Damaged micro usb (soldered) on WD Elements SE 1TB External.

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Damaged micro usb (soldered) on WD Elements SE 1TB External.

vennsoh

20 posts

Geek

#99094 12-Mar-2012 17:05

Hi guys,

I have a problem with my WD Elements 1TB.
The product number is WDBABV0010BBK-00.
The SATA is WD10TMVV.

I have found some images online.
This is how it looks,
http://obrazki.elektroda.pl/7853506200_1303823762.jpg
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/...han_p/WD02.jpg

My problem
The micro usb that is soldered on to the PCB is damaged.
The external drive is working all good and okay until one day I realize I could not plug in my cable to the micro usb port.

Solutions
1) Get professionals to do a data recovery but that is too expensive.

2) Get a new micro usb and replace it. I will go with this. Do let me know if this is not feasible. I do realize the micro usb on Western Digital is slightly different. There is this black color, 2 holes thingy underneath it.

3) Are there any good computer, hardware repair shops in Auckland that could fix this?

- - -

However before I start anything, I need to know what micro usb to buy. I did a bit of research and if I am not mistaken, I think I need a Micro-B.
Do you know where could I buy electronic spare parts in Auckland? I will also need to get Torx T6 - 8 screwdrivers. Where could I grab those?
I have electrical engineering friends who could do all the soldering work for me.

Here is an image of the micro usb.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Types-usb_new.svg

Cheers,
Venn.

vinnieg

2260 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#594259 12-Mar-2012 17:20

Yeah, Micro-B header would work

Torx screw drivers are cheap at most places, Dick Smith, Jaycar, Bunnings

Is there any way you can take the port off? If you remove the plastic/metal surround, won't there be a standard SATA connection behind it? Then just put it into a new case?

(Actually scrap the last part, I just checked, and they have made the micro-USB part of the PCB)

Cheaper option, remove the USB port. Get a usb cable soldered onto the connection. it will be permanent, but will save you a bit of money

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

vennsoh

20 posts

Geek

#594314 12-Mar-2012 20:37

Hey thanks for the reply.
Yea, WD new line of products are pretty bad.
They have no SATA connectors but only USB. You can't change the enclosure or use it internally.

I have never actually thought of soldering the cable straight onto the PCB.
That is actually a pretty good idea. Anyway, I will have a think about what will be the best feasible solution.

I have a couple electrical engineering friends who will take a crack on it.
So I guess it will be in good hands.

Thanks,
Cheers,
Venn.

vennsoh

20 posts

Geek

#594344 12-Mar-2012 21:37

I am just wondering when you say hard wire the cable to the PCB.
Do you mean by passing the damaged micro usb and connect the wires to the PCB?
Something like that - http://www.datarecoverytools.co.uk/2010/05/05/how-to-connect-and-recover-usb-only-western-digital-drives-with-hd-doctor-suite/

But I reckon you mean something easier, but I am not sure how you would dissect the cable wires and solder them onto the same spot as the micro usb. Do you know how to do it?

vennsoh

20 posts

Geek

#594627 13-Mar-2012 16:06

Hey guys,

Good news!
My housemate has managed to get the data off from the drive by soldering fine gauge electrical wires to the individual prongs in the micro usb. Those has to be some mad skills given the fact that micro usb is the smallest among all.

The next thing I will do is to fix the external drive.
I will need to see if my housemate has an idea for that.

Will update.

stevenz

2802 posts

Uber Geek

#594637 13-Mar-2012 16:29

Drive interface is proprietary, can't pull them, been there, tried that.

Resoldering MicroUSB mounts isn't difficult as long as you have a decent iron. Just pop into Jaycar and they'll have them for a couple of bucks.

If it's still dodgy, pull the data off while you can, ditch the drive and buy another brand. WD drives seem to be pretty poor in my experience, there's a reason they're so cheap.

@KnightNZ

openmedia

3324 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#594689 13-Mar-2012 17:46

Wow so these drives don't have a real sata connector and a bride, the USB connector is mounted directly onto the drive.

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

vennsoh

20 posts

Geek

#594813 13-Mar-2012 22:06

I am going to share 2 links.

They are very helpful and they have the most comprehensive information you need an get when it comes to damaged usb connector on external drives.

It explains clearly what you should do if your data is encrypted or what if your usb is soldered on to the PCB without a SATA connector, etc.

http://forum.hddguru.com/western-dig...ry-t17398.html
http://community.wdc.com/t5/Off-Topi...ds/td-p/353839

Western Digital external hard drives are wreaking havoc around the globe with their lousy usb connectors.

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vennsoh

20 posts

Geek

#594870 13-Mar-2012 23:34

It seems that the links are broken,
http://forum.hddguru.com/western-digital-mybook-essential-data-recovery-t17398.html
http://community.wdc.com/t5/Off-Topic-Discussions/Bridge-Boards/td-p/353839

SATTV

1648 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#594879 14-Mar-2012 00:08

Had a simalar issue with a Samsung portable HDD, the micro USB was in a place toy could not get a soldering iron, you had to remove the PCB and I was not game to do that. Had to scrap it, replaced it with a 2.5 sata drive and a case, at least I know it wont happen again.

I know enough to be dangerous