User Manual
Rev. 315
Table of Contents
USERS MANUAL
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System Requirements ......................................................................... Page
Precautionary Measures and General Notes ..................................... Page
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8
CHAPTER 1:
Initial operation .................................................................................. Page
9
CHAPTER 2:
Driver Installation ............................................................................... Page 11
CHAPTER 3:
CD Recording Software ...................................................................... Page 14
CHAPTER 4:
Troubleshooting ................................................................................. Page 17
Freecom Internet Service & Support Hotline .................................... Page 18
© 2003 Freecom Technologies
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FREECOM FX-5
Dear user!
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Welcome to the Freecom FX-5 installation. Before you install the device, we
would like to ask you to carefully read the following instructions and take them
into consideration, especially, when making changes to your system.
Withthepurchaseofthisdeviceyouhaveaquiredadrivethatcanbeconnected
to any PC or Mac with the appropriate interface.
Freecom Technologies • Germany
Warning !
Allrightsreserved.Theproductsnamedinthismanualareonlyusedforidentification
purposes and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective
companies. This device was designed for home or office use.
Warning!ThisdeviceisequipmentcomplyingwithEN55022classA.Thisequipment
can cause radio disturbances in a residential area. If this is the case, the user has to
take appropriate measures and assume all responsibility and costs for. It may not
be used near or with any life-sustaing systems.
FreecomTechnologiesisnotliableforanydamagesthatmayoccurfromtheuseof
aFreecomsystem.Allrightsreserved.Wereservetherighttoupgradeourproducts
in keeping with technological advances.
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System Requirements
System Requirements
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The following hardware and software requirements must be fulfilled to ensure
trouble-free operation.
To use the Freecom drive, you will need a free:
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USB/USB-2 port*
FireWire / i.LINK port (IEEE 1394)
a CD-ROM or Internet connection for driver installation
- for the FX-5 DVD:
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PC with Pentium II or higher
at least 32 MB RAM
Windows 98, ME, 2000 or Windows XP
ToplaybackDVDMovies,aDVD-Moviedecoderisneeded.Thiscanbeeither
ahardwaredecoderorasoftwaredecoder.Hardwaredecodersareavailable
as PCI or PCMCIA card and are available from most computer shops.
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A Software DVD-Movie playback application is included with the FX-5 DVD
drives.WerecommendtousethissoftwareonlyonaPentiumII400Mhzwith
64 MB RAM or higher.
This drive is RPC-2 (Regional Protection Coding II) enabled. Your region will
need to be set before DVD Movies can be played.
Note: Please note that the regional code may not be changed more than
five times.
- for the FX-5 CD-RW:
a computer system with the following equipment
PC:
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Pentium I Processor or higher
at least 32 MB RAM
at least 40 MB of free hard disk space
(Recommended: PentiumIIProcessor,64MBRAM,800MBfreeharddiskspace)
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Windows 98, ME, 2000 or Windows XP
Mac:
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iMac, iBook, PowerMac G3/G4 or Power Book G3/G4
MacOS 9.1 or higher **
*
FormaximumperformanceoftheFX-5yourcomputersystemmustsupporthi-speedUSB-2.TheFX-5
doesnotincludeaUSB-2PCICardnecesarytoachievefullspeed.Thishastobepurchasedseparetely
(Product #17789) or comes as part of your original computer hardware.
** For optimal USB 2.0 performance Mac OS X v10.1 or higher is required. To use your Freecom FX-5
on MacOS X or higher no additional drivers are needed.
5
FREECOM FX-5
- for the FX-5 Combo CD-RW / DVD:
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Pentium II Processor or higher
at least 32 MB RAM
at least 40 MB of free hard disk space
(Recommended: PentiumIIProcessor,64MBRAM,800MBfreeharddiskspace)
Windows 98, ME, 2000 or Windows XP
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ToplaybackDVDMovies,aDVD-Moviedecoderisneeded.Thiscanbeeither
ahardwaredecoderorasoftwaredecoder.Hardwaredecodersareavailable
as PCI or PCMCIA card and are available from most computer shops.
•
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A Software DVD-Movie playback application is included with the FX-5 DVD
drives.WerecommendtousethissoftwareonlyonaPentiumII400Mhzwith
64 MB RAM or higher.
This drive is RPC-2 (Regional Protection Coding II) enabled. Your region will
need to be set before DVD Movies can be played.
Note: Please note that the regional code may not be changed more than
five times.
