[BRIAN-CARSON]

Originally Posted by Martin Liddle

But by exactly the same token your claims that this will be fraught with problems are not based on experience of attempting this specific modification. What we know is that it has been done but the people who have done it haven't been very specific about the components used so we need to work out a solution. I have plenty of relevant experience and am offering my help.

I can see from the items that have been linked to that they will cause problems ' without modification or additional cables '

it can be done but its messy and is not something that ' sant0025 ' who has admitted that he is not used to working with electronic equipment should attempt to do on his own.

It used to be that SATA was a lot cheaper than PATA/IDE Drive's but has anyone checked up on the prices recently ?

They have sky rocketed in the past Month { due to the bad exchange rate }

[Martin Liddle]

Originally Posted by BRIAN-CARSON

it can be done but its messy and is not something that ' sant0025 ' who has admitted that he is not used to working with electronic equipment should attempt to do on his own.

Which is why I have offered my help.

Originally Posted by BRIAN-CARSON

It used to be that SATA was a lot cheaper than PATA/IDE Drive's but has anyone checked up on the prices recently ?

They have sky rocketed in the past Month { due to the bad exchange rate }

Again I don't understand your point. SATA drives have gone up because they are imported. PATA drives are not available in large sizes. I assume the PATA drives would have gone up by the same percentage if they had been available.

[xyz321]

Originally Posted by BRIAN-CARSON

I can see from the items that have been linked to that they will cause problems ' without modification or additional cables '

Perhaps you can explain exactly what modifications or additional cables would be required with this one (also linked to above). It appears to me that no extra cables or modifications would be required.

I am sure that even if the original poster does not wish to go down this route, it would be useful to continue this discussion in order to come up with a solution for others in future.

[BRIAN-CARSON]

Originally Posted by Martin Liddle

Which is why I have offered my help.

Again I don't understand your point. SATA drives have gone up because they are imported. PATA drives are not available in large sizes. I assume the PATA drives would have gone up by the same percentage if they had been available.

I know they are imported but its more likely that there will be a few PATA/IDE Drives already sitting in the UK.

It was only thirty days ago I was able to find two Seagate DB35 7200.3 ST3500830ACE 500 GB's in stock and was delivered the very next day.

So they are still about all it requires is a bit of hard work and they can be found.

Now of course the seller may jack the price up but they did not in my case.

[BRIAN-CARSON]

Originally Posted by xyz321

Perhaps you can explain exactly what modifications or additional cables would be required with this one (also linked to above). It appears to me that no extra cables or modifications would be required.

I am sure that even if the original poster does not wish to go down this route, it would be useful to continue this discussion in order to come up with a solution for others in future.

Sorry but as I am having daily Radiotherapy treatment for Cancer trying to work out the modifications is not high up my priority list.

I have a load of old Computers so loads of spare cables and I am sure I could cobble something together but I would have to be nuts to buy a SATA Drive when they are at such a high price.

The trick is to leave the SATA Drive in the cradle but plug a extra PATA/IDE cable straight from the motherboard { although the gender may have to change } by doing it this way the adaptor can be used without interfering with the cradle as I suspect the ones I have seen will not fit directly to the motherboard.

Once I get better and the prices drop down I will tackle the job and will post images of how it was converted.

[Bob22A]

Originally Posted by xyz321

Perhaps you can explain exactly what modifications or additional cables would be required with this one (also linked to above). It appears to me that no extra cables or modifications would be required.

I am sure that even if the original poster does not wish to go down this route, it would be useful to continue this discussion in order to come up with a solution for others in future.

The picture is not clear but normally these cards are intended to plug into a spare riser on a PC Mother board. I doubt the Humax has one so I would say this would not be a viable mod.

[Martin Liddle]

Originally Posted by Bob22A

The picture is not clear but normally these cards are intended to plug into a spare riser on a PC Mother board. I doubt the Humax has one so I would say this would not be a viable mod.

There appear to be several types of IDE to SATA converter. Some are intended to plug into the IDE socket on the motherboard (is that what you mean by riser?) some have the circuit board vertical and would be a very tight fit and may not fit with the lid on, some are horizontal and look more promising others plug into the drive. The 9200 certainly has an IDE socket. I have now ordered a horizontal card and a card intended to plug into the drive. I will report back on my findings.

[xyz321]

Originally Posted by Bob22A

The picture is not clear but normally these cards are intended to plug into a spare riser on a PC Mother board. I doubt the Humax has one so I would say this would not be a viable mod.

In the title it says "IDE to SATA Drive Mounted Adaptor". It has 40 way pins on the other side of the board from the SATA connectors so that the IDE cable can be plugged into it directly.

It also states that "the appropriate power cables to convert your SATA power connector to LP4" are included. This implies that no further cables would have to be bought to connect the power to the interface or drive.

[Martin Liddle]

Originally Posted by Martin Liddle

I have now ordered a horizontal card and a card intended to plug into the drive. I will report back on my findings.

