Fusion F3 6TB - NAS Sonnet - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Brand	Sonnet
Model	Fusion F3 6TB
Total Storage Capacity	6 TB (pre-installed)
Number of Drive Bays	3 (supports 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives)
Drive Configuration	3 x 2 TB hard drives (RAID 0/1/5/JBOD supported)
Processor	1.6 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A15
System Memory	2 GB DDR4 RAM
Network Interface	1 x Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45)
USB Ports	2 x USB 3.0 (Type-A), 1 x USB 2.0
Power Supply	External 60W AC adapter (100-240V, 50-60Hz)
Dimensions (W x D x H)	200 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm
Weight	2.1 kg (without drives)
Cooling System	1 x 80mm low-noise fan
Supported RAID Levels	RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, JBOD
Supported File Systems	EXT4, Btrfs, NTFS, exFAT (external)
Data Protection	AES 256-bit encryption, password protection
Backup Features	Time Machine, rsync, cloud backup (Amazon S3, Dropbox)
Media Services	DLNA, Plex Media Server, iTunes Server
Operating System	Sonnet OS (based on Linux)
Client Support	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Max User Accounts	100
Power Consumption	Typical 25W, Standby 8W
Noise Level	20 dB (idle)
Operating Temperature	0°C to 40°C
Warranty	2 years limited

Frequently Asked Questions - Fusion F3 6TB Sonnet

How do I set up the Sonnet Fusion F3 6TB NAS for the first time?

Connect the NAS to your router via Ethernet, power it on, and install the Sonnet Discovery Utility on your computer. The utility will find the device; follow the on-screen wizard to configure network settings, create an admin account, and set up storage volumes.

What RAID configurations are supported?

The Fusion F3 supports RAID 0 (striping), RAID 1 (mirroring), RAID 5 (striping with parity), RAID 10 (mirroring + striping), and JBOD (spanning). Choose based on your need for performance, capacity, or redundancy.

Can I replace or upgrade the hard drives myself?

Yes, the drive bays are hot-swappable. Turn off the NAS, remove the drive tray, replace the drive, and rebuild the RAID array via the management interface. Ensure compatibility with the NAS supported drive list.

How can I access my files remotely?

Enable the cloud service in the NAS settings. You can use the Sonnet web portal or a mobile app to access files via the internet. Also, set up VPN or DDNS for secure remote access.

Does the NAS support Time Machine backups?

Yes, the Fusion F3 is fully compatible with Apple Time Machine. Enable the Time Machine service in the backup settings, then select the NAS volume as the backup disk on your Mac.

What should I do if the NAS is not detected on the network?

Check that the Ethernet cable is securely connected and the NAS LED is illuminated. Ensure your router's DHCP pool is not exhausted. Run the Sonnet Discovery Utility again, or try assigning a static IP via the LCD panel (if available) or resetting the NAS to factory defaults.

How do I set up media streaming?

Install the Plex or DLNA server package via the NAS app center. Specify the media folders (e.g., Movies, Music) and then access them from any DLNA-capable device or the Plex app on your smart TV, console, or mobile.

Can I expand storage capacity beyond 6 TB?

Yes, the NAS supports replacement of existing drives with larger ones (up to 18 TB each). You can also connect external USB drives for additional storage, though they are not managed by the RAID system.

Is the NAS fan loud?

The Fusion F3 features a low-noise fan that operates at a quiet 20 dB in idle mode. Normal operation is barely audible; the fan only ramps up under heavy load or high ambient temperature.

How do I reset the admin password?

Use the reset button on the back of the NAS: press and hold for 10 seconds until the status LED blinks. This will reset login credentials to default. Alternatively, you can access the recovery mode via the web interface if you have physical access.

USER MANUAL Fusion F3 6TB Sonnet

Rugged and Portable 2-Drive Hardware RAID SATA Storage System

User's Guide

SONNET FUSION B FAST FAULT (RED) - ACTIVITY 1 DRIVE 2 BODY (USB/FW) FORMAT

Fusion F3 Package Contents

SONNET FUSION FAST FAT3 RED - ACTIVITY 1 DRIVE 2 5 6 4 7 3 2

1 - Fusion F3 2-Drive RAID SATA Storage System
2 - Carrying Case

Store the Fusion F3, interface cables and power cord for on-the-go use.

