kiwiguy

OK... Firstly I'm an id*** and am too ashamed to admit how I F**ked up, lol! One bit of advise read ALL of the instructions before starting. I used this cable: http://nz.farnell.com/ftdi/ttl-232r-3v3/ca...requestid=42663 I stripped off the connection and used some electrical tape to prevent the TX & RX from touching. Didn't need to use the black ground cable. I had the BSY error (not detectable). I put a business card in as the instructions said and everything went smoothly. I now have four years of photo's back and I can hold off on the divorce proceedings because of it, lol! Thanks Gradius and to everyone else involved!

Checked "echo" and it's not on. If I add power via a battery will it not cause a problem if there is power going via USB and does the loopback test not mean there IS power or not relevant? I wonder how you managed to turn on echo since you need to do some steps to achieve that. How to turn OFF: On HyperTerminal select File > Properties > select "Settings" tab, press ASCII Setup, and turn OFF "Echo typed characters locally". Click OK. That should do. It's always safer and better use a simple CR2032 battery, or two +1.5V AA will do, even two +1.2V AA (rechargeable) also will works (they must be fully recharged before using).

OK, got everything but have run into problems. Successfully does a loopback test. Driver installed, using the right COM port, tryed using the ground cable on the third pin, have no clue how to turn echo off/on or what or if it effects anything. If I plug the RX - RX, TX - TX it does the "arrow thing" which is the same result as when doing a loop back test. If I plug in RX - TX, TX - RX it won't allow me to type. My theory at this stage is that it may be a power issue (via USB). Please, please help It will works, the IC is inside the USB connector, choose TTL-232R 3V3 model. Here is the IC, this is the PCB version: http://www.ftdichip.com/Documents/DataShee...2R_PCB_V100.pdf

I had a look at that forum and the guys over there are a bunch of pretentious w*****s. I vote that everyone who has successfully used this Gradius2's method (not the PCB swap method) go over there and let them know. http://forum.hddguru.com/tutorial-resolve-...-t11040-20.html Good point. If they were just saying be careful then I would be fine but when they throw around word's like "idiots" it gets under my skin. Also after reading what they have to say they clearly know what they are talking about in general but seem to have a real lack of understanding of the details and history behind this specific issue.

I had a look at that forum and the guys over there are a bunch of pretentious w*****s. I vote that everyone who has successfully used this Gradius2's method (not the PCB swap method) go over there and let them know. http://forum.hddguru.com/tutorial-resolve-...-t11040-20.html

Well, the soldering part is really a kiddy stuff (very easy), at least to me. Part ordered... Update to follow http://nz.farnell.com/ftdi/ttl-232r-3v3/ca...equestid=191254

Well, the soldering part is really a kiddy stuff (very easy), at least to me. Even with my rubbish soldiering I'm sure I could too but I like to keep it simple. Again thanks for all the work you have done on this. My Hard Drive has been out of action for ages!

Looks like the TX and the RX are right beside each other so I'll cut away the rest of the connector and plug it straight into the hard drive. I'll report back once I've done this. 1 cable that does the job with no soldiering will be an awesome alternative

Awesome work Gradius2, can't wait to get everything I need to fix my ST3500320AS. I have one question & it may be a dumb one, however... Would a "TTL-232R Converter Cable" found here: http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/EvaluationKits/TTL-232R.htm bypass having to use most of the equipment you have suggested. It can be powered via USB and if I can figure out what colour the TX and RX are I'd be set. Of course this seems far to simple There are also alternate cables on that link.