Pc3000 10 Eng

РС-3000 
 ACELab Contents
Contents
1. PC-3000 complex................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1. Purpose......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2. PC-3000 Software, version 10.10.................................................................................................. 3
1.3. PC-3000 complex suite, version 10.10.......................................................................................... 5
1.4. Warranty........................................................................................................................................ 5
1.5. Users registration.......................................................................................................................... 6
1.6. Registered PC-3000 users support............................................................................................... 6
1.7. PC-3000 complex installation........................................................................................................ 6
2. Universal tester for diagnostics and repair of HDD of any type............................................................8
2.1. Purpose......................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2. Preparation for work...................................................................................................................... 8
2.3. Information output during work with PC-3000AT...........................................................................8
2.4. Parameter input for the HDD being tested....................................................................................9
2.5. PC-3000AT operation modes........................................................................................................ 9
2.5.1. Operation mode selection........................................................................................................... 9
2.5.2. Viewing S.M.A.R.T. parameters of the drive.............................................................................10
2.5.3. Drive test................................................................................................................................... 11
2.5.4. Controller test........................................................................................................................... 13
2.5.5. Complex test............................................................................................................................. 16
2.5.5.1. HDD tests making up the “COMPLEX TEST”....................................................................18
2.5.6. Defects relocation..................................................................................................................... 19
2.5.6.1. Automatic relocation........................................................................................................... 19
2.5.6.2. Manual relocation............................................................................................................... 20
2.5.6.3. Relocation undo................................................................................................................. 20
2.5.7. Formatting................................................................................................................................ 20
3. PC-3000 SHELL................................................................................................................................. 22
4. PC-DEFECTOSCOPE Ver. 2.10......................................................................................................... 23
4.1. Purpose....................................................................................................................................... 23
4.2. Preparation for work.................................................................................................................... 23
4.3. Work with PC-Defectoscope........................................................................................................ 23
4.4. Performing tests.......................................................................................................................... 24
4.5. PC-Defectoscope use for HDD repair......................................................................................... 25
4.6. Exported defects file structure..................................................................................................... 25
5. Western Digital "Caviar" Arh.4 "PC-A313000" "PC-A310100" "PC-A38400" "PC-A36400"....27
5.1. Purpose....................................................................................................................................... 27
5.2. Basic options for WD Caviar Arh.4 drives repair..........................................................................27
5.3. Preparing for work....................................................................................................................... 27
5.4. Using the utilities......................................................................................................................... 28
5.4.1. Servo test................................................................................................................................. 28
5.4.2. Surface test.............................................................................................................................. 28
5.4.3. Disk firmware zone................................................................................................................... 29
5.4.4. Drive description area............................................................................................................... 31
5.4.5. Formatting................................................................................................................................ 31
5.4.6. Logical scanning....................................................................................................................... 31
5.4.7. S.M.A.R.T. table........................................................................................................................ 32
5.4.8. Defects table............................................................................................................................. 32
5.4.9. Automatic mode........................................................................................................................ 33
5.5. Brief technical description of WDC AC313000, WDC AC310100, WDC AC38400 and WDC
AC36400 drive families......................................................................................................................... 34
5.5.1. Disk firmware data.................................................................................................................... 34
5.5.2. Initialization............................................................................................................................... 35
5.5.3. Changing drive’s configuration................................................................................................. 35
5.6. Drive restoration algorithm.......................................................................................................... 42
5.7. Drive restoration in automatic mode............................................................................................ 43
5.8. Creation of disk firmware database............................................................................................. 44
6. Western Digital “Caviar”Arh. 3 “PC-A35100” “PC-A34000”...................................................45
6.1. Purpose....................................................................................................................................... 45
Technical support: pc-3000support@acelab.ru
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РС-3000 
Contents  ACELab
6.2. Basic options for WD Caviar Arh.3 drives repair..........................................................................45

6.3. Preparing for work....................................................................................................................... 45
6.4. Using the utilities......................................................................................................................... 45
6.4.1. Servo test................................................................................................................................. 46
6.4.2. Surface test.............................................................................................................................. 46
6.4.3. Disk firmware zone................................................................................................................... 47
6.4.4. Drive description area............................................................................................................... 49
6.4.5. Formatting................................................................................................................................ 49
6.4.6. Logical scanning....................................................................................................................... 49
6.4.7. S.M.A.R.T. table........................................................................................................................ 50
6.4.8. Defects table............................................................................................................................. 50
6.4.9. Automatic mode........................................................................................................................ 51
6.5. Brief technical description of WDC AC35100 and WDC AC34000 drive families........................51
6.5.1. Disk firmware data information................................................................................................. 53
6.5.2. Initialization............................................................................................................................... 54
6.5.3. Changing drive’s configuration................................................................................................. 54
6.5.4. Peculiarities of hardware changing of the configuration...........................................................54
6.5.5. Magnetic heads switching........................................................................................................ 55
6.5.5.1. Heads switching examples................................................................................................. 58
6.6. Drive restoration algorithm.......................................................................................................... 59
6.7. Drive restoration in automatic mode............................................................................................ 60
6.8. Creating a disk firmware database.............................................................................................. 61

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РС-3000 
 ACELab PC-3000 complex
1. PC-3000 complex
1.1. Purpose
The hardware and software complex “PC-3000” version 10.10 is designed for diagnostics and repair of
any HDD with IDE interface of all modifications (ATA, ATA-2, ATA-3, ATA-4, UltraATA, E-IDE, UDMA66)
and advanced factory mode repairs and restoration of widely used HDDs: Conner, Daeyoung, Fujitsu,
Hitachi, IBM, Kalok, Maxtor, NEC, Quantum, Samsung, Seagate, Teac, Western Digital, Xebec, with the
help of specialized technological utilities (see utilities list).
1.2. PC-3000 Software, version 10.10

Universal software
Graphical user interface for PC-3000 complex for fast and
PC-3000 SHELL
convenient start of utilities.
PC-3000AT Ver. 4.05 Universal tester for diagnostics and repair of HDD of any type.
Universal program for search and hiding of unstable and bad
PC-DEFECTOSCOPE Ver 2.10
sectors.
PC-ACIDENT Identification utility for Western Digital HDDs of the AC family.
Technological utilities
HDD manufacturer PC-3000 utility HDDs that can be restored

ST38641A, ST36531A, ST34321A, ST32110A, ST33232A, ST32532A,
PC-SEAGATE ST31722A, ST31720A, ST31277A, ST31276A, ST31012A, ST3853A,
ST3852A, ST3636A
PC-ST51270A ST32140A, ST51270A, ST51080A, ST5851A, ST5540A
PC-ST9810AG ST9810AG, ST9630AG (2” form-factor )
PC-ST9816AG ST9816AG, ST9546AG (2” form-factor )
ST9655AG, ST9550AG, ST9385AG, ST9300AG, ST9240AG, ST9150AG
PC-ST9655AG
(2” form-factor )
PC-ST3850A ST3850A
SEAGATE PC-ST3630A ST3630А
PC-ST3660A ST3660A, ST3295A
PC-ST3491A ST3491A, ST3391A, ST3250A
PC-ST3290A ST3290A, ST3243A, ST3145A, ST3123A
PC- ST3655A ST3655A, ST3550A, ST3390A, ST3385A, ST3285A, ST3283A
PC-ST3144A ST3144A, ST3120A, ST3096A
PC-ST1144A ST1144A, ST1102A
PC-ST351A/X ST351A/X
PC-ST157A ST157A
PC-AC450AA WD450AA, WD300AA, WD153AA, WD75AA
PC-AC307AA WD307AA, WD205AA, WD153AA, WD102AA
PC-AC272AA WD272AA, WD205AA, WD172AA, WD136AA, WD84AA, WD43AA
PC-A205AA WD205AA, WD172AA, WD136AA, WD102AA, WD64AA
PC-A313000 WDAC313000, WDAC310200, WDAC28400, WDAC26400, WDAC14300
WESTERN DIGITAL PC-A310100 WDAC310100, WDAC38400, WDAC26400, WDAC24300, WDAC13200

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РС-3000 
PC-3000 complex  ACELab

PC-A31600 WDAC31600, WDAC21000, WDAC1540
PC-A21200 WDAC21200, WDAC1635
PC-A31200 WDAC31200
PC-A31000 WDAC31000, WDAC2700, WDAC1365
PC-AC2850 WDAC2850, WDAC2635, WDAC1425
WESTERN DIGITAL PC-AC2540 WDAC2540, WDAC1270

PC-AC2420 WDAC2420, WDAC1210
PC-AL2170 WDAL2170
PC-CU140 WDCU140
PC-AC2200 WDAC2200
PC-AC2120 WDAC2120, WDAC160
PC-WD9X WD93044A, WD95044A, WD93024A, WD95024A
PCQUCX Fireball CX 20.4, 13.0, 10.2, 6.4
PCQUCR Fireball CR 13.0, 8.4, 6.4, 4.3
PCQUEX Fireball EX 12.7, 10.2, 6.4, 5.1, 3.2
PCQUEL Fireball EL 10.2, 7.6, 5.1, 2.5
PC-QUSE Fireball SE 8.4, 6.4, 4.3, 3.2, 2.1
PC-QUST Fireball ST 6.4, 4.3, 3.2, 2.1, 1.6
PC-QUTM Fireball TM 3840, 3200, 2550, 2110, 1700, 1280, 1080
PC-QUSR Sirocco SR 2550A, 1700A
QUANTUM
PC-QUSG Pioneer 2.0, 1.0
PC-QUBF BigFoot 2500, 1250
PC-QUFB Fireball 1280, 1080, 640, 540
PC-QUTR Trailblazer 850, 420
PC-QUMV Maverick 540, 270
PC-QULT Lightning 730, 365
PC-QUTB ProDrive LPS 540, 270
PC-QURR ProDrive LPS 420, 340, 210, 170
PC-FUJMPF MPF3204AT, MPF3153AT, MPF3102AT
MPF3409AH, MPF3357AH, MPF3307AH, MPF3256AH, MPF3204AH,
PC-FJMPFH
MPF3153AH, MPF3102AH
MPE3273AT, MPE3224AT, MPE3204AT, MPE3170AT, MPE3136AT,
PC-FUJMPE
MPE3102AT, MPE3064AT, MPE3032AT
MPE3346AE, MPE3303AE, MPE3260AE, MPE3216AE, MPE3173AE,
PC-FJMPEE
MPE3130AE, MPE3084AE, MPE3043AE
MPE3273AH, MPE3239AH, MPE3204AH, MPE3170AH, MPE3136AH,
PC-FJMPEH
MPE3102AH, MPE3068AH, MPE3034AH
FUJITSU MPD3173AT, MPD3130AT, MPD3108AT, MPD3084AT, MPD3064AT,
PC-FUJMPD
MPD3043AT
MPD3182AH, MPD3144AH, MPD3137AH, MPD3102AH, MPD3091AH,
PC-FJMPDH
MPD3068AH, MPD3045AH, MPD3023AH
MPC3102AT, MPC3096AT, MPC3084AT, MPC3064AT, MPC3043AT,
PC-FUJMPC
MPC3032AT
PC-FUJMPB MPB3064AT, MPB3052AT, MPB3043AT, MPB3032AT, MPB3021AT
MPA3052AT, MPA3043AT, MPA3035AT, MPA3026AT, MPA3022AT,
PC-FUJMPA
MPA3017AT
PC-FUJTAU M1638TAU, M1624TAU, M1623TAU, M1636TAU
CONNER PC-CONNER CFA1275A, CFA1080A, CFA850A, CFA810A, CFA540A, CFA425A,
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РС-3000 
CFA340A, CFA170A, CFS1275A, CFS850A, CFS540A, CFS425A,

CFS420A, CFS270A, CFS210A, CFS105A, CP30544, CP30344,
CP30245, CP30204, CP30124, СP30174E, CP30084E, CP30104H,
CP3000, CP3044
CFP2005S, CFP1080S, CFP1060S
Seagate CABO: ST31621A, ST31275A, ST31081A, ST3541A
72004A, 71670A, 71626A, 71336A, 71260A, 71084A, 71050A, 7850AV,
PC-MX7xxx 7546A, 7541A, 7540A, 7425AV, 7420AV, 7345A, 7270AV, 7245A, 7213A,
7170A, 7135AV, 7131A
MAXTOR
PC-MX7120 7120A, 7080A, 7060A, 7040A
PC-MXLXT MXT-540A, LXT-535A, LXT-340A, LXT-213A, LXT-200A
SV-1296A, SV-0844A, SV-0643A, SV-0432A, VG-35102A, VG-34202A,
PC-SAMSNG
VG-33402A, VG-32502A, VG-31702A
PC-SAMVG6 SV-1296A, SV-0844A, SV-0643A, SV-0432A
PC-SAMVG2 VG-35102A, VG-34202A, VG-33402A, VG-32502A, VG-31702A
PC-SAMWA WA-33203A, WA-32543A, WA-32163A, WA31273A, WA-31083A
SAMSUNG WNR-32501A, WNR-32101A, WNR-31601A, WN-32543A, WN321620A,
PC-SAMWNR WN-31273A, WN-316025A, WN-312021A, WN-310820A, WU-32543A,
WU-32165A
PC-SAMSTG STG-31601A, STG-31271A
PC-SAMPLS PLS-31274A, PLS-31084A, PLS-30854A
SHD-30560A, SHD-30420A, SHD-30280A, SHD-3212A, SHD-3211A,
PC-SAMSHD
SHD-3172A, SHD-3171A, SHD-3122A, SHD-3121A
TEAC PC-TEAC SD-3540N, SD-3360N, SD-3250N
KALOK PC-KALOK KL3120A, KL3100A, KL3040A, KL383A, KL343A
DAEYOUNG PC-DX3120 DX-3120A, DX-3060A
1.3. PC-3000 complex suite, version 10.10

1. Electronic protection key – 1 piece.
2. PC-3000AT tester – 1 piece.
3. PC-KALOK adapter – 1 piece.
4. PC-CONNER adapter – 1 piece.
5. PC-SEAGATE adapter – 1 piece.
6. PC-TEAC adapter – 1 piece.
7. IDE interface cable (40 pin) – 1 piece.
8. “COM” cable (9pin) for the connection of PC-KALOK and PC-CONNER adapters to serial RS232 port
of the controlling computer – 1 piece.
9. “HDD” cable for the connection of PC-KALOK and PC-CONNER adapters to the drives’ technological
connectors or PC-SEAGATE / PC-TEAC adapters -1 piece.
10. PC-3000 software – 1 CD.
11. Technical manuals – 2 books (Russian version).
1.4. Warranty
Research and Production Company “ACE” LLC guarantees normal work of the PC-3000 complex
for 12 months since the date of purchase. RPC “ACE” LLC takes the obligation to repair a malfunction or
replace defective complex components, if the failure was not caused by the user’s actions. The
transportation fees for warranty repair are paid by the customer.
RPC “ACE” LLC – the developer and manufacturer of the PC-3000 complex
ACE Laboratory – trademark of RPC “ACE” LLC.
Mail address: Russia, 344010, Rostov-on-Don, Lermotovskaya Str. 197, of. 412.
E-mail: ace@acelab.ru
Web: http://www.acelab.ru

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РС-3000 
PC-3000 complex  ACELab
1.5. Users registration

In order to obtain the official user status after purchase of PC-3000, send the following information to ACE
Laboratory via fax (863-2) 64-17-10 or e-mail: ace@acelab.ru:
1. Date of purchase for PC-3000 or PC-3000 Upgrade
2. Version of PC-3000
3. Number of electronic protection key
4. The enterprise that sold the complex
5. The enterprise that purchased the complex
6. Phone number
7. Fax
8. E-mail
9. Regular mail address
The registration can also be performed at our web-server at http://www.acelab.ru by filling the “Users
registration” form.
1.6. Registered PC-3000 users support

1. Technical support of PC-3000 users concerning the complex operation and HDD repairs over the
phone +7-8632-64-17-10(Russian Users) and e-mail: pc-3000support@acelab.ru; (fax / e-mail for
English-speaking users);
2. Free upgrade of new versions of complex utilities (PC-3000 Upgrade) via e-mail and federal mail;
3. 50% discount during purchase of new complex versions (PC-3000 Update);
4. Access to Web conference of PC-3000 complex users – pc-3000user@acelab.ru;
5. Technical support at the web site www.acelab.ru/ts.htm.
1.7. PC-3000 complex installation

Attention! For the operation of PC-3000 complex a PC 386/486/Pentium type computer
is required with EGA/VGA/SVGA monitor working under MS-DOS 5.00 or
higher. The software of the complex requires not less than 600 Kb of free
RAM (this amount can be checked with the mem.exe /f command in MS-
DOS). It is able to run the complex under Windows 95/98 OS without loading
GUI. The PC-3000AT tester board uses IRQ12 and I/O address range from
100h to 10Fh during work.
Attention! Some programs included in the complex use overlays, therefore the use of
SMARTDRV.EXE from MS DOS / Windows is recommended.
1. Insert the PC-3000AT tester board into an empty ISA slot of the controlling computer;
2. Connect the electronic protection key to LPT1;
3. Create PC3000 directory on the hard drive of the controlling computer. Copy into the directory all
files from the PC-3000.xxx directory on the supplied CD, where “xxx” is the number of your
protection key.
4. Remove the “read only” and “archive” attributes from the copied files.
5. Connect the HDD to be tested to a free power supply plug of the computer and, via the IDE
interface cable, to the tester board.
Attention! The drive, which should be tested, must be connected and disconnected from
the power supply and the tester board only when the power is switched off on
the computer. It is recommended to use a separate power supply block, in
that case you can switch the HDD power supply on/off and disconnect the
interface cable without switching of the controlling computer.
6. Load the SHELL.EXE file. The complex is ready for work.
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Attention! 1. If the PC-3000AT tester board is not inserted into the computer slot,
or the tester is not functioning, loading of the SHELL.EXE file and the
utilities will lead to a halt of the controlling computer, which can be
interrupted by pressing the “RESET” key.
2. If the electronic protection key is not connected or is not functioning,
the work of the complex is also impossible.
3. When the latest Pentium-based or later computers are used some
difficulties may occur in the work of the complex together with the first
IDE hard drives having the capacity of 40-240 MB. PC-compatibles
with 386/486 CPU are recommended for work with such drives.
7. The sequence for drives connection with the help of additional adapters is described in the user
manuals for corresponding utilities.
PC-3000 complex usage

