WD 1600AAJS - Bios Doesn't Recognize

[LoneWolf]

Well hello people!

First of all I'm glad I have some free time to read here and I believe I will be reading a lot!

Well, I have this WD Drive, as mentioned in the topic.
The Bios doesn't recognize this drive, and so does MHDD. I can't access it even to test it, but as
far as I saw, the head is moving to the SA and it seems like this drive has a PCB problem.

The PCB on it is the "new" western triangle boards, and I know there is an issue with the U5 and U12
chips on this board, but unfortunately this board has U9 chip (and the other one I can't remember now)
and I don't really know what is the difference between U5/U12 and U9, and I didn't find any related info
about it.

So I will be happy to get some advices regarding to recover this drive, or just imaging it, even if I have to
replace the board and solder chips on it.

One more thing, I would like to know where can I read some Tech info about the chips, and their purpose
in the main drive idea (no only for WD, but in general).

Thank you every one!

[pcimage]

Probably more like a firmware issue on this model TBH.

[LoneWolf]

Yep, this is what I was thinking about

Is this problem common with this model?

how can I switch boards (and what chips to move) in order to just image it?

[dobrevjetser]

If its a firmware problem, switching boards will not help.
You need special tools for that. I'm afraid this is a job for a pro.



Dobre

[LoneWolf]

Yeah, I know this is not a "standard" job,
but I'm in the way to become a pro, or at least want to learn.

This is not my personal drive, just a troubled drive I'm wishing to
learn from it.

Do you do such things?

[dobrevjetser]

Yep, its my job, but i'm in belgium.
There must be pro's who can help you much nearer to you.

Dobre

[hddguy]

This is not my personal drive, just a troubled drive I'm wishing to
learn from it.

If its learning you want I think this hard disk may just teach you a thing or two

If your on the way to becoming a pro, I assume you have some tools already?

[LoneWolf]

well I hope I could first end reading all the things I want to read,
before getting the needed tools (besides, I need the money too)

But you know what they say: every trip starts with the smallest step

By the way, do you know where can I get Information about drives and so?
To better know the things?
I know the basics, but this whole subject is very interesting me.

[BlackST]

Why not pay to be trained ?

[drc]

Even if the pcb is at fault you can't swap these unless you can move the processor.

as far as I saw, the head is moving to the SA

And now this is an additional issue, that the drive has been opened

[LoneWolf]

Why not pay to be trained ?

Actually I would be very happy to be trained for that,
but I don't know for something like this in my place of living,
moreover, I can not spend this week time in some other country
these days.

[BlackST]

If you really want, you can have training where you are, 1 on 1 and personalized. Only a matter of $$$$.

[pepe]

But you know what they say: every trip starts with the smallest step

This drive is not the smallest step...

I can only say that u will need a bunch of money and even more time to get into the industry. Preferably U have to have knowledge in electronics circuits, programming languages, binary and hexadecimal systems. These are the basics, then u have to learn file systems...
U need tools, but what is the most critical is the experience and the right thinking that cannot be bought for money.
U will need to commit the next few years to become a pro in this industry.

pepe

[LoneWolf]

Now I'm on the way of become a Software Engineer,
but there is nothing like learning things in true life.
So I study electronics, Binary and all the other things you mentioned.

But still, I do want to learn more about this topic especially.