[Note: All Plugable USB 3.0 SATA docks purchased after December 2011 have this firmware version (or later). There is no benefit to updating. Contact support@plugable.com if you’re still having any trouble. We’re happy to help]
[Updated Aug 8, 2011 to provide support for 3 TB+ drives]
[Updated July 13, 2011 to latest LucidPort firmware version 2580]
You can update the firmware of the Plugable USB3-SATA-U3 SATA dock to gain a number of features and fixes, especially for improving interoperability with the evolving set of USB 3.0 host controllers, cables, hubs, and other USB 3.0 devices on the market.
In particular, if you have a unit that works fine over USB 2.0, but drops from the bus or experiences transfer errors on USB 3.0, newer firmware may help in many situations by improving error tolerance.
Steps to update
You will need a Windows PC on which you have administrator access.
- Download the version 2580 firmware package for the Plugable U3, and unpack these files to their own directory
- Open a command prompt as administrator (see below for steps) and go to the directory where you unpacked the files
- Connect the Plugable USB3-SATA-U3 with a USB 2.0 cable (not a USB 3.0 cable, since if you’re seeing a problem, USB 3.0 may generate errors when talking with the device), a SATA drive must be in the dock, have the dock turned on (green LED lit), and no copy operations in progress.
- type “update” and hit enter to start the update.bat file to bring up a list of possible devices to update
- Select the “USB 3.0 LucidPort USB300” or “USB 3.0 MassStorage” device (which is the Plugable USB3-SATA-U3)
- The new firmware will download to the device within a few seconds
- The command prompt will say “success” and go green when complete. Flip power to dock off/on at any time to reboot the dock with the new firmware
Let us know if any USB 3.0 specific problems remain after the firmware update. Visit plugable.com/support anytime.
Background on firmware changes
This firmware is for the Lucidport USB300 chipset, firmware version 2580, customized for the Plugable USB3-SATA-U3
See the LucidPort site for chip details and firmware revision history.
Here’s how to check what version of firmware your dock currently has to see if a later firmware is available.
Running a Command Prompt as an administrator
Click the Start button. In the search box, type command prompt
In the list of results, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator. If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
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