You have purchased a wonderful tool for repair of hard disk drives – PC-3000 complex. If you used to
repair hard drives before, most likely you can skip this chapter, however, if your experience isn’t very
large, the authors recommend to read the chapter “IDE (ATA) HDD technical description. Basics of IDE
(ATA) HDD repair” before you start.
This chapter contains a brief “guide” for the complex.
So, you repair a disk drive. Do not hurry to start special technological utilities at once. First of all any drive
should be checked with the PC-3000AT universal tester, included in the complex. That may help localize
defects and determine the sequence for further actions. In order to achieve that, connect the drive to the
tester board PC-3000AT, switch its power supply on and start the PC3000AT.EXE program. After
switching on the power supply the disk drive should spin up the spindle motor and perform recalibration
(zero track search). During that procedure a typical sound of the positioning device is heard. When the
initialization process is complete the drive sends out the readiness signal. If this doesn’t happen (the
spindle motor stops or does not spin up at all or you hear a head hit sound) then you should use the
method described in part 2.2 of technical appendix.
After drive readiness check (DRDY = DSC = 1, BUSY = 0), the program attempts to read the data from
drive description area. If the readiness signal was not returned to the program a corresponding message
about that appears. In such case use the methods described in paragraph 2.2.1 of the “IDE (ATA) HDD
technical description. Basics of IDE (ATA) HDD repair” chapter. If, although the readiness signal was
received, the drive description data cannot be read (the program returns “Drive parameters are not
determined”) or the parameters are read incorrectly, it may mean either a reading channel defect or a
corruption of disk firmware. (The firmware data can be restored with the help of corresponding
technological utility.) However, it is possible, that the disk drive does not have a drive description area
(this refers mostly to old KALOK/XEBEC models) or it contains parameters, which cannot be used for
drive operation (for example, Conner CP-3000). In such case the parameters should be entered manually
or from a PC-3000AT database in order to perform the testing procedure.
After drive testing with PC-3000AT and making a preliminary conclusion about its defects (the methods
are described in part 2.1 of the chapter “IDE (ATA) HDD technical description. Basics of IDE (ATA) HDD
repair”) you can start a technological utility for more advanced diagnostics or restoration of drive
firmware. Detailed description of corresponding methods for drive restoration in factory mode is in the
utility description part.
The PC-3000 complex development team wishes you success.

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РС-3000 
Universal tester for diagnostic and repair of HDD of any type  ACELab
2. Universal tester for diagnostics and repair of HDD

of any type
2.1. Purpose
The tester software PC-3000AT is the basic program of the PC-3000 complex for IDE (ATA) HDD
repairs and restoration and it is designed for:
1. Diagnostics of defects and repairs of IDE drive in usual mode;
2. Correct restoration of low-level format in drives using 50H command 1;
3. Hiding of bad sectors in HDDs that support the assign mode;
4. Automatic drive testing of input/output control type (complex testing).
The tester software PC-3000AT functions together with the tester board PC-3000AT.
PC-3000AT versions 4.0 and higher allow drive testing using CHS addressing
as well as LBA addressing mode. CHS/LBA mode switching of the tester is
performed by means of an assignable key in the right numeric keypad (see
Attention! chapter 3 “Information output during work with the tester”). CHS is the default
tester operation mode for PC-3000AT. The differences with LBA-addressing
are marked “LBA mode” in the operation modes’ descriptions and information
output.
2.2. Preparation for work

1. Connect the PC-3000AT tester board cable to the IDE connector of the drive.
2. Connect the power cable to the drive.
3. Load the complex shell PC-SHELL and launch PC-3000AT program.
2.3. Information output during work with PC-3000AT

For convenient perception of information the tester appears on PC screen in the form of the front panel of
the instrument, consisting of the following parts:
Display – displays the information concerning the testing procedure. In the upper part of the display you
can see the MODEL line, containing information about the type and parameters of the drive being tested:
number of cylinders (CYL), heads (HEAD), sectors (SEC).
“LBA mode” In LBA mode instead of the CYL, HEAD, SEC parameters the total number of available
sectors is displayed in the MODEL line.
In the lower part of the display you can see the STATE line, containing the information concerning the
drive state: Ready/Busy, duration of current test execution in % (DONE) appears when long tests are
performed, current cylinder (CYL), head (HEAD), sector (SEC), number of drive errors (ERRS) detected
during the test.
“LBA mode” In LBA mode just one current sector number is displayed instead of CYL, HEAD, and SEC
parameters of current sector.
Two rows of LED-s – display the information about the state register 1 and errors register1 of the HDD
being tested, which allows to monitor the drive state while testing and determine the cause of
malfunctions. The passive LED state is blue, active – yellow or red, red LED being the ones that inform
about errors. The state register shows current state of IDE AT HDD. The register value is updated after
execution of every command. The errors register shows the HDD state after command execution, if the
“Error” bit is set in the state register.
1
1
See ATA specification.
1

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РС-3000
 ACELab Universal tester for diagnostic and repair of HDD of any type
Keypad – corresponds to the right numeric keypad of the keyboard. The purpose of the keys changes
depending upon the current state of the tester. The purpose of the following keys remains constant:
[Enter] – Parameter input, start of various tests.
[Cancel] – used to cancel the execution of current test or of the parameter being set (can be substituted
with the ESC key).
[Exit] – used to cancel the execution of current test or of the parameter being set with subsequent exit to
the “MODE SELECTION” menu.
2.4. Parameter input for the HDD being tested

At the beginning of the test, when the controlling program is started, the tester determines the tested drive
type and parameters in CHS mode. After the said determination procedure the drive type and parameters
appear in the MODEL line, and the controller program of the tester goes on to the main “MODE
SELECTION” menu. Press the [LBA] key in order to enter the LBA mode. If the drive does not support
LBA mode, the [LBA] key does not appear on the screen.
Attention! Some old HDD models (Conner CP 3000, for example) do not work with
physical parameters. Enter the parameters from the PC-3000AT database for
such drives.
If the drive type and parameters cannot be determined because of drive malfunction, the following
message will appear:
Drive parameters are not determined
Pressing any key will change the tester mode to:
DRIVE TYPE SELECTION

Identify DRV
User Type
Conner
Fujitsu
Maxtor
Quantum
Using [Up], [Down] and [Enter] keys you can:

- attempt to determine the HDD parameters again by selecting Identify DRV;
- enter the drive parameters manually by selecting User Type;
- select the drive type and parameters from the existing database.
Attention! Incorrect drive parameter input may cause incorrect diagnostics of
malfunctions.
“LBA mode” During parameter input or drive type selection from the database the number of available
LBA sectors is calculated by multiplication of CYL, HEAD, SEC parameters.
When the drive parameters are determined, the controlling program goes on to the main “MODE
SELECTION” menu.
2.5. PC-3000AT operation modes
2.5.1. Operation mode selection

The operation mode selection is performed from the main menu with the help of [Up], [Down], and [Enter]
keys. You can leave the selected operating mode by pressing [Cancel] and [Exit] keys.
The main menu:
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РС-3000 
MODE SELECTION
Drive type selection
Drive test
Controller test
Complex test
Defects relocation
Formatting
Exit
Drive type selection – the mode for the determination of parameters or their input for the drive
being tested.
Drive test – test mode for testing and repair of:
- read/write channel;
- positioning system;
- spindle motor and its controller chip.
Controller test – test mode for testing and repair of:
- interface controller;
- MPU;
- Read/write channel;
- buffer RAM.
Complex test – test mode for input/output control of the drive.
Defects relocation – in this mode the tester relocates defective BAD sectors in drives that support
assign mode.
Formatting – in this mode the tester performs correct restoration of low-level format in HDDs that
support the 50H command1.
Exit – exit from the program to PC-SHELL interface or to DOS.
The keys [SMART] and [Passp] allow to view the S.M.A.R.T. parameters of the drive and the drive
description area of HDD, which are read with the Identify DRV command and decrypted in accordance
with the ATA-4 specification.
2.5.2. Viewing S.M.A.R.T. parameters of the drive

Pressing the [SMART] key brings the following S.M.A.R.T. parameters of the drive on-screen:
ID – the controlled parameter identifier
For Western Digital drives the identifier numbers correspond to the following parameters:
ID Controlled parameter
1 Read Error Rate
4 Start/Stop Count
5 Relocated Sector Count
10 Spin up Retry Count
11 Drive Calibration Retry Count
199 ULTRA DMA CRC Error Rate
200 Multi-zone Error Rate
For Fujitsu drives the identifier numbers correspond to the following parameters:
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ID Controlled parameter
1 Read Error Rate
2 Throughput performance
3 Spin up time
4 Number of times the spindle motor is activated
5 Number of alternative sectors
7 Seek error rate
8 Seek time performance
9 Power-on time
10 Number of retries made to activate the spindle motor
12 Number of power-on-power-off times
199 Ultra ATA CRC Error Rate
200 Write error rate
Attention! The same identifiers may correspond to different controlled parameters with
different HDD manufacturers .
Attribute value – the attribute values may range from 1 to 253. Initially the attributes have maximum
values. With subsequent wear or in case of pre-failure situations the values of reliability attributes
decrease. Therefore, large values of the attributes mean low probability of drive malfunction while low
attribute values mean low reliability of the drive and high probability of its malfunctions. The top values of
reliability attributes are usually equal to 100 (IBM, Quantum, Fujitsu) or 253 (Samsung). However, there
are exceptions, for example the first reliability attribute of WDAC34000, WDAC33100, and WDAC31600
models manufactured by Western Digital has the maximum value of 200, while the maximum value of the
rest is 100.
Threshold value – the HDD developers determine thresholds for every reliability attribute. If at least one of
the attribute values is lower than the corresponding threshold value, it means that the data kept in the
drive is endangered. The composition and number of reliability attributes are determined by the
manufacturers individually for each HDD type.
“Pre-failure/advisory” BIT – apart from the threshold value an additional parameter is determined for each
attribute, and it also indicates the pre-failure drive status. Three states are possible for the drive,
characterized by the Pre-failure/advisory BIT:
“Pre-failure/advisory” BIT = 0, the reliability attribute value is above the corresponding threshold value
indicating good reliability resource of the drive;
“Pre-failure/advisory” BIT = 0, the reliability attribute value being less than the corresponding threshold
value indicating low reliability resource of the drive;
“Pre-failure/advisory” BIT = 1, the reliability attribute value is less than the corresponding threshold value
indicating pre-failure drive state.
Result – generalized result for each of the controlled parameters. It may have the following values:
OK – attribute value is higher than the corresponding threshold value;
! – attribute value is less than the corresponding threshold value. Pre-failure/advisory BIT = 0;
!!! – attribute value is less than the corresponding threshold value. Pre-failure/advisory BIT = 1.
If the drive does not support S.M.A.R.T. diagnostics, pressing the [SMART] key causes the drive to initiate
the ABRT error and the following message appears on screen:
This drive does not support S.M.A.R.T.
2.5.3. Drive test

Drive test (HDA, PCB) – test mode for testing and repair of:
- read/write channel;
- positioning system;
- spindle motor and its controller chip.
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The test information is displayed in the STATE line:

Ready/Busy – determines the drive state using the BSY bit of the state register;
CYL – the value of current (active) cylinder;
HEAD – the value of current (active) head;
ERRS – number of detected errors.
Keys purpose.
Pressing the keys of the right tester keypad (right keyboard keypad) causes execution of the following
functions:
[Tran.] - drive translator test
[Step-] – positioning the magnetic heads one step further decreasing the current cylinder value;
[Step+] – positioning the magnetic heads one step further decreasing the current cylinder value;
[X->0] - drive recalibration, i.e. location of the heads over the zero cylinder;
[A<->B] - cyclic positioning between two given cylinders;
[RND] - random positioning between two given cylinders;
[Eras] – writing code 0000 to all sectors of the HDD;
[View] – viewing the contents of the drive sectors on screen;
[Wrt] – writing the selected code to current track;
[Hd] – switching (selection) of magnetic heads;
[T] – measuring the magnetic disk rotation period (ms) and the rotation speed (rev/s) of the disks.
Positioning over given cylinder – positioning over a small number of cylinders can be conveniently
performed with the help of [Step+] and [Step-] keys. When positioning over large number of cylinders is
required, it is necessary to press the [X->A] key – a screen prompt will appear asking you for the number
of cylinder A, over which the heads will be positioned. When the value input is complete, press the [Enter]
key. If a symbol has been entered incorrectly, you can delete it by pressing backspace key.
Positioning between two given cylinders – for cyclic positioning between two given cylinders the
[A<->B] key should be pressed. A screen prompt will appear inviting you to enter the numbers of cylinders
A and B, between which the heads will be positioned. After inputting the values and pressing the [Enter]
key the drive will start positioning the heads between two selected cylinders non-stop. The positioning
procedure can be interrupted by pressing the [Cancel] key or the [Exit] key with subsequent exit from the
test mode. For heads positioning between two random cylinders the [RND] key should be pressed. The
value input for the first and the last cylinders is performed similarly to cyclic positioning mode.
Write – pressing the [Wrt] key brings the write code selection menu:
Write code:
0000
FFFF
5555
AAAA
6DB6
9999
After selection of the code for writing press the [Enter] key. Write operation will be performed on
all sectors of the current track in the drive.
Attention! Writing over the selected track will destroy the user data.
Viewing the sector contents – after pressing [View] key you’ll have to enter the number of the
starting cylinder, head and sector. Than the dump of that sector will appear on screen, the [Up] and
[Down] keys will allow you to see previous or the following sectors. You can leave the sector view mode
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be pressing the [Cancel] or [Exit] keys with subsequent exit to the main menu.
Erase – pressing the [Eras] key will cause the following message to appear:
ARE YOU SURE?
Press [Enter] or [Cancel]
After pressing [Enter] the drive will be recalibrated and writing the null value will be started
beginning with the zero cylinder and the zero head. The erasure procedure can be interrupted by pressing
[Cancel] or [Exit] key with subsequent exit to the main menu.
Attention! Erasing will destroy the user data.

Drive translator test – after pressing the [Tran] key you’ll have to enter the starting and ending
cylinders of the tested zone. The test is performed in two passes: the first pass writes to each of the
sector its corresponding number while the second reads the written number and compares it with the
calculated number. If the numbers do not match, an error is reported.
Attention! Translator test will destroy the user data.

Measuring the rotation period and rotation speed for magnetic disks – when [T] key is pressed,
the following message appears:
Index xx,xx ms
Rotations yyyy RPM
where xx,xx is the rotation period of the magnetic disks in milliseconds and yyyy is the rotation speed in
rev/min. The testing mode can be interrupted by pressing the [Cancel] or [Exit] keys with subsequent exit
to the main menu. Several IDE drives do not form the INDEX signal. It is impossible to measure the
rotation period and disks rotation speed in such drives and the tester display remains empty after
pressing the [T] key.
“LBA mode” The current LBA sector is displayed in the STATE line in LBA mode instead of the CYL and
HEAD parameters. Instead of [Hd] key for switching the magnetic heads, the [Ver.] key appears – which
means the current LBA sector verification. All the positioning modes are used for positioning not between
the cylinders but between LBA sectors.
2.5.4. Controller test

Controller test (PCB) – test mode for test and repair of:
- ATA interface controller;
- MCU;
- Read/write channel;
- buffer RAM.
Test mode menu:
CONTROLLER TEST
Cyclic reading state register
Sector buffer test
Cyclic writing to a sector
Cyclic reading of a sector
IRQ test
Drive self-diagnostics
Drive reset
Exit
Cyclic reading state register – this test is meant for checking the HOST – the HDD microcontroller

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bus in cases when the drive does not respond to the incoming commands, erroneously interprets the
commands or if the HDD is “busy” all the time – the BSY bit of the state register is active all the time.
During testing a short reading cycle is performed over the state register, the malfunction search is
performed with the help of an oscilloscope. The cycle is interrupted by the keyboard press.
When the test is started, the following message appears on the tester display:
The state register read cycle
is performed
During the test execution the state register and error register LEDs are inactive. You can interrupt
the test by pressing any key on the tester keyboard or the [Exit] key with subsequent exit to the main
menu.
IRQ test – the test is meant for checking the interrupt request via the 31 pin of IDE connector of
the drive.
Attention! IRQ12 should be unoccupied in the controlling computer in order to perform

the test, otherwise the test will result in an error.
Sector buffer test – the test is meant for checking the inner HDD data bus, all the bus drivers
located on that bus, inner bus of a ATA interface controller and the sector buffer area – buffer RAM MC
(limited access). The test program executes the commands 1 “write buffer” and “read buffer”. First the
codes FF, FE, FD, FB, and F7…. (streaming zero) and the codes 00, 01, 02, 04, 08, 10… (streaming one)
are written to the sector buffer, with subsequent reading the sector buffer and comparison with the written
data.
When the test is started the following message appears:

