Using forensic combodock with combo adapters, Frequently asked questions – CRU Forensic ComboDock v5 User Manual
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CRU-WiebeTech
Forensic ComboDock v5 User Manual A9-000-0041 REV 1.0
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5. Using Forensic ComboDock with Combo Adapters
Combo Adapters are available from CRU that can allow your Forensic
ComboDock to access all kinds of drives. Follow these three simple
steps to use a Combo Adapter with your dock:
A. Attach the dock’s 4-wire power connector to the adapter.
B. Connect the dock’s IDE ribbon cable to the adapter’s IDE pins.
C. Connect the drive to the adapter.
You are now ready to use your dock to access the drive. Combo
Adapters are available for a variety of drive types. See the WiebeTech
website for more details
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
When I connect Forensic ComboDock to my computer via USB, it does not function. Why?
A:
Check the USB mode switch on the side of Forensic ComboDock. If you are connecting to a USB 2.0
host or using a USB 2.0 cable, the switch must be set to USB Admin mode for Forensic ComboDock to
work properly. See section 4 above.
Q:
My Forensic ComboDock works great with SATA drives but I am having compatibility issues with
IDE/PATA drives. What should I do?
A:
First check to make sure the SATA power/data cable is unplugged from the SATA output port.
IDE/PATA drives cannot be recognized if a SATA connection is made with the SATA output. Next check
to make sure the 4-pin power cable is plugged into the IDE/PATA drive. If the power and host connection
are securely attached to Forensic ComboDock, then the IDE cable may be faulty. Contact Technical
Support for further instructions.
Q:
Why does my dock experience errors or unmount during long file transfers?
A:
The environment in which the dock is used can affect its performance. The surface that the dock and
drive are set upon may not allow heat to dissipate away from the units. The bottom plate supplied with the
product will help to dissipate heat away from the hard drive and dock. If placed on a non-conductive
surface, the drive or dock may suffer heat related failures. After cooling, the units usually return to a
useable state. Occasionally these heat-related failures can be permanent.
Q:
How should I set the jumpers on my drive?
A:
Note: This is only necessary for IDE/PATA drives (the type of drive that has a 40-pin data interface).
Try the MASTER setting first. This is the recommended setting. Some hard drives have two different
MASTER settings: one for when there is a SLAVE drive present and one for when there is NO SLAVE
drive present. Choose the setting for NO SLAVE present. There may be some drives that will not work
with either of these settings. The next choice is CABLE SELECT. If this does not work, try using NO
jumpers. This may be the same as MASTER with NO SLAVE present. If you're unsure how to change the
jumper configuration, check the manual that came with your hard drive, or the manufacturer's website.
Some drives also have the information printed on the label.
Q:
Can I attach an eSATA drive enclosure to the SATA drive connection on Forensic ComboDock? Will
this allow me to access it via FireWire or USB on my computer as if it were a bare hard drive?
A:
Yes. By using an eSATA to eSATA cable, you can connect an eSATA drive enclosure to the eSATA
connector on the “drive side” of the dock. You can then connect the “host side” of the dock to a computer
via any of the connections. This should give you access to the drive without requiring its removal from its
housing.