CompactFlash, SD, MMC, USB flash storage. Anything that does not have moving parts inside.
May 26th, 2015, 12:13
Hello all,
Please correct me if this is in the wrong category.
So I left town this weekend and took my hard drive with me (used as addl. storage for gaming system) and realized when I got to my destination that I forgot the power adaptor. I noticed the input port on it is the same as on my laptop so I plugged in the laptop power adaptor in an attempt to power it, which did not work. Fast forward to now, I'm back home and plugged in the provided power adaptor and it still does not turn on. I check the backs of both power adaptors, the default outputs at 12V whereas the laptop power adaptor outputs at 19V.
My questions are:
1) If it is fried (I'm assuming so), can it be fixed or the information at least be recovered?
2) I have been browsing aftermarket power adaptors just to ensure this doesn't happen in the future, and noticed the amps for both input and output are higher than what my default adaptor has, could that be an issue or no as long as the output Voltage is the same?
Thank you all for your help, also I can provide links or pictures of products if needed.
May 26th, 2015, 12:22
Hi there,
Even without testing the pcb I also assume its fried.
If data is important take it to a DR company in your area, and 90% chances that your data will be recovered.

Edit: This should be moved to conventional drives.
May 26th, 2015, 12:26
Thank you, I wasn't sure if it should be conventional or here so I chose here just to be safe.
May 26th, 2015, 12:29
AT91 wrote:1) If it is fried (I'm assuming so), can it be fixed or the information at least be recovered?
check the TVS Diodes
See
http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/HDD/TVS_diode_FAQ.html (made by
fzabkar)
AT91 wrote:2) I have been browsing aftermarket power adaptors just to ensure this doesn't happen in the future, and noticed the amps for both input and output are higher than what my default adaptor has, could that be an issue or no as long as the output Voltage is the same?
higher amp doesn't matter
May 26th, 2015, 12:33
Thank you!
May 26th, 2015, 13:17
Spildit wrote:If the PCB is fried and you can't fix it you can also buy another PCB somewhere (like ebay) and swap the PCB as long as you match the model of te drive and you move the ROM chip (containing unique adaptive data to the drive) from the old (fryed) PCB to the new one.
What he said. But also, you may want to try just removing the drive from the USB enclosure and connect it directly to a computer. It could very likely be just the USB bridge board that's fried on this one. If not, check the TVS diodes and remove if blown. Then as a last resort (assuming you have good soldering skills) move the 8 pin ROM chip over to a compatible replacement PCB board.
But remember you only get one chance at soldering it over, so if you're not confident in your skills take it to a pro.
May 26th, 2015, 22:53
My experience at Seagate's forum is that the most common result of an overvoltage with a laptop adapter is a shorted 12V TVS diode on the HDD PCB. The latest PCBs also have zero ohm resistors in series with this diode. These resistors will usually go open circuit.
A DIY repair will in most cases cost nothing. If you have a multimeter (~ US$5), I can help you locate the fault. Just post detailed photos of both sides of each PCB.
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