Sector buffer test is being performed
If no errors were detected during the test, the testing procedure ends with the following message:
Sector buffer test
No errors
Test complete
If an error was detected during testing, the test will end with a message of the following type:
Sector buffer test
ERROR
Code written:0000000000000000
Code read: 0000000011111111
Test complete
Attention! Old models of SAMSUNG and KALOK (XEBEC) HDDs are somewhat
different from the ATA standard. When sector buffer test is performed on such
drives, an error is reported.
Cyclic writing to a sector – the test is meant for checking the HDD write channel, and write pre-
compensation circuit. A short 0000H code write cycle is performed on an HDD sector during testing. The
malfunction search is performed with the help of an oscilloscope.
Attention! Writing to the selected sector will destroy the user data.
When the test is started the following message appears on the tester display:
In response you should enter the cylinder number, head number and sector number, where the
data should be written. The said cylinder, head and sector numbers are entered according to the formula:
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Cylinder: 0 – (N – 1)
Head: 0 – (M – 1)
Sector: 1- K
Where N, M, and K stand for the number of cylinders, heads and HDD sectors respectively.
“LBA mode” In LBA mode in response you should enter the number of LBA sector, to which the data
should be written.
When the input is complete, press the [Enter] key – the test will start.
Cylinder: XXXX
Head: X
Sector: XX
Running
Cyclic reading of a sector – the test is meant for checking the reading HDD channel, data
separator and idle clock pulse. A short HDD sector read cycle is performed during the test. The
malfunction search is performed with the help of an oscilloscope. When the test is started the following
message appears on the tester display:
In response you should enter the cylinder number, head number and number of the sector, the
data from which will be read. The said cylinder, head and sector numbers are entered according to the
formula:
Cylinder: 0 – (N – 1)
Head: 0 – (M – 1)
Sector: 1- K
Where N, M, and K stand for the number of cylinders, heads and HDD sectors respectively.
“LBA mode” In LBA mode in response you should enter the number of LBA sector, from which the data
should be read.
When the input is complete, press the [Enter] key – the test will start.
Cylinder: XXXX
Head: X
Sector: XX
Running
HDD self-diagnostics – when this test is started, the 90H command 1 “HDD self-diagnostics” is
executed, checking:
- MPU;
- CRC driver circuit;
- Buffer RAM (full access);
- ATA interface controller.
When the test is started the following message appears on the tester display:
HDD self-diagnostics
Running
If no errors were detected during testing the test completes with the message of the following type:
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Completion code: 01
No errors detected
If an error was detected during testing, the test will end with a message of the following type:
Completion code: 03
Buffer RAM error
HDD self-diagnostics completion codes:
01 – no errors detected;
02 – microcontroller error;
03 – buffer RAM error;
04 – CRC driver circuit error;
05 – controlling microprocessor error;
8X – the drive is defective.
HDD reset - meant for resetting the “hanging” drives, during the initiation of which the following is
performed:
- hardware HDD reset;
- initialization;
- recalibration.
During resetting procedure the RESET interface signal with the 500 mcs duration is sent , after
which the initialization and recalibration command is executed. Execution of an HDD reset procedure is
followed with the messages about the reset, initialization and recalibration:
HDD reset
HDD reset
HDD initialization
HDD recalibration
Reset complete
2.5.5. Complex test

Complex test – test mode for input/output type control of the drive.
The following tests are sequentially performed during complex testing:
- controller test
- IRQ test
- Sector buffer test
- Recalibration test
- Format check;
- Random reading;
- Surface scanning.
The testing information appears on the tester display, in the STATUS line and the state register
and error register LED-s. The STATUS line contains:
Ready/Busy – determines the drive status using the BSY bit of the state register;
DONE – the current test execution duration in % (appears when long tests are performed)
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CYL – current (active) cylinder value;

HEAD – current (active) head value;
ERRS – current number of drive errors detected during each test.
“LBA mode” The current LBA sector is displayed in the STATE line in LBA mode instead of the CYL and
HEAD parameters.
The tests are selected from the main “TESTING MODE SELECTION” menu, with the following message
appearing on the tester display:
ATTENTION!
Testing will destroy
your data
start cylinder: X
end cylinder: XXXX
do write test: Yes
press [Enter] or [Cancel]
By default the starting and ending test cylinders correspond to the zero and the maximum HDD
cylinders.
“LBA mode” You have to enter the starting and ending LBA sectors for testing in LBA mode. By default
the starting and ending test LBA sectors correspond to the zero and the maximum LBA sectors of the
drive.
Attention! The user data kept on HDD will be destroyed by the last test “SURFACE
SCANNING”.
In order to cancel writing in the “SURFACE SCANNING” test highlight the “do
write test” line and press the “N” key. Otherwise, to turn on writing in the
“SURFACE SCANNING” test highlight the “do write test” line and press the
“Y” key.
As the testing procedures from the “COMPLEX TEST” go on, the evaluation of their results – PASS or
FAIL - appears on the tester display near the name of each test. The mark “running” appears near the
name of the test, which is executed at the moment. The COMPLEX TEST can be interrupted by pressing
the [Enter], [Cancel] or [Exit] keys, which bring the “OPERATOR INTERRUPT” menu on-screen. The
menu allows you to:
- continue testing from the place where it was stopped;
- skip current test;
- skip all tests and finish testing.
When the testing is complete a sound signal is heard and the message appears on the tester
screen:
Test complete, press [Enter]
Simultaneously with the test completion an XXXXXXX.DAT text file is created in the DAT sub-
directory, where XXXXXXX is the number read from the drive. The file contains test results, this
information also appears on the computer screen after pressing the [Enter] key. The results listing
contains the information about the type and parameters of the drive being tested, test date and time. It
also includes the results of all tests with the PASS or FAIL evaluation and the number of detected errors
during each test (ERRS). Each detected error is followed with the value of the state register and the error
register at the moment of its detection. Total evaluation of the test results is given in the end of the listing:
test interrupted, PASS, FAIL. The FAIL evaluation is given if at least one error was detected during the
test process. This is caused by the fact that IDE HDDs have a defects relocation capacity and a
completely functioning drive should contain no defects. The listing can be viewed with the help of [Up] and
[Down] keys.
If errors were detected during the “Surface scanning” test, the following menu will appear after viewing
the test results:
SELECT ACTION
Do not relocate defects

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Relocate detected defects

[ESC] – exit
If “Relocate detected defects” is selected – the procedure assign for defects relocation is performed for all
defective sectors. If [ESC] is pressed or other menu item selected, the defects are not relocated.
“LBA mode” LBA mode allows to hide not only the defects detected during the “Surface scanning” test,
but also during the “Format check” and “Random read”.
2.5.5.1. HDD tests making up the “COMPLEX TEST”

Controller test - when this test is started, the 90H command 1 “HDD self-diagnostics” is executed.
If the HDD does not pass the controller test, the FAIL message appears and the completion code is
written to the results listing (see completion codes for HDD self-diagnostics in “Controller test” mode).
IRQ test - the test is meant for checking the interrupt request via the 31 pin of IDE connector of
the drive.
Attention! IRQ12 should be unoccupied in the controlling PC in order to perform the test,
otherwise the test will result in an error.
Sector buffer test - the test is meant for checking the inner HDD data bus, all the bus drivers
located on that bus, inner bus of a ATA interface controller and the sector buffer area – buffer RAM MC
(limited access). The test algorithm is described in detail in the “CONTROLLER TEST” mode description.
After test completion, if an error has been detected, the FAIL message appears on the screen and the
written and read codes are included into the results listing.
Code written:0000000000000000
Code read: 0000000011111111
Attention! Old models of SAMSUNG and KALOK (XEBEC) HDD-s are somewhat
different from the ATA standard. When sector buffer test is performed on such
drives, an error is reported.
Recalibration test – when this test is invoked, the 10H recalibration command 1 is executed. After
test completion, if an error has been detected, the FAIL message appears on the screen and the state
register and error register values are written to the results listing.
Format check – the test is meant for checking the low-level format of IDE drives. When the test is
running, the test duration time DONE in %, current active head number (HEAD) and the active cylinder
(CYL) are displayed in the STATE line as well as the current number of errors detected during testing.
The information displayed by the state LED-s and the error register allows to judge about the causes of
the errors detected during format check. After test completion a table of detected errors is created. The
table lines contain the information about the cylinder and head number of detected error, as well as the
value of state register (status) and the error register (error) at the moment of error detection. The table
may contain up to 50 lines. The total number of detected errors is shown in the test results listing after the
errors table.
“LBA mode” In LBA mode the lines of the detected errors table instead of the cylinder and head number
contains the number of BAD LBA sector. The data of the defective sectors are used for the defects
relocation procedure after the format check test.
Random read - the test is meant for checking the positioning system. When the test is running,
the cylinder number is selected randomly in the range from 0 to the end cylinder. The head number is
selected in a cycle. The number of positioning procedures is equal to the total number of HDD cylinders.
During the test the current number of the active head (HEAD) and the active cylinder (CYL) are displayed
in the STATUS line as well as the current number of errors (ERRS) detected during the test. Upon the test
completion a table of detected error is compiled similar to the errors table of format check. The table may
contain up to 50 lines. The total number of detected errors is shown in the test results listing after the
errors table.
“LBA mode” In LBA mode the LBA sector number is selected randomly in the range from 0 to maximum.
The number of positioning procedures is 1000. The lines of the detected errors table instead of the
cylinder and head number contains the number of BAD LBA sector. The data of the defective sectors are
used for the defects relocation procedure after the format check test.
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Surface scanning – the test is meant for sector-by-sector scanning of the data fields of HDD
format. During the test 6DB6H code is written to each sector of the track with subsequent reading and
comparison of the written and read information. If write has been switched off during selection of settings
for the complex test, only reading will be performed without data comparison. When the written and the
read codes do not match, an error code FFH is written to the test results listing. During the test the
current number of the active head (HEAD) and the active cylinder (CYL) are displayed in the STATUS line
as well as the current number of errors (ERRS) detected during the test. The information displayed by the
state LEDs and the error register allows to judge about the causes of the errors detected during format
check. After test completion a table of detected errors is created. The table lines contain the information
about the cylinder and head number of detected error, as well as the value of state register (status) and
the error register (error) at the moment of error detection. The table may contain up to 150 lines. The total
number of detected errors is shown in the test results listing after the errors table. The data of the
defective sectors are used for the defects relocation procedure after the format check test.
“LBA mode” In LBA mode the lines of the detected errors table instead of the cylinder and head number
contains the number of BAD LBA sector. The data of the defective sectors are used for the defects
relocation procedure after the format check test.
2.5.6. Defects relocation

This mode is designed for relocation and hiding of defecting BAD sectors with the drives that
support the assign mode. Defects relocation can be performed in the automatic surface scanning mode or
when the parameters of the BAD sector are input manually.
Defects relocation is impossible in the following cases:
- the drive does not support the assign mode (usually here belong early HDD models with
the capacity less than 170 MB, some Fujitsu and Samsung drives and some others);
- the detected error is connected with corrupted servo or a defect in the sector
identification area (IDNF is active in the error register);
- the area of the drive reserved for defects relocation by the assign method is full.
Attention! If all the defects cannot be relocated, than you have to use the special utility
of the PC-3000 complex designed for that drive model.
When the defects relocation mode is invoked, the following menu appears:
Automatic relocation
Manual relocation
Undo relocation
Automatic relocation – surface scanning is performed within set limits. Detected defects are relocated.
Manual relocation – manual defects input into a table with subsequent relocation.
Undo relocation – automatic surface scanning within set limits with automatic unassigning of the defective
sectors.
2.5.6.1. Automatic relocation

After the start of the procedure it is necessary to enter the scanning limits and the number of passes.
During scanning a sequential format check is performed, when an error is detected the tester relocated
the BAD sector.
Defects scanning is accompanied by the following message on the tester display:
Defects relocation procedure running….
The defects relocation procedure can be interrupted by pressing the [Enter], [Cancel] or [Exit]
keys, the menu “OPERATOR INTERRUPT” appears on tester display when this happens. It allows you to:
- continue the defects relocation procedure;
- finish the defects relocation procedure.
When the defects are relocated user’s data does not get destroyed except for the data in the BAD
sectors.
The information about defects relocation appears in the STATUS line:
CYL – current (active) cylinder value;
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HEAD – current (active) head value;

ERRS – current number of drive errors, which cannot be relocated with the help of assign procedure.
It is recommended to repeat the defects relocation procedure several times, with subsequent complex
test for detection of unassigned defects.
“LBA mode” The LBA sector number is displayed in LBA mode instead of CYL and HEAD parameters.
2.5.6.2. Manual relocation

Defective sectors can be relocated by manual input of their following parameters: CYL, HEAD,
SEC – in the CHS mode and the defective LBA sectors number in LBA mode.
Attention! If the defective sector search is made not with the help of PC-3000AT
attention should be paid to correspondence between the drive parameters
during the initialization and drive parameters in the MODEL line of the PC-
3000AT tester
2.5.6.3. Relocation undo

After the start of the relocation undo procedure (unassign) you have to enter the scanning limits.
Defects scanning is followed by the following message on the tester display:
Defects relocation undo
The STATE line shows the test duration time DONE in %, CYL – the current (active) cylinder value; HEAD
– the current (active) head value; ERRS – number of errors detected during scanning.
The defects undo relocation procedure can be interrupted by pressing the [Enter], [Cancel] or [Exit] keys,
the menu “OPERATOR INTERRUPT” appears on tester display when this happens. It allows you to:
- continue the defects relocation undo procedure;
- finish the defects relocation undo procedure.
When the relocation undo procedure is complete a signal is heard.
2.5.7. Formatting
The mode is meant for correct restoration of low-level format of IDE drives with the help of 50H
command1 – track formatting. When the formatting procedure is started, a sequential format check is
performed, if an error is detected, the tester attempts to reformat the corresponding track with subsequent
testing. The reformatting procedure is repeated several times with the help of different formatting
algorithms. If reformatting was unsuccessful, the corresponding track is marked as BAD. During the
formatting mode selection the following message appears:
ATTENTION!
Formatting will destroy the data
press [Enter] or [Cancel]
The test information is displayed in the STATE line:
Ready/Busy – determines the drive state using the BSY bit of the state register;
CYL – the value of current (active) cylinder;
HEAD – the value of current (active) head;
ERRS – current number of errors detected during formatting.
Attention! Most HDD models cannot be formatted by using that formatting procedure.
Their formatting is performed in factory mode with the help of additional
software utilities and adapters (see description of PC-3000 complex utilities).
The formatting procedure is followed with the following message on the tester display:
The drive is being formatted
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The formatting procedure can be interrupted by pressing the [Enter], [Cancel] or [Exit] keys, the
menu “OPERATOR INTERRUPT” appears on tester display when this happens. It allows you to:
- continue the formatting procedure;
- finish the formatting procedure.
When the formatting procedure is complete a signal is heard and the following message appears on the
tester display:
Formatting complete
press [Enter]

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PC-3000SHELL  ACELab
3. PC-3000 SHELL
The PC-SHELL software is designed for more convenient work with the PC-3000 complex. When
PC-3000 SHELL is started, a table of drive manufacturing firms and corresponding PC-3000 utilities
appears on the screen. The first line in the table is occupied by the UNIVERSAL UTILITIES, PC-3000AT
and PC-DEFECTOSCOPE utilities correspond to that entry. Window switching is performed with the help
of [Enter] or [Tab] keys – utility selection and start – and the [Esc] key – for going back and exit from PC-
3000 SHELL. When a utility is selected, a list of supported drives appears on screen, pressing [Enter]
starts the selected utility.
The PC-3000 complex version is indicated in the PC-3000 SHELL title as follows:
PC-3000 Shell Ver.X.XX
where X.XX is the current version of the PC-3000 complex.
shell.exe – starting shell program, always resident in memory;
sh_main.pgm – the main program shell part, unloads from the memory when utilities are started;
shell.cfg – configuration file.

