Seagate ST31000528AS Repair (Bunt PCB)

[GConstantine]

Hello!
I have a Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB Drive with CC35 Firmware. Due to an error I accidently passed 12v through the 5v Rail. I removed the PCB and saw that there was a burn component (couldn't tell what kind) just under the power connector. It's an SMD, and next to several other similar components. The drive had worked before and had about 30GB of data. I managed to get a new drive the next day and although it has the same Model Number, it has CC37 Firmware.
I believe it is possible to either change the PCBs to recover data (providing that the firmware is matched/or isn't a factor) or repair the first PCB. I gave the PCB to a local electronics store to check the SMD component and if possible identify it. Once returned I will upload a photo.

Thanks in advance for any help!

EDIT: Sorry for not mentioning earlier but I searched the forum for the firmware / other info and only found a thread mentioning a TVS Diode. The tech called me just now telling me that the similar components next to it have "one way current flow" (in Greek :p) which from the little I know means it is a Diode. Can this be shorted, at least till I retreive my Data?

[N.C.]

Hi,

1, get your pcb back and go to ANOTHER electronics store...
This is a TVS, not a simple diode.

2, Seagate have unique part of the firmware in the pcb (programmed) and you never can simple replace it.
you need to repair the pcb.
If TVS removing not helps, you should seek for professional help, if your dara is important.
In this case, there is nothing what you can do to recover it....

Regards,
Janos

results-the-yourself-solutions-t11912.html

[GConstantine]

Thank you very much for the reply! I have the PCB back, but unfortunatly (as you were right) the guy took the "liberty" of removing the SMD component (let's hope it was a TVS diode) and bridging the two remaining solder islands with ... solder :p

I will upload an image soon. The data on the drive isn't really that important - but I would like to have it :p

Thank you again!

[GConstantine]

I just noticed your avatar .. you are located -relatively- close by ... how much would data recovery cost approx. if it is just the PCB?

[N.C.]

PM sent.

[Narodon]

Hello Constantine!
It is unbelievable, but I have the same problem with Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB CC35 Firmware like you. I passed the wrong power supply and burned components of my hard drive. I managed to get a new hard drive that has the same model number but other firmware cc37. I changed the PCB but it did not work. So I brought it to data recovery store, but they could not help me as well.
Absolutely the same story! But my problem, that I need my data from drive very soon. My thesis is there and I have to give it up in two weeks!
Can you tell me, how could you manage this problem? Could you recover your data?
Thanks,
Narodon

[Russwinters]

Must have not been a very good data recovery store; this is a "simple" issue for any decently knowledgeable DR Technician.

[harddrivespecialist]

Yeah, does not sound like a DR tech, maybe he meant a computer store tech.....

[fzabkar]

I just noticed your avatar .. you are located -relatively- close by ... how much would data recovery cost approx. if it is just the PCB?

If you need to purchase a PCB, try the following vendor:
http://www.onepcbsolution.com/

His price is US$40, plus $10 for a ROM transfer.

Otherwise, upload a detailed photo of your PCB and one of us will help you with a DIY repair.

This is the area you should be looking at:
http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/HDD/ST ... AS_fix.jpg
http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/HDD/ST ... AS_TVS.jpg

BTW, I am not associated with any supplier.

[fzabkar]

Hello Constantine!
It is unbelievable, but I have the same problem with Seagate ST31000528AS 1TB CC35 Firmware like you. I passed the wrong power supply and burned components of my hard drive.

See the photo clips in my previous post.

If there is no other damage, a DIY fix will cost you nothing. Can we see a detailed photo of your PCB?

[Narodon]

If there is no other damage, a DIY fix will cost you nothing. Can we see a detailed photo of your PCB?


Hello again!
Here is he the picture of my PCB. Two components in a black circle were burn. I am sorry for bad quality of picture. I cannot do a new one, because I will pick up my drive only on Monday.
Thank for you help!
Narodon

P.S. it is not the original PCB. It is other one with firmware cc37.

Attachments

[fzabkar]

Narodo, the two components are inductors. Clean up the area with a toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol (tape head cleaner). Then replace the inductors with wire links, or solder blobs if you are careful. Remove the 12V TVS diode located at 7 o'clock to the inductors. You can cut it out with flush cutters.

If there is no other damage, then the drive should work without the diode, but you will no longer have overvoltage protection on the +12V supply, so be absolutely certain your power supply is good. For continued protection you can replace the diode with an SMBJ12A from Farnell, Mouser, Digikey.

[Narodon]

Narodo, the two components are inductors. Clean up the area with a toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol (tape head cleaner). Then replace the inductors with wire links, or solder blobs if you are careful. Remove the 12V TVS diode located at 7 o'clock to the inductors. You can cut it out with flush cutters.

If there is no other damage, then the drive should work without the diode, but you will no longer have overvoltage protection on the +12V supply, so be absolutely certain your power supply is good. For continued protection you can replace the diode with an SMBJ12A from Farnell, Mouser, Digikey.

Thanks a lot! I will try it this week.
Narodon

[Narodon]

Hello again!
For all who burned components of hard drive like me. I followed advices from fzabkar and changed two inductors and an equivalent diode. It worked and I could recover all my data form drive.
Many thanks to fzabkar!
Narodon

[ggw]

just wanted to confirm, does this look like the diode which was spoken about above?

I just clip the charred remains off?

thanks for your time,
greg



.

[fzabkar]

The part marked "LEK" is the 12V TVS diode. The burnt components are inductors. Remove the diode, and replace the inductors with wire links.

[ggw]

thank you sir.

It would be nice if Lacie and the other vendors of external enclosers would put some fault protection before it hits the drive. Or use power connectors which would prevent/mitigate the use of improper PSUs...

have a great day,
greg

[xcodered]

hi there, same situation here the difference is that my 5v TVS is burnt, What should I do????
Please help me, I had my entire life in that HDD.

Attachments

[fzabkar]

http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/HDD/TVS_diode_FAQ.html

[xcodered]

Thanks a lot, so I was a quite nervous about taking off the TVS diode as described at number 9 in the FAQ, however the process is a few rustic finally works successfully.
I just took off the damage TVS 5v Diode, and my HDD is working as a normal but without being protected.
I extremely recommend the HDD-TVS Diode FAQ. cheers fzabkar...

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