ACS-77100 User Manual
ACS-77100 User Manual
ACS-77100 User Manual
User Manual
User’s Manual
Preface ..........................................................................................................................3
Notice......................................................................................................................3
Trademarks ..............................................................................................................3
About This document................................................................................................4
Symbols used in this document..................................................................................4
1. Introduction to the ACS-77100 .....................................................................................5
1.1. Overview...........................................................................................................5
1.2. System Structure ...............................................................................................5
1.3. Understanding RAID Levels.................................................................................6
1.3.1. RAID 0 (striping) ......................................................................................6
1.3.2. RAID 10 (striping and mirroring) ................................................................7
1.3.3. RAID 5 (striping with parity) and RAID 5+hot spare ....................................8
2. Build a RAID Solution ..................................................................................................9
2.1. Hardware Requirement:......................................................................................9
2.2. LCD Panel Operations ....................................................................................... 10
3. Set up the RAID solution............................................................................................ 11
3.1. Setting the RAID Level ..................................................................................... 11
3.1.1 RAID Level configurations ........................................................................ 12
3.2. Creating an Array............................................................................................. 13
3.2.1 Enable/Disable Over 2TB capacity ............................................................. 13
3.2.2 Creating an Array .................................................................................... 13
3.3. Setting the Time and Date by LCD..................................................................... 14
3.4. Connecting ACS-77100 to the Host computer ..................................................... 15
3.5. Formatting and Partitioning the ACS-77100 ........................................................ 15
3.5.1. Windows Users....................................................................................... 15
3.5.2. Formatting drive over 2TB capacity on Windows Vista................................ 17
4. Management............................................................................................................. 18
4.1. LCD displayed Messages ................................................................................... 18
4.1.1. Booting Messages ................................................................................... 18
4.1.2. Set over 2TB Capacity Messages .............................................................. 18
4.1.3. Initialization Messages ............................................................................ 19
4.1.4. System Ready Messages.......................................................................... 19
4.1.5. Rebuild Messages ................................................................................... 20
4.1.6. Error Messages....................................................................................... 20
4.2. StorConn GUI introduction ................................................................................ 21
4.2.1. RAID status monitoring window...................................................................... 22
5. Update Firmware....................................................................................................... 23
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Preface
Notice
Product features and specifications described in this manual are subject to change without
notice.
The manufacturer shall not be liable for any damage, or for the loss of information resulting
from the performance or use of the information contained herein.
Trademarks
Accusys and the names of Accusys products and logos referenced herein are trademarks and/or
service marks or registered trademarks and/or service marks of Accusys, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, MS-DOS are either trademarks or registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Other
product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or service marks of
their respective owners.
All contents of this manual are copyrighted by Accusys. The information contained herein is the
exclusive property of Accusys, Inc. and shall not be copied, transferred, photocopied, translated
on paper, film, electronic media, or computer-readable form, or otherwise reproduced in any
way, without the express written permission of Accusys Inc.
Manual version 1.0
© Copyright 2006 Accusys, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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Caution
This icon indicates the existence of a potential hazard that
could result in personal injury, damage to your equipment or
loss of data if the safety instruction is not observed
Note
This icon indicates useful tips on getting the most from your
RAID controller.
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1.1. Overview
The ACS-77100 RAID controller provides RAID 0 (striping), RAID 10 (Striping and mirroring)
and RAID 5 (striping with parity) for you to construct a disk array optimized for performance or
reliability. By connecting the SATA cables between the ACS-77100 and the disks, a RAID
solution can be easily built.
The ACS-77100 controller is equipped with Java-based GUI (graphical user interface)
monitoring program, by which users can easily monitor the RAID status from web browsers at a
remote site. The monitoring program is also capable of sending out notification mail to users so
that users can always be informed of the updated status of the device.
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RAID 0 links each drive in the array to from one large drive.
Storage capacity is determined by the smallest drive in the array.
This capacity is then applied to format all other drive in the
array.
When using a 40GB, 50GB and a 60GB drive in a RAID 0 array,
your system will have, in effect, one 120GB drive (40GB x 3)
Characteristics
RAID 0 implements a striped disk array, the data is broken down into blocks and each
block is written to a separate disk drive.
I/O performance is greatly improved by spreading the I/O load across many channels and
drives.
Fastest and most efficient array type but offers no fault-tolerance.
Recommended Uses
Video production and editing.
Image editing.
Pre-press applications.
Applications requests high-bandwidth.
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Characteristics
This configuration provides optimal speed and reliability.
Requires even number of disks (minimum 4 disks)
Recommended Uses
Imaging application.
General Fileserver.
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Characteristics
Each entire data block is written on a data disk. Parity for blocks in the same rank is
generated on Writes, recorded in a distributed location and checked on Reads.
