid (no longer flashing) and the unit may beep.
10. Power Off: Turn off the docking station and safely remove the drives.

Features and Capabilities

• Wide Drive Compatibility: Supports M.2 NVMe M-Key SSDs (2230/2242/2260/2280) up to 8TB and 2.5-inch/3.5-inch SATA SSDs/HDDs up to 22TB. Total capacity supported up to 30TB. (Note: Only supports PCIe channels for M.2 NVMe, not M.2 SATA SSDs.)
  

  Image: Illustration of supported hard drive types, including 2.5" SSD/HDD, 3.5" HDD, and M.2 NVMe M-Key SSDs of different lengths.

• High-Speed Data Transfer: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C interface provides transfer speeds up to 10Gbps.
  

  Image: Comparison of transfer speeds for USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0, along with typical read/write speeds for NVMe and SATA drives.

• Independent Aluminum Heat Sink Case: The included aluminum enclosure for M.2 NVMe SSDs effectively dissipates heat, preventing overheating and protecting the SSD's gold fingers from wear and accidental damage.
  

  Image: Detailed view of the aluminum SSD protective case, highlighting its role in preventing accidental touch, high temperatures, and SSD key wear.

• Broad Compatibility: Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems. Can be used with laptops, desktops, TVs, mobile phones (OTG), and routers.
  

  Image: Icons illustrating the wide compatibility of the docking station with PCs, phones, TVs, Windows, Mac, Linux, routers, and PS4.

• Intelligent Sleep Function: Supports 10 minutes of intelligent sleep mode to conserve power. To wake up the device, click the dial or perform an action.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the docking station. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.
• Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Handling: Handle the docking station and inserted drives with care to prevent physical damage. Avoid dropping the device.
• Firmware Updates: Check the official ORICO website periodically for any available firmware updates that may improve performance or compatibility.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty and Support

ORICO products typically come with a standard manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official ORICO website. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or product inquiries, please contact ORICO customer service through their official channels.

Official ORICO Website: www.orico.cc