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Media Formats
Media Formats
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- for the Freecom FX-5 DVD:
The Freecom FX-5 reads the following formats:
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MS-DOS data CDs (High Sierra, Mode 1 & Mode 2 complying with ISO 9660)
Data – CDs (Joliet)
CD ROM XA
Mixed Mode CDs
Kodak Photo CDs (single and multisession)
UDF (Universal Disc Format)
Audio CDs
DVD ROM
DVD Video (see hardware requirements)
DVD-R, CDI, CD-Midi, CD-R, CD-RW
DVD Media
- for the FX-5 CD-RW:
The Freecom FX-5 reads and writes according to the following standards:
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MS-DOS data CDs (High Sierra, Mode 1 & Mode 2 complying with ISO 9660)
Data – CDs (Joliet)
CD ROM XA
Mixed Mode CDs
Kodak Photo CDs (single and multisession)
UDF (Universal Disc Format)
Audio CDs
Mac: Volume, Files & Folders, Mac/ISO Hybrid
The drive can read CD-RW discs, write and rewrite them, as well as saving data
to CD-R media. The capacity of the CD-RW is 650/700 MB. CD-RW disks are only
read-compatible with multiread-capable CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs as well as CD-
RW drives.
- for the FX-5 Combo CD-RW / DVD:
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See Freecom FX-5 DVD and FX-5 CD-RW
7
FREECOM FX-5
Precautionary Measures and General Notes
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After transport, particularly at low outside temperatures, condensation can
form which can lead to a malfunction. For that reason, you should not begin
operation until the drive and CDs have reached room temperature.
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Operate the Freecom drive only in a horizontal position, to prevent damage
to the media or the mechanical parts.
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Operate the device only at temperatures ranging from 5 - 50 °C.
Do not use the device in a dusty and humid environment.
Protect the drive from shocks and other mechanical effects!
The device should not be operated in the vicinity of strong electromagnetic
radiation sources (loudspeakers, mobile telephones etc.).
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Due to the high data transfer rates, the cable length should not exceed 1 m.
Error-free transmission cannot be guaranteed with longer cables.
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Initial Operation - Brief Description
CHAPTER 1: Initial Operation - Brief Description
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1
1. Plug in the connection cable to the FX-5.
2. Connectthepowercablesuppliedtothedesignatedpowerconnectoronthe
Freecom drive.
3. Plug the power supply of the Freecom drive into the power outlet.
4. Connect the other end of the connection cable to the USB port/FireWire port
on the PC.
5. To complete the rest of the installation procedure:
(only Windows 98:) After you have connected the FX-5, please start with the
driver installation, as described in chapter 2 on page 11.
(only MacOS 9.x:) Please install the Toast software, before connecting the
FX-5toyourcomputer.Forfurtherinstructionsseechapter3.1(Installingthe
ToastSoftwareforMac).SinceMacOS9.xsupportsonlyUSB1.1yourFX-5will
be recognised as a USB 1.1 device.
UnderWindowsME/2000/XPandMacOSXaseparateFreecomdriverisnot
required. The drivers for Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP will
be installed automatically by the operating system after plugging in the
Freecom FX-5 into the USB or FireWire port of the computer.
(USB/FireWire version)
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FREECOM FX-5
1.1 Assigning the drive letter
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After successfully completing the installation of the Freecom FX-5, a new drive
letter is assigned automatically (the first available letter after the internal hard
drives). This can shift the drive letter of an internal CD-ROM drive (for example,
'D' to 'E'). If this leads to problems, it is possible to change the drive letter
assignment as follows:
- under Windows 98 and ME:
1. Click on "Start" - "Settings" - "Control Panel".
2. Click on "System".
3. Select "Device Manager" and click on "CD-ROM" or "Drive".
4. Click on the Freecom FX-5, then on "Properties" - "Settings". (The currently
assigned drive letter as well as the reserved drive letters will then be
displayed.)
5. Under "Reserved Drive Letter" enter a drive letter, for example "F" for the
Freecom FX-5 as the "First drive letter" and "F" again as the "Last drive
letter".
6. Confirm your selection with "OK". When you restart your computer, the
Freecom FX-5 will be assigned the letter F in "My Computer".
- under Windows 2000 and XP:
1. Click "Start" - "Settings" - "Control Panel" - "Administration" - "Computer
Administration".
2. Click "Disk Maintenance" and then select the Freecom drive.
3. Inthe"Operation"menu("Action" inWindowsXP),selectAllTasksandthen
click Change drive letter and path.
4. In the next window, click "Change" and select a drive letter in Assign the
following drive letters.
5. Click "Yes" to confirm your change.
1.2 Operating Freecom drives
Freecom drives are just as easy to use as an internal device.
One big advantage of Freecom devices is their portability. By connecting to the
cable interface, it is very easy to use the drive with various computer systems.
Toinsertandremovemedia(CDs, DVDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs), presstheejectbutton.
(This is only active when the drive is ready for operation.)
When inserting a media, please make sure that the printed side is facing up. Do
not touch the underside of the media. Fingerprints can lead to read errors or
even make your media unusable.