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 ACELab PC-DEFECTOSCOPE Ver. 2.10
4. PC-DEFECTOSCOPE Ver. 2.10
4.1. Purpose
PC-DEFECTOSCOPE utility is designed for detection and relocation of “unstable sectors” in any IDE
HDD that support the assign defects relocation method, the test results can be output to a file with
subsequent defective sectors relocation with a specialized utility for the drive (for example, Fujitsu or
Western Digital utilities). The “unstable sectors” are those, the read (write) time for which is considerably
greater than the average read (write) time for the disk. As a rule, “unstable sectors” appear in those
locations, when the defect does not show always or where the defect is connected with a corrupt servo.
The test is performed using logical parameters in LCHS or LBA.
4.2. Preparation for work

1. Connect the PC-3000AT tester cable to IDE drive connector.
2. Connect power supply to the drive.
3. Start the pcdfscop.exe utility.
4.3. Work with PC-Defectoscope

The method for detecting unstable sectors can be split into two stages:
a) Detection of unstable tracks;
b) Detection of unstable sectors in the discovered unstable tracks.
When the utility starts you have to select the addressing mode:
LBA addressing
CHS addressing
The mode of drive testing depends upon that choice. It should be kept in mind that early models having
the capacity up to 500-850 Mb do not support LBA addressing, while CHS addressing allows you to test
drives with the capacity not greater than 8,4 Gb. The output data file (*.dft) format also depends upon the
CHS/LBA mode selection. Therefore all those factors should be considered during subsequent relocation
of unstable sectors with specialized utilities. For example, the utilities designed for old WD model work
with *.dft files in CHS only, the new ones function in LBA only, while Fujitsu drives support both those
formats.
Then the following warning appears on screen:
Threshold index (2-9) 3
Dynamic threshold No
Starting cylinder 0
Ending cylinder XXXX
Number of verification passes 1
Turn off the cache Yes
Perform writing No
[Enter] –continue [Esc] – cancel

where:
the threshold index is a number from two to five, which determines the time limit, after which the cylinder
glitches will be considered as defects. Before the start of testing procedure an average cylinder or LBA
block access time is measured (an LBA block contains 256 sectors). The obtained time is multiplied by
the threshold index and is viewed as critical. It is shown in blue color in the graph;
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РС-3000 
PC-DEFECTOSCOPE Ver. 2.10  ACELab
dynamic threshold – the threshold value is determined by constant recalculation of the average value
between the average access time for the whole drive and the average access time for the previous
cylinder (or previous LBA block).
Starting and ending cylinders – these determine the test limits;
Number of verification passes – setting several passes helps to detect less frequent unstable cylinders,
which are not detected at every pass;
Turn off the cache – allows to turn of the drive’s cache. Testing gets slower when this option is used, but
the results are more error-free. The cache should always be turned off, if relocation of unstable sectors is
required. If you have just to evaluate the drive status without loading the defects, you can turn on the
CACHE to increase testing speed.
Mode switching Yes/No is performed with the [Y] – yes and [N] – no keys or with the [Space] key.
4.4. Performing tests

When all the necessary input parameters are entered, pressing the [Enter] key starts the “TRACK TIME
VERIFICATION TEST”. Before the test begins, the average track verification time for the drive is
determined; for that purpose the track verification time is measured for the start, the end and the middle
of the HDD working area. Those values serve as the basis for calculation of the medium verification value
(it is shown in red color in the graph). The track is considered defective (unstable) if its verification time is
by X times greater than the average calculated verification time, where X is the input threshold index.
During the test a graph is built showing the track verification time for the whole working area of the drive
(shown in blue in the graph). If an error is detected during the verification of a track, such track will be
marked in yellow color in the graph. After the track verification time test completion a table with the
numbers of all unstable tracks is output to the screen.
One more pressing [Enter] starts the “Sector access time test”. When this test is executed, verification,
read and (if the corresponding option is turned on in the test start menu) write time for each sector of
unstable tracks detected in the previous test is performed with graph creation. Sector read errors are
shown in yellow color in the graph. After the test completion you can repeat it using the [R], [A], and [L]
keys or proceed to the critical time value selection. The repeat keys have the following functions:
[R] – repeat function, allows to repeat the sector access test with a dump of all previous results;
[A] – repeat function with accumulation, allows to repeat the sector access test with the accumulation of
the data from the previous tests;
[L] cyclic repetition function with data accumulation.
The cyclic repetition is interrupted with the [Esc] key. Then you have to select the critical time value, which
will be used for the determination of defective sectors. This is done by the [Up Arrow] and [Down Arrow]
keys, which allow to move the red line up and down, selecting the required critical time level and the
number of defective sectors, indicated in the upper right corner of the screen. The more blue glitches
cross the critical time red line, the greater number of sectors will be included into the defects table. During
the choice you have to stick to the reserved area size and remember that this program is designed, first of
all, for detection and relocation of hardly detectable defects and not for the relocation of all defects in a
row. Otherwise the reserved drive area will be quickly filled up.
Pressing the [Enter] key will move all the sectors, which were read with errors as well as those, which had
reading time greater than the critical value, to a table. The table can be accepted by pressing [Enter] or
cancelled by pressing [Esc]. In the latter case you can repeat the optimal critical time selection. If it is
necessary to save the results as text, press [F2]. If you accept the defects table, the following menu
appears:
SELECT ACTION
Do not relocate defects
Relocate detected defects (assign)
Write defects to a binary file
[ESC] – exit
If the “Relocate detected defects” menu item is selected, the relocation procedure is performed with the
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РС-3000
 ACELab PC-DEFECTOSCOPE Ver. 2.10
assign method. If you select “Write defects to a binary file”, the defects table will be written to a .dft. file (*
means the name entered by the user). If the first menu item is selected or [Esc] is pressed, you will exit
the PC-Defectoscope utility.
4.5. PC-Defectoscope use for HDD repair

The PC-Defectoscope utility can be used for hiding the “floating defects” of Fujitsu and Western Digital
drives.
For defects relocation in Fujitsu drives it is necessary to select the menu item “Write defects to a binary
file” after performing the Defectoscope tests. All the defective sectors will be written to a *.dft file. After
than you have to select in the corresponding Fujitsu utility the “Defects Table, Import Log of the Defects
Table” menu items and load the defects to the PL table. After that you should perform the low-level
formatting procedure.
You can use the method, described for Fujitsu drives in order to relocate defects in Western Digital drives
or try using the assign mode – then after performing the Defectoscope tests you should select the
“Relocate Detected Defects (Assign)” menu item. This procedure assigns all the defective sectors and
includes them into the G-List table of a WD drive. After that you will have to select the menu items
“Defects Table, Group into Tracks” in the corresponding WD utility and group the defects into tracks, if
they contain 5 or more defective sectors. Then it is recommended to move the G-List in the utility to the P-
List and perform low-level formatting taking into account the P-List.
4.6. Exported defects file structure

The defects file (containing the defects exported by the PC-Defectoscope program) consists of the
header and the following data proper:
The header format is indicated in Table 4.6.1
Table 4.6.1
Field name Length, bytes
Data format version 2
Current version – 0. In future the data format may change, which will cause an
increase of the version number
Defects type: 1 – LBA, 0-CHS (Boolean value) 1
Data area length in bytes 4
Reserved area 60
The data area format depends upon the type of defects (CHS or LBA)
It is shown in the following table 4.6.2. for LBA defects:

Table 4.6.2. Data area structure for LBA defects.
Defect entries array 4000* (size of defect
entry)
Number of defect entries in the array 2
Reserved area 256
The defect entry itself has the following format (table 4.6.3.):
Table 4.6.3. Defect entry structure
LBA 4
Defect length (number of defective sectors, beginning with the position in the 4
LBA field)
Error code (returned by the drive) 1

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PC-DEFECTOSCOPE Ver. 2.10  ACELab
CHS defects have the following data area format (table 4.6.4.):
Table 4.6.4.
Defect entries array 7000* (defect entry size)
Number of defect entries in the array 2
The table filling attributed (Boolean value) 1
It means that the array of entries is full.
The CHS defect entry itself has the following format(table 4.6.5.):
Table 4.6.5.
Cyl 2
Head 1
Sec 1
Error code (returned by the drive) 1

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РС-3000 Western Digital "Caviar" Arh.4
 ACELab "PC-A313000" "PC-A310100" "PC-A38400" "PC-A36400"
5. Western Digital "Caviar" Arh.4 "PC-A313000"

"PC-A310100" "PC-A38400" "PC-A36400"
5.1. Purpose
The utilities are designed for restoration of 3’’ Caviar Arh.4 drives manufactured by Western Digital of
WDC AC313000, WDC AC310100, WDC AC38400 and WDC AC36400 drive families (see Table 5.1.).
Table 5.1.
Utility Supported models Number of Number of Logical Family ID number2
disks heads parameters1
cyls, hds, sectors
WDC AC313000 - 13 Gbt 3 6 25228, 16, 63
WDC AC310200 - 10.2 Gbt 3 5 19885, 16, 63
"PC-A313000" WDC AC28400 - 8.4 Gbt 2 4 16383, 16, 63 62-602233-xxx
WDC AC26400 - 6.4 Gbt 2 3 13328, 15, 63
WDC AC14300 - 4.3 Gbt 1 2 8912, 15, 63
WDC AC310100 - 10.1 Gbt 3 6 19650, 16, 63
WDC AC38400 - 8.4 Gbt 3 5 16383, 16, 63
"PC-A310100" WDC AC26400 - 6.4 Gbt 2 4 13328, 15, 63 62-602230-xxx
WDC AC24300 - 4.3 Gbt 2 3 8912, 15, 63
WDC AC13200 - 1.3 Gbt 1 2 6296, 16, 63
WDC AC38400 - 8.4 Gbt 3 6 16383, 16, 63
WDC AC37100 - 7.1 Gbt 3 5 14855, 15, 63
"PC-A38400" WDC AC25400 - 5.4 Gbt 2 4 11184, 15, 63 62-602225-xxx
WDC AC24300 - 4.3 Gbt 2 3 8912, 15, 63
WDC AC12500 - 2.5 Gbt 1 2 4960, 16, 63
WDC AC36400 - 6.4 Gbt 3 6 13328, 15, 63
WDC AC35100 - 5.1 Gbt 3 5 10672, 15, 63
"PC-A36400" WDC AC24300 - 4.3 Gbt 2 4 8912, 15, 63 62-602220-xxx
WDC AC23200 - 3.2 Gbt 2 3 6296, 16, 63
WDC AC12100 - 2.1 Gbt 1 2 4092, 16, 63
5.2. Basic options for WD Caviar Arh.4 drives repair

- drive testing in factory mode;
- restoration of the disk firmware data;
- correction of logical parameters of the drive in drive description area;
- changing model name in drive description area;
- restoration and correction of the serial number in the drive description area;
- restoration of low-level format;
- modification of the drive configuration (isolation of the defective surfaces);
- review of the information structure in the ROM and in the disk firmware zone;
- review of the relocated defects’ tables;
- review of the drive’s S.M.A.R.T. table;
- physical and logical surface scanning, and, based on the results, addition of the revealed defects
to the defects table;
- defective sectors relocation;
- automatic restoration of the drive.
The utilities function together with the PC-3000AT tester board.
5.3. Preparing for work

1. Connect the PC-3000AT tester cable to the IDE connector of the drive.
1
In LCHS mode ≤ 8,4 Gb, full drives capacity can be achieved in LBA mode only.
2
ID number is indicated on the microprocessor unit or ROM chip, xxx means microprocessor firmware version for
given drives family.
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Western Digital "Caviar" Arh.4 РС-3000 
"PC-A313000" "PC-A310100" "PC-A38400" "PC-A36400"  ACELab
2. Connect power cable to the drive.

3. The following files should be in the current directory:
pca31300.exe, pca31300.rsc – disk firmware resource file, pca31300.rom – ROM resource file;
5.4. Using the utilities

When the utility starts it checks if the drive belongs to the corresponding drive family. In case of
mismatch the following message appears: CONNECTED DRIVE NOT SUPPORTED BY THE
UTILITY with subsequent choice of exit from the utility or entering the firmware generation program. If
the utility corresponds to the type of the connected drive a list of drives which constitute given drive
family appears on the screen. The cursor automatically moves to the name of the connected drive
model, but the choice can be changed if necessary. Pressing [Enter] will bring the main menu of
operation modes on the screen:
Servo test
Surface test
Disk firmware zone
Drive description area
Formatting
Logical scanning
S.M.A.R.T. table
Defects table
Automatic mode
Exit
5.4.1. Servo test

Servo test – testing is performed using physical parameters in ABA format (absolute block address).
During test a block-by-block surface formatting is performed with measuring the time of decoding all
servo fields in the block, the received number is reflected in the graph. When the servo fields is
correct the decoding time will be approximately equal for all ABA blocks of the drive. The graph in that
case will look like a straight line. If servo fields of some track is corrupt, its decoding time increases
drastically. The graph will show a spike in the corresponding area. The larger part of servo fields is
corrupt, the higher the spike will be. The critical time, i.e. such decoding duration, which makes the
spike an error already is equal to a 3 times increase of decoding servo fields in a block. Such time is
shown in red in the graph. All spikes crossing that line are considered to be errors (code 00h). If a
block formatting procedure was completed with an error the corresponding spike in the graph will be
shown in yellow. You can enter the start and end ABA positions before the test beginning. The test
can be interrupted by pressing [Esc] while it is running, but note that the servo test should be
performed completely in order to run subsequent tests.
When the test is complete a table containing defective ABA numbers appears on the screen. Pressing
the [Enter] key translates all ABA-represented blocks into physical CHS(PCHS)-represented data and
the table of defective tracks appears on the screen. Pressing the [Enter] key will write all the defective
tracks into P-LIST.
Erased translator is an obligatory condition for SERVO TEST. The test duration for
WDAC313000 model on a Pentium 120 based PC is equal to 2 hours.
5.4.2. Surface test.

Surface test allows to determine the quality of magnetic surfaces, the state of magnetic heads
block(MHB) and its switch circuit, to detect and remove all defective tracks and sectors. The following
tuning menu appears on the screen before the test beginning:
Start ABA 0
End ABA xxxxxxxx
Reverse scanning No
Passes 3
Carefulness 3
Limit of grouping into tracks 20
Perform writing test No
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Verification instead of reading Yes

Critical time (ms) 300
Start and end ABA determine the test range.
Reverse scanning determines the testing direction. Switching is performed by pressing the [Y] – Yes
or [N] – No – keys or with the [Space] key. The drive reads data ahead, therefore direct testing will be
slightly faster than the reverse test.
Passes – determines the number of complete testing passes from the starting ABA to the end ABA.
The input range is from 1 to 100.
Carefulness – determines the test reaction to errors. The test is performed block-by-block in ABA-
presentation and when an error is detected in a block the test starts a sector-by-sector analysis of
that block. The number of repetitions for such analysis is determined by the carefulness. In order to
increase the test speed during the first pass the index equal to 1 is always suggested (the value input
by the operator is used during all subsequent passes). The index value range is from 1 to 10.
Limit of grouping into tracks – determines the number of defective sectors in a track, which will cause
the whole track to be viewed as defective. Tracks containing defective sectors with error codes 10h
(IDNF) and 04h (ABRT) are also considered to be defective.
Writing can be switched off in the test and reading can be replaced with verification procedure . Test
duration becomes considerably shorter in that case. The surface test is based on an adaptive
algorithm – detected defects are not addressed during subsequent passes. This procedure
considerably decreases testing time for drives with a large number of defects. The test of
WDAC313000 (Pentium 120, 1 pass, write off, verification instead of reading) takes 1 hour and 30
minutes.
Critical time – determines the wait period for read (and write) operations. If the set limit is exceeded,
the sector is considered to be defective. Input range is from 40 ms to 999 ms, the default value is 300
ms. Critical time value should be decreased very cautiously. Setting a value, which is too small (it
depends upon specific drive, the testing computer, etc.) may lead to detecting false errors. Besides
the drive periodically performs re-calibration procedure, which can also be interpreted as an error.
Servo test should be performed before the beginning of this test or else the drive should be
formatted prior to it without using the defects tables, and the low-level formatting procedure
should be finished in that case without errors!
After the surface test procedure the table containing defective ABA numbers appears on the screen.
Pressing the [Enter] key transforms all ABA-represented blocks into PCHS-represented data and the
table of defective tracks and sectors appears on the screen. Pressing the [Enter] key again will write
all the defective sectors and tracks into P-LIST table.
5.4.3. Disk firmware zone

Disk firmware zone – allows to format and test the disk firmware zone of the drive, to view and check the
disk firmware structure, to rewrite the disk firmware completely and reconfigure the drive:
Operations with disk firmware zone. Performs operations on the zone of the drive: cyl: -5…-1, head: 0-1.
Disk firmware surface test. This option starts the procedure for detecting defects located in the disk
firmware zone of the drive (cyl: -5…-1, head: 0-1). The detected defects are placed into a table. No
defects of cylinders -2 and -1 are allowed for normal functioning of the drive.
Disk firmware structure test. This command brings on screen a list of disk firmware modules:
TRACKS DIRECTORY;
CONFIGURATION SECTORS;
P-LIST DEFECTS;
G-LIST DEFECTS;
DISK FIRMWARE MODULES.
When the command is executed, module search is performed with their checksum test. All the disk
firmware data is located on side 0 and is duplicated on side 1. If the sectors containing a module cannot
be read the following message will appear:
Read error
If module was read but the checksum does not match:
Checksum error
In case of checksum match the following information will appear:

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MODULE NAME
dd/mm/yy
Copy number Location Status
1 c:-1 H:0 OK
2 c:-1 H:1 OK
specific module parameters
where
dd/mm/yy mean the date, when the module was written.
After the list of main modules a list of DISK FIRMWARE MODULES appears, which looks as follows:
# ID Cyl Head Sec Length Date Ver C.S. Status
where
# is the module number;
ID - module identifier;
Cyl, Head, Sec – module location;
Length – module length in sectors;
Ver – module version;
C.S. – checksum byte;
Status – testing result: OK, READ ERR, CHECK ERR.
Disk firmware zone formatting. This command performs formatting of disk firmware zone, cylinders
-5…-1. This procedure will destroy all the disk firmware data. After execution of the formatting command it
is necessary to record the disk firmware data.
Disk firmware data read/write. This command records all the necessary data into the disk firmware
zone. Prior to recording it is advisable to perform the DISK FIRMWARE SURFACE TEST. It is necessary
to re-write the firmware if the drive’s electronic circuit board was replaced during repair and the board
microprocessor version is incompatible with the disk firmware. When the disk firmware is corrupt or
incompatible the drive usually starts the spindle motor, moves the heads from the landing zone (with a
characteristic sound) and gets ready but some commands work incorrectly. In order to write the disk
firmware to the drive you should select WRITE FW TO THE DISK. Then you’ll have to select the
controlling microprocessor version. After firmware recording the P-LIST and G-LIST tables must be
cleared.
These utilities allow the user to personally create and update the disk firmware database. In order
to perform this operation you should connect a good drive, the disk firmware of which should be
recorded, and select the ADD FW TO THE DATABASE option. You will be prompted to input the
microprocessor firmware version number, for example: 62-602233-064 and the model name. This version
of firmware will be identical for all drives belonging to the family. The differences will deal with the number
of logical cylinders, heads and sectors, which can be changed in the DRIVE DESCRIPTION AREA.
Therefore it is recommended to store in the database only the disk firmware from the largest models of
the family. If disk firmware was added incorrectly it can be removed by selecting REMOVE FW FROM
THE DATABASE.
Read modules - this operation allows to read the firmware of the drive as it is stored in HDD
firmware zone. The read modules are placed then into WD4_MOD subdirectory. The name of each read
module file is generated as follows:
~idxx.rpm, where:
xx is the module identifier.
For example, ~id20.rpm is the module of the translator table.
Before the module read operation a list of modules available for reading appears on the screen, you will
need to select either a specific module in it or “ALL MODULES” item. In the latter case all the disk
firmware data modules will be read to WD4_MOD subdirectory. Checksum recalculation and correction
for module(s) is performed before writing.
Write modules – this operation allows to write a disk firmware module (or modules) to the
firmware zone of the drive. Before the procedure is performed a list of all modules, which are available for
writing in WD4_MOD subdirectory. The user has to select a certain module or the “ALL MODULES”
option. In the latter case all the modules from the WD4_MOD subdirectory will be written to the firmware
zone. Module(s) checksum recalculation and correction takes place before writing.
Attention! The utility does not check the module structure before writing, therefore you
should be extremely attentive, otherwise you may irrerversibly damage the drive.
Attention! Module read/write – is a factory mode, which allows to broaden the opportunities of
utilities and it is designed for experienced users who understand the structure of drive service
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data quite well, therefore it cannot be recommended for beginners!

