Barracuda XT, Barracuda, Barracuda Green, DiamondMax and other desktop SATA and IDE drives

[weust2]

Hi,

I have an external HD (Toshiba) with a Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB in it.

Unfortunately a wrong adapter (from a notebook (19V DC)) was used to power up the drive instead of the 12V DC. Now I get a fast blinking light. I removed the disk from the external drive and plugged it in in a docking station to check if it was the power section in the external drive or the disk itself => same problem (fast blinking light, no power up).

Is there a fuse in the seagate barracuda I can replace? I have the tools to open it.

grtz weust.

[fzabkar]

The usual result of such an overvoltage is a shorted 12V TVS diode. There are many posts on the subject. If you can tell us the model number, then we can help you identify the faulty component.

[weust2]

Wow thanks for the quick reply fzabkar.

It's a seagate barracuda 1.5TB

The model nr. is ST31500541AS

Firmware CC34

Datecode 10185

[fzabkar]

The following thread should help you:
http://forums.seagate.com/t5/Barracuda-XT-Barracuda-Barracuda/ST31500541AS-overvolt/td-p/59173

Here are others:
http://www.google.com/search?q=ST31500541AS+%22tvs+diode%22

If you need more help, let us know.

[weust2]

Thanks again for the quick responses. I opened the drive but nothing seemed fried (see attachment). But anyway I'll try to measure the components disconnecting them first and measuring (starting with the 12V TVS diode) as I don't have the measuring tools at home. I know as a bachelor in electronics I should have the proper tools, but at least I have welding equipment :-) and a lot screwdrivers LOOOL

Any chance it can be something else before I start?

[myforum]

You can go to my post (second on page 2):

http://forums.seagate.com/t5/FreeAgent-Products/Fr​eeAgent-Desk-recognized-as-Initio-Default-Control...

to see if it could be of any help.

If it does not, follow this link http://www.hdd-parts.com/ to learn more before you decide to buy a new PCB.

Good luck!

[Cantbecanit]

Ok, cranky idea coming up, not saying it will fix it but worth a try and non invasive.

Get the latest FW for the drive, not the enclosure, the FW that is matched to the model number

Hook it up as a C drive to the MB, no other drives connected.

If it's recognised in the bios, re-flash it if it will allow you to.

I suggest this incase it's wiped the FW due to the over volt it suffered, it's not a cure, just an idea to try before getting the tin snips out.

[fzabkar · Accepted solution]

The usual culprit is the "LEK" device. This is the 12V TVS diode. It is connected directly between +12V supply and ground. If there are inductors in series with the +12V supply, then these normally burn up, like this ...

http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/HDD/ST1000528AS_fix.jpg

If you decide to replace the board, then you will need to transfer the 8-pin serial flash memory chip from patient to donor. This chip stores unique, drive specific "adaptive" information. Some board suppliers include a firmware transfer or ROM transfer service for US$10 - $20. Otherwise, if you are not adept at soldering, your local TV/AV repair shop should be able to do it for you.

My notes should help you identify the components:
http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/HDD/HDD_ICs.txt
http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/HDD/TVS_diodes.txt

This article should help as well:
http://hddscan.com/doc/HDD_from_inside.html

[weust2]

I did cut out the 12V TVS and plugged my HD into my docking station.

I crossed my fingers and the disk booted up!!!! VERY HAPPY guy now

I'm now recovering the data as it was a HD in an external drive. Then I'll use it again in the external drive because I use it to watch pictures on my tv. If it fries up afterwards it's ok => I recovered the data (pictures, home made movies from the last decade).

THANKS A LOT GUYS !!!!

Great forum btw.

[nwping13]

Many Thanks to fzabkar for teaching me how to solve this problem in a simple way. I had accidentally plug two wrong adapters on my portable hdd and compact printer, both equipment became defective  

As my portable hdd consists of all my family photos which are priceless, it is really an urgency for me to save it, even though my hdd is still under warranty. I don't really care about the warranty even if they can replace one to one, but it's the data that is more important!

After looking through this forum, I found out that fzabkar actually taught me how to remove the 12V TVS diode and it really solve my problem.

Problem: If your hdd started to show constant blinking green light.

If you care more for your data than your hdd. Below are the steps that I tried before committing to some engineering components that I am not familiar with.

Step 1: Search through youtube on "how to open seagate hdd case".

Step 2: Pry out the seagate portable hdd casing with a screwdriver. You will/might break a few hinges inside. Don't worry. (I still get to save 1 or 2 hinges)

Step 3: Remove the 4 screws with rubber using a screwdriver. Get yourself a T5 torx precision screwdriver and a mini cutter ready(a cutter suitable for electronics).

Step 4: Use the T5 screwdriver to open the PCB card from the drive.

Step 5: Locate for the 12V TVS diode on the PCB card. There are different marking on the chips. Mine got a marking label "P005 LEK"

Step 6: Cut the diode pins. I was not able to cut the diode pins as it was too small, so I cut the whole diode instead, but i nearly pull out the copper trace.

Step 7: Connect the "correct" power adapter and USB cable and PRAY...

Step 8: Your PC will be able to recognize your hdd now!

Step 9: Copy all the data out from the hdd, and you are saved

Step 10: I AM A HAPPY MAN ONCE AGAIN!

Links for reference

http://stx.lithium.com/t5/Other-External-products/500GB-External-Add-On-Storage-Constant-Green-LED-f...

http://hddscan.com/doc/HDD_from_inside.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73jHstTFGFo

[Gileno Novaes]

Hi Guys,
I had a problem with my PC and I had to get the HD to use the work. I bought a SATA adapter cable with power to do so. But it seems that the quality of power force was not good and my PCB apparently burned into two components, as shown in the photo.

I wonder if it is possible to consult purchasing new components? Or no way, just like getting a PCB (photo of my PCB)? Smallest me seems like a capacitor or inductor, and the largest, it seems to be an TVS 12V diodo, the image shown by fzabkar.
If I can do the repair, what is the specification of these components so that I can buy and try to replace?

Specifications:

HD Seagate Barracuda LP 1.5TB

ST31500541AS

S/N: [Edited: Removed personal information per the community rules and regulations.]

P/N: 9TN15R-301

Firmware: CC34

Date Code: 11182

PCB: 100536501 REV A

2D barcode: 4778T

[MonsterPC]

I put very little load and use on my 1TB drive and was verycarful with it. 1 day during a project it suddenly just stoped working for no reason. i forgot about it for a while then  now i tryed multible things to try to use i but when i hook it up to a pc nothing happens! Not a sound from it and the disk inside it doesnt even rotate anymore? How can i get a refund or a replacement disk? I know it wasnt my motherboard and power supply because i tryed the things a used to plug it in on other working frives i  had laying arround!