G-Technology G-SAFE User manual

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G-SAFE Product Guide

G-SAFE™

Installation Guide

G-Technology Inc.

Tel: (310) 449-4599

Fax: (310) 449-4670

[email protected]

P/N GS1207 RevA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

4. WHAT’S IN THE BOX

5. G-SAFE OVERVIEW

6. INSTALLING G-SAFE

7. G-SAFE OPERATION

7.1 Powering on G-SAFE for the First Time

7.2 Front Panel STATUS LED & Alarm

7.3 LCD Panel Messages

8. REPLACING A DISK DRIVE MODULE

9. USING G-SAFE FOR OFFSITE DATA BACKUP

9.1 Disaster Recovery using Offsite Backup Module

10. INITIALIZING G-SAFE

10.1 Mac OS X (10.4.x)

10.2 Windows 2000/XP

10.3 Cross Platform Use

11. UNMOUNTING/DISCONNECTING G-SAFE

11.1 Mac OS X Computers

11.2 Windows Computers

12. OPTIMIZING DATA TRANSFER RATES

13. TECHNICAL SUPPORT

14. LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT

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1. INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing G-SAFE™ from G-Technology, Inc.

(G-Tech)! G-SAFE is the ideal storage solution to safeguard

digital photo files downloaded from flash memory cards.

G-SAFE offers the ultimate in peace of mind by

simultaneously writing to two independent hard disk drives

providing instant back up of the images as you save them.

And unlike single drive backup systems, if a drive failure

occurs your images are safe and accessible.

2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

The disk drive contained in your G-SAFE is a delicate

electronic instrument and is susceptible to damage due to

excessive physical shock. Place the unit in a vented area away

from moisture or liquids. Please handle the unit with care. Do

not open the case. Doing so will void the warranty. If the

product is returned with damage caused by improper

handling, the warranty will be void and liability will rest with

the user.

3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

FireWire 800 equipped computer (9-pin connection)

•Mac OS X 10.2.4 or higher

•Windows 2000 or Windows XP

FireWire 400 equipped computer (4-pin or 6-pin connection,

requires optional cable)

•Mac OS 9.x or OS X

•Windows 2000 or Windows XP

USB equipped computer

•Mac OS 9.x or OS X

•Windows 2000 or Windows XP

4. WHAT’S IN THE BOX

Take a moment to ensure that the following items are

included in the box. If anything is missing, please call G-Tech

at (310) 449-4599. Please keep the shipping container and

packing materials. In the unlikely event that you need to

return G-SAFE to us for any reason, you must use the

G-Tech shipping container. If the product is returned

damaged caused by improper packaging, the warranty will be

void and liability will rest with the user.

• G-SAFE array with two disk drive modules

• FireWire 800 (9-pin to 9-pin) cable

• USB 2.0 cable

• Power cord

• Installation CD-ROM

• Two drive module keys

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G-SAFE Product Guide

5. G-SAFE OVERVIEW

Attention Mac OS X Users

G-SAFE is set up at the factory for use with Mac OS

X systems. If you are running Mac OS X,

G-SAFE will mount on the OS X desktop right out of

the box. If it becomes necessary to re-format G-SAFE for

Mac OS X, see section 10.1.

Attention Windows Users

G-SAFE must be formatted for the Windows

Operating System before use on a PC. Please see

section 10.2 for more information.

Attention Cross Platform Users

G-SAFE can be used on both MAC and PC

systems by formatting the drive “FAT32.”

There are some limitations when using FAT

32, see section 10.3 for details. Alternatively you can install

software on the Windows machine such as “MacDrive” which

will allow you to mount MAC formatted drives on your PC.

Drive Activity

LED

Removable

Disk

Modules

On/Off

Switch

STATUS

LED

LCD Panel

Alarm Mute

Button

FireWire 800

Ports

USB 2.0 Port

Disk Module

Lock

Removable Fan

Module

Power

Socket

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G-SAFE Product Guide

6. INSTALLING G-SAFE

G-SAFE attaches to your computer via a USB 2.0 or

FireWire port. For maximum performance we recommend

using a FireWire 800 connection.

1. Attach the interface cable of your choice to one of the

ports on the back of your G-SAFE. Attach the other end of

the interface cable to your computer.

Note: G-SAFE ships with a 9-pin to 9-pin FireWire 800 cable and a USB 2.0

cable. If you wish to connect G-SAFE to a FireWire 400 port, please

contact G-Tech sales at (310) 449-4599 or you may purchase a 4-pin to 9-

pin or 6-pin to 9-pin FireWire cable online at www.g-technology.com.

2. Attach the power cord to the power connector on the rear

of G-SAFE and plug the other end in to a surge protector or

wall outlet.

7. G-SAFE OPERATION

7.1 Powering on G-SAFE for the First Time

Power on your computer, wait a few seconds and then

power on G-SAFE. The power switch is located on the back

panel of the G-SAFE enclosure.

The LCD panel on G-SAFE will indicate that Drive 1 and

Drive 2 are “OK” as shown below and the system will

automatically mount on the desktop (Mac OS X).

Note: G-SAFE is set up at the factory for use with Mac OS X systems. If

you are running Mac OS X, G-SAFE will mount on the OS X desktop right

out of the box. G-SAFE must be formatted for the Windows Operating

System before use on a PC. Please see section 10 for more information.