Work with translator – this command allows to erase the translator or perform recalculation from ABA to
PCHS representation. The ERASE TRANSLATOR command will erase the translator tables, modules 20h
and 25h, it should be executed before SERVO TEST. It may be necessary to transform ABA to PCHS
when the servo test hangs at some ABA value. The recalculation command allows to transform ABA value
to PCHS and then write the defective cylinder number into P-List table with the help of MANUAL
ENTERING OF DEFECTIVE TRACKS command from the DEFECTS TABLE MENU.
Software heads switching-off – the procedure for switching off of defective heads of the drive is
performed, any head except for heads 0 and 1 can be switched off, reverse operation of switching heads
on is also possible. When the switching-off mode is selected the table of used heads appears on the
screen and you are prompted to switch of defective heads of switch on the good ones. When you enter
that mode the blinking cursor is set over the second head. To switch it off or on press the [Space] key,
[Enter] - to move to the next one. Pressing [Esc] cancels that mode. You can switch any head off except
for heads 0 and 1. During heads switching-off or switching-on the drive automatically changes the model
name after reboot. It is necessary to clear the defects table after heads switching-off or switching-on
procedure.
ROM generator – this command allows to generate the ROM firmware file with isolation of any defective
side, including side 0 and 1 (unlike software switching-off of the heads). This mode is described in detail
in Chapter 5.3: CHANGING DRIVE’S CONFIGURATION.
5.4.4. Drive description area

Drive description – brings the drive’s disk description on the screen. All non-displayable ASCII characters
are replaced with spaces. Drive’s description: logical structure parameters and serial number can be
corrected. When it is necessary to correct model name you should first set MODEL FROM ROM
parameter to NO by pressing [Space].
Press [Enter] to enter the parameter or to move to editing the next one, press [Esc] if you do not
want to rewrite the drive description area. The logical parameters of the drive should be corrected very
cautiously because incorrectly input parameters may disable the drive (or cause decrease of its capacity)
and you will have to rewrite all the disk formware data. The logical parameters should be changed if you
perform drive re-configuration or if the drive has a lot of ABRT and IDNF defects in the surface ending
area, which cannot be relocated by using regular methods. Then you can just indicate smaller number of
cylinders leaving the number of heads and sectors unchanged – the capacity will decrease but the drive
will be completely functional.
5.4.5. Formatting
Formatting – starts the low-level formatting procedure. During formatting the drive skips defective sectors
and defective tracks, the numbers of which it takes from the defects table. The formatting procedure
cannot be interrupted because when it finishes a recalculation and translator recording takes place. If
format ends in error it means presence of corrupt servo fields or incorrectly compiled defects table. Even
if formatting ends in error, the translator is recalculated and recorded, though not all the surface of the
drive will be formatted. Before the start of formatting you have to select the defects table mode or
formatting without defects table data. Formatting takes approximately 40 minutes, but it depends on the
model, state of magnetic disks and can grow considerably with defective surfaces.
Sometimes it is possible that formatting ends immediately with 04h (ABRT) error, this is caused
by the incompatibility of controlling microprocessor firmware version i87C196 and the disk firmware of
sealed block. In that case you will need to re-write the disk firmware corresponding to the microprocessor
firmware version.
5.4.6. Logical scanning

Logical scanning – starts the defects detection procedure utilizing logical parameters in LBA. The
following tuning menu appears on the screen before the beginning of the test:
Start LBA position 0

End LBA position xxxxxxxx
Passes 3
Carefulness 3
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Start and end LBA – determines the test range.

Passes – determines the number of complete test passes from starting LBA to the ending LBA
position. The input range is from 1 to 100.
Carefulness - determines the test reaction to errors. The test is performed block-by-block in LBA-
presentation and when an error is detected in a block the test starts a sector-by-sector analysis of that
block. The number of repetitions for such analysis is determined by the carefulness. In order to increase
the test speed during the first pass the index equal to 1 is always suggested (the value input by the
operator is used during all subsequent passes). The index value range is from 1 to 10.
Writing can be switched off in the test and reading can be replaced with verification procedure .
Test duration becomes considerably shorter in that case. The surface test is based on an adaptive
algorithm –detected defects are not addressed during subsequent passes. This procedure considerably
decreases test duration for drives with a large number of defects. The test of WDAC313000 (Pentium
120, 1 pass, write off, verification instead of reading) takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
After the surface test procedure the table containing logical structure defects in LBA presentation
appears on the screen. Pressing the [Enter] key will bring the menu, which allows to select the defects
relocation mode:
Relocate defects using regular method (Assign)
Add defects into P-List
Add defects into G-List
When the first menu item is selected the defective sectors are relocated using the standard
Assign procedure, physical numbers of relocated sectors are added to the G-List. One disadvantage of
this method is in the impossibility of relocating defects with identifier error (IDNF) and also long
positioning in the drive end during drive operation performed for reading (writing) of reserved sector.
Selecting any of the other two menu items does not relocate defective sectors. All the logical
defects are transformed into physical and placed into a table depending upon the selected menu item, to
the P-List or G-List.
Formatting with P-List or G-List is necessary for defects relocation using the second and third
menu items and also for defects relocation using skipped sector method (to prevent the drive from
positioning into the reserved area).
Attention! Normal conversion from logical LBA presentation into PCHS presentation is possible
only if the translator is complete and functional.
5.4.7. S.M.A.R.T. table

S.M.A.R.T. Table – allows to view S.M.A.R.T. parameters of the drive. You can read in detail about
S.M.A.R.T. in the PC-3000AT tester description.
5.4.8. Defects table

Defects table – allows to view, add, clear defects table or perform defects grouping:
View defects table. This command allows to view the table of relocated defects of the drive.
Viewing defects tables allows to estimate the quality and status of the used magnetic disks of the drive.
Add LBA defect. This command adds a logical defect in LBA presentation, which was detected,
for example, by PC-3000AT. After addition all logical structure defects are translated into physical and
placed into the defects table P-List or G-List at operator’s option. Formatting is required after adding
defects to the table.
Add physical track. Allows to enter physical defective tracks manually. This command is
necessary for detecting a suspected defect, which cannot be discovered by means of surface scanning.
For example, if the following defects appeared in the table after SURFACE TEST:
Cyl: 383 Head:1 Cyl: 384 Head:1
Cyl: 392 Head:1
You will notice that the defect is a scratch, but the table does not contain cylinders 386, 388, 389. It is
recommended (if the number of defects is less than 100) to enter the missing tracks into the defects table

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and also one track from each side of the scratch, in our case it will be 382 and 393. After adding the
defects formatting must be performed.
Import of logged defects table. This command allows to add values from *.dft file to the defects
table (P or G-List at your option). Such file is prepared, for instance, by Defectoscope 2.10 software or
any other program. The *.dft file structure is described in the appendix for the Defectoscope utility. After
adding the defects formatting must be performed.
Move G-List to P-List. This command adds the contents of G-List table to the contents of P-List
table, G-List is cleared during this procedure. This mode does not influence the drive operation in any way
but it allows to increase the S.M.A.R.T. parameter Relocated Sector Count.
Clear the defects table. After execution of that command the defects table will be reset – the
number of defective sectors become equal to 0. The user has to select, which table should be cleared.
Group into tracks. This menu item allows to group into defective tracks those defective sectors,
which already are entered into the defects tables. When you enter the mode the message: LIMIT OF
GROUPING INTO TRACKS appears, after which sector defects are grouped into defective tracks in both
P-List and G-List tables. The input range is from 1 to 50.
5.4.9. Automatic mode

Automatic mode allows to scan the drive in automatic mode without operator intervention. When this
mode is selected two lists appear on the screen: TASKS LIST and AVAILABLE TASKS. Before testing
starts a test program must be created or a previously created one loaded.
Test program creation. Use the [Ins] key to create a test program – the bright cursor rectangle moves
from the left window TASKS LIST to the right window AVAILABLE TASKS, where you can select one of
the suggested tests:
Servo test
Surface scanning
Formatting
Logical scanning
After test selection press [Enter] – this will bring you to the start menu (similar to the normal, non-
automatic operation mode, see description of this test). After making corresponding adjustments you will
come into the errors menu:
Relocate errors detected during test: No
Maximum number of errors allowed: 32767
Switching the errors relocation after the test is performed by [Y] – Yes and [N] – No – keys or the [Space]
key. The maximum number of errors allowed shows what number of errors is acceptable for normal test
completion. If this number is exceeded, the test is interrupted as well as all following tests. This parameter
should be set based on the defects table capacity and the drive capacity for defects relocation. The
recommended values – 1000 for servo test and 2000 for surface scanning. Actually this figure should be
equal to zero for logical surface scanning, since all the defects should be discovered and relocated during
surface test by physical parameters. But in fact logical surface scanning may reveal a small number of
defects, as a rule not greater than 100. It should be noted that formatting must be performed after logical
structure defects detection and relocation.
When all options are selected pressing [Enter] will write the selected test into the TASKS LIST
window and you can move on to linking the next test. If a new test has to be added before one of those,
which are already in the TASKS LIST, place the cursor (bright rectangle) over that test and press [Ins]. If
you need to add a new test after the existing one, place the cursor after the test in the TASKS LIST.
Editing test program. In order to edit the test parameters of the created test program place the
cursor in the TASKS LIST over that test and press [Enter]. If you wish to remove some test, place the
cursor over the test name and press [Del], for adding a new one – press [Ins].
Load/save test. Press [S] key to save the test and enter the file name without extension, which is
assigned automatically - *.prg. When entering the file name keep in mind that the test program will be
suitable for a certain model of a certain drives family, because the number of heads, cylinders and other
individual parameters are written in the test setup parameters. Therefore it is recommended to use a
corresponding model name for naming the file. The file will be stored in the current PC3000 subdirectory.
Press [L] to load a test program and select the test from the list of programs located in the current
PC3000 subdirectory, it switches on *.prg name filtering or the file name can be entered manually – by
inputting full path to the file.

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Test start. Press [R] to start the tests. All the tests are performed one by one until completion. All
the test setup parameters and results are recorded into a /utility name/*.log file. Testing can be interrupted
by pressing [Esc] if necessary.
It is necessary to select, what should be interrupted – current test or the whole testing sequence. If an
overflow of maximum allowed error number counter takes place during a test or if the formatting ends in
error emergency completion will take place with corresponding message about that in the log file. When
the testing sequence is complete test results are output to the display (same data will be written to a log-
file).
The test program, which was created or loaded remains resident until exit from the utility, i.e. you
can exit from the AUTOMATIC MODE, run tests manually, record drive description parameters and the
program will remain resident and ready for execution.
Exit – exits from the utility.
5.5. Brief technical description of WDC AC313000, WDC

AC310100, WDC AC38400 and WDC AC36400 drive families
Electronic circuit boards of WDC AC313000, WDC AC310100, WDC AC38400 and WDC AC36400 drive
families are shown in pictures 5.5.3.1. – 5.5.3.4. correspondingly.
5.5.1. Disk firmware data

The drives have 5 cylinders (firmware zone) from –5 to –1 for recording disk firmware data, which is
duplicated over sides 0 and 1. The disk firmware data is stored as separate modules, which together form
controlling operating system.
Disk firmware structure:
TRACKS DIRECTORY;
P-LIST DEFECTS TABLE;
G-LIST DEFECTS TABLE;
RESIDENT FIRMWARE MODULES.
Microprocessor ROM contains complete firmware set for write, read operations and also for disk
firmware zone formatting. That is, there is no necessity for prior loading a resident microprogram in order
to write disk firmware data. There are many versions of disk firmware data and microprocessor firmware
for each drives family and most of them are incompatible with each other. The microprocessor firmware
version is indicated on the 27C516 (WDAC36400, WDAC38400), 27C1024 (WDAC310100,
WDAC313000) ROM chip case or on the microprocessor case in the following form:
62-xxxxxx-yyy,
where:
62 – HDD family membership;
xxxxxx – drive family number (sometimes it differs even within one family)
yyy – firmware version number for that family.
For example, for WDC AC36400 drive the firmware version is 62-602220-065.
The firmware version is not marked on the HDA and you can find it out by reading the drive
description area only. In the drive description the “firmware version” line consists of two parts:
xx.xxCyy, where C is some letter of Latin alphabet:
xx.xxC – controlling microprocessor firmware version;
yy – version of disk firmware, written inside the sealed block.
For example, 09.09M08 – microprocessor firmware version is 09.09M and the HDA disk firmware data
version is 08.
Incompatibility of disk firmware data version and microprocessor firmware leads to unpredictable
results. As a rule, the drive functions normally in usual (user’s) mode, but in the factory mode a part of
commands ends in 04h (ABRT) error. For example, low-level formatting ends immediately after it starts
with and error or the translation from ABA to PCHS presentation is not functioning.
H 5
H 4
H 3
H 2
H 1
H 0
Picture 5.5.1.1. Location of magnetic surfaces in 3-disk models.

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Two-disk models have disks 1 and 3, an assembly ring is placed instead of disk 2. One-disk models
contain lower disk 1 only.
H3
H2
H1
H0
5.5.2. Initialization
When the power is switched on the drive performs initialization:
1. RESET formation
2. Self-diagnostics 1
3. Model setup
4. Spindle motor start
6. Un-parking of the magnetic heads
7. Reading disk firmware data
8. Recalibration start
9. Setting readiness (waiting for ATA command)
The drive setup for a concrete model of given drive family is performed during its initialization. The
FLT/SE signal is used for that purpose, which is generated by the preamplifier chip. After the spindle
motor start the microprocessor will in sequence check all the heads beginning with the zero one. When
head absence is detected the FLT/SE signal is sent to the microprocessor. This allows to determine the
number of heads precisely and set them up for a corresponding model. The signal for heads switching is
emitted from the microprocessor as a sequential code. See picture 5.5.3.5. for WDC AC313000, WDC
AC310100, WDC AC38400 drives and picture 5.5.3.6. for WDC AC36400 family.
5.5.3. Changing drive’s configuration

Specifically for repair purposes the drives of these families have the opportunity of software
isolation of any defective side except for 0 and 1. This allows to switch sides off on-the-fly and switch on
previously isolated sides. Therefore it is recommended to use the software repair method for HDD
repairs. The utilities provide the SOFTWARE HEADS SWITCHING-OFF mode, see paragraph 5.4.3.
Isolation of defective 0 (or 1) sides is possible only by means of changing ROM in such a way that
those sides are not addressed. For that purpose the utilities contain ROM generator, which can be
entered from menu DISK FIRMWARE ZONE, SWITCHING-OFF HEADS or during utility start if the drive
is not connected or not functional (knocking sound is heard but ready state is not achieved). In the first
case the software detects the connected model and number of heads itself, in the second case you will
have to enter the number of heads manually. Then a table of used heads will appear on the screen with
an offer to switch off the non-functional ones. Any head can be switched off but not less than 2 functional
heads must remain. When this mode is started the blinking cursor is set over the zero head. Press
[Space] to switch it off, [Enter] to move to the next one, etc. Pressing [Esc] cancels this mode. When the
input procedure is complete, the new switching scheme appears on the screen and generated ROM is
written to wd_rom.bin file. The ROM generation procedure is complete.
Then the ROM chip is soldered from the drive controller board and another 27C1024 chip
programmed with wd_rom.bin is soldered in its place. Or otherwise a PLCC SMD panel is soldered to the
board and the programmed chip is inserted into the panel. Note that WDAC36400 and WDAC38400
families use 27C516 chip, which has the 32K structure with 16-bit words. When the configuration of such
drives is changed it is recommended to use a chip, which has a 64K structure with 16-bit words, in that
case the chip will be programmed with two firmware copies (that is exactly the file generated by the
firmware generator for those drive families).
Special attention should be paid to switching-off side 0. When the drive containing ROM with
switched-off side 0 is powered it knocks with the positioning device 8 times and reports ready. You should
expect until knocking sound stops and format the disk firmware zone writing the disk firmware data. Then
you should use the restoration algorithm, see paragraph 5.6.
It is recommended to use for switching ATMEL 27C1024 chip with access time not more than

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100ns. Those chips have been tested with all above-mentioned drive families. You can also try to use
FLASH chip manufactured by THOMSON M29F102B-45. Those chips are used in a number of WD drives
of WDAC313000 family. With WDAC36400 and WDAC38400 drives FLASH M5M28F102AJ-10 chips
manufactured by MITSUBISHY can be used, they are used in Fujitsu drives. M5M28F102AJ-10 chips do
not work with WDAC310100 and WDAC313000 drives.
Note the solder-up of J1 connector, picture 5.5.3.7. for WDAC36400 and picture 5.5.3.8. for
WDAC310100 family. In previous drive families +5V voltage was supplied to the third J1 pin. In these
drive families that pin is connected to the “ground”. Therefore (mistaken) connection of controller boards
from WDAC35100 and WDAC34000 to sealed blocks of WDAC36400 family and newer will lead to
controller board malfunction (usually the L1 filtering chocker burns out).
3
K M 416C 1204C J
4
W D 6 9 C 3 1 -S S
1
L 6256B
W D C (C ) 1 9 9 8
M A STER 1 . 2 5 .0 0 M H z
SLAV E
S80C 196N U
CS
2 . 3 0 .0 0 M H z
2 3. LD 33C
6 2 -6 0 2 2 3 3
-0 6 0 4 . C L -S H 3 3 5 8 -2 0 0 Q C -J
C o n f ig u r a tio n S ta n d a r t S e ttin g s
S in g le M a s te r S la v e
Picture 5.5.3.1. Appearance of electronic controller board of WDAC313000 drive family.

