H320 Corrupt eeprom

[koala007]

Read this topic first, because I have exactly this problem and I know its not a hardware issue.
Actually it started when I replaced the battery.

http://forums.rockbox.org/index.php?topic=4192.0

Back in August 2006, petur has posted this tread:

http://forums.rockbox.org/index.php?topic=5856.0

Is there a new way to reset the eeprom or solfe this problem ?
Because the administartor has removed the attachment, because it's too old.

Many thanks in advance

[LinusN]

Read this topic first, because I have exactly this problem and I know its not a hardware issue.
Actually it started when I replaced the battery.

http://forums.rockbox.org/index.php?topic=4192.0

If you have the ATA: -11 problem and the original firmware says "CHECK HDD", (as the topic you are linking to) then it IS a hardware problem.

[koala007]

to be more more precise, it says:
ATA error: -32
Insert USB cable and press a button

Then it get the message: Bootloader USB mode

I get this message with a blank and brand new formattet HD, that why I think the eeprom is buggered.

I can boot with original software and get: check HD connection, check hdd

My computer does recognise the HD with USB and I can transfer files.

[LinusN]

Those error messages suggest a problem with the ATA connection between the CPU and the hard drive. What makes you think that the EEPROM is involved at all?

Actually, if the USB mode works correctly but neither the original firmware or Rockbox can use the hard drive, there is a serious risk that the ATA buffer chip on the H300 mainboard is broken. I assume it doesn't help to remove and reattach the hard drive?

And I'm still puzzled by your statement "and I know its not a hardware issue". How do you know that for sure???

[koala007]

Thank you very much for your reply.

By reading MegaVolts first post, I got the impression that it is not a hardware problem...
I know he got ATA error 11...
http://forums.rockbox.org/index.php?topic=4192.0

Where is that buffer chip on the mainboard ?
I have a second unit (broken) and maybe I can replace the chip.

Thank you very much for your help.

[LinusN]

By reading MegaVolts first post, I got the impression that it is not a hardware problem...
I know he got ATA error 11...
http://forums.rockbox.org/index.php?topic=4192.0

If you read the entire thread, you will see that it is indeed a hardware problem...

Where is that buffer chip on the mainboard ?
I have a second unit (broken) and maybe I can replace the chip.

It is the large chip marked LVCH16245A in this picture: http://download.rockbox.org/device-pictures/iriver/h300_back.jpg

Note that this is only a theory. Since the USB mode works, the HDD connector seems to be working, which leads me to think that it could be the connection to the CPU that is broken. The signals from the HDD connector are buffered by the LVHC16245A chip.

[koala007]

But why would this chip go bad by doing just a simple battery replacement job (I'm not questioning your theory).

I have no soldering experience with SMD components so I keep the unit for spare parts unless you have an other idea.

I can't flash the eeprom with a new firmware because I can't get access to the harddisc by the menu (even format by the menu is not possible).

[LinusN]

But why would this chip go bad by doing just a simple battery replacement job (I'm not questioning your theory).

One common cause is electrostatic discharge (ESD). It's easy to zap sensitive components if you don't take precautions when working with electronic devices.

I have no soldering experience with SMD components so I keep the unit for spare parts unless you have an other idea.

Since it happened when you changed the battery, there is a risk that you have damaged the power supply circuit. Do you hear the drive spin up when you start the player?

I can't flash the eeprom with a new firmware because I can't get access to the harddisc by the menu (even format by the menu is not possible).

Don't bother. The EEPROM is not involved in this, trust me.

[koala007]

LinusN, your assistance is very much appreciated.

I can start the player with the iRiver firmware 1.29K but it shows me 0 folders and 0 files. I can change language etc in the setup menu but there is no reaction when I try to format the HD or make a firmware update (The HD spinns normal).

I won't get access to the HD when I choose music or picture in the menu.
This happens with a brand new HD or the original HD.
So the problem is not the drive.

[LinusN]

If the drive spins, then it is not a power problem. That leaves us with the ATA buffer... I'm out of ideas. Sorry.

[koala007]

Thanks for your support LinusN.

No I'm certain that I can throw that board away.
But I will strip the board first for spare parts.

[VooDoo]

I guess you have not found a solution to your problem, haven't you? The same problem occurs to me and that ESD caused the problem is likely (at least have I no other explanation). If this is the case I think there is no chance to repair it (the ATA buffer chip in this case) - at least not for someone without good SMD soldering practice.

I ask just in case you found some other tricks to bring your player back to life.