Hi Experts,

I've the following Maxtor harddisk which had its PCB burnt.
I've the Donor PCB which is compatible with my patient drive.
Let me know which is the firmware/rom chip I need to swap from Patient to Donor.

(Picture of the PCB attached)

Maxtor 20GB IDE
---------------
Model: 2B020H1
HDA: 11A
PCBA: 06A
Unique: 32A
Code: WAH21PB0
CT: 245C801H1MGALY
SN: B18W36JE
PCB: A6FBA

Thanks in advance,
RDS.

Hi,

ROM is masked in the DSP processor, there's nothing to change. If the donor PCB does not work instantly after swapping, there is a miscompatibility issue here.

pepe

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Adatmentés - Data recovery

Hello Mr.Pepe,

Thanks for your professional reply as usual.

For this model of Maxtor drives, What are the factors to consider for PCB compatibility?
1. Model no: 2B020H1
2. Firmware no: WAH21PB
3. Firmware Rev no: A6FBA

These are the usual factors I consider for Maxtor family drives.
Let me know If I've missed anything?

Note: Initially the drive was behaving dead, then after changing the PCb it spinning now but Clicking. Looks like compatibility issue only.

Any help from your side?

Thanks,
RDS.

Hello Mr.Pepe,

Now the disk is getting detected as 0MB in the BIOS. Making Clicking sound (looks like compatibility issue).
But, dont know where I'm wrong.
This is with the donor PCB which I had mentioned in my previous posting.

Any help or suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
RDS.

Which PCB did u put on the hdd .
There isnt any compatiblity issue in athena pcb any pcb with DSP chip should work on it . Could be a preamp issue .

Hi Mr.Rameez,

The Donor PCB is also a Athena PCB only with PCB firmware rev: A6FBA.
After using this donor PCB only, it started spinning and detecting in the BIOS but 0MB size, wiht clicking sound.

Any more light on this problem?


-RDS.

Hello Mr.Pepe,

You have helped me in lot of situations by replying to my postings.
I have a great respect in your professionalism.
I'm already into data recovery services doing logical and physical recovery ( PCB level).
I would like to take your advice/suggestions on buying the following items:

1. Oscilloscope or Logic Analyzer
2. SMD reworkstation Infrared and welder
3. Head Platter Exchange tool (HPE)
4. Any other Test instruments required for Hard Disk data recovery work.
5. Source to buy Servo ICs (Smooth,etc.,)

Note: Pls PM me if you want to.
Thanks in advance.
-RDS.

Then it could be a fw issue .

Hi

if it is clicking with that PCB, probably head or preamp is dead.

pepe

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Adatmentés - Data recovery

It is quite common for heads to fail along with a PCB burn out. One generally causes the other. Your burn does seem small htough. Most of the damaged heads and PCB occur with major PCB burns. Especially Western Digitals

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The last I heard of God he was worshiping me