Highest Read data transaction, medium Write data transaction rate.
Relatively low ratio of ECC (Parity) disks to data disks means high efficiency (compared to
other RAID levels).
Good aggregate transfer rate.
Recommended Uses
File and application servers.
Database servers.
Web, Email servers.
Internet server
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This chapter covers the installation of the ACS-77100. The customers will be guided to using
ACS-77100 to build a RAID solution.
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▲: Scroll up button ▼: Scroll down button ENT: Enter button ESC: ESC button
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This chapter covers the configuration of the ACS-77100. Through an easy process, the
customers will be guided to configure the ACS-77100 through the following steps:
Step 1 3.1. Setting the RAID level – The ACS-77100 is per-configured at RAID level 5, but
you have the option of customizing your RAID level in this step
Step 2 3.2. Creating an Array – The disks in ACS-77100 will be used to create an array, by
which you can partition and use the storage.
Step 3 3.3. Setting the Date and Time – Configure your ACS-77100 for your local use.
Step 4 3.4. Connecting to a Host computer – Connecting the ACS-77100 to your host
computer through eSATA interface.
Step 5 3.5. Formatting and Partitioning the ACS-77100 – This section details the process for
formatting and partitioning the ACS-77100 on Windows operating system.
Caution
The ACS-77101 must be powered off to change the
RAID level.
Caution
If there is data on the array, changing the RAID level
will cause loss of all the data on the array.
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Note
If the RAID level is not matched between the disk setting and the RAID level
selector setting, the LCD will display the following two messages alternatively:
“Unmatched”
(2) “Current: R(X)” (i.e. the current RAID level setting of RAID level selector.)
“Original: R(Y)” (i.e. the original RAID level setting of the installed disks.)
Solution:
At this situation, RAID cannot work, users should choose one of the following
options :
(1) Shut down and tune the RAID level selectors to R(Y).
(2) Re-plug the four disks and re-create the Array to R(X). (But data in the RAID
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ACS-77100 supports over 2TB capacity. The steps below will guide you to enable/disable over
2TB capacity.
1. Select scroll button to find the capacity setting item on LCD panel. (P.18, 4.1.2. Set over
2TB capacity Messages )
2. Press the ENT button, and select (YES) or (NO) by the scroll buttons.
Note
If you want to create the array with over 2TB capacity, the
setting must be finished before to create an array.
The steps below will guide you to create an array on the ACS-77100.
1. Configure RAID level.
2. Power on the ACS-77100 without disks installed.
3. Install 4 disks on ACS-77100.
4. After ACS-77100 recognized all disks. A message「Create New RAID?」will be displayed
on the LCD panel.
5. Select 「YES」by the scroll buttons and press the ENT button to create array.
Note
During the RAID-creating procedure, the percentage of RAID
initialization progress will be displayed on the LCD panel.
Note
The initialization process is a time-intensive process and is
dependent upon the size of the disks. For example, four 400GB
disks in a RAID 5 array could take over about two hours.
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Note
The device over 2TB capacity should be supported by
Operation System (e.g. Windows Vista). Please refer to section
3.5. Formatting and Partitioning the ACS-77100 to
partition the device.
Note
The time is measured in the 24-hour clock format.
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1. Follow the steps on page 11, 3.1. Setting the RAID Level and 13, 3.2. Create an Array to
establish a RAID.
2. Connect an end of the eSATA cable into the eSATA port on the ACS-77100 RAID subsystem.
3. Connect the other end of the eSATA cable into the eSATA port on the host computer.
It will take a few seconds for the host computer to recognize the drive for it to appear in My
Computer or on the desktop.
The ACS-77100 RAID subsystem will now need to be formatted. Go to next step 3.5.
Formatting and Partitioning the ACS-77100 for more information.
Before the ACS-77100 array can be fully utilized, it needs to be formatted. During this process,
the array can also be customized with partition. As you format the drive, you will have the
opportunity to divide the hard drive into sections, called partitions. A partition is a section of the
hard drive’s capacity that is created to contain file and data.
Caution
Before beginning the format and partition, make sure there are no
any warning or error message being displayed on the ACS-77101
LCD displayed.
After having followed the steps to set the RAID level, create an array and connect the interface
cable to the host computer, the ACS-77100 must now be formatted and partitioned before it
can be used.
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4. Windows operation system will list all the hard drives that are installed on the system.
Locate the ACS-77100 drive that is represented by the icon. Right click the icon and
select Initialize.
5. In the drive box to the right shows Unallocated, right click and select New Partition.
(Figure 3.5.1.B)
6. The New Partition Wizard dialog box will appear, click Next to continue. (Figure
3.5.1.C)
7. After selecting partition type, specifying partition size and assigning drive letter, the
Format Partition dialog box (Figure 3.5.1.D) will appear, you have the option of selecting
the Quick Format option. This allow mach fast formatting, however, this disallow Disk
Management to check the drive sector for errors. Click Next to start the format process.
