Replacing DVD writers in DVD recorders

[Franc Zabkar]

I notice that some (many?) DVD recorders use DVD writers with fine
pitch 40-pin flexible cables rather than the wider 40-pin IDE ribbon
cables used in PCs. I haven't opened up any Panasonic DVDRs, but after
studying various exploded diagrams, it appears that the IDE hard
drives in these units have a small adapter PCB that converts the cable
type from IDE to mini flex. Does this mean that the DVD writers in the
same units are just PC-compatible IDE drives with a smaller but
pin-compatible IDE connector? If so, is it possible to buy one of
these IDE-to-mini-flex adapter boards at a reasonable price?

- Franc Zabkar

 

[Mr.T]

I notice that some (many?) DVD recorders use DVD writers with fine
pitch 40-pin flexible cables rather than the wider 40-pin IDE ribbon
cables used in PCs. I haven't opened up any Panasonic DVDRs, but after
studying various exploded diagrams, it appears that the IDE hard
drives in these units have a small adapter PCB that converts the cable
type from IDE to mini flex. Does this mean that the DVD writers in the
same units are just PC-compatible IDE drives with a smaller but
pin-compatible IDE connector? If so, is it possible to buy one of
these IDE-to-mini-flex adapter boards at a reasonable price?

*IF* (?) this is just the same as a 2.5" IDE HDD connector to 3.5" IDE HDD
connector, then they are readily available at computer shops, Jaycar etc.

MrT.

 

[David L. Jones]

I notice that some (many?) DVD recorders use DVD writers with fine
pitch 40-pin flexible cables rather than the wider 40-pin IDE ribbon
cables used in PCs. I haven't opened up any Panasonic DVDRs, but after
studying various exploded diagrams, it appears that the IDE hard
drives in these units have a small adapter PCB that converts the cable
type from IDE to mini flex. Does this mean that the DVD writers in the
same units are just PC-compatible IDE drives with a smaller but
pin-compatible IDE connector? If so, is it possible to buy one of
these IDE-to-mini-flex adapter boards at a reasonable price?

- Franc Zabkar

Do you mean the ZIF type Flat Flex Ribbon like this?:
http://www.krunker.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/zif-diag-thumb.jpg

1.8" hard drives like that used in the iPod use either (44 way) Flat
Flex cables or a fine pitch round pin header.
No doubt made their way into dvd burners designed for notebooks too,
but I haven't opened any notebooks in a long time.
eBay usually have plenty of these type of adapters, search for "hard
drive adapter" or something similar.
As usual, postage costs more than the product.

Yes, DVD player/writers have been using PC based drives almost from
day dot, to leverage the volume pricing.

Dave.

 

[Franc Zabkar]

Do you mean the ZIF type Flat Flex Ribbon like this?:
http://www.krunker.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/zif-diag-thumb.jpg

1.8" hard drives like that used in the iPod use either (44 way) Flat
Flex cables or a fine pitch round pin header.
No doubt made their way into dvd burners designed for notebooks too,
but I haven't opened any notebooks in a long time.
eBay usually have plenty of these type of adapters, search for "hard
drive adapter" or something similar.
As usual, postage costs more than the product.

The drives I'm thinking of have a separate power connector. The cable
is 40-pin flat flex, not 44-pin.

You appear to be thinking of this ...
http://www.addonics.com/support/faqs/faq_toshiba18.asp

.... whereas I'm thinking of this:
http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/DVD/TDR250HD/Photos/internals.jpg

This is the same PCB, but the DVD writer is using the 40-pin ribbon
version of the IDE interface instead of the 40-pin flat flex:
http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/DVD/TDR1602HD/DCP_5845.jpg

Anyway I think I may have answered my own question.

Here is the exploded diagram of a Panasonic DMR-EX77GN DVD recorder
with HDD:
http://www.prime-electronics.com.au/PANASONIC/DVD/DMREX77GN/EXPLODED VIEW.jpg

These appear to be the relevant items:
Item 30 FFC CABLE NPVWJ1982
Item 10 PCB (ATAPI) NPVEP70194A

Yes, DVD player/writers have been using PC based drives almost from
day dot, to leverage the volume pricing.

Dave.

Originally the DVD assemblies in DVD players were PC types. Nowadays
they almost all have proprietary interfaces. The smarts are in the
chipset, and the motor drivers are on the decoder PCB.

Here is a typical reference circuit:
http://www.users.on.net/~fzabkar/DV...M8714-WM8776-CT901A-BA5954-AT5665-AM5868S.pdf

Hard disc based DVD recorders are different in that the chipset must
have an IDE interface to support the HD, hence the DVD writer is
usually (?) an IDE type as well.

- Franc Zabkar

 

[Franc Zabkar]

Anyway I think I may have answered my own question.

Here is the exploded diagram of a Panasonic DMR-EX77GN DVD recorder
with HDD:
http://www.prime-electronics.com.au/PANASONIC/DVD/DMREX77GN/EXPLODED VIEW.jpg

These appear to be the relevant items:
Item 30 FFC CABLE NPVWJ1982
Item 10 PCB (ATAPI) NPVEP70194A

Prime Electronics just quoted me AU$39.86 inc GST plus $11.00 freight
for the PCB.

<OUCH>

- Franc Zabkar