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Initial Operation - Brief Description
CHAPTER 2: Driver Installation
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Under Windows ME / 2000 / XP a separate Freecom driver is not required. The
drivers for Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP will be installed
automaticallybytheoperatingsystemafterpluggingtheFreecomFX-5intothe
USB or FireWire port of the computer.
2.1 USB version
Driver installation under Windows 98 SE
Your FX-5 is fully backwards compatible with USB 1.1. The installation for USB
1.1 is the same as described below for USB-2.
1. Insert the Freecom "Manual and Driver" CD into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Connect your Freecom FX-5 to the USB connector of your notebook or
computer.
3. The"AddNewHardwareWizard"opensanda"USB2.0Device"(USB-2Host
Controller) or a "USB2-IDE Controller" (USB 1.1 connector) is found.
Click on "Next".
4. In the next window select "Search for the best driver for your device.
(Recommended)".
Click on "Next".
5. Make sure that the checkbox "CD-ROM drives" is activated in the next
window. Continue by clicking on "Next".
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FREECOM FX-5
6. The Hardware Wizard finds a "Freecom FX-5".
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Byclickingon"Next"thenecessaryfileswillbeinstalled. Afterwardsclickon
"Finish". The "Add New Hardware" Wizard opens again saying a new "USB
Mass Storage" Device is found.
Please repeat the steps described above to finish the installation.
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Initial Operation - Brief Description
2.2 FireWire version
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Installation under Windows 98 SE
Note: FireWire (IEEE 1394) is only supported by Windows 98 SE (and
above). If you are using an older version, you must first update
Windows.
1. The driver database is loaded automatically after you have connected the
FireWire cable to the PC.
2. Nowplacethe"Windows98InstallationCD"inyourinternalCD-ROMdrive.
3. The "Hardware assistant" window appears on the screen. Click on "Next".
4. Select the item "Search for the best driver for the device" (Recommended)
and confirm with "Next".
5. Make sure that the checkbox "CD-ROM drives" is activated in the next
window. Continue by clicking on "Next".
6. The next window shows the driver file found on the CD-ROM. Confirm with
"Next".
7. Click on "Finish" in the next window.
8. In order for the changes to take effect, you must restart your computer.
Note: You can plug the drive in and unplug it at the FireWire port while
the PC is running. The drive will be recognized automatically under "My
Computer" when it is reconnected ("hot plug & play").
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FREECOM FX-5
ONLY FX-5 CD-RW AND FX-5 COMBO CD-RW / DVD VERSION
CHAPTER 3: The CD Recording Software
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Installing the CD Recording Software
Afterinstallingthe driver software,yourFreecom FX-5isnowabletoreadCD-ROMs.
To record a blank CD, you must first install the writing software (for the
masteringorthepacketwritingprocedure). Werecommendusingthesoftware
which has been provided with your drive.
The installation guide for the software is supplied on the same CD as the
software. After installing the recording software, the drive is fully operational.
Note: If you wish to use other software, please find out from the
supplier whether his products support the Freecom FX-5 CD-RW / Combo
CD-RW / DVD.
3.1 Installing the Toast Software for Mac
To install the "Toast" software application:
1. Insert the "Toast Installer CD" in your CD-ROM drive.
2. Double-click the "Toast" Installer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install "Toast" on your hard disk.
5. (OS 9.x:) You will need to restart your Mac.
3.2 Special Instructions before Writing a CD
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Please note that writing CDs is principally a compact data transmission
procedurewhichcanbedisruptedbyeventhesmallestmechanicaldisturbance.
Never cleantheCD-R/CD-RWdrivewithacommerciallyavailableCDoraCD-
ROM cleaning set. This can damage the drive.
RecordableCDs(blanks)aremoresensitivethancommerciallyavailableCDs.
Use only a solvent-free, non-abrasive marker when writing on a CD.
Do not stick any conventional labels on the CD-Rs, since the adhesive can
attack the media. Special labels for CD-R media are available in retail
computerstores.NeverremovealabelfromaCD-Rmediaotherwiseyouwill
damage the protective layer and make the CD-R unusable.
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The drive recognizes the media as soon as it is placed into the drive. CD-R
media is compatible with the vast majority of CD-ROM drives and CD audio
players and work in most DVD-ROM drives.
Note: For optimal results use high quality CD-R(W)s like Freecom
CD-R(W)s 80 min / 700 MB only.
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Installing the CD Recording Software
3.3 Preparing to write a CD (PC only)
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Before creating a CD:
1. Byclicking "Start" -"Programs" -"Accessories" -"System Tools" -"ScanDisk"
check your hard disk with the ScanDisk program.
