External USB HDD Case, PSU doesn't supply enough power

[Moti]

Hello All,


I've bought an Ippon External USB + Firewire case and a 160GB WD Hard
Drive (1600JB). The unit includes an external PSU which plugs into the
case with a 6 pin din connector.


The components are all in working condition but the hard drive refuses
to work inside the case. The case light is on but the drive doesn't
spin up. I've tried to put an older drive into the case and it works
OK. That drive has specifications bellow 1.5A for spin.


I believe that the PSU is not supplying the needed power to spin the
drive. The drive specifications state that it needs 1.55A, 12V to spin.
The PSU which comes with the case is rated at 1.5A 12V. For testing
I've connected the drive inside the case with the power coming from my
ATX PSU and it worked OK. I understand that the spec difference is
marginal but the evidence points to either the disk tryes to get more
current than the specs or the PSU is not realy 1.5A in operation mode,
because, if I understand correctly the PSU can supply more current for
a short period of time. In either way I believe I can make this
combination work with a PSU which has higher output.


The PSU has dual output in a 6 pin din connector, +5V 1.5A and +12V
1.5A.


My questions are:


1. Can I Upgrade the PSU without a risk to the case, i.e. should a
higher output be of any consern? The higher output is needed to pin the
drive, according to the specifications operating current is below 1.5A.


2. Where could I get a compatible PSU with a higher output? Is it a
comodity item I could find in an elecronic componnent shop? Can I
canibalize such a PSU? I think I saw a simular PSU with a Lexmark
InkJet printer? Can anyone confirm?


3. Do all PSU with dual outputs of 5V and 12V in a 6 pin din connector
have the same standart pinouts? I wouldn't want to plug it in only to
have it put 12V into a 5V circuit.


Please Help,
Moti

 

[CWatters]

the evidence points to either the disk tryes to get more
current than the specs

or a faulty wire/connector somewhere? Can you check 12V is actually getting
to the drive connector in the enclosure?

 

[Moti]

No, thats rulled out.
The case works with an older drive I have. I also checked the connector
with a voltmeter and the voltage is correct.

 

[Arno Wagner]

Hello All,

I've bought an Ippon External USB + Firewire case and a 160GB WD Hard
Drive (1600JB). The unit includes an external PSU which plugs into the
case with a 6 pin din connector.

The components are all in working condition but the hard drive refuses
to work inside the case. The case light is on but the drive doesn't
spin up. I've tried to put an older drive into the case and it works
OK. That drive has specifications bellow 1.5A for spin.

I believe that the PSU is not supplying the needed power to spin the
drive. The drive specifications state that it needs 1.55A, 12V to spin.
The PSU which comes with the case is rated at 1.5A 12V. For testing
I've connected the drive inside the case with the power coming from my
ATX PSU and it worked OK. I understand that the spec difference is
marginal but the evidence points to either the disk tryes to get more
current than the specs or the PSU is not realy 1.5A in operation mode,
because, if I understand correctly the PSU can supply more current for
a short period of time. In either way I believe I can make this
combination work with a PSU which has higher output.

You cannot conclude non-function from the spec. I rather think
the PSU is defect or there is a contact problem in the case.
Also DIN-connectors are not really designed for high-current.

The PSU has dual output in a 6 pin din connector, +5V 1.5A and +12V
1.5A.

My questions are:

1. Can I Upgrade the PSU without a risk to the case, i.e. should a
higher output be of any consern? The higher output is needed to pin the
drive, according to the specifications operating current is below 1.5A.

Depends. Generally it should work, however there is an undetected
problem in your set-up which could cause all kinds of problems.

2. Where could I get a compatible PSU with a higher output? Is it a
comodity item I could find in an elecronic componnent shop? Can I
canibalize such a PSU? I think I saw a simular PSU with a Lexmark
InkJet printer? Can anyone confirm?

No, these PSUs are usually a semi-custom design (i.e. modification
of an exitiong design) specifically for their purpose.

3. Do all PSU with dual outputs of 5V and 12V in a 6 pin din connector
have the same standart pinouts? I wouldn't want to plug it in only to
have it put 12V into a 5V circuit.

No, definitely not. The manufacturer may use any pinout they like.

Arno

 

[Moti]

Thanks for the reply.

I do not beleive that there is a contact problem since another HDD
works in that case. The PSU might be not be up to its specs but there
is nothing to do about that. Also the HDD might draw more than its
specs.

I could connect an ampermeter with an 8ohm resistor into the connector
and check if the current is 1.5A , but I think I will resist

I will try to find a Dual PSU 12v, 5v at atleast 2A and then
Frankenstein the DC cable from the current PSU to the new one. This way
the pinouts will be correct and there should be no problems.