📘IODD-2531

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Functions

1. Bootable Virtual CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Blu-ray Drive

   • There is no need to buy DVD-ROM and blank media for OS installation.

   • ISO (CD, DVD, Blu-ray) is supported.

2. Bootable Virtual USB Drive and Flash Drive

   • iODD supports OS installation and Multi Booting. (and "Windows-To-Go")

   • Virtual Disk Drive - can do all functions as USB Flash Drive can do.

   • VHD and VMDK (Virtual Disk Drive), RMD (Virtual Flash Drive), IMA (Virtual Floppy Disk Drive) are supported.

3. Multi LUN

   • Max 1 optical drive, 1 hard drive, 4 virtual drives are supported at the same time.

4. Hotkey for safely removal

   • The last physical safeguard. this key provides the safe removal.

5. Write Protection

   • The last logical safeguard. I keep my drive. Good bye Virus.

   • Optional Write Blocker. (Hard wired)

6. Real-time AES 256-bit XTS Military Grade Encryption (iODD-2541)

   • 4-15 Pin digits. 6 digits is enough for protecting your data.

   • All functions work well with Encryption.

   • Encryption is optional. you can use without encryption.

7. Maintain Loading State

   • Save and maintain the loading state and menu for next boot.

Menu

1. Mode-Select - Define USB devices mode

   1. Dual Mode - 1 Disk Drive and 1 Optical Disk Drive

   2. HDD Mode - 1 Disk Drive

   3. CD Mode - 1 Optical Disk Drive

2. Setting - Settings

   1. LCD Bright - adjusts LCD back-light brightness

   2. Idle Bright - adjusts LCD back-light brightness in power saving mode

   3. Standby time - adjusts the inactive time before power saving mode is active

   4. Load Default - restores all settings to their default values

3. Information - Information

   1. S.M.A.R.T. - informs the following status of the internal Disk Drive

      1. HDD Temp - Disk Drive Temperature

      2. HDD Health - Disk Drive Health

   2. HDD Model - Disk Drive Model

   3. HDD Serial - Disk Drive Serial

   4. Firmware Ver - iODD's Firmware Version

   5. USB Speed - Currently connected USB Speed

   6. USB Input Volt - USB BUS voltage (Also Minimum)

4. USB Connect - USB Settings

   1. Refresh - Reconnect the iODD

   2. Safe Removal - stops the spindle motor and goes to power saving mode

5. Advanced - Advanced Settings

   1. Umount VHDD - Umounts All the Virtual Disk Drives

   2. Write Protect - Write-Protection for the Drive.

      • If virtual drive is mounted, this option applies to the virtual drive. (not optical drive)

   3. Instant Save - Instant Save

   4. Force USB 3.0 - Preserves USB 3.0 Connection in harsh conditions

Specifications

1. External Interface - USB 1.1 / 2.0 / 3.0 (MAX 5G bps)

2. Internal Interface - SATA I / II / III (Backward Compatible)

3. 2.5 Inch HDD, SSD (9.5mm width) can be installed. 4TB+

   • If using IODD functions, Max 2TB partition can be used. Regardless of the disk size.

   • 7mm disk drive requires a spacer.

4. 3-way jog dial, Back Button, USB 3.0 micro B-Type connector.

5. LCD - 128 * 32 dots.

6. Material - Aluminum, PC (Plastic).

7. almost same as ZM-VE300. same architecture. improved hardware. Firmware updates continuing.

How to use

At first please refer to the below Manual.

Basic function

iODD's Sample Folder Tree

Create a folder named "_ISO" at root folder. This folder tree is an example. Any file name and folder name under "_ISO" is acceptable.