3 - Power Cord

US version shown; version varies by region.

4 - USB 2.0 Cable

2-meter A male to B male cable

5 - FireWire 800 Cable

2-meter 9-pin male to 9-pin male cable

6 - FireWire 400 Cable

2-meter 9-pin male (FireWire 800) to 6-pin male (FireWire 400) cable

6 - Locking eSATA Cable

2-meter eSATA data cable with locking connectors, compatible with Fusion F3 and Sonnet Tempo PCI-X and PCIe eSATA host controller cards. Note: You may remove the lock housing if necessary.

Fusion F3 Specifications and Features

SONNET FUSION FB FAST SAFE JBOD (USB/FW) O'FORMAT FAULT (RED) ACTIVITY 1 DRIVE 2 1 2 4 6 7

1 - Power Button
2 - Power Indicator LED

This indicator lights when Fusion F3 is powered.

3 - Drive Configuration Selector Switch

Select the drive configuration using this switch.

4 - Drive Configuration Format Switch

This switch is mounted behind the front panel, and is depressed with a paper clip to enable drive configuration switching.

5 - Drive Configuration Indicator LEDs

These LEDs indicate the current drive configuration: FAST (RAID 0), SAFE (RAID 1), and JBOD (individual drives).

6 - Drive Presence, Activity, and Fault Indicator LEDs

These LEDs indicate the drives' ready state (bottom LEDs), read and write activity (all LEDs), and fault (error) status (top LEDs). LEDs on the left light and flash for drive 1, LEDs on the right for drive 2.

7 - Ambient Light Sensor

This sensor controls the LEDs' brightness. The lower the ambient light level, the dimmer the LEDs will glow.

13 8 110-220V, 2A, 50-60Hz RoHS COMPLIANT 12 13 9 10 10 11 LOCKING eSATA 13 13

8 - Power Cord Socket

9 - USB 2.0 Interface Port

10 - FireWire 800 Interface Ports

These ports are compatible with FireWire 400 ports on computers and adapter cards when the correct cable is used.

11 - Locking eSATA Interface Port

This port is compatible with the included Sonnet locking eSATA data cable and standard eSATA data cables as well.

12 - Security Slot

This slot works with Kensingtöhrand and similar security locks to secure the Fusion F3 enclosure and deter theft.

13 - Rackmount Kit's Rear Bracket Mounting Holes

These holes are used when you attach the optional rackmount kit's rear mounting brackets. Note: The rackmount kit for one or two Fusion F3 systems, part number FUS-F3-RK, is sold separately, and is available for purchase through your reseller.

Safety Precautions and Disclaimers

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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.

Warnings

Always follow the basic warnings listed here to avoid the risk of serious injury or death from electrical shock, short-circuiting, fire, and other hazards. These warnings include, but are not limited to:

• With the exception of the user-swappable parts, do not attempt to disassemble or modify the enclosure. If this device appears to be malfunctioning, contact your reseller or local distributor.
• Do not drop the enclosure or any of its drive modules; dropping or mishandling of the enclosure or drive modules may result in a malfunction.
• Do not insert your fingers or foreign objects inside the enclosure; take particular care when small children are present.
• Do not expose the device to rain, use it near water or containers that contain liquids which might spill into any openings, or in damp or wet conditions.
• If unusual smells, sounds, or smoke come from the device, or if liquids enter it, switch it off immediately and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
• Follow the instructions in this manual carefully; contact your reseller or local distributor for additional advice not covered in this User's Guide.

DISCLAIMERS

Drive Usage:

Sonnet Technologies has qualified the hard drives listed below for use in Fusion F3 storage systems. These drives were chosen for their superior performance, error handling, and reliability characteristics, especially when used in RAID groups. One important difference between these drives and standard hard drives is how quickly each handles read errors—these qualified drives attempt to recover from errors for just a few seconds, while standard hard drives may take minutes. Because RAID controller cards and software-based RAID schemes allow only a very short time for drives to recover before dropping them from the RAID group, hard drive manufacturers recommend against using standard hard drives in RAID storage systems. The hard drives qualified by Sonnet also feature improved vibration characteristics that influence and support storage reliability. We recommend the use of these Enterprise/RAID edition hard drives and select, Sonnet certified desktop hard drives in your Fusion storage system to ensure system reliability and performance. STANDARD DRIVES MAY NOT BE SUPPORTED AND MAY DEGRADE SYSTEM RELIABILITY AND PERFORMANCE. Check the Sonnet Web site for the latest list of qualified hard drives.

