Atlas CFast 2.0 Reader

Support Manual

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Introduction

1.1 System Requirements

Operating System & Hardware

  • Works with USB-C | USB-A | Thunderbolt 3 equipped:
    • Mac: Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later | macOS 10.12.6 or later
    • PC: Windows 7
    • Linux: current version recommended
    • iPad: iPadOS 13 and later
      • Thunderbolt connection required
    • iPhone: iOS 17 and later
    • ChromeOS: current version recommended
    • Android: current version recommended

NOTE: USB-A compatibility via adapter or cable (tethered adapter included).

Supported Media

  • CFast 2.0 | 1.1 | 1.0 cards

1.2 Package Contents

  • (1) OWC Atlas CFast card reader
    • memory card not included
  • (1) USB Type-C cable with tethered USB Type-C to USB-A adapter
  • Quick Start Guide

1.3 Top View

A. LED Indicator: Power and data connection = Solid blue | Read and write activity = Flashing blue

    1.4 Front View

    B. CFast 2.0 Slot: Supports CFast 2.0 card up to 550 MB/s (compatible with CFast 1.0/1.1 media)

    1.5 Back View

    C. USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) host port: Plug in the included data cable and connect to a compatible host.

    Getting Started

    2.1 Device Setup

    1. Connect the included USB Type-C cable into the USB 3.2 10Gb/s host port on the back of the OWC Atlas CFast 2.0 Reader.

    2. Connect the included USB Type-C cable into a compatible system.

    3. Insert a CFast 2.0 | 1.1 | 1.0 card into the CFast 2.0 Slot by aligning the media card notches with the internal card reader connections. Do not force the memory card into the card slot if resistance is felt.

    • If the CFast card doesn’t insert easily the orientation might be incorrect. Remove the card, turn the card over, and reinsert.

    Device Management

    3.1 OWC Disk Performance

    As of Windows 10 v. 1809 the default Disk Removal Policy is ‘Quick removal’ instead of ‘Better performance’.

    NOTE: OWC storage solutions that are experiencing slow read/write speeds should consider checking and changing the Windows disk removal policy. Changing from "Quick removal" to "Better performance" can increase disk performance. OWC offers the application OWC Disk Performance to help change the Disk Removal Policy. Changing from "Quick removal" to "Better performance" can also be changed through OWC SoftRAID XT or manually through the operating system.

    Please review the support article Storage Solutions: OWC Disk Performance for additional details.

    3.2 Unmounting Options

    For the safe removal of the memory card, and to ensure that no data is lost, always eject or unmount the memory card from the system's operating system before removing the memory card from the card reader. Unmounting options are provided below.

    macOS

    • Drag the icon for the memory card or disk you wish to unmount to the trash can; OR
    • Right-click the memory card or disk icon on the desktop, then click “Eject”; OR
    • Highlight the memory card or disk on your Desktop and press Command-E.

    Windows

    • Go to the System Tray (located in the lower right corner of your screen). Click on the “Eject” icon (a small green arrow over a hardware image).
    • A message will appear, detailing the devices that the “Eject” icon controls, i.e., “Safely remove...” Click on this prompt.
    • You will then see a message that says, “Safe to Remove Hardware.” It is now safe to disconnect the Mercury Elite Pro Dock from the computer.
      1. The steps above are applicable to Windows 10 build 1803 and earlier. If you are using Windows 10 build 1809 (October 2018) or later, you can eject the drive by clicking the ‘Show hidden items’ menu in the Taskbar, then clicking ‘Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media’, and last select the ‘Eject’ option for this volume.

    3.2 Usage Notes

    • Performance results will vary depending on the CFast card used. CFast 2.0 specification supports speeds up to 550 MB/s.
    • The CFast card reader has a push-pull slot. Your media card is inserted by pushing the card into the slot of the reader. The media card is removed by pulling the card out of the reader slot.
    • The OWC Atlas CFast 2.0 Card Reader may take up to 30 seconds for the card to be recognized when using with iPadOS, Android, or Chrome OS.
    • For the safe removal of your media card, and to ensure that no data is lost, always eject or unmount the media card from your operating system before disconnecting.

