What is the purpose of a USB cable with a Y connector? [#33416]
What is the purpose of a USB cable with a Y connector?
If a user connects a device (like a small portable external hard drive enclosure) to a USB port on a computer system, this device is drawing power from the USB port to power the device. If the device draws too much power from the port and the port cannot provide enough power to the device, the device may not work correctly or may exhibit symptoms like random disconnection, device/drive clicking noise, device not detected, file transfer problem, device will not spin up and more.
One way to provide more power to the device is to use another USB port to help supplement the needed power for the device.
What we have done is use a regular USB cable and adds another USB connector to the end that plugs into your system. It looks like a Y cable. The two tip of the “Y” are the two type A USB connector connecting to two USB port on your system and the other end to the device (enclosure). You will notice on the Y cable, one of the type A connector will have a cable that is thinner, that is the supplemental USB power connector.
HOW TO USE THE Y CABLE
First connect the connector to the enclosure then the thick cable with the USB header to your system. If you notice problem symptom listed above, please connect the supplemental USB connector to another USB port on your computer.
QUESTIONS:
Q: If I am using USB 3.0 device and port on my system, why do I still need a USB Y cable, since I know my single USB 3.0 port do provide enough power for my external drive?
A: The USB 3.0 Y cable actually serve two purposes, if you are using it with a USB 3.0 port on the system, you will only need a single port or connector. You do not need to use the supplemental USB connector. If you do not have access to a USB 3.0 port, this USB 3.0 Y cable will function just like a USB 2.0 Y cable and allows you to connect your external drive to the USB 2.0 port on a non USB 3.0 system and still have access to you data.
Q: Will using both connectors on the Y cable overload and hurt my drive?
A: No, it will not. It is safe to use with both connectors.
Q: Can I use only the thinner cable?
A: No, the thinner supplemental connector is only for power and will not provide any data signal.
Q: I am connecting my external enclosure using eSATA connection and I also need to use both USB connectors of the Y cable?
A: You MAY need to use it IF the external enclosure draws too much power from one port. By using the main with the supplemental connector, it will have enough power to power the device correctly
NexStar External 2.5" enclosure [#33417]
Q: Why can't my computer detect the 2.5" enclosure after install a drive into the enclosure?
A: If you are using USB 2.0 port on your system or USB 2.0 enclosure, try using both USB connection to your system with the provided USB Y cable. Some hard drive power requirement may exceed what 1 USB port can provide as a result it can cause problem. For all 2.5" hard drive enclosure, we provide a USB cable that have a Y connector. This extra USB connector will help supplement the power so that the hard drive can work correctly. To read more about the USB Y cable, check out the FAQ on "What is the purpose of a USB cable with a Y connector?"
Q: When I install a NEW hard in to a 2.5" enclosure, I cannot see it in Windows Explorer (Windows OS) or Desktop (OS X), what is going on?
A: All new drive install need to be setup for use. This process involve initializing, partitioning and formatting the new drive. Please look at the FAQ on "How to Preparing A New Hard Drive For Use with a system"
Q: I took a OLD hard drive from another enclosure and install into this Vantec enclosure but I cannot see my DATA, what is going on?
A: The drive taken out of the other enclosure may be formatted differently as a result it will not see your data. All Vantec enclosures are using the standard OS formatting. Other reason could be the drive that was taken out of the other enclosure file system was corrupted. You can use a data recovery program to recover your data.
Other option:
1) connect back to your old enclosure and backup the data to other location.
2) install into the Vantec enclosure and using the OS to clean the drive using initialize, partition, and format the drive to work correctly in our enclosure.
3) restore the data back to the Vantec enclosure.
Q: I have other questions that is not listed here, what can I do?
A: If you are located in the USA/Canada, you can email our support representative using the Contact Us section of the website for further assistance.
Fan replacement for 400MX series [#33426]
M2500 series, M3500 series, and SAS connector [#33422]
What Cable can I use for SAS connection to the M2500 or M3500 Series EZ Swap enclosures?
It really depends on the controller that you are using. Here is a list that will help you decide:
Controller SAS Port using |
Type of cable that you need |
Mini SAS SFF-8087 |
Mini SAS SFF-8087 to 4x SAS/SATA 7 pin cable |
32 pin SFF-8484 |
32 pin SFF-8484 to 4x SAS/SATA 7 pin cable |
SFF-8088 |
SFF-8088 to 4x SAS/SATA 7 pin cable |
LED status in my NST-328S3-BK enclosure [#33423]
In normal condition, if the OS is NOT doing any read or writing, it should be green (sometime it may flash red briefly if the OS ping or check on the drive)
In normal condition, if the OS is doing any reading/writing to the drive, it should be alternating between red and green.
