NonWorking SCSI in A3000D

[dannyp1]

I pulled an A3000D out of storage today and when I tried to fire it up it wouldn't recognize the SCSI hard-drive.  It was like it wasn't there. I kept getting the startup screen calling for a floppy.  I changed the Hard-drive and still got nothing.  I went to the early startup menu and it wasn't on the list of drives.  I checked the cables and they were plugged in and seemed fine.  It is like the onboard SCSI is dead.  Does anyone have any ideas I can try or an idea of what is wrong?  Thanks,

Dan

[orb85750]

I pulled an A3000D out of storage today and when I tried to fire it up it wouldn't recognize the SCSI hard-drive.  It was like it wasn't there. I kept getting the startup screen calling for a floppy.  I changed the Hard-drive and still got nothing.  I went to the early startup menu and it wasn't on the list of drives.  I checked the cables and they were plugged in and seemed fine.  It is like the onboard SCSI is dead.  Does anyone have any ideas I can try or an idea of what is wrong?  Thanks,

Dan

Not sure.  Are you able to test the external SCSI connection with some device to see if it works?

I seem to have the opposite problem that you have.  My A3000 internal floppy drive is not recognized, even though it constantly clicks, waiting for a disk to be inserted.  At the moment, I have an external floppy hooked up and that one is recognized.  Strange stuff.

[Zac67]

@dannyp1
Have you tried using HDToolbox to see if the drives are recognized at all? Otherwise check the bus for termination and termpower (pin 26 on internal 50 pin or pin 25 external).


@orb85750
That's probably one of the sensors of the drive. They're visible when looking into the disk slot - two on the left and one on the right side (for HD drives). Carefully push the inner one on the left side several times with a flat screwdriver all the way, that might clear the contacts.
(The outer sensor is for write protect and the right one for high density/half RPM.)

[dannyp1]

Yes, I tried using HDToolBox and there was nothing there.

Dan

[Zac67]

Is the SCSI LED flashing when scanning is in progress? Onboard terminator packs in place? Termpower at 5V? Termination on drive active? Tried reseating the WD33C93?

[nishtek]

Yes, I tried using HDToolBox and there was nothing there.

Dan

Bad SCSI chip?
WD33C93A-PL
i have some of those spare - email if you want one bought cheaply.  That would be a starter since this is the chip responsible for SCSI hard disks.

[dannyp1]

I just tried changing the WD33C93A chip and it made no difference.  HDToolBox and the early startup menu both still show no SCSI drive present.  

[nishtek]

 My A3000 internal floppy drive is not recognized, even though it constantly clicks, waiting for a disk to be inserted.  At the moment, I have an external floppy hooked up and that one is recognized.  Strange stuff.

Strange, not at all.  I have seen many drives exhibit this behaviour, when they are dirty, or out of alignment.
is it chinnon fb354?  if so then you can try sending it to us, and we can attempt repair (if repair doesn't work we can ship another drive to use).

[nishtek]

I just tried changing the WD33C93A chip and it made no difference.  HDToolBox and the early startup menu both still show no SCSI drive present.  

Try getting a PCI card, plugging it to PC, and having this hard disk tested on pc.  Does it get detected?  what is its S.M.A.R.T. status?

[tone007]

Is there battery damage?!

Try pulling out all the fastram, too, and maybe even the second meg of chipram.