J:
├─ _ISO
│  │  Hiren’s BootCD 15.2.iso
│  │  ubuntu-14.04.4-desktop-amd64.iso
│  │  Windows 10.iso
│  │  Windows XP sp3.iso
│  │  (max 32 files or subfolders in a folder)
│  │  
│  ├─ IMA for Floppy
│  │      Bios updater.ima
│  │      MS-DOS 6.0.ima
│  │      Symantec Ghost.ima
│  │      
│  ├─ RMD for Setup
│  │      Win 7Ent_x86_x64+8.1Pro+10Pro vol2.RMD
│  │      Win7_Ult_SP1_Russian_x64.RMD
│  │      Windows 10.RMD
│  │      
│  └─ VHD for Booting
│      │  linuxmint-17.3-cinnamon-32bit.vhd
│      │  Windows 10 Win2Go.vhd
│      │  Windows 7 OS Booting.vhd
│      │  
│      └─ Nested Subfolders is allowed
├─ Your Folder 01
├─ Your Folder 02
├─ Your Folder 99
│  Your files 01.txt
│  Your files 02.txt
│  Your files 99.txt

2531 Keys

1. Browsing

   • Jog Dial Up/Down. - list Up/Down.

   • Jog Dial push. - Select a file.

   • BackUp push. - Go to parent folder.

2. Menu

   • Jog Dial push for 3 seconds. - To enter to Menu mode.

   • BackUp push. - To exit.

3. Long key (push for 3 seconds)

   • Jog Dial lift up. - refresh the file lists

   • Jog Dial get down. - Go to Power Saving State

   • Jog Dial push. - enter to Menu mode

   • BackUp push. - Reboot. and detach all virtual drives (VHD, RMD, IMA)

4. Startup Keys (during startup)

   • Jog-Dial lift up. - Start up with CD-MODE

   • Jog-Dial get down. - Start up with HDD-MODE

   • Jog Dial push. - reset the loading state. Start up with DUAL-MODE

   • BackUp push. - Start up with Write-Protected mode.

2541 Keys

1. Browsing

   • Up/Down list - 2 / 8

   • Select a file - 5 (or 6, for maintaining loading state)

2. Menu

   • Menu - to enter to Menu. (or Exit).

   • 4 - Go to upper list

3. Long key (push for 3 seconds)

   • 1 - Go to Power Saving State

   • 3 - reboots iODD

   • 4 - refreshes file lists

   • 7 - Reboot. and detach all virtual drives (VHD, RMD, IMA)

   • 0 - Reboot. and temporarily disable Write-Protection

4. There is no Startup key.

Go to Power Saving State

Power Saving State: Spindle motor is stopped and LCD brightness is low. CD loading state is saved.

• Jog Dial down for 3 seconds. (2531).

• 1 push for 3 seconds. (2541).

Selecting a file

In order to maintain loading state, you must save the state. Refer to the above key operations.

• (2531) 2531 Keys

  • If Firmware version is 1558 or higher, loading state is automatically saved.

  • If not, you must save it manually. (Go to Power Saving State)

• (2541) 2541 Keys

  • If Firmware version is lower than 6(7)9-05, button 6 has no function.

Safely Removal In OS

If iODD's partition is NTFS, then this function is mandatory when disconnecting iODD from host. NTFS does not write immediately the data to HDD.

• Please do Safely Removal before disconnection.

• If iODD is in write-protected mode and an error message appears, then disable write-protect option and retry this function.

Initialization

• The firmware is two sorts (NTFS type, FAT32/exFAT type).

• NTFS firmware version is shipped.

• If you use FAT32 or exFAT Partition, then run FAT Firmware Updater. (FAT32 exFAT Partition)

• Follow the next steps:

  1. Assemble the HDD or SSD with iODD.

  2. Connect the iODD to PC.

  3. Initialize the drive to MBR. (MBR)

  4. Format the first partition as NTFS. (If the firmware is FAT, then format it as FAT32 or exFAT)

     • In FAT32 partition there is 4G byte file size limitation. please use that carefully.

  5. Create "_ISO" folder in root folder. (not case sensitive)

  6. Copy ISO file to "_ISO" folder. (or create VHD RMD IMA files)

  7. Safely remove iODD. (Very Important if NTFS). (Safely remove).

  8. If Power Saving mode is active, then disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.

     • If not, then Go to Power Saving State

     • If "Plug Out ..." message appears, reconnect the USB cable.

