Fixing that HD cable!

Okay, for the fifth time in as many months, I've been getting that damn "No hard disk found contact support" message, and each time it's been because the cable has slipped loose from the primary drive.

What is the best way I can prevent this in future? Bearing in mind that I'm only about 3GB (~6 months, I guess) from needing a new primary drive, I don't particularly want to have to super-glue it in place. Is there any sensible way I can fix it more securely, yet leave it still simple to remove when I next upgrade?

Thanks,

Duct tape?

Hot-melt glue should work fine.

yup, glue gun. quick and easy, and easy to remove.

In fact this was done at the factory on all later units.

bend all the pins ever-so-slightly on the HDD so you get a tighter grip on the cable connector. The pins must obviously remain straight enough to enter its respective 'lead in' chamfer on the cable connector.


Not sure if this method is solid enough to get a FAQ entry, but at least you dont have to start shooting hot glue everywhere

I haven't got a glue gun, so I'll give the tape a try.

Ta,

Hot-melt glue guns are only about $5 or so.. and useful for lots of other stuff, too!

...and I was half joking about the duct tape. It will work, but hot glue is a much better solution for long term.

An alternative to hot glue would be a silicone rubber sealer such as Ratshack sell. It'll take a lot longer to cure though.
I'm sure that Home Depot type places sell something suitable as well, but make sure that you don't use something like 'plumbers goop' that is a bit 'permanent'.

But as Mark said, hot glue guns are cheap.

Most of the stuff that you get for kitchen and bathroom use produces acetic acid (vinegar) when curing. So make sure you get one that doesn't. It's not strong acid but it's best not to have it near the electronics.

- Trevor

I haven't got a glue gun, so I'll give the tape a try.

Do the glue. Hot glue guns are the second best invention in the world next to the empeg, you should definitely own one just for the sake of owning one. And as far as "how to do it" goes, the Drive Upgrade Guide has a very clear video of exactly how to do it. I highly recommend you look at it.

Another thing to consider is the way the drive cable is folded and positioned inside the player. If it's being pulled loose all the time, maybe it simply needs to be creased a little differently so it doesn't constantly have that pulling stress on it.

An alternative to hot glue would be a silicone rubber sealer

Don't do this.

The silicone sets up and holds too strongly, making it nearly impossible to remove the cable without damaging it.

I speak from experience, here.

tanstaafl.

Okay, okay, everyone, I get the point - I need a hot glue gun! Down to Maplins it is, then...

Thanks for your advice.

Which brand was that?!

Okay, okay, everyone, I get the point - I need a hot glue gun! Down to Maplins it is, then...

Just make sure to to heed the warning labels about how the glue guns can burn you. Mine says "Unplug after suing." Gotta love spell checkers.

Which brand was that?!


I don't recall, now. But perhaps I mis-spoke somewhat; I don't think it was pure silicone RTV sealant, but some sort of silicone goop for repairing running shoes. Whatever it was, it sticks really well to just about everything.

tanstaafl.

Shoe goo. Extra strong silicone RTV.

A man's not well dressed if his shoes are a mess.