This Read Me file contains the latest information concerning your PLI QuickArray.The PLI QuickArray is a high performance SCSI disk array sub system for Apple Macintosh and Power Macintosh computers. The QuickArray includes a PLI QuickSCSI-F nubus SCSI adapter, which is used to connect the QuickArray subsystem to your Macintosh. Please read this entire file before using your QuickArray.
You may notice that either of the QuickArray’s drive LED’s may remain on during some system operations. This is normal. Your system will eventually generate the appropriate SCSI signal which will turn off these LED’s.
QuickArray Mirroring
In addition to connecting the QuickArray to your Macintosh, the QuickSCSI-F
adapter also provides mirroring between the following types of storage devices:
(Mirroring allows files from a primary drive, to be written to or read from a
secondary drive, in real time, which is a quick and transparent method of backing up data)
Primary Driive................Backup Drive
Hard Drive......................Hard Drive
PLI QuickArray...............Hard Drive
Hard Drive......................PLI QuickArray
PLI QuickArray............. .PLI QuickArray
The QuickSCSI-F supports mirroring between drive partitions as well as support
for placing multiple QuickSCSI-F adapters in one computer. By placing another
QuickSCSI-F adapter in your computer, you can attach 7 more SCSI devices as
the QuickSCSI-F does not disable the Mac's native SCSI port.
Mirroring can only be performed between drives or drive partitions which share
the same QuickSCSI-F adapter. If your computer has two QuickSCSI-F adapters, you can not mirror from one QuickSCSI-F adapter to another QuickSCSI-F adapter.
Virtual Memory
When using a drive connected to the QuickSCSI-F as virtual memory, you must
startup from that drive. If that drive has multiple partitions, any partition of that
drive can be used as virtual memory.
Turning Off the QuickArray
Never unplug or power down a drive or QuickArray connected to the QuickSCSI
-F, while the computer is in use, as you may risk loosing data. Always use the
Mac's "Shutdown" command before powering down the Mac and it's attached
peripherals. Only then is it safe to unplug SCSI devices from the QuickSCSI-F or the Mac's native SCSI port.
Compatibility
The QuickSCSI-F has been found to be compatible with the Centris 610 and the
Duo Dock, when used with Apple's Nubus Adapter Card.
The QuickSCSI-F does not support Apple SCSI Manager 4.3, but will not present any problems since QuickSCSI-F software calls are made directly to the
Macintosh's processor instead of the Apple driver.
The QuickSCSI-F may not be compatible with some Daystar and Radius
products, including the Daystar FastCache 128K, the Radius Rocket 33/SCSI-2
Booster and Rocket Share 1.0.
QuickSCSI-F Software Information:
The QuickArray utility disk contains several files which are used to setup and
manage the QuickArray via the QuickSCSI-F card. Here is a brief description of
what the software does.
QuickSCSI-F Formatter:
This application allows you to format drives connected to your QuickSCSI-F card. It will not allow you to format any drives connected to the standard SCSI port on the Macintosh. You also cannot format any drives connected to the QuickSCSI-F card using a standard formatting program like the PLI Formatter.
When using the QuickSCSI-F formatter to format a drive or QuickArray attached
to the QuickSCSI-F, you must startup from a drive other than the one you plan to
format. Since the QuickArray utility diskette does not contain an Apple System,
you can not startup from this disk, therefore it is suggested that you copy the
contents of the QuickArray disk to a different hard drive, then start up your
computer from that drive, and then run the QuickArray utilities from that drive.
It is recommended that when starting up from a partitioned drive or QuickArray
connected to the QuickSCSI-F, that the first partition have the Apple system
folder loaded.
QuickSCSI-F Manager:
This application allows you to work with the drives connected to your QuickSCSI -F card. You can setup two QuickArrays as a mirrored pair for backup purposes. You can also mount any unmounted volumes that may be available. The QuickSCSI-F manager also allows you to clone any two fixed hard drives or QuickArrays connected to the QuickSCSI-F card. Hard drives or QuickArrays that are cloned must be of the same capacities. Cloning allows you to make an identical copy of the drive being cloned.
Booting from QuickSCSI-F
You can boot from a hard drive or from the PLI QuickArray by simply copying the
Macintosh system folder to the drive then selecting the drive that you want to
boot from in the Apple control panel.'startup disk'.
QuickSCSI-F Init 2.0:
This is a System Extension (or startup document) that must be copied into the
System Folder of your startup drive. If you are running System 7, it must be
copied into the Extensions Folder located inside the System Folder. This
document allows your computer to recognize the QuickSCSI-F card and the
QuickArray drives connected to it.
For further information, please contact PLI Technical
Support at 800-288-8754 ext. 300., during Pacific time business hours.
