Mapex

Update on my progress. I've gotten my drive back. I resorted to using a CA-42 cable from eBay, one that was Made in China (many US eBay sellers are selling such cables) so I could ensure I only had three wires (GND, TX, RX) to deal with. I cut off the Nokia phone end entirely, stripped the insulation, stripped the wires, attached RS232 pins to the ends via pliers, wrapped them in heat shrink, and went to business with the LBA=0 fix. It took a few tries and a little bit of shaving of the cable because my pins were loose the first time around (I was afraid of breaking the wires), but I am good to go now. Thank you for your assistance, BlouBlou, and of course Gradius2 and jaclaz for the guide, readme, and other tips I've read on this thread.

I was getting confused between TTL 3.3V vs 5V and USB/RS232-based power supply of 3.3V vs 5V. The converters I listed seem to specify that they do the latter (that is, offer 3.3V or 5V power output to devices) but probably still only do 5V TTL. It seems I have to decide whether to measure the voltage of my current adapter's TTL logic and then put it through a voltage divider OR track down and purchase an elusive USB to 3.3V TTL converter with jumper headers, which I am having little luck finding. I'll search more when I get home tonight.

I don't have any electrical testing equipment at home so I could not measure the voltage of the adapter. I'll try the new one out when I receive it, and worst case attempt the BSY steps if needed. If that doesn't work I'll purchase a digital volt/multimeter and figure out what's going on.

My previous post was in haste and it was more of an "FYI" than a "you are incorrect." Sorry for the terse tone. Regarding a new converter: can you recommend any of the following over the others, especially if anyone of them have successfully used in the past for this fix by others? I believe these all operate at 3.3V or 5V, but I'm not sure if it's automatically determined or if you need to plug-in a reference Vcc to force a specific output voltage. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-USB-2-0-TTL-UART-Module-Serial-Device-Converter-/170526721177 http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-TTL-converter-/270639483975 (This I believe is the same as the previous one except clearly states the dual 3.3V/5V output) http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-TTL-Converter-Module-cp2102-arm9-max232-max2332-/300420573701

I have all the skills necessary to do what was needed if I needed to solder, measure with a voltmeter, and create an non-inverting amplifier to reduce the voltage if needbe, and what have you. My issue was that I would find no use at home for op-amps, a breadboard, and a soldering kit, among other components, past this project, so they would all be a waste of money. I am thinking of both getting a new converter and getting a Torx screwdriver (which comes in handy in other situations anyway) and seeing what happens. I'll keep you posted.

Thank you for the welcome. The voltage isn't listed in the link, but the FTDI chip is listed to work at both 3.3V and 5V. Is it possible to read at exactly what voltage I am transmitting data? If so, is it then possible that using resistors in parallel can give me the 3.3V necessary? Regarding the converter: I'd prefer to have one that has header pins for the TTL, because I'd rather not purchase a soldering kit for one-time use, and also is USB-powered so I don't have to fumble with power nor have to obtain a serial port expansion card. So, if I need a new converter, could this one fulfill my requirements?: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-USB-2-0-UART-TTL-Serial-Converter-Terminal-Strip-/170526720870?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b42f4366

Hi everyone. I've been following this thread for a few months now that my HDD bricked (I had no idea of this widespread problem beforehand unfortunately) and after a fair amount of trial and error I've decided I cannot progress without seeking the experts' advice. I have the LBA=0 issue with the 500GB 7200.11 and these are the following steps I take to hopefully communicate with my HDD: OS: Windows 7 64-bit My USB to TTL adapter: http://www.virtualvillage.com/pc-usb-to-rs232-rs485-uart-ttl-signal-converter-006401-041.html Wires: the same as those in the OP (the ten SparkFun 5" Jumpers and Headers). Procedure: 1) Turn off echo mode in terminal (I've used HyperTerminal, HyperTerminal PE, and PuTTY and they all work fine). 2) Set baud and all other settings for both the COM port and the HT session. 3) Connect RX to TX on adapter for loopback test, connect USB cable from PC to adapter, and test keyboard commands in terminal. 4) Undo loopback connection. Connect RX (adapter) to TX (HDD) and vice-versa. Connect GND between adapter and HDD. Plug in SATA power to HDD and press CTRL-Z in terminal. Step 3 is successful every single time, but I fail to progress past step 4. Ctrl-Z never brings up a prompt no matter which client I use and how many times I switch RX and TX connections. I've also tried connecting a CR2032 battery to the Vcc and GND ports of the adapter while maintaining the common ground connection between adapter and HDD, but that hasn't done anything either (and I'm not sure it would because the adapter is USB powered anyway). Thanks in advance for any suggestions on how to continue.