Sonnet Thunderbolt - User Manual

Quick Start Guide
You Should Have
The following items should be included in your product package:
• Sonnet USB 3.0 + eSATA Thunderbolt adapter
System Requirements
The Sonnet USB 3.0 + eSATA Thunderbolt adapter requires the
following in order to operate with your system:
• One available Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt port
• OS X
®
10.8.5 or later; or Windows
®
8 or Windows 7
• Internet access (for driver download, Windows only)
SONNET USB 3.0 + eSATA THUNDERBOLT
™
ADAPTER
Support Note: This document was up to date
at the time of printing. However, changes to the
hardware or software may have occurred since
then. Please check the Sonnet website for the latest
documentation.
1. Go to www.sonnettech.com/support/kb/kb.php
2. Click the Thunderbolt Product link.
3. Click the USB 3.0 + eSATA Thunderbolt Adapter link,
and then click the Documentation link.
4. Click the USB 3.0 + eSATA Thunderbolt Adapter
Quick Start Guide [English] link, and then check the
Document Version information. If the version listed
is later than this document, click the Download Now
button for the latest version.

Summary

Whats Included and System Needs

Package Contents

Lists the items included in the Sonnet USB 3.0 + eSATA Thunderbolt adapter package.

System Requirements

Details the necessary hardware and OS versions for the adapter to operate correctly.

Setup and Installation Guide

Driver Information for Mac Users

Drivers for the adapter are installed as part of OS X 10.8.5 and later. The Sonnet adapter is ready to use when powered on.

Formatting Drives for OS X Users

Use Disk Utility, found in the Applications folder's Utilities folder, to set up connected drives for use.

Installation Steps for Windows Users

Covers eSATA driver installation for Windows. USB drivers are pre-installed. Follow instructions in order for proper setup.

Formatting Drives for Windows Users

Information for formatting drives using Windows tools can be found by searching 'format volume' in Windows Help.

Product Overview and Usage Advice

Port Descriptions and Functionality

Details USB 3.0 and eSATA ports, explaining compatibility and usage with different cable types and drives.

Known Limitations and Usage Advice

Discusses USB 3.0 cable requirements, peripheral driver needs, safe disconnection procedures, and OS update compatibility.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Sonnet USB 3.0 + eSATA Thunderbolt Adapter is a compact and versatile peripheral designed to expand the connectivity options of your computer, particularly those equipped with Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt ports. This adapter allows users to connect both USB 3.0 and eSATA devices to their systems, facilitating high-speed data transfers and enhancing overall system functionality. Its primary function is to bridge the gap between modern Thunderbolt-enabled computers and a wide range of existing USB and eSATA storage solutions and peripherals.

Function Description:

The core function of this Sonnet adapter is to provide a seamless interface for connecting external USB 3.0 and eSATA devices to a computer via a single Thunderbolt port. It acts as a hub, translating the Thunderbolt signal into both USB 3.0 and eSATA protocols, thereby enabling the use of a broader array of external storage drives, card readers, and other peripherals that rely on these common interfaces.

For USB connectivity, the adapter features a standard USB 3.0 port. This port supports USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed) transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s, allowing for rapid data exchange with compatible USB 3.0 devices. It is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices and cables, though performance will be limited to USB 2.0 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s) when using older cables or devices. This ensures that users can continue to utilize their existing USB 2.0 peripherals while also being ready for the faster speeds offered by USB 3.0. The adapter is designed to work with standard USB 3.0 cables, and while it can accommodate USB 2.0 cables, using a USB 2.0 cable with a USB 3.0 device will significantly reduce performance.

On the eSATA front, the adapter includes an eSATA port, which is crucial for connecting external SATA drives. eSATA (external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) provides a direct connection to SATA devices, often resulting in performance comparable to internal SATA connections, making it ideal for high-performance external storage. This port is designed to accept data cables with eSATA connectors. It's important to note that some older bare SATA drives and drive enclosures might use SATA I connectors, and for these, a cable with a SATA I connector on one end would be required to connect to the Sonnet adapter.

The adapter itself connects to the computer via an integrated Thunderbolt connector. This connector can be plugged into any available Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt port on your computer. It can also be placed at the end of a Thunderbolt device chain, offering flexibility in how you integrate it into your existing setup. The Thunderbolt interface provides the necessary bandwidth and power to support the connected USB and eSATA devices efficiently.

Usage Features:

The Sonnet USB 3.0 + eSATA Thunderbolt Adapter is designed for ease of use, with several features that streamline its integration into various computing environments.

