Freecom xxs 320GB USB failed

[clut]

Hi,

I have an external harddisk, it's a freecom xxs 320GB with a samsung disk in it. Probably the USB connector is failed but it's soldert at the PCB! Is there a check for it?

I did some tests with different USB cables and operating systems (Windowx xp, ubuntu 12.10 and mac) and nothing works.

I hope you have some tips,


Thanks Christian

[sathyan]

it's a freecom xxs 320GB with a samsung disk in it. Probably the USB connector is failed but it's soldert at the PCB! Is there a check for it?

What is the symptom ?
Does the drive spin up?
Why do you suspect the USB failed?
Do you have important data in it?
DIY on drives with important data is not advised

[Vulcan]

@sathyan: Great questions. The original description is missing some details needed to give a useful reply.

@clut: To better understand your situation, you need to give full, clear and unambiguous answers to the questions from sathyan. In addition:

- Please list the tests / troubleshooting which you have done already, and their results.
- Your comment that "nothing works" could mean different things to different people, depending on the details. For example, the specific kernel messages (from running "dmesg") when the drive was plugged-in using Ubuntu (as you mentioned) would help to give a better clue about the type of problem.
- Is this your drive, or does it belong to someone else?
- What is the history of this drive? For example, did anything unusual happen before this problem started, or was everything completely normal and this problem started without warning?

[clut]

Yes the driver spins up. But no connection established. I tried with different USB cable, at different computers with different operating system and no one works. But yes the drive is spinning.
It's my brothers disk (but now at my home). In the past there where troubles with the disk, only if you turn him on a side he makes the connection said my brother.

Thanks for your help
CHristian

[Vulcan]

@clut,

Thanks for the reply. However you haven't answered all the questions from sathyan, nor from me. Therefore there is no point in me trying to reply, trying to include all the possibilities from the unanswered questions, as I would need to write a book

[sathyan]

In the past there where troubles with the disk, only if you turn him on a side he makes the connection

This can indicate a loose(dry)solder of the USB connector,
which can be Corrected by reflow /resolder of the connector .
But you will need some basic tools as well as some soldering experience.
Take help from someone who is confident to take up the job.
You can also magnify the area around the connector to check and post a pic.

But remember, this will be a easy job for a pro ,without any risk for your data, and also not costing you much.
So if data is important, take pro help, because DIY attempts can make matters worse and compromising your data.

[Vulcan]

This can indicate a loose(dry)solder of the USB connector

Indeed, and I hope you are right, as that is a simple fix.

However the same symptom can also indicate an internal drive problem (e.g. bearings - there have been some examples of this behaviour a few months ago in the forum). IMHO not enough data has been supplied about exactly what is meant by "nothing works" / "no one works" to be sure that this is just an electrical problem with the connector. Of course with the right tools (or the Linux kernel messages), then diagnosis becomes much easier.

[sathyan]

And as Vulcan pointed out,a correct diagnosis would be necessary to isolate the fault is actually with the PCB Connector before attempting to solve it

[clut]

Hi guys,

Back home i connect the external disk to be sure that my description about the problem was right. I made a mistake to said that the disk is spinning up beceause it's not.

So the problem report is now:
- My brother reports that he have had some problems with the disk, he only makes contact when you hold the disk on a side
- After a while, the disk didn't do anything so my brother asked me to fixed (thanks brother
- The disk is not spinning up, and did nothing...
- I tried with different USB cables, different computers/ laptops and different operating systems

- The USB connector is soldered on the PCB board (later i post a picture beceause the battery is empty)


Christian

[sathyan]

I made a mistake to said that the disk is spinning up beceause it's not.

A proper diagnosis is needed to identify the fault.
Take your time and don't rush into conclusions.
This can still be a USB connector problem, but can also be a lot of other issues.
Are you are planning to DIY, accepting the risks involved ?
Do you have the tools for it and know how to use it ?
Post a pic of the component side of the PCB ,if you need help to identify and check some basic faults .

[dobrevjetser]

If you put your ear to the drive, do you hear a faint buzzing sound ?
My guess is stiction now due to power failure by bad contact.

Dobre

[clut]

Hi guys,

Thanks for replying and helping me. I shoud post a picture of the same disk, but thats a picture of the internet


The power comes to the USB cable, thats the only connection you have on this disk. I listen, but hear nothing. I'm ICT engineer, so i have a basic knowledge.

Later i made some photo's of my disk (battery of my photocamera was low)

[DRforensic]

Looks like you have a faulty PCB, did you try new PCB ? I`m not sure if those models are using only one firmware version so straight PCB swap should work.

[clut]

Looks like you have a faulty PCB, did you try new PCB ? I`m not sure if those models are using only one firmware version so straight PCB swap should work.

Hi,

No i did not but it was a suggestion to change the PCB. If there is no other option, i like to sodler another USB port. If that's not working i wanna try to change the PCB. But your advises are
to make a good diagnostic and make the good choices zo maybe anyone here does have a better suggestion?

This are the specifications of the PCB:
Model: HM322IX
Serienummer: s215jd0z100102
P/N: 33331-F13A-ACHEZ
(320GB/ 5400RPM/ 8M)

[DRforensic]

Hi,

No i did not but it was a suggestion to change the PCB. If there is no other option, i like to sodler another USB port. If that's not working i wanna try to change the PCB. But your advises are
to make a good diagnostic and make the good choices zo maybe anyone here does have a better suggestion?

yes, converting the PCB USB to SATA.

[clut]

Hi,

No i did not but it was a suggestion to change the PCB. If there is no other option, i like to sodler another USB port. If that's not working i wanna try to change the PCB. But your advises are
to make a good diagnostic and make the good choices zo maybe anyone here does have a better suggestion?

yes, converting the PCB USB to SATA.

Ok, is there a how to? That's totally blank for me

[clut]

Did you mean this topic? samsung-hm322ix-usb-interface-fail-t18075.html but wow! that's very very tiny to solder!

[DRforensic]

Yes, it require skills and tools to solder in such a small tracks. Contact us directly and we give you quote on that soldering.
Regards

[sathyan]

Post a pic of your PCB (component side) and check if the connections from the USB connector are proper.(Before thinking of converting USB to SATA)

[clut]

Here are 2 pictures

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