  9. The following messages will appear sequentially in LCD:

     • "iodd 253(4)1"

     • A file name

Initialize All

If Initialization fails, follow the next steps:

1. Disconnect the USB cable.

2. Remove the HDD from iODD. and connect it directly to PC.

3. Initialize it to GPT. (GPT)

4. Redo Initialization (from the first step). (Your HDD is initialized as MBR -> GPT -> MBR).

First Aid

If it has failure suddenly, try one of the following steps until the error is clear:

1. (2531). Press the Jog Dial and hold, and then connect iODD to PC. (2531 Keys. refer to Startup Keys)

2. Try Safely Removal In OS.

3. Check Disk for iODD (for Windows)

4. Rename "_ISO" folder name to other name. Create new folder named "_ISO". and copy files to this folder. (not moving)

5. Backup the data of iODD, and Initialize All

If there is hardware problem:

1. Reboot the PC.

2. Please change USB cable.

3. Connect iODD to the port of PC back panel.

4. Try it on another PC.

5. Please change the HDD.

Using a Virtual USB Optical Drive (DVD-ROM or Blu-ray ROM)

1. Copy ISO files to "_ISO" folder. (or to subfolder)

2. Safely Remove. (Required for NTFS)

3. If Power Saving mode is not active, then Go to Power Saving State

   • If "Plug Out ..." message appears, disconnect the iODD.

4. Connect iODD to a PC and power on the PC.

5. (Optional) Select iODD or USB CD-ROM as the first priority of BOOT order in BIOS.

6. If a file has not been selected, then select an ISO file. Selecting a file

7. If PC doesn't find boot device, then reboot the PC (Ctrl-Alt-Del).

Booting Error

• Confirm whether the ISO file is bootable.

• If your PC does not support multi LUN, please select CD-MODE (or ODD-MODE).

• In order to confirm whether the ISO file is able to boot, please try to test it with the validated PC.

• Although it is bootable ISO file, please confirm whether the result with a real USB DVD-ROM is the same.

• If the ISO file can be boot with USB DVD-ROM, then use USB Y-CABLE for adding external power.

• If your laptop has own internal DVD-ROM, please disable internal DVD-ROM at BIOS settings, or remove it.

• The older OS than motherboard may not have an appropriate driver to boot.

  • ex) It is impossible to install a genuine Windows 7 on Skylake platform using USB DVD-ROM device.

Using a Virtual USB fixed disk drive (Virtual Hard Disk)

• Fixed-size VHD file only is supported. (dynamic VHD and VHDx files are not supported)

• Also fixed VMDK file is supported.

• Create VHD files directly to iODD by "VHD Tool++". ("VHD Tool++" can create a file without fragment)

• You can create VMDK by changing file extension (VHD -> VMDK).

• If you select a VHD file, then iODD will be rebooted with CD-MODE and it will be recognized as a USB disk drive (Selecting a file).

• If you want to change to DUAL-MODE or to change Write Protection option, rename the VHD filename. Refer to "VHD Tool++"

• Max 4 Virtual Drives are supported at the same time (Successive selection within 3 seconds)

1. Create a VHD file using a tool (VHD Tool++).

2. If successful, safely remove iODD from OS. (Safely Removal In OS. Very important to NTFS.)

3. If Power Saving mode is not active, then Go to Power Saving State

   • If "Plug Out ..." message appears, disconnect the iODD.

4. Connect iODD to a PC and power on the PC.

5. (Optional) Select iODD or USB Device as the first priority of BOOT order in BIOS.

6. If a file has not been selected, then select a VHD file (Selecting a file).

7. If PC doesn't find boot device, then reboot the PC (Ctrl-Alt-Del).

Using a Virtual USB Removable Flash Drive (Virtual USB Flash Drive)

• Almost the same as the above method (Using a Virtual USB fixed disk drive).

• But the file extension must be changed: "VHD" -> "RMD".

Using a Virtual USB Floppy Drive (Virtual FDD)

• This method is not supported on some computers.

• Uncompressed floppy image IMA, IMG, BIF, VFD are supported.

• IMG, BIF, VFD image file extension must be renamed to IMA.

• Almost the same as the above method.

