Sony AXS-AR3 - AXS Memory Card Reader Operating Instructions

Overview

The AXS-AR3 AXS Memory Card Reader supports Thunderbolt^TM 3 for high-speed transfer of data stored on AXS memory cards.
It also supports Thunderbolt^TM 3 daisy chain connections for connecting multiple units to achieve high-speed data transfer from multiple cards.

Precautions on use

• Always install the utility software in order to operate the unit correctly.
• The access lamp lights blue when an AXS memory card is being accessed. Observe the following while the access lamp is lit blue. Not doing so may damage the data stored on the computer or the memory card. Do not:
  • disconnect the connection cable or AC adaptor cable
  • turn off the computer
  • remove the memory card
• When disconnecting the connection cable, always grasp it by its connector.
• Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the unit. Never use benzene, alcohol, thinner, or other solvents. Doing so may result in deformation or malfunction of the unit.
• Sony accepts absolutely no responsibility for problems in data recorded or played if AXS memory cards are used incorrectly.
• Do not engage the write-protect switch with the AXS memory card inserted into the unit.
• If this unit is connected to the computer in the following situations, the unit may not operate correctly. Disconnect the unit from the computer before doing these operations.
  • When you start or restart the computer.
  • When the computer enters sleep or hibernation, or restored from either.

Notes on the AC adaptor

• Connect the AC adaptor to any nearby wall outlet. If trouble occurs while using the unit, disconnect the power plug from the wall outlet immediately.
• Do not place the AC adaptor in narrow spaces during use (e.g., between a wall and piece of furniture).

OS

macOS High Sierra 10.13
macOS Mojave 10.14
macOS Catalina 10.15
macOS Big Sur v11.0 (Intel Mac)
Windows 10 64-bit (version 1809 and later)

Note
Correct operation on all computers is not guaranteed.

Names of parts

1. Access lamp

   Lamp	Slot status
   Off	A compatible memory card is not inserted or could not be recognized. Memory cards can be safely removed.
   Lit green	Standby state.
   Lit blue	Accessing the memory card. Do not remove the memory card.
   Flashing yellow	Flashing slowly (1 Hz): Alarm indicator Failed to acquire data from the AXS memory card. →Eject and reinsert the AXS memory card. Flashing rapidly (4 Hz): Error indicator An error occurred in communication between the unit and AXS memory card or connected device. →Reconnect the Thunderbolt cable, inserting it straight.
   Flashing red	Flashing slowly (1 Hz): Alarm indicator Device started up in backup mode because the device failed to start normally. →Reconnect the Thunderbolt cable, inserting it straight. Flashing rapidly (4 Hz): Error indicator Detected a persistent high temperature condition within the device, or failure of the fan. Device will automatically be turned off if the internal temperature does not decrease to the reference value within a certain period of time. →Check the ambient temperature and check for failure of the internal fan.
   Lit white	Lamp lights white when the AC adaptor and Thunderbolt cable are connected to the unit. The lamp then turns off or changes color after approximately three seconds. →If the lamp does not light white or stays lit white, reconnect the Thunderbolt cable, inserting it straight.
   Flashing white slowly	The unit is set as a power-saving device. If a memory card cannot be recognized, disconnect and reconnect the Thunderbolt cable or use the update function of the utility software.

2. AXS memory card slot
3. Thunderbolt^TM 3 terminal
   
   When you connect the Thunderbolt cable of the unit to peripheral device, use the supplied cable to prevent malfunction due to radiation noise.
4. DC IN 19.5V terminal

Operation of the unit

Connecting to a computer

1. Connect the AC adaptor and power cord, and connect the AC adaptor to the DC IN 19.5V terminal of the unit.
2. Connect the connector on one end of the Thunderbolt cable to the Thunderbolt^TM 3 terminal of the unit, and the connector on the other end to a Thunderbolt^TM 3 terminal of the computer.

Notes

• Always use the supplied Thunderbolt™ 3 certified cable to connect the unit to your computer.
• Correct operation on all computers under recommended conditions is not guaranteed.

About daisy chain connection
The unit supports daisy chain connections. Up to six devices, including the unit, can be connected in daisy chain to the computer.

Note
Correct operation of all devices is not guaranteed.

Inserting an AXS memory card
Orient the memory card correctly, and fully insert it into the unit.
→ The unit is mounted on the computer.

Ejecting an AXS memory card
macOS: Move the disk icon of the AXS memory card to the Trash.
Windows 10: Click the "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media" icon displayed in the notification area of the taskbar, and click "Eject AXSXXXX".
→ For AXS memory cards, check that the access lamp is off, and then remove the memory card.
For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the computer/OS.

Troubleshooting

AXS memory cards (sold separately)

Supported AXS memory cards
Use Sony AXS memory cards.
Operations are not guaranteed with memory cards other than Sony cards.
For details on using AXS memory cards and usage-related precautions, refer to the instruction manual for the memory card.

Specifications

Refer to "Before Using This Unit" for the specifications.

Software

Install the following software to use the unit.

Check the Sony Professional products web site for information about software updates.
Sony Professional products web site homepage:
Japan https://www.sonybsc.com
All other countries https://pro.sony (click [Change Country, Region or Language] and select the region and language)

Operating environment
For details about the function of the software above and the operating environment, refer to the Help of the software.

Trademarks

• AXS and are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
• macOS is a trademark of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.
• Windows is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.
• Other trademarks and trade names are the property of their owner.

© 2020 Sony Corporation
Printed in Japan