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 Post subject: Tools for Hitachi 2.5'' in sale - HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp Set
PostPosted: December 2nd, 2014, 9:07 
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Joined: October 31st, 2013, 9:34
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Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Dear friends and colleagues,
After few months of research and development process we present you our latest product - HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp Set.

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Our development team found solution for easy and safe heads (and magnets) replacement on Hitachi 2.5'' hard drives. This set of head replacement tools (Head Combs) contains 3 pairs (6 pieces) of head replacement tools and pair of support tools.

Many of you will notice that we have changed the design of our tool boxes. These new tool boxes differ from the old ones not only by the color, now they also have improved way of opening/closing. It's the result of the feedback from our customers and their suggestions.

This ramp set covers all Travelstar models from 4K40 up to 5K1500 families, which is nearly 250 different models.

You can also check:

1. PDF manual - http://hddsurgery.com/dl/HDDSHGST2.5RampSet.pdf
2. Video guide - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0PF6LQpTs4

HDDS HGST 2.5'' RAMP SET USER MANUAL

1. HddSurgery™ HGST 2.5'' Ramp Set head replacement tools

HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp Set contains 3 pairs of head replacement tools: HGST 2.5” Ramp p1, HGST 2.5” Ramp p2, HGST 2.5” Ramp p3 and pair of HGST 2.5''Support Tools.

HGST 2.5” Ramp p1

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This head replacement tool can be used on 2.5” HGST hard drive models which have 1 platter, which park their head(s) on a ramp.

HGST 2.5” Ramp p2

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This tool is used on HGST 2.5” hard drives with 2 and 1 platters, which park their heads on a ramp.

HGST 2.5” Ramp p3

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HGST 2.5” Ramp p3 head replacement tool can be used on 2.5” HGST hard drive models which have 3 platters and their heads parked on a ramp.

HGST 2.5” Support tool

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HGST 2.5” Support tool is used to support head and magnets replacement process on 2.5” HGST hard drives. The upper and lower magnet of these drives are connected and can't be disassembled by classical methods. This means that heads must be disassembled together with the magnets. Support tool secures position of heads in relation to both magnets during heads replacement process. Support tool, its function and parts, will be presented in detail in the chapter 4.

2. Supported models

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3. Specificities of HGST 2.5'' hard drives and features of HDDS HGST 2.5'' ramp tools

Hole used for mounting HGST 2.5'' ramp tools

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There are many different models (and mechanics) of modern Hitachi 2.5'' hard drives. Actuator arms of these various mechanics are mutually different in terms of shape, dimensions and number of holes on them. There is one thing, however, which is common for all of different Hitachi mechanics - position and dimension of the hole near the top of the head assembly. On some models this hole is the only one which exists on the actuator arm and on the others, which have 2 or more available holes on the actuator arm, this hole is the one which is nearest to the heads themselves. Since this hole is common for all different Hitachi 2.5'' HDD mechanics, it is used for mounting of the HddSurgery HGST 2.5'' ramp tools.

Security brake(s) on HGST drives

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Some Hitachi 2.5'' hard drives have two (left and right) security brakes located in the holes of the upper magnet. The left one secures heads position on the ramp, while the right one limits heads movement above HDD platters. On the other side on the newer Hitachi 2.5'' models there is only one security brake in the upper magnet - the left one.

In both cases brake(s) from the upper magnet must be removed in order to mount support tool and slide heads off the ramp. In the second case (Picture 4.2 Right), there is no right security brake on the upper magnet. Since no right hole is available, support tool must be mounted only by using left hole for basing.

Additional braking mechanisms on HGST drives

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There are two types of additional braking mechanisms on Hitachi 2.5'' hard drives. Additional braking mechanism, shown on the left part of picture 4.3 must not be removed during head replacement process - however, additional precautions have to be taken during heads and magnets dismounting and mounting. On the other side, additional braking mechanism shown on the right side of the picture 4.3, must be removed as it is not allowing heads to slide off the ramp.