• Plug-and-Play for Mac Users: For Mac users running OS X 10.8.5 or later, the adapter is essentially plug-and-play. The necessary drivers are already integrated into the operating system, meaning the adapter is ready for use as soon as it's connected and the computer is powered on. This simplifies setup significantly, allowing Mac users to immediately benefit from the expanded connectivity.
• Driver Installation for Windows Users: Windows users (Windows 8 or Windows 7) will need to perform a one-time driver installation for the eSATA functionality. The required USB drivers are typically pre-installed in Windows. The installation process involves downloading the eSATA driver from the Sonnet website, extracting the file, and running a setup wizard. This guided process ensures that the adapter's full functionality is enabled on Windows systems.
• Hot-Plugging Capability: The Sonnet adapter itself can be connected to and disconnected from your computer while the computer is on (hot-plugging). This provides convenience, allowing you to add or remove the adapter without needing to shut down your system. However, it is crucial to follow proper ejection procedures for any connected USB or eSATA devices before physically disconnecting them to prevent data loss or system issues.
• Drive Formatting: For both Mac and Windows users, connected drives will need to be formatted for use. Mac users can utilize Disk Utility, found in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder, to set up their drives. Windows users can find information on formatting drives using Windows drive formatting tools by searching for "format volume" in Windows Help.
• Power Management: While some USB peripherals may draw power directly from the Sonnet adapter, many devices, especially external hard drives, require an external power source. Users should remember to use external power supplies when necessary for these devices to ensure stable operation.
• Thunderbolt Chain Integration: The adapter's Thunderbolt connector allows it to be integrated into a Thunderbolt device chain. This means you can connect other Thunderbolt peripherals in series with the Sonnet adapter, maximizing the utility of a single Thunderbolt port on your computer.
• User Access Control (UAC) Handling (Windows): During driver installation on Windows, if User Access Control (UAC) is enabled, a UAC window may appear. Users will need to click "Yes" to proceed with the installation, a standard security measure in Windows.
• License Agreement Acceptance (Windows): The driver installation process for Windows includes a License Agreement window. Users must accept the terms of this agreement to continue with the driver installation.

Maintenance Features:

The Sonnet USB 3.0 + eSATA Thunderbolt Adapter is designed to be a low-maintenance device, with most "maintenance" revolving around proper software and connection management rather than physical upkeep.

• Software Updates: While the adapter itself doesn't require frequent software updates, it's important to stay informed about potential operating system updates or driver updates that might affect its compatibility or performance. Sonnet recommends checking their website for the latest documentation and driver versions, especially before updating to a new OS version. This proactive approach helps ensure continued compatibility and optimal performance.
• Proper Device Ejection: A critical aspect of maintaining data integrity and system stability is always properly "ejecting," "stopping," "unplugging," or "putting away" any connected drive (hard drive, SSD, etc.) or memory card before physically disconnecting it from its cable or the Sonnet adapter. Disconnecting drives while data is being transferred or received can lead to file corruption, data loss, or even cause the system to hang. This applies to both USB and eSATA devices.
• Checking for Peripheral Drivers: Many peripherals connected via the Sonnet adapter may require their own specific drivers and application software to operate correctly or have full functionality. Users should consult the peripheral's user manual or the manufacturer's website for information on necessary software. This ensures that the devices connected to the Sonnet adapter perform as intended.
• Documentation Access: Sonnet provides comprehensive online documentation, including a knowledge base and support articles. Users are encouraged to check the Sonnet website for the latest documentation, as hardware or software changes may occur after the manual's printing. This ensures access to the most current information regarding setup, troubleshooting, and best practices.
• Physical Connection Integrity: Ensuring that all cables (Thunderbolt, USB, eSATA) are securely connected is important for reliable operation. Loose connections can lead to intermittent performance or device recognition issues. The adapter itself is a solid-state device with no moving parts, minimizing physical wear and tear.
• Environmental Considerations: While not explicitly detailed as maintenance, keeping the adapter in a clean, dry environment and avoiding extreme temperatures will contribute to its longevity and reliable operation.

In summary, the Sonnet USB 3.0 + eSATA Thunderbolt Adapter is a robust and user-friendly solution for expanding connectivity on Thunderbolt-enabled computers. Its design prioritizes ease of installation and reliable performance, with maintenance primarily focused on software management and adherence to proper device handling protocols.

Sonnet Thunderbolt Specifications

General

Daisy-Chaining Support	Yes
Plug and Play	Yes
Compatibility	Thunderbolt
Data Transfer Rate	Up to 40Gbps
Operating System Support	macOS, Windows
Interface	Thunderbolt