8. Your drive should now appear in your My Computer and ready for use.
Caution
Formatting drive will crash all data in the drive.
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The steps below will guide you to format a drive over 2TB capacity on Window Vista.
6. The New Simple Volume Wizard dialog box will appear, click Next to continue.
7. After selecting partition type, specifying partition size and assigning drive letter, the
Format Partition dialog box will appear, you have the option of selecting the Quick
Format option. This allow mach fast formatting, however, this disallow Disk Management
to check the drive sector for errors. Click Next to start the format process.
8. Your drive should now appear in your Computer and ready for use.
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4. Management
The status of the ACS-77100 can be viewed through the LCD display. By using the scroll buttons
to scroll through the messages, the following information is available.
Controller firmware version Controller serial number Fan and temperature status
RAID Box
Boot ACS-77100 is booting
RAID Box
ACS-77100 is initializing the installed disks
Initialize Disks
Enable over 2T
Press ENT select Press ENT button to set enable/disable over 2TB
Enable over 2T
Enable over 2TB capacity
(YES)
Enable over 2T
Disable over 2TB capacity
(NO)
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RAID INIT Failed Disk X failed during the initialization. The initialization
RAID Box
Ready hh:mm ACS-77100 is ready for use.
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DX Rebuild 100%
Disk rebuild completed successfully.
XXX GB OK!
DX Rebuild Fail
Disk rebuilding fail since Disk X failed.
DX offline
DX Rebuild Fail
Disk rebuilding fail since too many bad sectors in Disk X
DX Bad sectors
RAID Fail The RAID failed since there are not enough disk
code: 0 members.
RAID Fail
The RAID has been failed, but all disks exist.
code: 2
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Disk X fail
Disk X failed.
Fan Fail
XXXX rpm Fan failure. The xxxx rpm is the current rpm for the fan.
Temperature!!
XX°C > 50°C System overheating. The XX is the current temperature
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5. Update Firmware
ACS-77100 allows the customers to update firmware via RS-232 interface. The firmware can be
updated from a host PC with third party communication software, such as HyperTerminal, that
supports ANSI terminal emulation. The setup process for HyperTerminal will be guided in this
chapter.
Note
The data and configurations on the array are not affected by
firmware updating.
Note
The HyperTerminal is bundled as standard with Microsoft
Windows operating system. It will be found in the
Communications folder. The program can also be download
from Higraeve Software at http://www.higraeve.com/htpr/
3. Launch HyperTerminal from the host computer: Start > Programs > Accessories >
Communications > HyperTerminal.
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4. Select COM1 or COM2 from the Connect using: dropdown menu, depending on which port
is connecter to ACS-77100.
5. The COM properties dialog box will appear. Set the following values:
6. Turn on the ACS-77100 and press the ESC button on the host computer keyboard. The
“>>>” prompt will appear.
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7. Type in the command “download” to go to the firmware download mode, then type “1” to
download code (Firmware or Bootcode).
>>> download
restart … 01 GPIO 01 AAA 01 01
========= 76 Download Mode =========
Enter ‘1’ to Download Code (Firmware, Bootcode)
‘ESC’ exit
‘r’ reset
--------------------------- version: Boot ---- 13 (a) ---- 03 Downloading Code!
Flash type: SST39VF040
8. Locate the updates firmware file to send. For HyperTerminal, go to the Transfer menu and
select Send Text File.
9. Send the firmware file as a text file. The file will start to download.
Caution
Do not turn off the system or interrupt program
during firmware-updating procedure.
10. When the file has been downloaded, after ACS-77100 restarted, the firmware-updating
procedure is finished.
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6. Trouble Shooting
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7. FAQ
If you encounter a problem while using the RAID box, check this section for help.
1. I have connected the ACS-77100 to host computer, but the host computer
cannot recognize the ACS-77100 in BIOS.
The array of the ACS-77100 must be created so that the host computer can recognize the RAID
in BIOS. Please make sure that an array is created.
2. My Operating System is Linux. I have enabled the over 2TB capacity setting, but
I still cannot partition a device over 2TB in OS. Why?
The ACS-77100 is over 2TB available, but most OS still cannot support SATA device to over 2TB.
Please refer to the below list for choosing the OS.
a) Microsoft Windows Vista
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8. Contact Accusys
Accusys, Inc.
• 1701, Blk B, Horizon International Tower, No. 6 Zhichun Street, Haidian District, Beijing,
postcode 100088, China.
• Tel : +86-10-82800080 /81 /82 /83
• Fax : +86-10-82800784
• Website: www.accusys.com.cn
• Sales: [email protected]
• Support: [email protected]
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Accusys EU B.V
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