If i had a dollar for every time i couldn't figure out how to connect a COM port.. oww boy i'd be rich..

Model: ST1000LM025
HDD P/N: HN-M101ABB
S/N: S2SRJ9BDA47878
1000GB
Rev. A
DOM: 10/2013
Site: DGT

PCB Num: M8U_539B_REV.01 R00
PCB Sticker:
M4 REV.1
20130927
M1A 1821
Motor Sticker:
M8E
D41D9208AN

Drive was not dropped, but is making a rattling noise, and is failing to initialize.

Here is an audio recording of it if you're curious:

http://bit.ly/1Qup3Ef

Here are some photos of the drive:

http://i.imgur.com/J8xzVZe.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/a4hxBRA.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/9v17GmP.jpg

And more importantly here is a kinda blurry photo of the terminal-ey part:

http://i.imgur.com/iB4OkND.jpg

Can anyone tell me how to connect the terminal to this and get a readout in my PC3K? (If you think you're adding to much detail to your answer, you're not, i'm still pretty clueless on the whole terminal thing..)

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

Thanks for the response. I have identified the Tx and Rx points on the PCB, but i am still unsure of how to connect my PC3K adapters and COM port to it. :S

I have posted on the HDDOracle post as well.

I will also post detailed pictures of how to connect it if i can figure this out. So people don't have to re-live my struggle.

What voltage do you measure at the Tx/Rx points?

_________________
A backup a day keeps DR away.

DC voltage from Tx to Rx fluctuated constantly between 0.000V and 0.345V while the drive was powered on. (I'm assuming red goes on one and black on the other ya?)

Measure the voltage between ground and each of Tx and Rx. Some PCBs have lower Vio voltages which may not work with 3.3V adapters.

Also make sure the USB-TTL adapter is grounded to the HDD PCB.

_________________
A backup a day keeps DR away.

Okay here are the readings:

Tx to GND = 2.5V
Rx to GND = 2.5V

Okay i'll make a note to ground the 'PC USB TERMINAL' to the HDD case.

Now i know the voltage how might i actually connect it? Thanks so much for your time.

2.5V should be OK. Some Samsungs go as low as 2.0V, so they could be a problem.

_________________
A backup a day keeps DR away.

I feel like we're closer than ever now, i just need to figure out how to actually physically connect to it:

Another forum member has told me that replacement of the PCB with a compatible SATA-PCB is also possible for this drive.

use Samsung adapter instead of Seagate

Okay. I'm still unsure how to link the 4 laned Samsung adapter with these 2 Tx/Rx points, further instruction is appreciated. :S

that adapter is for a Seagate sata HDD. so, find the pinout for a Seagate hdd first, then you know what each of the 4 pins are for. eg, vcc, gnd,tx,rx. then, connect gnd together on adapter and usb hdd, the TX to RX and the RX to TX.

you know what the usb hdd pinout is already. you don't need vcc.. get creative, use wires, poke pins in , whatever, doesn't matter as long as they are connected. solder wires to usb hdd if you have to.

BTW, this example was an example, make sure you check the adapter for the proper signal position and orientation.

Ahh okay, after looking at the Samsung adapter, there is no GND, only Tx and Rx, i assume that's why fzabkar recommended connecting USB-TTL to the HDD case?

Here is how i assume it would go, please tell me if i'm still being a noob:

exactly.
but if you posted a pic of the Seagate one (not Samsung) it may be easier than that.. it looks as if the GND signal is actually on the reverse side of the PCB of the adapter.

realise the adapters are a little different, but I think pinout the same, tx,rx one side, gnd on the other 3 pins total.

ground is done for you.

just realised your drive is a Samsung - sorry, I saw ST and just thought Seagate..

yes, the gnd should be connected, but I don't have a PC3k, so youll have to connect it based on what you know from other connectors, or even support should tell you.

Here is the makeshift connector i made, it's a 2-pin port from a WD passport drive, soldered onto 2 wires..





This is what i assume the final configuration should look like, except soldered, i will get acelabs to confirm before i actually solder and attempt connection.

yes, looks good, but don't forget the ground. find a gnd on the drive, and also on the connector - probably the 3 soldered together on the "back" is gnd, like the Seagate one.. but good idea to check with ace.

Just waiting on acelabs..

Why? Just connect one probe to a known ground on the adapter and perform a continuity test with your multimeter. :o

_________________
A backup a day keeps DR away.