Standard Configuration Settings

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2 3
L C 3 2 22 6 6J-2 5
4
W D 6 9 C 2 4 -S S
1
L 6256B
W D C (C ) 1 9 9 8
1 . 5 0 .0 0 M H z
M A STER
SLAV E
S80C 196N U
C S 2. LM 358A
5 3. LD 33C
6 2 -6 0 2 2 3 0
-0 6 5 4 . C L -S H 3 3 5 8 -2 0 0 Q C -G
5 . 3 0 .0 0 M H z
C o n fig u ra tio n S ta n d a rt S e ttin g s
2 3
L C 3 22 2 6 6J-2 5
4
W D 6 9 C 2 4 -S S
1
L 6256B
W D C (C ) 1 9 9 7
M A STER
SLAV E 1 . 5 0 .0 0 M H z
S80C 196N U
C S
2. LM 358A
6 2 -60 2 2 2 5 3. LD 33C
-0 6 4
4 . C L -S H 3 3 5 8 -2 0 0 Q C -G
C o n f ig u ra tio n S ta n d a rt S e ttin g s
S in g le M a ste r S la v e

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2
V 53C 16128H K 45
W D 69 C 2 4 -S S 3
1
L 6256B
W D C (C ) 1 9 9 6
M A STE R 1 . 5 0 .0 0 M H z
SLAV E
S80C 196N U
G 7361268D
C S
2. LM 358A M
3 . C L -S H 3 3 5 6 -1 3 3 H C -J
6 2 -6 0 2 2 2 0
-0 6 2
4. 74H C 367D

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H e a d c o d e d a ta tra n s fe r p r o to c o l fo r W D A C 3 8 4 0 0 , W D A C 3 1 0 1 0 0 , W D A C 3 1 3 0 0 0 H D D s
F E D C B A 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1
SCLK
1 ,9  c 120 нс
SD ATA
1 2 c 1 2 c
SD EN
S ta rt p a c k e t H ead code S to p p a c k e t
T h e d a ta is v a lid f o r S D A T A lin e w h e n S C L K is 0 ( r e a r e d g e )
H ead 0 code
F E D C B A 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
SCLK
SD ATA
H ead 3 code
F E D C B A 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1
SCLK
SD ATA
H ead 4 code
F E D C B A 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
SCLK
SD ATA
E x a m p le s o f p r o g r a m m in g a h e a d c o d e
Picture 5.5.3.5.

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H e a d c o d e d a ta tra n s fe r p r o to c o l fo r W D A C 3 6 4 0 0 H D D s
D 7 D 6 D 5 D 4 D 3 D 2 D 1 D 0
D 7 D 6 D 5 D 4 D 3 D 2 D 1 D 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
SCLK
4 4 0 -5 2 0 н с 160 нс
12 с
SD ATA
SD EN
H ead code S to p p a c k e t
T h e d a ta is v a lid f o r S D A T A lin e d u r in g th e m o m e n t s w h e n S C L K is 0 ( r e a r e d g e )
H ead 0 code
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
SCLK
SD ATA
H ead 1 code
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
SCLK
SD ATA
H ead 2 code
0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0
SCLK
SD ATA
E x a m p le s o f p r o g r a m m in g a h e a d c o d e
Picture 5.5.3.6.

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V o ic e C o i l 1 5 .2 O m
J1
1 2
1R 0 L2
U 7
REF +5V
+ +
6 W R x
F L T /S E 0 .1 1 0 4 7
C L -S H 3 3 5 6 -1 3 3 H C -J
7 W Ry C 38
SD ATA
R 211
56 100
SCLK
11 C 46 24 RD x
R /W
C 153
SD EN
R 174 RD y 15 16
10
C 47 24
U 6 U 8 74H C T367
35
15 J1
33 100
47 14 13
R xD 1 0 (S D A T A )
120pF 120pF
100 R 175
46 12 11
TxD 11 (S C L K )
100
1 120pF
80C 196N U
R 172 100
37 4 5
1 6 (S D E N )
100
C 180 120pF
32 9 10
8 (F L T /S E )
R 44 2k
U 1 +5V
R 47
65 6 7
1 4 (R /W )
100
W D 69C 24
120pF
R 198 100
41 2 3
5 (R E F )
100
C 172 120pF
Picture 5.5.3.7. J1 connector of WDAC36400 drive family

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V o ic e C o il 1 4 O m
J1
U 7
1 2
L2
REF +5V
+ +
31 W Rx
F L T /S E 22 1 0
32 W Ry C 66 C65
SD ATA
38
37 SCLK
C L -S H 3 3 5 8 -2 0 0 Q C -H
R 68
58 R /W
100pF
100
SD EN
15 16
R 72
12 R D x
24
R 73
11 R D y
24
35
Picture 5.5.3.8. J1 connector of WDAC310100 drive family
5.6. Drive restoration algorithm

Depending upon the state of the drive being repaired, certain operations might be necessary for its
restoration. For example, if a drive starts to spin up the spindle motor and monotonously knocks with its
positioner against locking plate subsequently shutting down the spindle when powered such defect
demonstrates malfunctions of the drive’s servo system and can be caused by:
- malfunction of controller board servo bus;
- malfunction of switching preamplifier chip of the MHB located in the sealed block;
- malfunction of the head stack itself;
- seriously corrupt servo fields;
- shift of magnetic disks pack after a shock (increased noise of spindle motor rotation usually
shows that the drive has been hit);
- electronic controller board and the sealed block belong to different drive families.
In such case it is necessary to make sure that controller board of the drive is functional, solder out the
ROM chip, solder in its place a PLCC-44 SMD panel and, without connecting the drive to PC-3000, start
its utility. When you receive the message about the drive not being ready move to the ROM generator.
Then you need to generate a ROM with switched-off head 0 or 1 (usually the drive produces knocking
sound because of one of those two heads). Program the FLASH chip, insert it into the PLCC-44 SMD
panel and power up the HDD. The drive will knock 8 times and report about readiness. Then you should
format the disk firmware zone and write the firmware data. If formatting the disk firmware zone are fails
(the drive did not report about readiness, formatting error, etc.) the malfunction is caused not by one
specific magnetic head but with the switching preamplifier chip itself – and in that case software drive
restoration is impossible.
If, when powered on, the drive spins up the spindle motor, un-parks magnetic heads (a typical sound can
be heard) but does not perform low-level format during its operation or successively adds up errors, it
means that the drive is unable to read the disk firmware data. Such malfunction may be caused by:
- defects of read / data conversion channel of the drive;

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- corrupt disk firmware data;

- disk firmware version incompatible with microprocessor firmware version;
- the electronics board and the HDA are from different device models.
In such case you will have to make sure the controller board is functional, the controller board and the
HDA belong to the same drive family and start restoring disk firmware data beginning with paragraph 5.1.
If the drive initializes when powered on, its description area can be read but testing reveals bad sectors
then the restoration procedure should be started with paragraph 5.2.
1. Restore disk firmware data. The sequence for restoring disk firmware is as follows:
a. Select menu item “OPERATIONS WITH DISK FIRMWARE ZONE” and perform “DISK
FIRMWARE SURFACE TEST”. Make sure that cylinders -2, -1, heads 0-1 have no errors.
If an error is detected, perform “DISK FIRMWARE ZONE FORMAT”.
b. Select menu item “DISK FIRMWARE DATA READ/WRITE”, “WRITE FW TO DISK” and
write the disk firmware to the drive being restored in accordance with firmware version of
its MICROPROCESSOR. After successful writing of the firmware it will be reloaded.
c. Correct logical parameters if necessary.
2. Clear P-List and G-List defect tables. Perform FORMAT without using those tables. If formatting
completes without errors you can proceed to point 4.
3. Perform SERVO TEST. Make sure that the ERASE TRANSLATOR option is set. During testing a
block-by-block surface formatting is performed and decoding time is measured for all servo fields
in a block, the received value appears in a graph.
After test completion a table with defective ABA numbers appears on the screen.
Pressing [Enter] transforms all ABA block numbers into PCHS representation and a defective
track table appears on the screen. Another pressing [Enter] writes defective tracks into P-List.
4. Perform SURFACE TEST. The test is performed using physical parameters in ABA format. It is
allowed to switch off writing and perform verification instead of reading to make the test run faster,
see Chapter 5.4.2.
After testing procedure a table containing defective ABA numbers appears on the screen.
Pressing [Enter] transforms all the ABA-represented blocks into PCHS representation and a table
with defective sectors and tracks appears on the screen. Pressing [Enter] writes defective sectors
and tracks into P-List.
5. Using the results of tests 3 and 4 make a conclusion concerning the necessity of defective
surfaces isolation (see Chapter 5.5.3.). After turning off defective sides it is necessary to continue
the drive restoration beginning with point 2.
6. Perform low-level formatting using P-List, which should complete successfully. If formatting ended
in an error, you have to repeat steps 3, and 4 or, if the drive was reconfigured, correct its logical
parameters (cyl, head, sec) in accordance with the new model parameters, see table 5.1.
7. Perform LOGICAL SCANNING procedure, which is executed in LBA format. It is allowed to switch
off writing and perform verification instead of reading to make the test run faster, see Chapter
5.4.6.
After the surface scanning a table of all detected logical structure defects appears on the
screen.. Pressing [Enter] translates all logical defects into physical ones and places them into P-
List defects table.
8. Perform low-level format suing P-List and G-List, which should complete successfully.
9. Write serial number into the drive description area if necessary.
10. Perform COMPLEX TEST with the PC-3000AT tester. If errors are detected steps 7 and 8 should
be repeated or the UNIVERSAL DEFECTS RELOCATION procedure.
11. Run the PC-3000AT tester complex test and make sure that the drive is functional.
5.7. Drive restoration in automatic mode

This method of drive restoration does not differ from performing each test separately in regular
manual mode and it is designed to free the expert who performs the repair from having to keep an eye on
current test completion and running the tests in sequence. This is especially actual when the drive
malfunction has already been repaired (the controller board was repaired, defective head was switched
off, etc.) and the complete cycle of restoring service information should be performed with a good chance
of its successful completion. Initial diagnostics can be performed manually as well as automatically. It is
recommended for beginning users of PC-3000 software to use the manual mode.
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An example of automatic testing program is shown in table 5.7.1. It is necessary to clear the
defects tables and erase the translator before testing starts.
Table 5.7.1
Test name Input test parameters Errors, error counter
Servo test By default Relocate errors: Yes
Maximum errors number: 1000
Surface scanning By default Relocate errors: Yes
Formatting Using P-LIST Test break on error
Logical structure scanning By default Relocate errors: Yes
Formatting Using P-LIST and G-LIST Test break on error
Logical scanning By default Relocate errors: No
5.8. Creation of disk firmware database

These versions of the utilities allow the user to create and update firmware database. In order to
do that you have to connect a functional drive, the firmware of which you wish to add to the database,
select the “ADD FW TO THE DATABASE” option and enter the version number for microprocessor
firmware. The firmware version does not depend on the model of the given drives family, therefore the
firmware can be added from any drive of the family, you just have to take the controller board off first and
take a look at the microprocessor version name.
Resource files structure:
Firmware name – 30 bytes ASCII
Checksum – 2 bytes;
Dump length – 4 bytes;
Data.
All the versions follow each other and the newly added ones are placed in the end. If for some reason the
version checksum gets corrupt, it won’t be seen from the main software module, moreover, other versions
that follow it won’t be seen either.

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 ACELab "PC-A35100" "PC-A3400"
6. Western Digital “Caviar”Arh. 3 “PC-A35100”

“PC-A34000”
6.1. Purpose
The utilities are designed for restoration of 3’’ Caviar Arh.3 drives manufactured by Western Digital of,
WDC AC35100 and WDC AC34000 drive families (see Table 6.1.).
Table 6.1.
Utility Supported models Number Number Logical parameters Family ID
of disks of heads cyls, hds, sectors number1
"PC-A35100" WDC AC35100 - 5.1 Gbt 3 6 10672, 15, 63 62-602221-xxx
WDC AC34300 - 4.3 Gbt 3 5 8896, 15, 63
WDC AC23400 - 3.4 Gbt 2 4 6672, 16, 63
WDC AC22500 - 2.5 Gbt 2 3 4960, 16, 63
WDC AC11700 – 1.7 Gbt 1 2 3336, 16, 63
"PC-A34000" WDC AC34000 – 4.0 Gbt 3 6 7752, 16, 63 62-602210-xxx
WDC AC33200 – 3.2 Gbt 3 5 6296, 16, 63
WDC AC22500 - 2.5 Gbt 2 4 4960, 16, 63
WDC AC22000 - 2.0 Gbt 2 3 3876, 16, 63
WDC AC11200 - 1.2 Gbt 1 2 2448, 16, 63
6.2. Basic options for WD Caviar Arh.3 drives repair

- drive testing in factory mode;
- restoration of the disk firmware data;
- correction of logical parameters of the drive in drive description area;
- changing model name in drive description area;
- restoration and correction of the serial number in the drive description area;
- restoration of low-level format;
- modification of the drive configuration (isolation of the defective surfaces);
- review of the information structure in the ROM and in the disk firmware zone;
- review of the relocated defects’ tables;
- review of the drive’s S.M.A.R.T. table;
- physical and logical surface scanning, and, based on the results, addition of the revealed defects
to the defects table;
- defective sectors relocation;
- automatic restoration of the drive.
The utilities function together with the PC-3000AT tester board.
6.3. Preparing for work

1. Connect the PC-3000AT tester cable to the IDE connector of the drive.
2. Connect power cable to the drive.
3. The following files should be in the current directory:
pca35100.exe, pca35100.rsc – disk firmware resource file;
pca34000.exe, pca34000.rsc – disk firmware resource file.
6.4. Using the utilities

When the utility starts it checks if the drive belongs to the corresponding drive family. In case of mismatch
the following message appears: CONNECTED DRIVE NOT SUPPORTED BY THE UTILITY with
subsequent offer to exit from the utility. If the utility corresponds to the type of the connected drive a list of
family drive models appears on the screen. The cursor automatically moves to the name of the connected
1
ID number is indicated on the microprocessor unit or ROM chip, xxx means microprocessor firmware version for
given drives family.
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drive model, but the choice can be changed if necessary. Pressing [Enter] will bring the main menu of
operation modes on the screen:
Servo test
Surface test
Disk firmware zone
Drive description area
Formatting
Logical scanning
S.M.A.R.T. table
Defects table
Automatic mode
Exit
6.4.1. Servo test

Servo test - testing is performed using physical parameters in ABA format (absolute block address).
During test a block-by-block surface formatting is performed with measuring the time of decoding all servo
fields in the block, the received number is reflected in the graph. When the servo fields is correct the
decoding time will be approximately equal for all ABA blocks of the drive. The graph in that case will look
like a straight line. If servo fields of some track is corrupt, its decoding time increases drastically. The
graph will show a spike in the corresponding area. The larger part of servo fields is corrupt, the higher the
spike will be. The critical time, i.e. such decoding duration, which makes the spike an error already is
equal to a 3 times increase of decoding servo fields in a block. Such time is shown in red in the graph. All
spikes crossing that line are considered to be errors (code 00h). If a block formatting procedure was
completed with an error the corresponding spike in the graph will be shown in yellow. You can enter the
start and end ABA positions before the test beginning. The test can be interrupted by pressing [Esc] while
it is running, but note that the servo test should be performed completely in order to run subsequent tests.
When the test is complete a table containing defective ABA numbers appears on the screen. Pressing
the [Enter] key translates all ABA-represented blocks into physical CHS(PCHS)-represented data and the
table of defective tracks appears on the screen. Pressing the [Enter] key will write all the defective tracks
into P-LIST.
Erased translator is an obligatory condition for SERVO TEST. The test duration for WDAC35100
model on a Pentium 120 based PC is equal to 1 hour.
6.4.2. Surface test

Surface test allows to determine the quality of magnetic surfaces, the state of magnetic heads
block(MHB) and its switch circuit, to detect and remove all defective tracks and sectors. The following
tuning menu appears on the screen before the test beginning:
Start ABA 0
End ABA xxxxxxxx
Reverse scanning No
Passes 3
Carefulness 3
Limit of grouping into tracks 20
Critical time (ms) 300,
where:
Start and end ABA determine the test range.
Reverse scanning determines the testing direction. Switching is performed by pressing the [Y] –
Yes or [N] – No – keys or with the [Space] key. The drive reads data ahead, therefore direct testing will be
slightly faster than the reverse test.
Passes – determines the number of complete testing passes from the starting ABA to the end
ABA. The input range is from 1 to 100.
Carefulness – determines the test reaction to errors. The test is performed block-by-block in ABA-