    Support Resources

    4.1 Troubleshooting

    • Ensure your media card is fully seated if not being recognized by the CFast card reader. Carefully remove and reinstall the media card if it doesn’t mount.
    • If your media card is not inserting properly, inspect the port for any obstructing debris. Consult with our support team as forcefully removing obstructing debris may cause damage.
    • If your inserted media card’s performance isn’t meeting expectations, your host hardware or media card may not support the theoretical max performance of the CFast reader. Please consult your host hardware or media card manufacture’s specs for performance details.
    • Some media cards are designed to run warm. Please use caution handling the card after intensive reading and writing.
    • We are very sorry If issues continue to occur. Please know that OWC support is here to help. Contact information for our support can be found in Section 4.4 "Contacting Support". Please have your serial number ready which is located on the underside of the CFast card reader and printed on the original packaging.

    4.2 Online Resources

    4.3 About Data Backup

    To ensure that your files are protected and to prevent data loss, we strongly suggest that you keep two copies of your data: one copy on a memory card | disk drive | or other storage medium, and a second copy on a memory card | disk drive | or other storage medium. Any data loss or corruption while using the OWC Atlas Cfast 2.0 Reader is the sole responsibility of the user, and under no circumstances may OWC, its parents, partners, affiliates, officers, employees, or agents be held liable for loss of the use of data including compensation of any kind or recovery of the data.

    4.4 Contacting Support

    4.5 About This Manual

    The images and descriptions may vary slightly between this manual and the unit shipped. Functions and features may change depending on the firmware version. The latest product details and warranty information can be found on the product web page. OWC’s Limited Warranty is not transferable and

    General Use Precautions

    • To avoid damage, do not expose the device to temperatures outside the following ranges:
      • Environmental (Operating)
        • Temperature (ºF): 41º — 95º
        • Temperature (ºC): 5º — 35º
      • Environmental (Non-Operating)
        • Temperature (ºF): -4º — 140º
        • Temperature (ºC): -20º — 60º
    • Always unplug the device from the electrical outlet if there is a risk of lightning or if it will be unused for an extended period-of-time. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of electrical shock, short-circuiting, or fire.
    • Protect your device from excessive exposure to dust during use or storage. Dust can build up inside the device, increasing the risk of electrical shock, short-circuiting, or fire.

    Safety Precautions

    • Use proper anti-static precautions when handling this device. Failure to do so can increase the risk of electrical shock or short-circuiting.
    • Never expose your device to rain, or use it near water, or in damp wet conditions. Never place objects containing liquids on the device, as they may spill everywhere and into the openings. This will increase the risk of electrical shock, short-circuiting, fire, or personal injury.
    • To avoid any risk of electrical shock, short-circuiting, fire, or dangerous emissions, never insert any metallic object into the device.
    • Please cease use of the device and contact OWC Support if it appears to be malfunctioning.

    Terms and Conditions of Sale

    Warranty

    The OWC Atlas CFast 2.0 Reader has a 1 Year OWC Limited Warranty. For up-to-date product and warranty information, please visit the product web page.

    Changes

    The material in this document is for information purposes only and subject to change without notice. While reasonable efforts have been made in the preparation of this document to assure its accuracy, OWC, its parent, partners, affiliates, officers, employees, and agents assume no liability resulting from errors or omissions in this document, or from the use of the information contained herein. OWC reserves the right to make changes or revisions in the product design or the product manual without reservation and without obligation to notify any person of such revisions and changes.

    FCC Statement

    Warning! Modifications not authorized by the manufacturer may void the user’s authority to operate this device.

    Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference with radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

    Copyrights And Trademarks

    No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of OWC.

    © 2024 Other World Computing, Inc. All rights reserved. Atlas, OWC, and the OWC logo are trademarks of New Concepts Development Corporation, registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. Mac and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc. Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other marks may be the trademark or registered trademark property of their owners.

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