Features of the support tool

Main parts of the HGST 2.5'' Support tool are presented on picture below.

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Support tool plate is made of steel with high magnetic properties. This ensures that magnetic force between plate and upper magnet connects them during head replacement process.

Right and left dog point screws secure precise mounting position of the support tool plate on the head assembly and magnet. Both dog points screws can be dismounted from the support tool by using hex key if there is only one (or none) available hole in the upper magnet. Also, unfastening of dog point screws will decrease dimension of the part of the screw which comes out of the hole in the tool - this can be useful when dealing with hard drives with tiny upper magnet.

Threaded cocoon is part of the support tool which connects it to the head assembly via screw. Beside this, since different models of HGST 2.5'' hard drives have different relations of key dimensions - threaded cocoon is used to determine exact position of upper magnet in relation to the head assembly shaft. Bottom surface of threaded cocoon is covered with notches which carve themselves into the head assembly after screw is tightened. This secures head assembly position in relation to the magnets.

Locknut is used to prevent unfastening of threaded cocoon and consequently - loosing secured heads position in relation to the magnets during the head replacement process.

4. Head replacement process

Step 1 – Preparing the hard drive for head replacement

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To prepare the hard drive for head replacement process it is needed to dismount the PCB (circuit board on the bottom side) and to take off the lid from the top of the hard drive.
Loosen and remove all the screws on the PCB and dismount the circuit board.
Loosen the screw, which is holding the head assembly from the bottom, just a little bit and then tighten it again. This is needed in order to avoid problems of loosening mentioned screw later in the process.

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Unstick the hard drive sticker in order to uncover the screw which is holding the head assembly from above. Then loosen and remove all of the screws from the hard drive lid and open the hard drive casing.

Step 2 – Releasing flat cable connector

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Remove screws that are holding the flat cable connector and push the connector from the bottom upwards to release it. Pressure from below may cause the connector to pop out and possibly damage platters. Because of this, hold the top of connector with another hand while pushing it from the bottom. Before applying pressure, remove screws from their holes.

Step 3 – Mounting the tool on the actuator arm

Carefully center the axle of the tool over the hole which is the closest to the top of the head arm (near the heads themselves). There are different mechanics of HGST 2.5'' hard drives, among them there are hard drives which have few holes on the actuator arm and on the other side there are hard drives which actuator arm has only one hole on it. Hole which is the closest to the heads is common for all HGST 2.5'' hard drives and because of that it is used for mounting of the ramp tool.

Take care that the snouts stand away from the heads, and put the axle of the tool through hole in the actuator arm. Axle of the tool should go easily through this hole.
Push the tool so the snouts go between the heads. These snouts will keep the distance between the heads and assure that the heads don’t touch each other after sliding them off the ramp. Before pushing the snouts check that tool is lying straight and steady on the actuator arm and help it to achieve steady and straight position before pushing the snouts.

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Don't secure the tool with the securing pin at this moment. On some models there is a danger that securing pin will fall on the top platter if it is placed at this moment.

Step 4 – Removing the security brake(s)

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Carefully remove both security brakes, placed in the holes of the upper magnet. Firstly remove right security brake and then the left one, which is securing the heads position on the ramp. After left security brake is removed heads will slide to right a little bit but will remain in the ramp area.

Some HGST 2.5'' hard drives have only one security brake - the left one. Anyhow, in this step it should be removed.

Be VERY CAREFUL while removing security brakes and watch them not to fall on the platters.

Despite brake(s) placed in the holes of upper magnet, HGST 2.5'' hard drives have separate brake mechanism. There are two types of these mechanisms. Brake mechanism which is not allowing heads to slide off the ramp (second type), although security brake(s) are previously removed from the upper magnet, must be removed in this step.

Step 5 – Securing the heads with the tool

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After removal of the security brake(s) heads will slide a little bit to the right but should remain on the ramp. In this moment it is safe to secure the tool position on the heads by providing securing pin. HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp tools have implemented side-locking system which means that securing pin locks the tool position on the heads by going to the side of the heads.

