Hello,

We've a problem with recovery a HDD ExcelStor J840.
Model: J840
DCC: ESJ840-000
Site Code: 111110
Date Code: 20050917
Firmware: PF10A21B

The symptoms are the following: PCB ko and HSA ko!

With the first donor, we have take the PCB, solder the original NVRAM and take the HSA.
After change, the original HDD has been detected but a few minutes after the HSA has crashed.

So, we've decide to order a new donor. We've found exactly the same HDD than the original HDD with the same model, DCC, Site Code, Firmware. The only thing that is different, is the Date Code with 2 days difference.

When we've opened the HDD in cleaning room, we've seen that the original HDD has 1 head and the donor has 2 heads but it's the same HDD. We've changed the HSA but the original HDD isn't detected.

Do you think that we have to desactived the first head or do you have an idea what's the problem is ?

Thank you in advance for your answer.

Simple : ExcelStor are REFURBISHED drives, this explain 90% and the need eventually for remapping...
If the drive kills HSA, you have "hidden" media damage or something went wrong during HS.

Thank you for your answer BlackST.
So, we have opened the HDD in clean room and HSA stop in the middle of the platter and don't move anymore.

After we have provided all the original parts from the donor on the donor and the donor don't work anymore. This is the same thing. The HSA stop in the middle of the platter as if there is a problem of HSA calibrage.

It's a very strange problem. Do you have an idea about it ?

Thank you in advance for your answer.

No, no... You need to check SA at present and see the behaviour (always BSY ? Does it react to techno command ?).
What diagnostic tool do you have or are you using ?

P.S. the fact it is not clicking means at least one problem is isolated.

You need to take into account that :

- These drives are refurbished drives
- Headmap may be different !
- SA may have problems too
- Everything must match (code, overlays, NVRAM etc.) to init properly.

We use Atola Insight as tools.
Have you the step to control the status in commande.
Is it terminal command as Seagate ?

Thank you in advance for your answer.

How do I check if SA is corrupted ?
If I set the jumper setting to Auto Spin off, I can see the firmware revision but no other informations and don't access to NVRAM or firmware, etc.

Thank you in advance for your answer.