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LaCie 2big Dock Thunderbolt 3 User Manual
LaCie 2big Dock Thunderbolt 3 

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Operation

LaCie 2big Dock 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.

The LEDs blink blue while the disks spin up.

  Caution: Do not operate LaCie 2big Dock 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.

Power on

In most instances, the LaCie 2big Dock powers on automatically when connected to a computer and an active power source. However, the power button can be used to power on the device if the following two conditions are met:

  • The device was powered off using a long press
.
  • The device remains connected to the computer’s USB port and an active power source.

To power on the LaCie 2big Dock, push the power button for one second.

Power off

Follow the steps below to turn the device off:

  1. Make certain that the device’s volumes are not being accessed.

  2. Eject the device’s volumes from your computer’s operating system.
  3. Disconnect the device from your computer.

Power-saving mode

Your LaCie 2big Dock can conserve energy by entering power-saving mode. The hard drives within the enclosure spin down to reduce power consumption when the 2big Dock is in power-saving mode. Power-saving mode can extend the life of the hard drives by sparing them from working during extended periods of inactivity. The device can be put into power-saving mode using the power button:

  1. Make certain that the device’s volumes are not being accessed.
  2. Eject the volumes from your computer’s operating system.
  3. Apply a short press to the power button. A short press lasts no longer than 1 second.

To wake up the device, apply another short press.

Power-saving mode: daisy chain

You can daisy chain Thunderbolt 3 technology devices when the LaCie 2big Dock is in power-saving mode. Though the hard drive spins down when the device enters power-saving mode, the Thunderbolt signal remains constant—daisy-chained devices continue data operations without interruption. See Daisy Chain and Power Delivery for details.

Power-saving mode: USB 3.0 hub

When the LaCie 2big Dock is in power-saving mode, you can continue to browse and manage devices connected to the USB 3.0 hub. The connected devices continue to receive power from the 2big Dock.

Power-saving mode: managed by the PC/Mac

You can initiate power-saving mode on your computer by performing one of the following:

  • Place the host computer into sleep mode.
  • Mac: Go to System Preferences > Energy Saver to enable sleep mode for hard drives.
  • Windows: Go to Control Panel > Hardware > Power Options > Choose a power plan > Change advanced power settings. Click on Hard disk and Turn off the hard disk after. Choose the time to spin down USB hard drives.

To exit power-saving mode:

Entering power-saving modeExiting power-saving mode
The host computer placed the product into power-saving mode due to inactivity. Access the device’s volume on the host computer. For example, copy files to its volume.
The computer is in sleep mode. Wake up the computer.
 Note on ejecting the volume and power-saving mode: The device enters power-saving mode when its volumes are ejected. To access the device’s volumes, unplug the cable from the back of the device and reconnect it.

Receiving power

The LaCie 2big Dock powers on automatically when it is:

  • Connected directly to a computer via the Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C port. The computer must be powered on.
  • Connected to a live power source via the included power supply.
 Important info regarding the ports: The LaCie 2big Dock can be connected to a computer using the USB 3.1 port or the Thunderbolt 3 port. However, do not connect both ports to a single computer at the same time, or connect each port to separate computers.

Short push

  Important info: Always eject the LaCie 2big Dock volumes from your computer before applying a short push.

A short push is a manual depression on the 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 and initiates power-saving mode. The Thunderbolt 3 ports remain active and are available for daisy chaining. For example, a display that is daisy chained with the device is still 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 2big Dock, 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 result in 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 2big Dock 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 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 may be warm to the touch after extended use.

  Important info: The wide exhaust chamber on the rear of LaCie 2big Dock 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 2big Dock on a flat, even surface designed to support the heat output and airflow of a professional hard disk enclosure. For proper heat dissipation, LaCie 2big Dock 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.