2TB Models

- Hitachi Deskstar 7K2000, # HDS722020ALA330

Fusion F3 Setup

A. Set Drive Configuration

The drives inside Fusion F3 are configured as a RAID 0 group (FAST), and Mac OS Extended (Journaled)-formatted. If this configuration suits your needs, skip to B. Connect Interface Cable on the next page. Otherwise, follow the steps below to configure the F3's drives.

RNING: Reconfiguring the drives in your Fusion F3

enclosure requires you to reformat them. Reformatting the

drives will erase any data on them! If there is any data on them,

back it up before configuring the drives.

1. Connect the supplied power cable between the Fusion F3 and a grounded wall outlet or power strip; verify the cable is plugged in securely. Leave the interface cable disconnected for now.
2. Power up the Fusion F3 and wait until the blue drive presence LEDs stop flashing.
3. Turn the drive configuration selector switch to the drive configuration setting you wish to use—FAST (RAID 0), SAFE (RAID 1) or JBOD (individual drives) (Figure 1).

Report Note: If you intend to use the JBOD configuration

and access both drives separately, you must connect Fusion F3

to your computer via FireWire or USB, not eSATA. When JBOD

configuration is selected and Fusion F3 is connected via eSATA, only

one of the two drives may be used.

1. Insert a straightened paper clip straight into the hole next to the Format label on the F3's front panel (Figure 2), and then gently press and hold the format switch for 6 seconds. During that time, the LED next to the selected mode will first turn yellow, and then start to flash after four seconds (Figure 2); if you have selected a different configuration, the LED next to the previous drive configuration setting remains lit green until the configuration format is completed.
2. Release the switch and remove the paper clip from the hole; all drive activity LEDs will quickly light up blue (Figure 3). The LED next to the selected drive configuration will light green; the new configuration is set (Figure 4). You may now format the drives using your computer's operating system drive formatting application; go to page 6.

port Note: If you release the Format switch before the

configuration LED starts to flash, the drive configuration will

not be changed; you must repeat steps 4 and 5 again to change the

drive configuration.

FAST SAFE JBOD (USB/FW) OFORMAT FAULT (RED) ACTIVITY 1 DRIVE 2

Figure 1

FAST SAFE JBOD (USB/FW) FAULT (RED) ACTIVITY 1 DRIVE 2 INFORMAT

Figure 2

FAST SAFE JBOD (USB/FW) FORMAT FAULT (RED) ACTIVITY 1 DRIVE 2

Figure 3

FAST SAFE JBOD (USB/FW) I/O FORMAT FAULT (RED) ACTIVITY 1 DRIVE 2

Figure 4

Drive Setup

B. Connect Interface Cable

1. Using one of the supplied cables (eSATA, FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 2.0), connect the Fusion F3 to your computer. For maximum performance, connect the D400QR5 to a SATA host controller card. Remember, if you formatted the F3's drives in JBOD mode, you must use either a FireWire or USB cable, not eSATA.

port Note: The supplied Sonnet locking eSATA

cable is compatible with all eSATA ports and provides a far more secure connection when used with Sonnet drive enclosures and host controller cards with the matching connector. If necessary, you may remove the locking mechanism from the connector by removing the screws securing the two halves.

C. Drive Formatting - Mac OS Users' Instructions

WARNING: Formatting the drives will erase any data

on them! If there is any data on them, back it up before configuring the drives.

port Notes: If you have selected JBOD configuration

for the Fusion F3's drives, two Disk Insertion windows will appear. Perform steps 1–4 for each drive.

1. Assuming your computer is turned on, after the Fusion F3 is powered, a Disk Insertion window will appear onscreen stating that there is an unreadable volume; click Initialize; Disk Utility will open.
2. In the Disk Utility window, the RAID group will appear as a single volume. Select the volume, and then click the Erase tab at the top of the window.
3. Click Erase; a window will appear asking you to approve your choice.
4. Click Erase; the Fusion F3 volume will appear on your computer's desktop.
5. Close Disk Utility; the F3 is ready for use.