Manual

• Iodd-2531 Quick Guide (07/2016)

• Iodd-2531 Guide (07/2016)

• Iodd Virtual Drive Guide

Messages

If LCD message shows like the following:

Status Messages

1. "Please Wait" - Operation in progress. Please wait for the system to respond.

2. "Plug Out ..." - Please safely disconnect the device from the USB port.

3. "Data Saving..." - Writing configuration or data to the drive. Please wait until the process is complete.

4. "Flash Update..." - Updating internal flash memory (Firmware/Font). Do not disconnect the USB cable during this process.

Error Messages

"ChkDsk (or gErr) : xxx" - Check Disk. or Error Code

Do First Aid

"Check HDD" - Drive check required.

A drive error has been detected. Please refer to the First Aid section for troubleshooting steps.

"1st partition" or "unsupported partition" - Partition mismatch with firmware.

This error occurs when the firmware version (NTFS/FAT32/exFAT) does not match the file system of the first partition. Please refer to the Initialization section to align the partition and firmware types.

"bad or N/S HDD" - Unsupported or faulty drive.

The device cannot read the internal drive. Possible causes: Hardware failure of the HDD/SSD or a faulty USB cable. Try replacing the cable or the internal drive.

"Too Many Files" - File limit exceeded.

The IODD supports a maximum of 32 files or subfolders within a single folder (including the "_ISO" folder). Please organize your data by splitting files into multiple subfolders.

"NO _ISO Folder" - The "_ISO" folder is missing.

The required directory named "_ISO" was not found. Please create a folder named "_ISO" in the root directory.

"NO - DISC" - No supported files found.

No compatible files or subfolders were detected inside the "_ISO" folder.

"Disc Locked" - Drive is currently locked.

The operating system or a running application has locked the virtual drive. Close any programs accessing the drive or safely reconnect the device.

"DEFRAG" - File fragmentation detected.

ISO files support a maximum of 24 fragments. VHD and RMD files must have zero fragmentation (contiguous). To resolve this, perform a Disk Defragmentation using Windows or specialized tools.

"vDISK Limit" - Virtual drive limit reached.

The maximum number of concurrently mounted virtual drives is 4. To mount a new drive, please unmount one of the currently active virtual drives.

"Already Hit" - File already selected.

The selected file is already mounted as a virtual drive.

"No Use Dynamic" - Dynamic VHD not supported.

The selected file is a Dynamic VHD. Only Fixed-size VHD files are supported.

"No Use Sparse" - Sparse files not supported.

Sparse image files cannot be used as virtual drives.

FAQ

iODD does not boot

Refer to Booting Error

The LCD displays "IODD 2531" only.

Do First Aid

If mount Virtual Drive (VHD, RMD, IMA), then the main mode will be changed to CD-MODE automatically. If I change to DUAL-MODE, then the disk is write protected.

You can change this by changing file name. Refer to VHD Tool++

I want to release the Virtual drives (VHD, RMD, IMA) that mounted.

Try one of the following steps:

1. Press the button next to USB connector for 3 seconds. (Firmware 1555+)

2. Menu -> Advanced -> Umount VHDD

The Firmware update has repeatedly failed

Please refer to How to update

Firmware

1. There are 2 types of iODD's Firmware.

2. FAT version - Fat32, exFAT.

3. NTFS version - supports NTFS.

How to update

Requirements: PC (Windows OS, USB Port) Warning - You must connect only one iODD device. Please update the exact firmware matching the first partition of iODD. If you update wrong firmware, retry the updater with correct firmware.

1. Download the below firmware file.

2. Uncompress the zip file to proper folder. (Do not run it within zip file)

3. Run the EXE file.

4. If "Device is Detected" message appears, then press "Update" button.

   • If not, follow the next steps:

   • Use another PC.

   • Change the USB cable.

   • (For 2541) Press the Reset button and hold, and connect the iODD. and hold the button for 1 second. and run the firmware updater. (This reset button is on the main PCB inside iODD.)

   • (For 2531) Press the Reset button and hold, and connect the iODD. and hold the button until USB detection (for about 5 seconds). and run the firmware updater. (This reset button is on the main PCB inside iODD.)

5. If it is successful, then press "Exit" button and reconnect iODD.

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