Step 6 – Mounting the support tool plate

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Place the Support tool plate on the upper magnet. For its positioning use two dog point screws (DIN 915) which are tightened to the plate. Non-threaded section of the two dog point screws should be placed through the two holes of the upper magnet in which security brakes were placed.

Support tool plate is made of steel with high magnetic properties - needed for the tool functioning. Be careful while mounting the plate on the magnet because of the mag.force.

If the upper magnet has only one (left) hole (and previously had one (left) security brake) on it, dismount right dog point screw by using hex key. In this case plate will be positioned by using only left dog point screw so exact positioning of the plate should be helped with evaluation of concentricity between head assembly shaft and threaded opening of the support tool plate.

Step 7 – Mounting the support tool threaded cocoon and moving the heads off the ramp

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Start fastening threaded cocoon into the threaded opening of the support tool plate. Turn one or two full circles so the cocoon is standing safely into the threaded opening.

Slide the heads off the ramp, preferably by using tweezers. If there are no other holes available on the actuator arm, you can use handle of the ramp tool for sliding as well, however be extremely gentle. While of the ramp, heads will remain separated by the ramp tool snouts. Keep holding the heads outside ramp area.

Step 8 – Fixing the support tool to the head assembly

While holding the heads and keeping them of the ramp, continue with gentle fastening of the threaded cocoon. On the first sign of resistance to the fastening - stop! This is sign that bottom of the threaded cocoon has reached the top of the head assembly.

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Insert the screw which previously connected head assembly to the hard drive lid into the cocoon. Check that screw has gone through the bottom hole of the cocoon and be sure to tighten it firmly. After this, heads will remained fixed to the support tool and outside of the ramp area - so there is no need to hold them anymore.

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Step 9 – Mounting the locknut

To prevent threaded cocoon from unfastening - knurled locknut must be applied. Fasten it to the threaded cocoon until it touch the support tool plate and tighten it firmly.

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Step 10 – Removing the magnet screws

Remove three screws which are fixing both magnets to the donor drive casing.

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Step 11 – Removing the screw that is holding the head arm

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Loosen and remove the bottom screw that’s holding the head assembly connected to the donor drive casing. While loosening this screw, hold the locknut of the support tool (as shown on picture below).

After removing this screw, heads and magnets are completely disconnected from donor hard drive.

Step 12 – Dismounting heads and magnets from donor drive

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Use locknut as a handle and lift support tool up together with head assembly and both magnets. Hold the flat cable connector with the other hand in the process.

Step 13 – Mounting the heads and magnets on a patient drive

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Carefully place the head assembly and magnets to its place in patient drive by holding the locknut of the support tool. Assist the process with your other hand. Use four screw holes of the patient drive casing as a guides for exact positioning of the assembly. Three of these holes are for the screws which connect both magnets to the casing and one is for the screw which connects head assembly to the casing.

Watch not to damage heads in the process. ESPECIALLY be careful that heads don't come in contact with the ramp.

Step 14 – Tightening the screw that is holding the head assembly from the bottom

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When the head assembly and magnets are in their place, tighten the screw which is holding head arm from the bottom while holding the locknut of the support tool from above (as shown on picture below). Be sure to tighten this screw to assure good connection between the head arm and the patient hard drive casing.

Step 15 – Tightening three screws that connect magnets to the patient drive casing

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Tighten three screws that are fixing magnets to the patient drive casing.

Step 16 – Loosening the screw that connects support tool to the head assembly

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Hold firmly the locknut (to oppose loosening force) of the support tool and unscrew the screw inside the threaded cocoon, which connects support tool to the head assembly. Heads will slide back to the ramp area after screw is loosened. It's very important to hold locknut firmly during screw loosening to prevent moving heads to the ramp caused by excessive loosening force.

Step 17 – Dismounting the support tool

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Dismount the support tool by holding its locknut and lifting it up. Support tool plate is holding for the hard drive magnets because of the effect of magnetic force. This force is not excessive however it must be overpowered by lifting.

