Hey folks,

Apologies in advance if this is a duplicate question. I've spent days doing research but have not come up with anything conclusive for my symptoms. Based on what I have read so far, I am anticipating having to take this to a local pro shop for recovery. Before I do, I'd like to know if there is anything "simple" that I should try first.

So far, I have Removed it from the FreeAgent enclosure, tried an alt PCB, and hooked up to the diagnostic port.

Powered up drive and started Terminal Session.
You can hear the drive spool up then you get a repeating seek-chirp sound accompanied by the HM output.

Here's what I get from my terminal session:

F>HM HM HM Reset
8192k x 16 DRAM
GALAXY4D - 1_Disk S-7A 12-08-06_17:15
HM HM
Pgm=00 Trk=000155B4(000155B4[000000]).0(0).0D5(0D5) Zn=FF Err=00 ErCt=0000
Hlth=0000 CHlth=0000 Ntrdy LBA=00000000
HM
Age=00 Type=00 MxCyl=0001572A MxHd=00 MxSct=280 BSz=010M TCode=00000000
HM HM HM
HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM
HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM
HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM
HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM
ERR Read Boot Adapts

After some minutes unit will error out, the HM output ceases and I can get the following error code (A2).
F>
Age=00 Type=00 MxCyl=0001572A MxHd=00 MxSct=280 BSz=010M TCode=00000000
F>
Pgm=00 Trk=000155CE(000155CE[000000]).0(0).1AA(1AA) Zn=FF Err=A2 ErCt=0000
Hlth=0000 CHlth=0000 Ntrdy LBA=00000000

So I'm expecting to hear that I'll need to have the preamp or head assembly replaced professionally.

Is this diagnosis reasonable? Any other options for a generally capable DIY type? What else should I know before I seek professional help?

I've attached a zip with a sound sample that matches my symptoms.

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

Most probably heads are damaged and can't read SA, that's why you see a lot of HM in log.

Hi, you can not just swap pcb and expect it to work.

You also need to swap the rom...otherwise you will get the "ERR Read Boot Adapts"
after you get the right rom in, you might also have a head issue...but you know for sure after you got the right rom in.

Regards/ Bosse

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