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LaCie 6big & 12big Thunderbolt 3 User Manual
LaCie 6big & 12big Thunderbolt 3 

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Operation

  Caution: Do not operate LaCie 6big Thunderbolt 3 and LaCie 12big Thunderbolt 3 until the ambient temperature is within the specified temperature range (see System Overview). If the hard drives have been recently installed, make sure they have time to acclimatize to the ambient temperature before operating them.

LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big is ready to be powered on when:

  • It is connected to a computer that supports Thunderbolt 3 or USB.
  • It is plugged into a live power outlet.

To prepare the device, confirm the following:

  • All the hard drive trays are firmly seated in their bays.
  • The power cable is connected to a powered outlet.
  • If the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big is in idle mode or powered off, apply a short push to the LED power button. See the explanations below regarding a short push and a long push.

The LEDs blink blue while the disks spin up. You can start using the storage once all LEDs are solid blue.

Powering off the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big hard drives: idle mode

Place your device in idle mode if the computer will remain connected to the enclosure but you do not intend to access the storage. Before following the steps below, make certain that the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big is not in use and that there are no active transfers.

  1. Eject the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big volumes from your computer.
  2. Apply a short push to the power button. See the explanation below regarding a short push and a long push.

The status LED blinks slowly while the hard drive LEDs turn off.

You can daisy chain Thunderbolt 3 devices when the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big is in idle mode.

Powering off the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big enclosure

Power off your device if you intend to disconnect it from your computer. Make certain that the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big is not in use and that there are no active transfers.

  1. Eject the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big volumes from your computer.
  2. Apply a short push to the power button. See the explanation below regarding a short push and a long push. The status LED blinks slowly while the hard drive LEDs turn off.

It is now safe to unplug the power and Thunderbolt or USB cables from the device.

  Important info: LaCie does not recommend applying a long push to power off the enclosure. See the note below for long push.

Short push

  Important info: Always eject the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big volumes from your computer before applying a short push.

A short push is a manual depression on the LED power button that lasts no longer than one second. When the product is operating, a short push spins down the hard drives within the enclosure. The Thunderbolt 3 ports remain active and are available for daisy chaining. This is called idle mode. For example, a display that is daisy chained with the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big will remain available to the computer following a short push.

Short push and RAID synchronization/initialization

Applying a short push during RAID synchronization or initialization spins down the hard drives. The RAID synchronization/initialization continues the next time you spin the hard drives up via a short push.

Long push

A long push is a manual depression on the button that lasts more than four seconds. When the product is operating, a long push will cut the power to the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big, forcing it to shut down immediately. A long push is not recommended for general use as it may result in data loss.

Removing the Thunderbolt cable during operation

Removing the cable during operation can have serious consequences, such as lost data. If the cable is removed while the system is synchronizing or initializing the RAID, the synchronization/initialization continues but connection to the computer and your data is lost.

Quiet operation and heat management

To reduce noise during operation, the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big uses a Noctua® cooling fan to pull heat away from the internal components. In addition to being exceptionally quiet, the Noctua cooling fan is temperature controlled, which guarantees optimal heat management by adjusting the rotational speed for the environment. Additionally, the LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big enclosure's metal casing dissipates heat from the hard drives, keeping them safe and prolonging their life. Since LaCie's unique design draws heat away from the internal hard drives, the external casing is warm to the touch after extended use.

  Important info: The wide exhaust chamber on the rear of  LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big allows for enhanced airflow. Make sure that it is not obstructed and that there is a natural airflow across the casing.

Position and stacking

Always make certain to place LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big on a flat, even surface designed to support the heat output and airflow of a professional hard disk enclosure. For proper heat dissipation, LaCie 6big/LaCie 12big is designed to stand on its rubber feet, situated on the bottom of the enclosure. DO NOT place the enclosure on its side when it is powered on.

DO NOT stack multiple enclosures on top of each other. Stacking two or more enclosures poses a severe risk that the devices will fall. Also, DO NOT stack other hard drives, enclosures or equipment on top of the LaCie 6big Thunderbolt 3 and LaCie 12big Thunderbolt 3.

The warranty for your LaCie 6big Thunderbolt 3 and LaCie 12big Thunderbolt 3 is voided if you:

  • Stack LaCie 6big Thunderbolt 3 and/or LaCie 12big Thunderbolt 3 enclosures.
  • Stack other hard drives, enclosures or equipment on top of the LaCie 6big Thunderbolt 3 and/or LaCie 12big Thunderbolt 3 enclosures.