It is recommended to remove security pin from the tool at this moment in order to avoid problems during the tool dismounting in step 19. However it is not necessary to perform this action in this step on the most of the models (such as drive in this manual).

Step 18 – Returning the security brake(s)

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Slide heads slightly to the right of the ramp in order to set free left opening in the upper magnet where left security brake should be placed. You can use handle of the ramp tool for this action, however be extremely gentle. While holding heads in that position place security brake in the left opening and then release the heads. Their position on the ramp is now secured. Put the right security brake in the right opening.

If hard drive had additional brake mechanism, which was removed in the process of dismounting heads and magnets from donor drive, mount it in a patient drive in this step.

Slide heads slightly to the right of the ramp in order to set free left opening in the upper magnet where left security brake should be placed. You can use handle of the ramp tool for this action, however be extremely gentle. While holding heads in that position place security brake in the left opening and then release the heads. Their position on the ramp is now secured. Put the right security brake in the right opening.

If hard drive had additional brake mechanism, which was removed in the process of dismounting heads and magnets from donor drive, mount it in a patient drive in this step.

Step 19 - Dismounting the tool

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Remove the securing pin from the tool if you haven't removed it already in step 17. Scroll the tool away from the heads. While gently holding the actuator arm, pull the axle of the tool out of the hole by holding the tool for its handle.

Step 20 - Fixing the flat cable connector and finishing the head replacement process

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Place the flat cable connector on its place and tighten the two screws that are holding it. Put the lid and PCB back and clone the disk.

5. Conclusion

This guide was written by HDDSurgery team and it is based on our experience acquired during process of development, design and testing.

Regards to you all from HddSurgery team.
We wish you all success and many green sectors! :D


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 Post subject: Re: Tools for Hitachi 2.5'' in sale - HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp S
PostPosted: December 2nd, 2014, 9:17 
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Joined: December 8th, 2013, 4:48
Posts: 831
Location: Pakistan
nice work.
thanks

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 Post subject: Re: Tools for Hitachi 2.5'' in sale - HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp S
PostPosted: December 2nd, 2014, 9:30 
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Joined: August 18th, 2010, 17:35
Posts: 3636
Location: Massachusetts, USA
That's about as safe a head swap can get. Good stuff.

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 Post subject: Re: Tools for Hitachi 2.5'' in sale - HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp S
PostPosted: December 2nd, 2014, 21:11 
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Joined: December 4th, 2012, 1:35
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Location: Adelaide, Australia
Damn those cases look great, I want to get a few sets just for the look of them!


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 Post subject: Re: Tools for Hitachi 2.5'' in sale - HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp S
PostPosted: December 21st, 2014, 17:28 
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Joined: December 12th, 2005, 3:32
Posts: 705
Location: Belgrade
thanks, there is more to come!

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 Post subject: Re: Tools for Hitachi 2.5'' in sale - HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp S
PostPosted: December 22nd, 2014, 7:26 
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Joined: June 25th, 2013, 6:32
Posts: 37
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Proizvedeno u Srbiji?


Lijepo.



Very nice, keep up!



Haltec


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 Post subject: Re: Tools for Hitachi 2.5'' in sale - HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp S
PostPosted: December 22nd, 2014, 7:52 
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Joined: December 12th, 2005, 3:32
Posts: 705
Location: Belgrade
Proizvedeno u Srbiji?
it means Made in Serbia

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 Post subject: Re: Tools for Hitachi 2.5'' in sale - HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp S
PostPosted: March 31st, 2015, 9:28 
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Joined: October 31st, 2013, 9:34
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Location: Belgrade, Serbia
HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp Set Animation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-bkoTq90Jw


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 Post subject: Re: Tools for Hitachi 2.5'' in sale - HDDS HGST 2.5'' Ramp S
PostPosted: April 1st, 2015, 4:34 
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Joined: January 28th, 2009, 10:54
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Location: Greece
As always, nice job with that animation.

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