2. By clicking "Start" - "Programs" - "Accessories" - "System Tools" - "Disk
Defragmenter" defragment your hard disk.
other preparations:
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No sleep mode setting / no multitasking
Close all open windows and other running programs (Anti Virus)
Deactivate automatic recognition of CDs
(in the Device Manager under Windows 98/ME/2000/XP)
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Deactivate the screen saver
Log out of the network before starting the writing procedure (if applicable)
Deactivate your modem
3.4 Procedure for writing CDs
There are two procedures for creating and writing your CDs.
Mastering
Packet Writing
3.4.1 The Mastering procedure
isaprocessforcreatingdataCDsandAudioCDs.Dataiscompiledontoa"Master
CD" in one (single session) or several (multisession) writing procedures. During
these procedures, the data is made compatible according to various industry
standards, allowing for example audio CDs to be read by any CD player. The
standards for new technology (for CD, video etc.) are prepared for data storage
in special readable formats. Special programs such as "Easy CD Creator",
"WinOnCD","CEQuadratToGo!","NeroBurningROM"arenecessarytoconvert
data into these specified formats. These types of programs are necessary for
writing data CDs in ISO 9660 and Joliet formats as well as for writing audio CDs,
Mixed Mode CDs and Photo CDs.
Note: Data CDs in Joliet format are only readable under Windows 95, 98,
ME, NT 4.0, 2000 and XP.
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FREECOM FX-5
3.4.2 The Packet Writing procedure
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can be used to create CDs without starting a special mastering program. The
Packet Writing procedure allows you to use blank CDs in combination with the
Universal Disc Format (UDF), simular to an additional hard disk or floppy disk.
You can write files directly from any Windows application to the CD using the
same procedure as when writing to the hard disk. You can also copy files to the
CD using Windows explorer.
Note: We recommend using the software which has been provided with
your drive. If you wish to use other software, please find out from the
supplier whether his products support the Freecom FX-5 CD-RW / Combo
CD-RW / DVD.
Following the installation of the software, you can start the writing procedure
bysimplydraggingthefiletobewrittenintheExplorer/FileManager(Drag&Drop
Principle), assuming there is a UDF-formatted blank disk in your CD-RW drive.
ACD-RdiskcanonlybewrittenoncewiththeCD-Rdriveandpreviouslywritten
files can be deleted but not overwritten. The great advantage of the CD-RW
drive in conjunction with CD-RW media is that it allows you to rewrite to the
media.
Note: Please note that the mastering procedure and the packet writing
procedure can only be used seperately, therefore a mixing of these
procedures on one CD-RW is not possible.
3.5 Peculiarities when writing audio CDs
Please note that some older CD player models cannot read self-written CDs.
Note: Audio files must have the proper format (stereo, 16 bit and 44.1
kHz sampling frequency) and must be supported by the CD recording
software, forexample, *.wav. Someprogramsofferconversionfunctions.
Soundcards and the software that come with them can also be used.
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Troubleshooting
CHAPTER 4: Troubleshooting
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General problems (depending on the type of connection)
If you still have problems getting your Freecom drive to function properly
despite having installed it correctly, then please check whether
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the cable is properly connected to your Freecom drive
the drive is being supplied with power
the tray can be opened and closed
your system meets the hardware requirements (see pages 5/6)
If audio playback does not work, please check if
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the loudspeaker is properly connected
the cables are firmly connected
the loudspeaker control on the amplifier or on the active loudspeakers is
correctly set
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the audio software is correctly installed.
Note: Please note that CD-RW drives (Freecom FX-5) must never be
cleaned with a lens cleaning set!
17
FREECOM FX-5
Freecom Internet Service
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Freecom Technologies have the following service available on the Internet at
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Online information about technical problems
current product information
Drivers, driver updates and software information
Forum
Support Hotline
The following hotlines are available if you still are unable to get your Freecom
device to work properly after reading the manual and the suggestions for
correcting errors:
Hotline
Email
België (NL)*
Belgique (F)*
Belgien (D)*
Danmark
0 78 25 00 00
0 78 25 00 01
0 78 25 00 02
33 11 42 00
020 37 68 09 50
Deutschland
Österreich
France
01340 472 05
015 888 0110
62 82 13 67
Nederland
Norge
Schweiz (D)
Suisse (F)
Suomessa
Sverige
0848 88 99 10
0848 88 77 10
03 - 6 10 13 82
08 - 29 66 00
01423 704 715
+44 1423 704 715
510 548 48 49
United Kingdom
Ireland
USA
other countries
* (alléén in België/seulement pour la Belgique/nur in Belgien)
If possible, try to call from a phone near your computer.
Please have the following information on hand for your call:
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the serial number on the rear of your Freecom drive
the revision no. of the "Freecom Manual and Driver" CD
information on the power supply
the version number of your operating system and the software you are
having problems with
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the precise error description or error message displayed
the name and the model of your computer and, in case it is needed, the
installed hardware
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Is the problem reproduced every time?
Has this problem occurred before? If it is a new one, have you recently
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