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Limit of grouping into tracks – determines the number of defective sectors in a track, which will
cause the whole track to be viewed as defective. Tracks containing defective sectors with error codes 10h
(IDNF) and 04h (ABRT) are also considered to be defective.
algorithm – detected defects are not addressed during subsequent passes. This procedure considerably
decreases testing time for drives with a large number of defects. The test of WDAC35100 (Pentium 120, 1
pass, write off, verification instead of reading) takes 40 minutes.
Critical time – determines the wait period for read (and write) operations. If the set limit is
exceeded, the sector is considered to be defective. Input range is from 40 ms to 999 ms, the default value
is 300 ms. Critical time value should be decreased very cautiously. Setting a value, which is too small (it
depends upon specific drive, the testing computer, etc.) may lead to detecting false errors. Besides the
drive periodically performs re-calibration procedure, which can also be interpreted as an error.
Servo test should be performed before the beginning of this test or else the drive should
be formatted prior to it without using the defects tables, and the low-level formatting procedure
should be finished in that case without errors!
After the surface test procedure the table containing defective ABA numbers appears on the
screen. Pressing the [Enter] key translates all ABA-represented blocks into PCHS-represented data and
the table of defective tracks and sectors appears on the screen. Pressing the [Enter] key again will write
all the defective sectors and tracks into P-LIST table.
6.4.3. Disk firmware zone

Disk firmware zone option allows to format and test the disk firmware zone of the drive, to view and check
the firmware structure, to rewrite the firmware completely and reconfigure the drive:
Operations with disk firmware zone option performs operations on the zone of the drive: cyl: -5…-1, head:
0-1.
Disk firmware zone surface test. This option starts the procedure for detecting defects located in
the disk firmware zone of the drive (cyl: -5…-1, head: 0-1). The detected defects are placed into a table.
No defects of cylinders -2 and -1 are allowed for normal functioning of the drive.
Disk firmware data structure test. This command brings a list of disk firmware modules on-screen:
TRACKS DIRECTORY;
ZONE DISTRIBUTION TABLE;
CONFIGURATION SECTOR;
P-LIST DEFECTS;
G-LIST DEFECTS;
When the command is executed, module search is performed with their checksum test. All the disk
firmware data is located on side 0 and is duplicated on side 1. If the sectors containing a module cannot
be read the following message will appear:
Read error
If module was read but the checksum does not match:
Checksum error
In case of checksum match the following information will appear:
MODULE NAME
dd/mm/yy
Copy number Location Status
1 c:-1 H:0 OK
2 c:-1 H:1 OK
specific module parameters
where:
dd/mm/yy mean the date, when the module was written.
After the list of main modules a list of DISK FIRMWARE MODULES appears, which looks as follows:
# ID Cyl Head Sec Length Date Ver C.S. Status
where

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# is the module number;

ID - module identifier;
Cyl, Head, Sec – module location;
Length – module length in sectors;
Ver – module version;
C.S. – checksum byte;
Status – testing result: OK, READ ERR, CHECK ERR.
Disk firmware zone formatting. This command performs formatting of disk firmware zone, cylinders
-5…-1. This procedure will destroy all the disk firmware data. After execution of the formatting command it
is necessary to record the disk firmware data.
Disk firmware data read/write. This command records all the necessary data into the disk firmware
zone. Prior to recording it is advisable to perform the DISK FIRMWARE SURFACE TEST. It is necessary
to re-write the firmware if the drive’s electronic circuit board was replaced during repair or the board
microprocessor version is incompatible with the disk firmware. When the firmware is corrupt or
incompatible the drive usually starts the spindle motor, moves the heads from the landing zone (with a
characteristic sound) and gets ready but some commands work incorrectly. In order to write the firmware
to the drive you should select WRITE FW TO THE DISK. Then you’ll have to select the controlling
microprocessor version. After firmware recording the P-List and G-List tables must be cleared.
These utilities allow the user to personally create and update the disk firmware database. In order to
perform this operation you should connect a good drive, the firmware of which should be recorded, and
select the ADD FW TO THE DATABASE option. You will be prompted to input the microprocessor
firmware version number, for example: 62-602221-063 and the model name. This version of firmware will
be identical for all drives belonging to the family. The differences will deal with the number of logical
cylinders, heads and sectors, which can be changed in the DRIVE DESCRIPTION AREA. Therefore it is
recommended to store in the database only the firmware from the largest models of the family. If firmware
was added incorrectly it can be removed by selecting REMOVE FW FROM THE DATABASE.
Read modules - this operation allows to read the firmware of the drive as it is stored in HDD firmware
zone. The read modules are placed then into WD3_MOD subdirectory. The name of each read module
file is generated as follows:
~idxx.rpm, where:
xx is the module identifier.
For example, ~id20.rpm is the module of the translator table.
Before the module read operation a list of modules available for reading appears on the screen, you will
need to select either a specific module in it or “ALL MODULES” item. In the latter case all the service data
modules will be read to WD3_MOD subdirectory. Checksum recalculation and correction for module(s) is
performed before writing.
Write modules – this operation allows to write a disk firmware module (or modules) to the
firmware zone of the drive. Before the procedure is performed a list of all modules, which are available for
writing in WD3_MOD subdirectory. The user has to select a certain module or the “ALL MODULES”
option. In the latter case all the modules from the WD3_MOD subdirectory will be written to the firmware
zone. Module(s) checksum recalculation and correction takes place before writing.
Attention! The utility does not check the module structure before writing, therefore you should be
extremely attentive, otherwise you may irrerversibly damage the drive.
Attention! Module read/write is a factory mode, which allows to broaden the opportunities of the
utilities package and it is designed for experienced users who understand the structure of drive
firmware data quite well, therefore it cannot be recommended for beginners!
Work with translator – this command allows to erase the translator or perform recalculation from
ABA to PCHS representation. The ERASE TRANSLATOR command will erase the translator tables,
modules 20h and 25h, it should be executed before SERVO TEST. It may be necessary to transform ABA
to PCHS when the servo test hangs at some ABA value. The recalculation command allows to transform
ABA value to PCHS and then write the defective cylinder number into P-List table with the help of
MANUAL ENTERING OF DEFECTIVE TRACKS command from the DEFECTS TABLE MENU.
Software heads switching-off – the procedure for switching off of defective heads of the drive is
performed, any head except for heads 0 and 1 can be switched off, reverse operation of switching heads
on is also possible. When the switching-off mode is selected the table of used heads appears on the
screen and you are prompted to switch of defective heads of switch on the good ones. When you enter
that mode the blinking cursor is set over the second head. To switch it off or on press the [Space] key,
[Enter] - to move to the next one. Pressing [Esc] cancels that mode. You can switch any head off except
for heads 0 and 1. During heads switching-off or switching-on the drive automatically changes the model
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name after reboot. It is necessary to clear the defects table after heads switching-off or switching-on
procedure.
6.4.4. Drive description area

Drive description – brings the drive’s disk description on the screen. All non-displayable ASCII characters
are replaced with spaces. Drive’s description: logical structure parameters and serial number can be
corrected. When it is necessary to correct model name you should first set MODEL FROM ROM
parameter to NO by pressing [Space].
Press [Enter] to enter the parameter or to move to editing the next one, press [Esc] if you do not
want to rewrite the drive description area. The logical parameters of the drive should be corrected very
cautiously because incorrectly input parameters may disable the drive (or cause decrease of its capacity)
and you will have to rewrite all the disk firmware data. The logical parameters should be changed if you
perform drive re-configuration or if the drive has a lot of ABRT and IDNF defects in the surface ending
area, which cannot be relocated by using regular methods. Then you can just indicate smaller number of
cylinders leaving the number of heads and sectors unchanged – the capacity will decrease but the drive
will be completely functional.
6.4.5. Formatting
Formatting – starts the low-level formatting procedure. During formatting the drive skips defective sectors
and defective tracks, the numbers of which it takes from the defects table. The formatting procedure
cannot be interrupted because when it finishes a recalculation and translator recording takes place. If
format ends in error it means presence of corrupt servo fields or incorrectly compiled defects table. Even
if formatting ends in error, the translator is recalculated and recorded, though not all the surface of the
drive will be formatted. Before the start of formatting you have to select the defects table mode or
formatting without defects table data. Formatting takes approximately 40 minutes, but it depends on the
model, state of magnetic disks and can grow considerably with defective surfaces.
Sometimes it is possible that formatting terminates immediately with 04h (ABRT) error, this is caused by
the incompatibility of controlling microprocessor firmware version i87C196 and the disk firmware of sealed
block. In that case you will need to re-write the disk firmware corresponding to the microprocessor
firmware version.
6.4.6. Logical scanning

Logical scanning – starts the defects detection procedure utilizing logical parameters in LBA. The
following tuning menu appears on the screen before the beginning of the test:
Start LBA position 0
End LBA position xxxxxxxx
Passes 3
Carefulness 3
Start and end LBA – determines the test range.
Passes – determines the number of complete test passes from starting LBA to the ending LBA
position. The input range is from 1 to 100.
Carefulness - determines the test reaction to errors. The test is performed block-by-block in LBA-
algorithm –detected defects are not addressed during subsequent passes. This procedure considerably
decreases test duration for drives with a large number of defects. The test of WDAC35100 (Pentium 120,
1 pass, write off, verification instead of reading) takes 30 minutes.
After the surface test procedure the table containing logical structure defects in LBA presentation
appears on the screen. Pressing the [Enter] key will bring the menu, which allows to select the defects
relocation mode:
Relocate defects using regular method (Assign)
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Add defects into P-List

Add defects into G-List
When the first menu item is selected the defective sectors are relocated using the standard
Assign procedure, physical numbers of relocated sectors are added to the G-List. One disadvantage of
this method is in the impossibility of relocating defects with identifier error (IDNF) and also long
positioning in the drive end during drive operation performed for reading (writing) of reserved sector.
Selecting any of the other two menu items does not relocate defective sectors. All the logical
defects are transformed into physical and placed into a table depending upon the selected menu item, to
the P-List or G-List.
Formatting with P-List or G-List is necessary for defects relocation using the second and third
menu items and also for defects relocation using skipped sector method (to prevent the drive from
positioning into the reserved area).
Attention! Normal conversion from logical LBA presentation into physical PCHS presentation is
possible only if the translator is complete and functional.
6.4.7. S.M.A.R.T. table

S.M.A.R.T. Table – allows to view S.M.A.R.T. parameters of the drive. You can read in detail about
S.M.A.R.T. in the PC-3000AT tester description.
6.4.8. Defects table

Defects table – allows to view, add, clear defects table or perform defects grouping:
View defects table. This command allows to view the table of relocated defects of the drive.
Viewing defects tables allows to estimate the quality and status of the used magnetic disks of the drive.
Add LBA defect. This command adds a logical defect in LBA presentation, which was detected,
for example, by PC-3000AT. After addition all logical structure defects are translated into physical and
placed into the defects table P-List or G-List at operator’s option. Formatting is required after adding
defects to the table.
Add physical track. Allows to enter physical defective tracks manually. This command is
necessary for detecting a suspected defect, which cannot be discovered by means of surface scanning.
For example, if the following defects appeared in the table after SURFACE TEST:
Cyl: 392 Head:1
You will notice that the defect is a scratch, but the table does not contain cylinders 386, 388, 389. It is
recommended (if the number of defects is less than 100) to enter the missing tracks into the defects table
and also one track from each side of the scratch, in our case it will be 382 and 393. After adding the
defects formatting must be perfomed.
Import of logged defects table. This command allows to add values from *.dft file to the defects
table (P or G-List at your option). Such file is generated, for instance, by Defectoscope 2.10 software or
any other program. The *.dft file structure is described in the appendix for the Defectoscope utility. After
adding the defects formatting must be performed.
Move G-List to P-List. This command adds the contents of G-List table to the contents of P-List
table, G-List is cleared during this procedure. This mode does not influence the drive operation in any way
but it allows to increase the S.M.A.R.T. parameter Relocated Sector Count.
Clear the defects table. After execution of that command the defects table will be reset – the
number of defective sectors become equal to 0. The user has to select, which table should be cleared.
Group into tracks. This menu item allows to group into defective tracks those defective sectors,
which already are entered into the defects tables. When you enter the mode the message: LIMIT OF
GROUPING INTO TRACKS appears, after which sector defects are grouped into defective tracks in both
P-List and G-List tables. The input range is from 1 to 50.
6.4.9. Automatic mode

Automatic mode allows to scan the drive in automatic mode without operator intervention. When this
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mode is selected two lists appear on the screen: TASKS LIST and AVAILABLE TASKS. Before testing
starts a test program must be created or a previously created one loaded.
Test program creation. Use the [Ins] key to create a test program – the bright cursor rectangle moves
from the left window TASKS LIST to the right window AVAILABLE TASKS, where you can select one of
the suggested tests:
Servo test
Surface scanning
Formatting
Logical scanning
After test selection press [Enter] – this will bring you to the start menu (similar to the normal, non-
automatic operation mode, see description of this test). After making corresponding adjustments you will
come into the errors menu:
Relocate errors detected during test: No
Maximum number of errors allowed: 32767
Switching the errors relocation after the test is performed by [Y] – Yes and [N] – No – keys or the [Space]
key. The maximum number of errors allowed shows what number of errors is acceptable for normal test
completion. If this number is exceeded, the test is interrupted as well as all following tests. This parameter
should be set based on the defects table capacity and the drive capacity for defects relocation. The
recommended values – 1000 for servo test and 2000 for surface scanning. Actually this figure should be
equal to zero for logical surface scanning, since all the defects should be discovered and relocated during
surface test by physical parameters. But in fact logical surface scanning may reveal a small number of
defects, as a rule not greater than 100. Note that formatting must be performed after logical structure
defects detection and relocation.
When all options are selected pressing [Enter] will add the selected test into the TASKS LIST
window and you will be able to move on to linking the next test. If a new test has to be added before one
of those, which are already in the TASKS LIST, place the cursor (bright rectangle) over that test and press
[Ins]. If you need to add a new test after the existing one, place the cursor after the test in the TASKS
LIST.
Editing test program. In order to edit the test parameters of the created test program place the
cursor in the TASKS LIST over that test and press [Enter]. If you wish to remove some test, place the
cursor over the test name and press [Del], for adding a new one – press [Ins].
Load/save test. Press [S] key to save the test and enter the file name without extension, which is
assigned automatically - *.prg. When entering the file name keep in mind that the test program will be
suitable for a certain model of a certain drives family, because the number of heads, cylinders and other
individual parameters are written in the test setup parameters. Therefore it is recommended to use a
corresponding model name for naming the file. The file will be stored in the current PC3000 subdirectory.
Press [L] to load a test program and select the test from the list of programs located in the current
PC3000 subdirectory, it switches on *.prg name filtering or the file name can be entered manually – by
inputting full path to the file.
Test start. Press [R] to start the tests. All the tests are performed one by one until completion. All
the test setup parameters and results are recorded into a /utility name/*.log file. Testing can be interrupted
by pressing [Esc] if necessary. It is necessary to select, what should be interrupted – current test or the
entire testing sequence. If an overflow of maximum allowed error number counter takes place during a
test or if the formatting terminates with an error, emergency completion will take place with corresponding
message about that in the log file. When the testing sequence is complete test results are output to the
display (same data will be written to a log-file).
The test program, which was created or loaded remains resident until exit from the utility, i.e. you
can exit from the AUTOMATIC MODE, run tests manually, record drive description parameters and the
program will remain resident and ready for execution.
Exit – exits from the utility.
6.5. Brief technical description of WDC AC35100 and WDC

AC34000 drive families
Electronic circuit boards of WDC AC35100 and WDC AC34000 drive families are shown in pictures 6.5.1.
and 6.5.2. correspondingly.

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2
V 53C 16128H K 45
W D 6 9 C 24 -S S 3
1
L 6252
W D A C (C ) 1 9 9 7
M A STER 1 . 5 0 .0 0 M H z
SLAV E
G 7 1116 42 1C
S80C 196N U
C S 2. LM 358A
3 . C L -S H 3 3 5 6 -1 3 0 H C -G
6 2 -60 2 2 2 1
4. D M 74LS05M
Picture 6.5.1. Appearance of electronic controller board of WDAC35100 drive family.
3 5
W D 69C 23
-S S 0 0 -0 1 4
S80C 196N U
W D C (C ) 1 9 9 6 6
M A J8 1 . LM 358A
SL 2 . L6252
C S
3 . V 53C 16126H K 50
4 . A T 2 7 C 5 1 6 (6 2 -6 0 2 2 1 0 -0 6 4 )
2 5 . C L -S H 3 3 5 6 -1 3 0 H C -G
6 . 74LS05
Picture 6.5.2. Appearance of electronic controller board of WDAC34000 drive family.

