User’s Guide for Echo Express SE III ™ Thunderbolt™ 3 to PCI Express® Card Expansion Chassis 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 Echo Express SE III link, and then click the Manual link. 4.
Contents 1 Introduction and System Requirements 1 Introduction Mac Compatibility System Requirements Preparing to Use the Echo Express Chassis 2 Echo Express SE III Description 2 Echo Express SE III Extererior Echo Express SE III Inner Assembly Power Adapter and Cord Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cable Thunderbolt Connector Retainer Clip 3 PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps 5 4 Complete Setup and Configuration 8 Setup and Configuration Steps 5 Tips, Gene
Chapter 1 – Introduction and System Requirements Introduction System Requirements Congratulations on your purchase! The Echo Express SE III is a Thunderbolt 3 expansion system for PCIe cards. Through its PCIe slots, you may connect three adapter cards to any Mac® with Thunderbolt 3 ports to expand its capabilities and add connectivity beyond what’s offered through its native ports.
Chapter 2 – Echo Express SE III Description Echo Express SE III Exterior 1–P ower Indicator This lights when the Echo Express SE III is powered, the Thunderbolt cable between the Echo chassis and your computer is plugged in securely, and the computer powered on.
Chapter 2 – Echo Express SE III Description Echo Express SE III Inner Assembly 1–F an The temperature-controlled fan provides cooling for the installed PCIe cards and the chassis’ supporting Thunderbolt circuitry. It operates quietly when the card is running cool, and automatically speeds up in steps as the temperature rises. Do not block the vent holes on the front or back of the chassis to prevent overheating. 2–P CIe Slot 1 This is an x8 mechanical (x4 electrical) PCIe 3.0 slot.
Chapter 2 – Echo Express SE III Description Power Adapter and Cord Connect the adapter to the SE III’s 12VDC socket. Connect the cord between a power outlet and the power adapter. Note that the power cord included with your product may appear different than the one pictured here, depending on where the product was purchased. Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cable Connect this cable between the Echo Express SE III and your computer (or other Thunderbolt device in the chain connected to the computer).
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps 1. Remove the Echo Express SE III chassis from its packaging, and then set it upside-down on a soft, flat, level surface. 2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove and set aside the four screws securing the outer case to the inner assembly (Figure 1). Support Note: To avoid damaging components due to static electricity discharge, wear an antistatic wrist strap while working inside Echo Express SE III. 3. Flip the Echo chassis over.
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps WARNING: When handling computer products, take care to prevent components from being damaged by static electricity; avoid working in carpeted areas. Handle expansion cards only by their edges and avoid touching connector traces and component pins. Also, avoid touching the Echo Express SE III chassis’ circuit boards and any of its components. 7.
Chapter 3 – PCIe Card Installation and Chassis Setup Steps 13. Turn the Echo Express SE III right-side-up. Support Note: Sonnet’s ThunderLok™ 3 Thunderbolt connector retainer clip secures the included Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable to the Echo chassis to prevent accidental disconnects. The included clip is compatible with Sonnet 0.7 and 0.5-meter Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cables, but it is not compatible with Sonnet 2-meter Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cables.
Chapter 4 – Complete Setup and Configuration SETUP AND CONFIGURATION STEPS This page instructs you how to verify the Echo chassis and installed cards are recognized by the computer. A – Confirm the Echo Express SE III is Recognized 1. With the Echo chassis powered and connected to the computer, turn on the computer. 2. Press and hold down the Option key, and then from the Apple menu, select System Information; a System Information window will open. 3.
Chapter 5 – Tips, General Information, and Known Issues TIPS, GENERAL INFORMATION Using the Echo Chassis to Charge Your Notebook Computer Apple® MacBook Air® and MacBook Pro® computers with Thunderbolt 3 may be charged slowly via the Echo chassis’ Thunderbolt 3 port (via 15W Power Delivery). Computers with Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt ports cannot be charged via Thunderbolt.
Chapter 6 – Safety Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Contacting Customer Service Please read this section carefully before proceeding. These precautions explain the correct and safe use of this device, thereby helping to prevent injury to you or others, and also help you to minimize the risk of damaging the device. The Sonnet Web site located at www.sonnettech.com has the most current support information and technical updates.
