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Replacing DVD writers in DVD recorders

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

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Reply to
Franc Zabkar
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*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.

Reply to
Mr.T

Do you mean the ZIF type Flat Flex Ribbon like this?:

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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.

Reply to
David L. Jones

On Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:32:05 -0700 (PDT), "David L. Jones" put finger to keyboard and composed:

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 ...

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... whereas I'm thinking of this:

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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:

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Anyway I think I may have answered my own question.

Here is the exploded diagram of a Panasonic DMR-EX77GN DVD recorder with HDD:

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

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:

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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

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Reply to
Franc Zabkar

On Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:26:08 +1000, Franc Zabkar put finger to keyboard and composed:

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

- Franc Zabkar

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Please remove one \'i\' from my address when replying by email.
Reply to
Franc Zabkar

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