LE1700 Hard Drive Installation Instructions...

[john10209]

Hi,
Does anybody know where I can find some good detailed instructions on how to install a hard drive on a LE1700? I have searched the web and found some websites but they are vague and skip steps. I am installing a Hitachi hard drive and would like to know what exactly I am doing. Thanks.

[cyanprinter]

These instructions should work nicely...in my experience, it's a pretty easy upgrade to do.

http://www.gottabemobile.com/forum/motion-computing/3033-how-replace-hard-drive-le1700.html

BTW, welcome to tabletpcbuzz forums! I hope your LE1700 works out well for you.

[john10209]

Thanks for the site but I still have some questions. Will the ribbon will go on top of the drive? It fits between the white connector...right? Is the little black slot that holds down the ribbon removable to the point that it comes out? This one did so either I biffed the drive or I am on the right track. Also how much force should be applied to drive the ribbon into the white connector? Thanks for your help.

[cyanprinter]

-Will the ribbon will go on top of the drive? It fits between the white connector...right?

Correct, the ribbon cable, when correctly installed sits on top of the drive. It inserts into the ZIF connector on the hard drive.

-Is the little black slot that holds down the ribbon removable to the point that it comes out?

Do not remove the black colored cable lock on the ZIF connector-once it's taken off, I don't know if you can get it back on, or if it'll provide enough force to ensure a good electrical connection. The lock flips up to unlock the cable, and back down, flush with the top of the connector, to lock the cable in.


-Also how much force should be applied to drive the ribbon into the white connector?

Once you flip up the ribbon lock on the ZIF connector, the cable should easily come out of the connector. Likewise, when you insert the cable in to the new drive's ZIF connector, it should slide in pretty easily-and then you gently flip the black lock on the connector flush so that it locks the ribbon into the connector. The connector is a ZIF connector, so almost no force is required to remove or install the ribbon when the lock is up. When it's down, it'll take a bit more force to remove or insert the cable-but don't do it! Use the latch as it's designed.

-Thanks for your help.
Not a problem!

[john10209]

Thanks for the detailed instructions. I put back the little black holder and it seems to be fine. Question: Where do I open the lock? Do I use my nail or a small screwdriver to open the lock? Also where do I stick the tool to open the lock? I keep asking because I don't want to make a mistake and ruin the drive. Thanks,

John

[cyanprinter]

Thanks for the detailed instructions. I put back the little black holder and it seems to be fine. Question: Where do I open the lock? Do I use my nail or a small screwdriver to open the lock? Also where do I stick the tool to open the lock? I keep asking because I don't want to make a mistake and ruin the drive. Thanks,

John

I'd use my fingernail or the edge of a plastic spoon.

The lock is the black holder you describe. It opens from rear to front - as seen in this side edge view:

ribbon cable___ _ /
.........................[front................... hard drive....................rear ]

See the / ? That's the lock. it flips up, and the ribbon can easily slide out...and locks back down to lock the ribbon in after it's been fully inserted.


EDIT: I will mention that depending on the drive brand you have, it may have the locking strip in the front or the back of the connector. I think I remember mine being in the back-yours may vary depending on your drive manufacturer and model.

[cyanprinter]

From the link in my original post (credit to greye)

"The white strip of plastic shown below acts like a hinge. You swing it up to loosen the cable, and push it down to tighten it. I just used my finger nail to operate the hinge. Pulling the cable out was easy, it practically falls out when the hinge is up."

EDIT: I will mention that depending on the drive brand you have, it may have the locking strip in the front or the back of the connector. I think I remember mine being in the back-yours may vary depending on your drive manufacturer and model.

[john10209]

The drive is Hitachi and so is the ribbon. I just don't see any way how the lock could open. I am using a magnifying glass to see the drive and I don't know if I am doing the right thing. Thanks for your help.

[cyanprinter]

Perhaps this will help...read through the Toshiba section, then review the Hitachi section:

http://www.digitalintelligence.com/s...ive_enclosure/

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

[john10209]

Thanks for all your help. I seem to have gotten it but it won't know till I use it.