module to fix Seagate Barracuda 7200.11

[anelito]

Hi,

I want to learn how to solve the classical firmware problem of Seagate Barracuda 7200.11. The solution is in many post but, I dont know wich cable/module I need.

I read maybe usb/uart, or usb/ttl, but I dont know wich exactly I should buy. For example this:
http://www.ebay.it/itm/USB-2-0-A-RS232- ... TQ:IT:1123

looks well, but I am not sure.

could you specify me wich module/cable I need?

could you help me to select one in ebay or in other online store?

thanks

[HaQue]

You should look for a CP2104 based adapter. You can read a discussion here...
http://malthus.mooo.com/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=192&p=1779&hilit=serial+adapter&sid=5f4bcfcb7a643b122b17af09a93f7f57#p1779
but also there is another page on the same forum in more depth about TTL adapters, and Seagate as well.. and also probably on this forum you will find a lot.

[fzabkar]

I notice that MRT Lab's advertising states that ...

At present, the similar USB terminal products could not support the F12 generation Seagate HDDs. We can checkout, use USB terminal produced by other factories to connected with the F12 generation Seagate HDDs, lots of them can not show terminal or show messy code so that it can not operate, because the design of USB terminal have bug. MRT USB terminal is dedicated to the repair of HDD, it could connect the terminal of F12 generation Seagate HDDs and all kinds of HDDs and then solve the problem of could not transfer or transfer instability.

It appears that they have recognised the problem of LVTTL interfaces, namely that an adapter that is designed for 3.3V I/O (eg CP2102) cannot work reliably, or at all, with 1.8V or 2.0V HDD Vio. I wonder what kind of "secret sauce" is used in the "MRT USB terminal". I suspect it's probably just a marketing beatup for something very simple. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if it were just the standard CP2102 with a resistor and diode to do the level translation.

[anelito]

Ok, thanks,

Now, then I read some discussion and this look well for Seagate Barracuda 7200.11:

http://www.ebay.it/itm/USB-2-0-to-TTL-U ... 2eca165141

it is correct? this could solve the classical firmware problem of Seagate Barracuda 7200.11?

thanks

[fzabkar]

Now, then I read some discussion and this look well for Seagate Barracuda 7200.11:

http://www.ebay.it/itm/USB-2-0-to-TTL-U ... 2eca165141

it is correct?

I can't be certain, but I suspect that the adapter is still only configured for 3.3V I/O. It should be OK for 7200.11 drives, though.

I would modify the adapter for 1.8V, 2.0V, 2.5V operation by adding an adjustable LDO regulator and a rotary switch. There are other ways, but ISTM that this would be the most elegant solution.

[anelito]

Hi,

I just write in ebay "CP2104" like some one said me. Could you help me to find the one I need?

Could you do quick search in ebay and give me the useful links?

thanks

[fzabkar]

I've looked, but I haven't been able to find anything that is suitable right out of the box. ISTM that there is a market opportunity for someone who understands the requirements.