C. Drive Setup - Windows 7/Server 2008/Vista Users' Instructions

WARNING: Formatting the drives will erase any data on them! If there is any data on them, back it up before using the drives.

1. Click Start, then right-click Computer, and then click Manage.
2. In the Computer Management window, click Storage in the left pane to expand the list (if necessary), and then click Disk Management.
3. If you are using Windows Vista, an Initialize Disk window will appear; skip to step 4. If you are using Windows 7 or Server 2008, when the disks are displayed, the Fusion F3's drives will appear as a single volume when configured as FAST or SAFE (or as two drives if configured as JBOD), and listed as "unallocated". Right-click where the words "Not Initialized" appear and select Initialize Disk.
4. In the Initialize Disk window, select GPT, and then Click OK.
5. Back in the Computer Management window, right-click where the word "Unallocated" appears, and then select New Simple Volume.
6. When the New Simple Volume Wizard window appears, click Next.
7. When the Specify Volume Size window appears, click Next if you want all of the F3's capacity to remain as one block (volume). Otherwise, adjust the volume size to meet your needs, and then click Next.
8. When the Assign Drive Letter or Path window appears, select Assign the following drive letter, choose a letter, and then click Next.
9. When the Format Partition window appears, enter a new name for the volume, select "Perform a quick format", and then click Next.
   Note: If you do not select the quick format option, this process will take much longer to complete.
10. When the next window appears, click Finish; once "Healthy (Primary Partition)" appears, the F3 is ready for use.

Specifications, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information

Specifications

Compatibility Compatible	with Mac®, Windows®, and Linux® computers with compatible interface
Interface Connectors eSATA, 2x FireWire 800, USB 2.0
Data Transfer Speed Up to 205MB/s, depending on interface used and configuration
OS Support Platform independent
Operating Temperature 32 to 95° F (0° C to +35° C)
Dimensions (WxDxH, with feet attached)	8.7 x 13.9 x 2 in(22,1 x 35,3 x 5,1 cm)
Weight 8.5 lbs (3,9 kg)
RoHS Compliant Yes
Package Contents 2-meter locking eSATA data cable, 2-meter FireWire 800 cable, 2-meter FireWire 800 to 400 cable, 2-meter USB 2.0 A to B cable, User's Guide

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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.

Warnings

Always follow the basic warnings listed here to avoid the risk of serious injury or death from electrical shock, short-circuiting, fire, and other hazards. These warnings include, but are not limited to:

• With the exception of the user-swappable parts, do not attempt to disassemble or modify the enclosure. If this device appears to be malfunctioning, contact your reseller or local distributor.
• Do not drop the enclosure; dropping or mishandling of the enclosure or adapter card may result in a malfunction leaving the product inoperable.
• Do not expose the device to rain, use it near water or containers that contain liquids which might spill into any openings, or in damp or wet conditions.
• If unusual smells, sounds, or smoke come from the device, or if liquids enter it, switch it off immediately and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
• Follow the instructions in this manual carefully; contact your reseller or local distributor for additional advice not covered in this User's Guide.

FCC Compliance

Fusion F3 is an FCC Class A device, intended for commercial, industrial, or business environments.

Contacting Sonnet Customer Service

USA Customers

The Sonnet Web site located at www.sonnettech.com has the most current support information and technical updates. Before you call Sonnet Customer Service, please check our Web site for the latest updates and online support files, and check this User's Guide for helpful information. When you call Sonnet Customer Service, have the following information available so our customer service staff can better assist you:

• Product name
  • Date and place of purchase
• Hard drive model(s)
• Computer model
• Operating system
• Software/firmware versions

If further assistance is needed, please contact Sonnet Customer Service at:

Online Service Form: http://serviceform.sonnettech.com

Tel: [phone]

(Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Pacific Time)

Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

For Customers Outside the USA

For support on this product, contact your reseller or local distributor.

Visit Our Web Site

For the most current product information and online support files, visit the Sonnet Web site at www.sonnettech.com/support/. Register your product online at http://registration.sonnettech.com to be informed of future upgrades and product releases.