All data saved to G-SAFE is simultaneously written

(mirrored) to the system’s two removable disk drive

modules providing an instant back up of your data. If one

of the disk drive modules in G-SAFE should fail, your data is

safe and accessible.

WARNING: Never remove a disk drive module while

the unit is powered on unless a drive failure has

occurred. Data loss may occur.

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7.2 FRONT PANEL STATUS LED & ALARM

During normal operation, the front panel STATUS LED will

glow green. If a failure occurs, the STATUS LED will change

to yellow and the alarm will sound. The alarm can be

muted by pressing the mute button located on the front

panel of G-SAFE

STATUS LED Alarm System Status

Green OFF OK

Yellow ON

Disk or fan failure, over

temperature warning

7.3 LCD Panel Messages

During normal operation, the LCD panel will display the

following message.

If one the disk drive modules is removed or the system

does not recognize a drive module on power up, the

following message will appear on the LCD. Power off G-

SAFE and ensure that the drive modules are completely

inserted in to the G-SAFE enclosure.

If a drive failure occurs, the LCD will indicate which disk

must be replaced as shown below. (See Section 7 –

REPLACING A DISK DRIVE MODULE)

If the fan malfunctions, the LCD will display the message

below. Stop using G-SAFE until the fan module is replaced

If the system is overheating, the LCD will display the

message below. Stop using G-SAFE and move the unit to a

cooler environment.

Note: If any of the above error messages appear, contact G-Tech

Technical Support at (310) 449-4599 or [email protected] for

assistance. It is critical that action be taken to ensure reliable operation

and data integrity.

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G-SAFE Product Guide

Pressing the ENT button on the front panel will show the

following on the LCD display.

Pressing the up arrow will display the RPM of G-SAFE’s fan

as shown below.

8. REPLACING A DISK DRIVE MODULE

In the event of a disk drive failure, the G-SAFE alarm will

sound and the LCD will display a message like that below.

Mute the alarm by pressing the MUTE button on the front

panel. The blue LED on the failed disk drive module will

also be illuminated.

Your data is still intact, but it is important that you replace

the failed drive as soon as possible. Contact G-Tech

Technical Support at (310) 449-4599 or at support@g-

technology.com to request a new disk drive module.

Follow the directions below to replace the failed disk drive

module.

1. Power on G-SAFE.

Note: It is not necessary to have your computer powered on during this

process.

2. Identify the failed disk drive module indicated by the LCD

panel and the blue LED on the disk module (in this example

Drive 2) as shown below.

3. Remove the failed disk drive module by inserting the

provided key in to the lock hole and gently pull out the

module.

WARNING: Be absolutely sure to remove the module

indicated by the LCD (Drive 2 is the bottom drive).

WARNING: Removing the wrong disk drive module

can result in data loss!!

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G-SAFE Product Guide

4. Carefully insert a new disk drive and secure the module

by latching the handle. G-SAFE will ask if you would like to

rebuild the array. (in this case G-SAFE will rebuild from

Drive 1 (top) to Drive 2 (bottom)

5. Push the ENT button to begin the process or ESC button

to cancel (the process will automatically cancel in 10

seconds)

6. G-SAFE will now rebuild the data to the target drive

7. Once the rebuild is complete, the LCD panel will display

the following message.

G-SAFE is now back to protecting your valuable data!

Note: The rebuild process takes approximately one minute for each 2.5 GB

of storage capacity. So the rebuild time for a 250GB drive is approximately

100 minutes. While it is possible to access the G-SAFE during rebuild, data

access may be very slow.

9. USING G-SAFE FOR OFFSITE DATA BACKUP

With the addition of a third drive module

it is possible to add a greater level of

protection by storing a copy of your data

offsite. By rotating drive modules offsite

at regular intervals you can always have

a copy of your data safe and secure.

The process is simple, however to avoid data loss be sure to

follow these instructions carefully.

1. Turn off G-SAFE and remove the drive module you will

take offsite using the provided key.

(You can remove either drive)

2. Place the drive for offsite storage in the protective leather

pouch (leather pouch is included with purchase of

additional drive modules for G-SAFE)

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G-SAFE Product Guide

3. Turn on G-SAFE (the alarm will sound and the display will

indicate a MISSING drive)

4. Mute the alarm by pressing the “MUTE” button on the front

panel.

5. Insert the target drive module while the unit is on. (This

could be the drive module you had stored offsite)

WARNING: The target drive you are inserting will

be overwritten with data from the source drive.

Be sure you are inserting the correct drive.

6. G-SAFE will ask if you would like to rebuild the array.

(in this case G-SAFE will rebuild from Drive 1 (top) to

Drive 2 (bottom)

7. Push the ENT button to begin the process or ESC button to

cancel (the process will automatically cancel in 10 seconds)

8. G-SAFE will now rebuild the data to the target drive.

9. Reset the “MUTE” button to re-enable the audible alarm.

Note: The rebuild process takes approximately one minute for

each 2.5 GB of storage capacity. So the rebuild time for a 250GB

drive is approximately 100 minutes.

10. Once the rebuild is complete, the LCD panel will display the

following message.

G-SAFE is now back to protecting your valuable data!

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