The red is for reading/writing activity by the OS.
The Green is to show power coming from the ac adapter.
Getting started with Smoovie model PVS-100 [#33414]
Fan cover removal to replace fan for HX2, HX4, HX4R [#33427]
IDE to SATA Converter model CB-ISA100 [#33418]
Q: What is this device for?
A: This device is design to allow you to connect your IDE device (IDE hard drive or IDE CD/DVD) to your motherboard that have only SATA port.
NOTE:
Q: Does this device require any drivers?
A: No, it does not require any special drivers. Both operating systems of Windows & Mac have pre-loaded driver.
Q: I am not seeing my hard drive in My Computers but the drivers have successfully installed. What am I doing wrong?
A: You will have to go to your computer management (Windows) or go to Disk Utility (Mac). From that point on you should be able to determine if the hard drive is readable or not by seeing if it is healthy or not. If it is not health and is either blank or unallocated, you will have to initialize or format the disk. If you need to format please make sure to back up all the date before formatting as it will erase all information from the hard drive.
To get to Computer Management under Windows® 98, XP, & Vista
START -> right click on MY COMPUTER -> MANAGE -> You will find DISK MANAGEMENT under STORAGE
Q: I have connected an IDE hard drive using the CB-IS100 to my motherboard SATA port and it is working correctly, but when I connect an IDE Optical drive. It will not see it. Why?
A: Most current motherboard is capable of booting up much faster compared to older generation of IDE motherboard. As a result the initialization of IDE devices are quicker. If an older IDE hard drive or Optical device are not able to spin up fast enough or get ready quicker, the system motherboard will ignore that device and continue. This will result in the IDE or Optical devices being ignore or not present. If you are encountering this problem, please check the setting in the system BIOS for function to slow or delay the detection process. This setting is often part of the Advanced setting in the system BIOS. It is the “Hard Disk Pre-Delay” function. If your system BIOS have this function, please try with different setting to give the IDE or Optical device more time to get detected.
Common option for this function are Disabled, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 21, 30 seconds. You can start low and move up until it will detect the IDE or Optical device correctly.
Q: I need further help that is not listed here, where can I get help?
A: Write to technical support at support@vantecusa.com
They can help you with other questions or assistance that are not listed here.
Step by Step on using WiFi Dock or WiFi Enclosure [#33425]
Try the following steps in this sequence carefully:
Wired mode using USB connection:
Wireless mode using smart phone (Android/IOS):
Wireless mode using Computer (Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10; OS X):
If you have further question, please let me know at what point you have a problem and explain the problem so that I can help you further.
WiFi Tether
Try the following steps in this sequence carefully:
For Tethering using smartphone, continue from the step above:
For Tethering using laptop using wireless, you can follow the steps above #1 thru 15 so that the WIFI Dock is tether to your internet router. Once it is tether. Other device connected to the dock will have internet access too.
OR you can start it new below:
Need support outside of USA/Canada region [#33419]
We have 2 support sites, one in the USA/Canada region that support the USA/Canada region and another based in Taiwan that supports the Global site that covers all other countries. The product mix sold by this two region are different, you will get better support from the global site. You can also reach them directly at support-global@vantecusa.com address in future email.
Warranty replacement process [#33413]
Here are the steps when requesting for warranty replacement:
1) Start the RMA process.
We offer 1 year warranty for this product. If it is within 1 year, you can contact RMA through our website using the Online RMA link.
https://www.vantecusa.com/rma.php
After submitting, you should get an approval within 24 hours (check your spam folder, to make sure it did not end up in the spam folder)
2) After you have gotten the RMA number, follow the instruction in the approval email, the prep the unit and send it back to us (you pay for shipping back to us).
3) Once we have received the defective unit, we replace the unit and send it back. (we pay for shipping back to you).
4) You can check on the status of this process by emailing to rma@vantecusa.com for more information on the status.
Power Gem 350BB Blinking LED for model VAN-350BB [#33415]
The design of this battery pack comes with built-in features to protect the battery from damage. This built-in circuit design sometime using the wrong charger will cause it to display blinking LED. Try resetting it by turning it off and using only a regular USB port on a computer to charge to see if that will clear the 4 LED flashing problem or Leave it alone not connected until the flashing stop and then connect to a PC USB port.
Most standard iPhone chargers are 1A. Try using a USB port on a computer to charge to see it will work any better.
Troubleshooting the Power GEM 3500 (VAN-350BB)
1: The input power exceeds 6V (normal is 5V), remove the charger.