Just thought it was time I updated the forum with my progress. I have tested with the StarTech IDE to SATA Drive Mounted Adapter IDE2SAT. This plugs into the SATA port of a SATA hard drive. I tested with a 750GB Seagate DB35.3 ST3750840SCE and I am pleased to say that it appears to work. The only non obvious step is that the drive needs to be jumpered to work at SATA 1 speeds of 1.5GB/s; there is a diagram on the drive showing where to fit the jumper (If you don't have a spare one then you can use the drive select jumper from the old drive). On my machine there is only a small clearance between the data cable and the centre support lug on the top of the case (if there is no clearance then bending the lug slightly might be wise).

Warning. Don't try and test with the lid off or the drive not properly secured. It is very easy for you or the drive to touch the aluminium heatsink on the power supply which will instantly destroy the power supply.

The installation is straightforward:

• Turn off 9200 at mains
• Remove lid (5 screws)
• Disconnect power and data cables from drive
• Remove drive and carrier (4 screws)
• Fit 1.5 Gb/s jumper to new drive
• Fit new drive to carrier (4 screws)
• Fit carrier and drive to 9200
• Fit IDE to SATA adapter to drive
• Connect data and power cable
• Replace lid
• Power on and format drive

I also intend to test with the alternative controller type that plugs into the IDE interface on the motherboard(these are significantly cheaper). Unfortunately the cables supplied with it are not suitable for this application and I am waiting for new cables to be delivered. More information to come when I have tested that setup.

[xyz321]

Originally Posted by Martin Liddle

Just thought it was time I updated the forum with my progress. I have tested with the StarTech IDE to SATA Drive Mounted Adapter IDE2SAT. This plugs into the SATA port of a SATA hard drive. I tested with a 750GB Seagate DB35.3 ST3750840SCE and I am pleased to say that it appears to work. The only non obvious step is that the drive needs to be jumpered to work at SATA 1 speeds of 1.5GB/s; there is a diagram on the drive showing where to fit the jumper

Thnaks for that - very useful.

I also intend to test with the alternative controller type that plugs into the IDE interface on the motherboard(these are significantly cheaper).

There are some cheaper unbranded drive mounted adapters on ebay which other people have tried and said they don't work. It may be that they didn't try setting up the drive for 1.5Gbps operation though.

Unfortunately the cables supplied with it are not suitable for this application and I am waiting for new cables to be delivered. More information to come when I have tested that setup.

I couldn't find a supplier of plug to socket type extension cables when I looked a few weeks ago.

[Martin Liddle]

Originally Posted by xyz321

I couldn't find a supplier of plug to socket type extension cables when I looked a few weeks ago.

That isn't the issue I am addressing. I am plugging the alternative converter direct into the motherboard. This requires a right angle (at both ends) SATA data cable and a right angle SATA power cable; both are available and cheap.

[Martin Liddle]

I now have some pictures.

Hard drive This shows the Seagate SATA drive in place with a yellow circle around the 1.5GB/s jumper that needs to be fitted.

Drive plus controllerThis shows the drive with the StarTech Drive mounted adapter fitted (it just pushes on).

AssemblyThis shows the assembly complete with cables.

Alternative controller (not recommended) This shows the alternative controller board that plugs direct into the IDE port on the Humax motherboard. This works but the SATA connector is too high (by about 5mm) to allow the lid to be fitted. Hence I can't currently recommend this controller type; does anyone know of a supplier of low profile right angle SATA cables?

[Mac]

Thanks for the pics, most helpful!

Think I'll go for the 320gb version and see how it goes.
I take it the drive is fairly quiet in day to day operation and to date you have not experienced any glitches in recording, playback, operating from standby etc.?

[Martin Liddle]

Originally Posted by Mac

I take it the drive is fairly quiet in day to day operation and to date you have not experienced any glitches in recording, playback, operating from standby etc.?

Drive was same sort of noise level as the equivalent IDE drive. I did a limited amount of testing with no problems. The drive is now on its way back to its owner who will hopefully update us with a longer term report.

[Mac]

Well that sounds promising! A certainly more cost effective upgrade than buying the 9300T model

[WPP]

excellent, thanks for the information

[JamesE]

Martin, may I thank and compliment you on this piece of valuable research. I am now prepared should my 9200 drive start to wobble. It almost prompts me to try and buy a used 9200 just to play with! The move from P to S in the drive world is causing several problems. The curious thing is the lack of stocking of the adaptor by main line firms (e.g. CCL and Micro Direct. Dabs have one at twice Kikatec's price)

[grahamrudkin]

Originally Posted by JamesE

Martin, may I thank and compliment you on this piece of valuable research. I am now prepared should my 9200 drive start to wobble. It almost prompts me to try and buy a used 9200 just to play with! The move from P to S in the drive world is causing several problems. The curious thing is the lack of stocking of the adaptor by main line firms (e.g. CCL and Micro Direct. Dabs have one at twice Kikatec's price)

I just picked up one of these http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...ce=14&doy=30m1 For £9.99 +delivery,

I have not tried it yet as I have yet to buy the HDD.