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6.5.1. Disk firmware data information

The drives have 5 cylinders(disk firmware zone) from –5 to –1 for recoding disk firmware data, which is
duplicated over sides 0 and 1. The disk firware data is stored as separate modules, which together form
controlling operating system.
Disk firmware structure:
TRACKS DIRECTORY;
P-LIST DEFECTS TABLE;
G-LIST DEFECTS TABLE;
Microprocessor ROM contains complete firmware set for write and read operations and also for
disk firmware zone formatting. That is, there is no necessity for prior loading a resident microprogram in
order to write disk firmware data. There are many versions of disk firmware data and microprocessor
firmware for each drives family and most of them are incompatible with each other. The microprocessor
firmware version is indicated on the 27C516 ROM chip case or on the microprocessor case in the
following form: 62-xxxxxx-yyy, where:
62 – HDD family membership;
xxxxxx – drive family number (sometimes it differs even within one family)
yyy – firmware version number for that family.
For example, for WDC AC35100 drive the firmware version is 62-602221-063, for WDC AC34000 – 62-
602210-062.
The firmware version is not marked in any way on the HDA and you can find it out by reading the
drive description area only. In the drive description the “firmware version” line consists of two parts:
xx.xxCyy, where C is some letter of Latin alphabet:
xx.xxC – controlling microprocessor firmware version
yy – version of disk firmware data, written inside the sealed block.
For example, 21.10N22 – microprocessor firmware version is 21.10N and the disk firmware data version
is 22.
Incompatibility of disk firmware data version and microprocessor firmware leads to unpredictable results.
As a rule, the drive functions normally in usual (user’s) mode, but in the factory mode a part of commands
ends in 04h (ABRT) error. For example, low-level formatting ends immediately after it starts with and error
or the translation from ABA to PCHS presentation is not functioning.
H 5
H 4
H 3
H 2
H 1
H 0

Two-disk models have disks 1 and 3, an assembly ring is placed instead of disk 2. One-disk models
contain lower disk 1 only.
H3
H2
H1
H0

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6.5.2. Initialization
When the power is switched on the drive performs initialization:
1. RESET formation
3. Model setup
4. Spindle motor start
6. Un-parking of the magnetic heads
7. Reading disk firmware data
8. Recalibration start
9. Setting readiness (waiting for ATA command)
The drive setup for a concrete model of given drive family is performed with the help of
configuration resistor soldered on the MHB. When the drive is powered on its microprocessor analyses its
resistance and sets itself up for corresponding drive model, see tables 6.5.2.1. and 6.5.2.2.
Table 6.5.2.1.
WDAC35100 model: Configuration resistor on the MHB
WDAC35100 11K
WDAC34300 39K
WDAC23400 ∞ (resistor not installed)
WDAC22500 5.9K
WDAC11700 7.9K
Table 6.5.2.2.
WDAC34000 model: Configuration resistor on the MHB
WDAC34000 11K
WDAC33200 39K
WDAC22500 ∞ (resistor not installed)
WDAC22000 5.9K
WDAC11200 7.9K
6.5.3. Changing drive’s configuration

When it is necessary to reconfigure the model (to switch off defective sides) you can use the
hardware method, employed by the manufacturer during production – changing the configuration resistor
value.
But specifically for repair purposes the drives of these families have the opportunity of software
isolation of any defective side except for sides 0 and 1. This allows to switch sides off on-the-fly and
switch on previously isolated sides. Therefore it is recommended to use the software repair method for
HDD repairs. The utilities provide the SOFTWARE HEADS SWITCHING-OFF mode, see paragraph
6.4.3.
The hardware method for isolating defective sides is recommended for switching off side 0 or 1
only, but in any case the logical parameters should be corrected in the drive description area to match the
new model.
Sometimes drive testing reveals vast corruption of ending data zone cylinders, which makes the
attempt to relocate defects from that area useless. Such peculiarity is caused by the fact that the
deformations caused by the rotation drive unit of magnetic heads reach their peak in this area. Moreover,
defects relocation procedure causes the drive to skip defective areas, data zone shifts further to the
center of the disk, which makes new defects appear. Therefore, if a drive shows defects in the end of
data space, it is recommended to show a smaller logical cylinder number in DRIVE DESCRIPTION AREA
(PC-3000AT software can be useful for detecting the end cylinder). This, will naturally lead to a decrease
in the drive’s capacity.
6.5.4. Peculiarities of hardware changing of the configuration

When this method of changing configuration is selected it is recommended to install the
configuration resistor not in the HDA, but immediately in the controller board, over the J1 pin between 12
and 16 contacts. Reconfiguration procedure can be performed from upside down, i.e., by switching off
defective sides and magnetic disks. You can use tables 6.5.2.1. and 6.5.2.2. for reconfiguring the drive. A
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shunting resistor installation is not possible for all models, for instance, it won’t allow you to transform a
WDAC35100 model into a WDAC34300 model, therefore the conducting line to contact 16 of J1 is cut on
the PCB and the configuration resistor is installed parallel to C42 or C* capacitor (see picture 5.5.1,
5.5.2). One more problem appears when a 3-disk model (for example, WDAC35100) is reconfigured into
a single-disk model (for example, WDAC11700). The spindle motor controller chip in 3-disk models works
with a greater starting current during motor start, while for single-disk models this current is lower.
Therefore such reconfiguration (the number of disks is not reduced) problems with spindle motor start
may be possible. One more note! It should be kept in mind that in 2-disk models the disks are located in
the 1st and the 3rd positions (disk 2 is missing, see picture 5.1.2), therefore if a WDAC35100 drive is
reconfigured into a WDAC23400 model, sides 2 and 3 should be isolated in WDAC35100.
Software reconfiguration does not change the starting current of the spindle motor because the
number of disks remains the same and the microprocessor “knows” about that. Besides there is no
necessity to take into account the location of magnetic disks in a stack since it is done automatically.
6.5.5. Magnetic heads switching

The necessity for heads switching arises in drives with 2 or more disks when magnetic head (or
side) 0 or 1 is damaged while the rest remain functional. As it was mentioned above, software cannot
switch them off, that is why we have to “cheat” the microprocessor by using the switching of magnetic
heads selection lines.
The purpose of heads switching is in changing the normal order for selecting magnetic heads in
such a way that the defective side 0 or 1 changed places with any other functional sides of the stack with
subsequent software switching off of the former sides 0 or 1. A small logic circuit in miniature SOIC case
is added for that purpose to the magnetic heads selection scheme. It is located on the same side as the
elements of the drive controller board. The scheme is built depending upon the number of the side or
sides to be switched off. Already existing U8 invertors of the controller board can be used for switching
with the H0 – H2 lines, disconnection of regular inverter and sending the signal by is practically the same
as switching an additional inverter! In order to achieve that you will have to raise “into the air” the inverter
output of corresponding Hx line and connect the input of that inverter with the load resistor, see pictures
6.5.1.1. and 6.5.1.2.
It is necessary to format the service area and write service data into it after heads switching procedure.
WDAC35100 and WDAC34000 drive families use the magnetic heads selection scheme shown in
pictures 5.5.5.1 and 5.5.5.2 correspondingly. Tables 6.5.5.1 – 6.5.5.5. show logical states of the magnetic
heads switching schemes for WDAC35100 and WDAC34000 drive families

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V io c e C o il 2 4 O m
+5V +5V J1 +5V

R * 1 2 R 43
10k 10k
U 6
U 8
CPU
13 12 H 2 8 9
39 O K O K 37
H 0 H 1 U 6
U 8 LS05 CPU
11 10 10k
35 O K
10k
48
LS05 100
+ 5V 15 16
49
100 C 42
57 U 8
C 43 R 52
2 1
0 .1 34
C47
10 4 3
33
C 46
11
6 5
U 7 32
C L -S H 3 3 5 6
R 55
74LS05
Picture 6.5.5.1. WDAC35100 drive family magnetic head selection scheme.

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+5V +5V J1 + 5V
1 2
R43
10k 10k
80C196N U
U 8
U 6
C PU 39 1 2 H 2 6 5
O K O K 37
H 0 H 1 U 6
U 8 LS05 CPU
3 4 10k
35 O K
10k
R 48 48
LS05 100
+5V 15 16
49
100 C *
57
U 7 C 49
10 U 7
C L -S H 3 3 5 6 0 .1 C L -S H 3 3 5 6
C 46
11
U 6 CPU U 8
LS05 9 .5 3 k
9 8
33
1 9 .1 k
11 10
34
3 8 .3 k
13 12
32
R54
R 55
Picture 6.5.5.2. WDAC34000 drive family magnetic head selection scheme.
Table 6.5.5.1.
WD35100 drive family, (model) WD34000 drive family, (model) Head H2 H1 H0
0 0 0 0
1 0 0 1
2 0 1 0
WDC AC35100 WDC AC34000
3 0 1 1
4 1 0 0
5 1 0 1
Table 6.5.5.2.
0 0 0 0
1 0 0 1
WDC AC34300 WDC AC33200 2 0 1 0
3 0 1 1
4 1 0 0

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Table 6.5.5.3.
0 0 0 0
1 0 0 1
2 1 0 0
3 1 0 1
Table 6.5.5.4.
0 0 0 0
WDC AC22500 WDC AC22000 1 0 0 1
2 1 0 0
Table 6.5.5.5.
0 0 0 0
1 0 0 1
6.5.5.1. Heads switching examples

Example 1.
WDAC23400 model from WDAC35100 family. The drive’s side 1 is defective. We need to “exchange”
disks 0 and 1. Line H2 is inverted for that purpose, see head selection table 6.5.5.3. The heads switching
is performed in the following sequence:
1. Warming it up with a soldering tool and hooking with a pricker raise the 12 pin of U8 circuit “in the
air”, see picture 6.5.5.1.
2. Connect pin 13 of the U8 circuit with the R* load resistor, see picture 6.5.5.1, i.e. pass the signal
by the inverter thereby inverting it.
3. Format the disk firmware zone and write the disk firmware data into it.
4. Using software isolate the defective 3rd side (former 1st). Correct logical parameters in the drive
description area in accordance with Table 6.1.
Example 2.
WDAC34000 model from WDAC34000 family. Side 0 of the drive is defective. In such case we’ll have to
use additionally an “XOR” 74LS86 circuit (controlled inverter), ALS, HCT series can be used.
The switching procedure is performed as follows:
1. Assemble the scheme as shown in picture 6.5.5.1.1., see table 6.5.5.1.
2. Format the disk firmware zone and write the disk firmware data into it.
3. Using software isolate the defective 2nd side (former 0). Correct logical parameters in the drive
description area in accordance with Table 6.1.

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+5V
U 6
R 48
J1
U 8
9
35 3 4
H 0
+5V
R 43
U 8
80C 196N U
37 5 6 =1 10
H 1
U 8
39 1 2 7
H 2
+5V
Picture 6.5.5.1.1.
6.6. Drive restoration algorithm

Depending upon the state of the drive being repaired, certain operations might be necessary for
its restoration. For example, if a drive starts to spin up the spindle motor and monotonously knocks with
its positioner against locking plate subsequently shutting down the spindle when powered such defect
demonstrates malfunctions of the drive’s servo system and can be caused by:
- malfunction of controller board servo bus;
- malfunction of switching preamplifier chip of the MHB stack located in the sealed block;
- malfunction of the head stack itself;
- seriously corrupt servo fields;
- shift of magnetic disks pack after a shock (increased noise of spindle motor rotation usually
shows that the drive has been hit);
- electronic controller board and the sealed block belong to different drive families.
In all of the above cases software restoration of the drive is impossible. If, when powered on, the drive
spins up the spindle motor, un-parks magnetic heads (a typical sound can be heard) but does not perform
low-level format during its operation or successively adds up errors, it means that the drive is unable to
read the resident firmware from disk. Such malfunction may be caused by:
- defects of read / data conversion channel of the drive;
- corrupt disk firmware data;
- disk firmware version incompatible with microprocessor firmware version;
- the electronics board and the HDA are from different device models.
In such case you will have to make sure the controller board is functional, the controller board and the
HDA belong to the same drive family and start restoring disk firmware data beginning with step 1. If the
drive initializes when powered on, its description area can be read but testing reveals bad sectors then
the restoration procedure should be started with step 2.
1.Restore disk firmware zone. The sequence for restoring SI is as follows:
a.Select menu item “OPERATIONS WITH DISK FIRMWARE ZONE” and perform “DISK
FIRMWARE SURFACE TEST”. Make sure that cylinders -2, -1, heads 0-1 have no errors. If an
error is detected, perform “DISK FIRMWARE ZONE FORMAT”.
b.Select menu item “DISK FIRMWARE DATA READ/WRITE“ and write the firmware to the drive
being restored in accordance with firmware version of its microprocessor. After successful writing
of the firmware it will be reloaded.
c.Correct logical parameters if necessary.
2.Clear P-LIST and G-LIST defect tables. Perform FORMAT without using those tables. If formatting

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completes without errors you can proceed to point 4.

3.Perform SERVO TEST. Make sure that the ERASE TRANSLATOR option is set. During testing a
block-by-block surface formatting is performed and decoding time is measured for all servo fields in a
block, the received value appears in a graph.
After test completion a table with defective ABA numbers appears on the screen. Pressing [Enter]
transforms all ABA block numbers into PCHS representation and a defective track table appears on the
screen. Another pressing [Enter] writes defective tracks into P-List.
4.Perform SURFACE TEST. The test is performed using physical parameters in ABA format. It is allowed
to switch off writing and perform verification instead of reading to make the test run faster, see Chapter
6.4.2.
After testing procedure a table containing defective ABA numbers appears on the screen.
Pressing [Enter] transforms all the ABA-represented blocks into PCHS representation and a table with
defective sectors and tracks appears on the screen. Pressing [Enter] writes defective sectors and tracks
into P-List.
5.Using the results of tests 3 and 4 make a conclusion concerning the necessity of defective surfaces
isolation (see Chapter 6.5.3.). After turning off defective sides it is necessary to continue the drive
restoration beginning with point 2.
6.Perform low-level formatting using P-LIST, which should complete successfully. If formatting terminated
with an error, you have to repeat steps 3, and 4 or, if the drive was reconfigured, correct its logical
parameters (cyl, head, sec) in accordance with the new model parameters, see table 6.1.
7.Perform LOGICAL STRUCTURE SCANNING procedure, which is executed in LBA format. It is allowed
to switch off writing and perform verification instead of reading to make the test run faster, see Chapter
6.4.6.
After the surface scanning a table of all detected logical structure defects appears on the screen.
Pressing [Enter] translates all logical defects into physical ones and places them into P-List defects
table.
8.Perform low-level format using P-LIST and G-LIST, which should complete successfully.
9.Write serial number into the drive description area if necessary.
10.Perform COMPLEX TEST with the PC-3000AT tester. If errors are detected steps 7 and 8 should be
repeated or the UNIVERSAL DEFECTS RELOCATION procedure.
11. Run the PC-3000AT tester complex test and make sure that the drive is functional.
6.7. Drive restoration in automatic mode

The method of automatic drive restoration does not differ from performing each test separately in
regular manual mode and it is designed to free the expert who performs the repair from having to keep an
eye on current test completion and running the tests in sequence. This is especially actual when the drive
malfunction has already been repaired (the controller board was repaired, defective head was switched
off, etc.) and the complete cycle of restoring disk firmware should be performed with a good chance of its
successful completion. Initial diagnostics can be performed manually as well as automatically. It is
recommended for beginning users of PC-3000 software to use the manual mode.
An example of automatic testing program is shown in table 6.7.1. It is necessary to clear the
defects tables and erase the translator before testing starts.
Table 6.7.1
Test name Input test parameters Errors, error counter
Relocate errors: Yes
Servo test By default
Surface scanning By default
Formatting Using P-LIST Test break on error
Logical structure scanning By default
Formatting Using P-LIST and G-LIST Test break on error
Relocate errors: No
Logical scanning By default

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6.8. Creating a disk firmware database

These versions of the utilities allow the user to create and update firmware database. In order to
do that you have to connect a functional drive, the firmware of which you wish to add to the database,
select the “ADD FW TO THE DATABASE” option and enter the version number for microprocessor
firmware. The firmware version does not depend on the model of the given drives family, therefore the
firmware can be added from any drive of the family, you just have to take the controller board off first and
take a look at the microprocessor version name.
Resource files structure:
Firmware name – 30 bytes ASCII
Checksum – 2 bytes;
Dump length – 4 bytes;
Data.
All the versions follow each other and the newly added ones are placed in the end. If for some
reason the version checksum gets corrupt, it won’t be seen from the main software module, moreover,
other versions that follow it won’t be seen either.

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6.2. Basic options for WD Caviar Arh.3 drives repair..........................................................................45

Technical support: pc-3000support@acelab.ru

1.2. PC-3000 Software, version 10.10

HDD manufacturer PC-3000 utility HDDs that can be restored

Technical support: pc-3000support@acelab.ru

PC-A32500 WDAC32500, WDAC32100, WDAC21600, WDAC21200, WDAC1850

WESTERN DIGITAL PC-AC2540 WDAC2540, WDAC1270

CFA340A, CFA170A, CFS1275A, CFS850A, CFS540A, CFS425A,

1.3. PC-3000 complex suite, version 10.10

Technical support: pc-3000support@acelab.ru

1.5. Users registration

1.6. Registered PC-3000 users support

1.7. PC-3000 complex installation

PC-3000 complex usage

Technical support: pc-3000support@acelab.ru

2. Universal tester for diagnostics and repair of HDD

2.2. Preparation for work

2.3. Information output during work with PC-3000AT

Technical support: pc-3000support@acelab.ru

2.4. Parameter input for the HDD being tested

DRIVE TYPE SELECTION

Using [Up], [Down] and [Enter] keys you can:

2.5. PC-3000AT operation modes

2.5.1. Operation mode selection

2.5.2. Viewing S.M.A.R.T. parameters of the drive

2.5.3. Drive test

The test information is displayed in the STATE line:

Attention! Erasing will destroy the user data.

Attention! Translator test will destroy the user data.

2.5.4. Controller test

Technical support: pc-3000support@acelab.ru

Attention! IRQ12 should be unoccupied in the controlling computer in order to perform

When the test is started the following message appears:

2.5.5. Complex test

CYL – current (active) cylinder value;

Technical support: pc-3000support@acelab.ru

Relocate detected defects

2.5.5.1. HDD tests making up the “COMPLEX TEST”

2.5.6. Defects relocation

2.5.6.1. Automatic relocation

HEAD – current (active) head value;

2.5.6.2. Manual relocation

2.5.6.3. Relocation undo

Technical support: pc-3000support@acelab.ru

Technical support: pc-3000support@acelab.ru

4. PC-DEFECTOSCOPE Ver. 2.10

4.2. Preparation for work

4.3. Work with PC-Defectoscope

[Enter] –continue [Esc] – cancel

4.4. Performing tests

4.5. PC-Defectoscope use for HDD repair

4.6. Exported defects file structure

It is shown in the following table 4.6.2. for LBA defects:

Technical support: pc-3000support@acelab.ru

Technical support: pc-3000support@acelab.ru

5. Western Digital "Caviar" Arh.4 "PC-A313000"

5.2. Basic options for WD Caviar Arh.4 drives repair

5.3. Preparing for work