Curious DVD power problem...

**MC_Stoo** · 03-30-2005, 05:00 PM

In the stages of finalising my install this evening...

I have a slotload dvd in my dash for which I've used an IDE>USB adapter.

I've also extended the power cables from a FDD power cable to provide power to the unit (powered USB hub isn't enough it would seem )

Unit works perfectly this way, but when the power is connected and I try to reboot my pc the M10k system hangs on the VIA screen (just before POST screen).

If I disconnect the power from the drive and reboot then the pc boots normally.

Any ideas??

**World705** · 03-30-2005, 05:18 PM

try updating the bios from your manufactor website, you MUST read the instructions due to it can make your motherboard could well be screwed!

**KyferEz** · 03-30-2005, 05:25 PM

Does it work without the FDD extension you made (the DVD directly connected to the PSU)?

How long did you extend the FDD power cable? If it is more than a few feet, it could be that there is too big of a voltage drop, or there is noise entering the power wires.

You say "Unit works perfectly this way", and then give how it doesn't work. So am I correct to infer that you mean when you first power on the system, all works, but when you try a reboot after being powered up, it hangs?

Try pressing the reset button to see if that will make it come back.

If your FDD power extension is long, I am willing to bet you are experiencing voltage fluxations. Try using a few capacitors between the +12 and ground, and +5 and ground (try a 100uF or so in parallel with a .1uF on each voltage rail) close to the DVD drive to filter noise, and try using larger gauge wire.

KyferEz

**MC_Stoo** · 03-30-2005, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by KyferEz

Does it work without the FDD extension you made (the DVD directly connected to the PSU)?

How long did you extend the FDD power cable? If it is more than a few feet, it could be that there is too big of a voltage drop, or there is noise entering the power wires.

You say "Unit works perfectly this way", and then give how it doesn't work. So am I correct to infer that you mean when you first power on the system, all works, but when you try a reboot after being powered up, it hangs?

Try pressing the reset button to see if that will make it come back.

If your FDD power extension is long, I am willing to bet you are experiencing voltage fluxations. Try using a few capacitors between the +12 and ground, and +5 and ground (try a 100uF or so in parallel with a .1uF on each voltage rail) close to the DVD drive to filter noise, and try using larger gauge wire.

KyferEz

Thanks for this info

Drive operated normally when powered whilst XP was running (in fact installed some software so I know everything ok).

When I reboot it hangs... Reset still hangs... only when I disconnect power does it get to POST screen and normal boot

Could you please clarify your solution and mock up a diagram so I can see how you mean with the capacitors?

Thanx in advance

**KyferEz** · 03-30-2005, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by MC_Stoo

When I reboot it hangs... Reset still hangs... only when I disconnect power does it get to POST screen and normal boot

I am confused too: When you say reboot, do you basically mean: Turn on the PC's power? This is incorrect terminology. Reboot usually refers to the PC being on, in Windows, and tellings windows to Shutdown and restart. Cold/hard boot is everything powered off, and turning the PC on. Hard Reboot or Reset means it's on and you press the reset button. I think terminology is what was confusing us both

So basically, before the FDD extension, it worked. Now with the extension, no matter what you do, the PC will not get past POST unless you disconnect the DVD drive's power, right? If this is the case, the caps I was talking about won't help. I was working under a different idea of what was happening.

2 things: Check the voltages at the DVD drive when trying to cold boot, and check your wiring.

KyferEz