Maxtor donor question

[ericro]

I have a diamondmax plus 9 that burned out the controller chip on the pcb. I got a new pcb (properly matched) and it blew the same IC. From what I've seen, this is likely the preamp. I believe that the only hope is to find a donor drive. can I replace the preamp chip without removing the headstack? I'm leery enough about opening the drive, but I did it without any aparent contamination. Since I dont have cleanroom access, I'd like to minimize the time the drive is open. I also dont have any clamps to ensure realignement of the heads. I'm not going to spend alot on pro data recovery, so this is more a learning exercise than anything.

[BlackST]

This will be more a destroying exercise than anything.

You can't replace preamp without taking apart the headstack, it is a highly sensitive SMD chip and it is soldered to a kapton flex PCB. Unless you have IR or high end SMD rework station and a static free workplace it is almost impossible without damage.

P.S. as you get the same IC burned (the Lxxx "SMOOTH" chip I presume), the problem is likely not the preamp, but something else.

Game over for DIY then. Live with it, toss the drive or get pro help.

P.S. II - If you want spare preamp chips or spare headstacks I have them in stock.

[Amarbir[CDR-Labs]]

I still have doubts as the drive is only CLICKING and no reference to the "Maxtor music" ... and about the checking procedure. But without seeing the drive it is impossible to tell.

This is where DDA comes really helpful. 100% exact diagnose in 1 minute ... ok, 2 minutes

Well ,
I would really be curious how he said its the preamp ,what measurements he made Etc Etc .Might be it was a SA Issue Very common With Maxtor Drives

[BlackST]

Amarbir, someone else has 'recycled' the thread !

[Amarbir[CDR-Labs]]

Amarbir, someone else has 'recycled' the thread !

Lol ,
Come come

[ericro]

I havent tested the preamp yet, but....the drive was functioning untill one day, while working, a chip in the upper left hand corner (with poer & interface at "bottom") of the pcb fried. I got a new , properly matched pcb and teh same chip toasted when I powered it up. I believe this is a motor control IC. I'm not sure of which the "smooth" chip referenced in this thread is, but from what I see, it's most likely the preamp thats taking this chip out. Theres pictures and some stuff on the drive that would be nice to get back, but not for alot of $$. I've seen varying reports on the NEED to remove the headstack to change the preamp chip. I had hoped to pick up a proper "donor" drive and try to replace the preamp and again replace the PCB. If I MUST remove the headstack, I dont think I have a shot at success. If I can get to teh preamp without. theres a possibility.