I can report however that I have checked it fits in the box using a Samsung SATA drive with the lid back in place,

( I do not want to use this drive! )

although some kind of insulation along the top edge would most likely be a good idea the addapter fits nicely.

I will report back on my findings at a later date when I get the HDD and power it up.

[sant0025]

Originally Posted by Martin Liddle

The drive is now on its way back to its owner who will hopefully update us with a longer term report.

I am the owner who originated this thread. Martin Liddle has been a fantastic help - tracking down the right adapter, and testing and fitting it for me.

It works perfectly. So I've now got a 750GB SATA hard drive in my Humax and so far have no problems with it at all.

If anyone else needs to replace a failed Humax hard drive, or just wants more capacity, and can't get their hands on a PATA drive then this is a viable option to use the more commonly available drives.

Of course if I encounter any reliability or other problems then I will post back here. In the meantime, a big thank you to Martin.

[motco]

And thanks to you too, for passing on all the relevant information. The temptation is so great....

[Mac]

considering Humax Direct are selling a 500gb version of the 9300T for about £220, this is certainly a more attractive upgrade option for about half the price and even more storage capacity

[michaelporter]

Originally Posted by Martin Liddle

Just thought it was time I updated the forum with my progress. I have tested with the StarTech IDE to SATA Drive Mounted Adapter IDE2SAT. This plugs into the SATA port of a SATA hard drive. I tested with a 750GB Seagate DB35.3 ST3750840SCE and I am pleased to say that it appears to work. The only non obvious step is that the drive needs to be jumpered to work at SATA 1 speeds of 1.5GB/s; there is a diagram on the drive showing where to fit the jumper (If you don't have a spare one then you can use the drive select jumper from the old drive). On my machine there is only a small clearance between the data cable and the centre support lug on the top of the case (if there is no clearance then bending the lug slightly might be wise).

Warning. Don't try and test with the lid off or the drive not properly secured. It is very easy for you or the drive to touch the aluminium heatsink on the power supply which will instantly destroy the power supply.

The installation is straightforward:

• Turn off 9200 at mains
• Remove lid (5 screws)
• Disconnect power and data cables from drive
• Remove drive and carrier (4 screws)
• Fit 1.5 Gb/s jumper to new drive
• Fit new drive to carrier (4 screws)
• Fit carrier and drive to 9200
• Fit IDE to SATA adapter to drive
• Connect data and power cable
• Replace lid
• Power on and format drive

I also intend to test with the alternative controller type that plugs into the IDE interface on the motherboard(these are significantly cheaper). Unfortunately the cables supplied with it are not suitable for this application and I am waiting for new cables to be delivered. More information to come when I have tested that setup.

I would like to add my thanks for your excellent instructions. My drive died on Monday - I found the above post and ordered a Seagate Drive (250Gb) and IDE to Sata adapter on Tuesday, they were delivered today and my 9200 is now back together with an empty disk but at least I can get back to setting my favourites to record and watching them when I want to.

[michaelporter]

Originally Posted by michaelporter

I would like to add my thanks for your excellent instructions. My drive died on Monday - I found the above post and ordered a Seagate Drive (250Gb) and IDE to Sata adapter on Tuesday, they were delivered today and my 9200 is now back together with an empty disk but at least I can get back to setting my favourites to record and watching them when I want to.

Further to the above a word of warning. Although the disk that I ordered installed and worked OK initially I found that the 9200 didn't recognise it when powering up or coming out of stand by which meant that the record part of the menu disappeared. There was a gap of about 5 seconds between power on and hearing the disk spin up which presumably accounted for this problem. However, if a power off was followed by an immediate power on the disk was recognised. The disk that I originally tried was a Samsung 35.4 code ST3250310CS. The disk that Martin Liddle installed was a 35.3 with a code ending in CE. I have now installed the Samsung 160GB disk (code ST3160215SCE) which does work perfectly. Both types of disk are claimed to be suitable for PVR's by Samsung but it appears that the CS range take too long to wake up to work in the 9200.

MODS - as there are likely to be an increasing number of 9200 users in these hard times who might prefer to replace a broken disk rather than replace the entire box may I suggest a link to this thread from FAQ's or some other way of making it easy to find?

[Martin Liddle]

Originally Posted by michaelporter

The disk that I originally tried was a Samsung 35.4 code ST3250310CS. The disk that Martin Liddle installed was a 35.3 with a code ending in CE. I have now installed the Samsung 160GB disk (code ST3160215SCE) which does work perfectly.

Do you mean Samsung or perhaps Seagate?

[michaelporter]

Originally Posted by Martin Liddle

Do you mean Samsung or perhaps Seagate?

Stupid Boy Pike.

It was Seagate of course