2: Battery charging less than 4.4V (normal is 5V), remove the charger.
3: Charging the battery temperature is above 60 degrees, remove the charger and let the temperature drop to below 50 degrees.
4: Charging the battery temperature is below -10 degrees, remove the charger and let the temperature return to above 0 degrees.
5: Discharge the battery temperature is above 75 degrees, remove device and let the battery temperature drop below 65 degrees.
6: Discharge the battery temperature is below -20 degrees, remove device and let the battery temperature increase to -10 degrees.
7: USB port1 short circuit, removes the load, then press the button to clear the flashing condition.
8: USB port2 short circuit, removes the load, then press the button to clear the flashing condition.
9: USB port1 output exceeds 2.3A (meaning you are connecting a device that draws too much power from the battery), remove the load, then press the button to clear the flashing condition.
10: USB port2 output exceeds 2.3A (meaning you are connecting a device that draws too much power from the battery), remove the load, then press the button to clear the flashing condition.
11: USB port1 damage (no 5V output), Flashing condition even after pressing the button to clear error.
12: USB port2 damage (no 5V output), Flashing condition even after pressing the button to clear error.
If the battery continues to blink without charger attached, only connected to the load, and it is still flashing, check the condition above #5, 6, 11, 12.
How do I setup NBA-200U USB External 7.1 Channel Audio Adapter for Windows 10? [#33424]
Make sure the device is connected before you install this drivers.
Use this link to get the latest drivers for Windows 10 or later version.
https://www.vantecusa.com/CKEdit/images/files/nba-200u_v8182166.zip
Use the picture below, step by step to configure the unit, when you get to step 13, click on the speakers to test them. Make sure you have speakers connected to all the port channels on the adapter to fully check out your speakers. If not, plug a headphone one port on the adapter at a time and click on the speaker icon to test each port.
NAS enclosure model NST-610NU-N1 [#33421]
Try out this firmware.
http://www.vantecusa.com/system/application/media/data_file/drivers/G5S604101A26700-20101203.tar.gz
If you still have a problem, then update the DLNA Software
Go to System > install Software > Uninstall
you should see the picture below showing the installed list. Uninstall and install the newer version from the link below (DLNA part of the firmware)
http://www.vantecusa.com/system/application/media/data_file/drivers/DMS-1.1a.3.bz2
Use mucommander for file manager because the smb client on OSX is not working with 610NU.
Micro USB to HDMI MHL Adapter compatible devices model CBL-MUHDMI [#33420]
The Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) is a new standard for use with tablets and smartphones. It sends the audio and video signals through the micro USB connector and converts it to an HDMI® signal for use on HDTVs. The signal remains in digital format throughout the entire transmission and conversion process, so no quality is lost.
This adapter is designed to this new standard and allows you to connect your MHL device, such as an HTC EVO 3D or Samsung Galaxy S3, to your high-definition TV. It supports all video resolutions, including 1080p, and up to 8 channels of audio (for 7.1 surround sound). It also supports 3D video and HDCP media protection.
Some devices (such as the HTC EVO 3D) can supply sufficient power from their internal batteries to drive the adapter. For others, or in the event you want to charge your device while using the AV output, you can plug your charger into the micro USB port on the side of the adapter.
The current list of MHL compatible devices from the top three Android phone manufacturers includes:
Compatible Mobile Devices |
||
---|---|---|
Samsung |
HTC |
LG |
Galaxy S III (GT-i9300)* |
One XL |
Optimus 4X HD |
Verizon Galaxy Nexus LTE |
One X |
Optimus LTE II |
Sprint Galaxy Nexus |
One S |
Optimus LTE Tag |
Galaxy Nexus (i9250) |
EVO 4G LTE |
Optimus 3D Max |
AT&T Galaxy Note LTE 5.3" |
Raider |
Optimus 4X HD |
Galaxy Note 5.3" |
Velocity |
Optimus Vu |
Sprint Epic 4G Touch |
Vivid |
Verizon Spectrum |
AT&T Galaxy S II Skyrocket (i727) |
Rezound |
Prada |
T-Mobile Galaxy S II (T989) |
Amaze 4G |
Nitro HD |
AT&T Galaxy S II (i777) |
Sensation XE |
|
Galaxy S II (i9100) |
JetStream |
|
Infuse |
Sensation 4G |
|
|
EVO View 4G |
|
|
EVO 3D |
|
|
Sensation |
|
|
Flyer |
|
* The Samsung Galaxy S III requires the use of an 11-to-5 pin Micro USB adapter to use a standard 5-pin MHL adapter, such as this one. Currently only Samsung carries the adapter, but Monoprice will carry one shortly.