Thinkpads.com X41 Project - (Pic Warning)

Message

Digitalrhino · #61 Post by **Digitalrhino** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 4:43 pm

What do you think the possibility of fitting in a sata to ide adapter? From the pictures on the german site showing the zif SSD install it does look slim to none. The reason I ask is that I have stumbled upon 3 Toshiba drive that have a sata interface, http://www.nowdirect.com/exec/search.tsb?N=295+531 look at the bottom two. This would add another 5400rpm option to the table. I was also reading some review on the samsung on umpc portal, and they are saying about a 50% increase in the 5400rpm drive over a 4200rpm drive. It has some benchmark stats for the samsung as well, read it here:
http://www.umpcportal.com/modules/newbb ... 6&forum=17

Digitalrhino · #62 Post by **Digitalrhino** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 5:17 pm

I also found an 80gb 5400rpm drive. The Samsung HS08XJC. Unfortunately it seems that upgradebay.com is the only place it is available, for $152.49. That brings the cost down a little, though I'd like to see the hard drive pass the 100gb mark at that price.

john518 · #63 Post by **john518** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 7:31 am

not sure but take a look at this site
http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=414

sparta.rising · #64 Post by **sparta.rising** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 12:16 pm

Those are 2.5" drives, we need a 1.8"

dwilsonfl · #65 Post by **dwilsonfl** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 12:21 pm

And now that I've got an X40 on the way, I'm listening more intently and hopefully will be able to gather some info and maybe some parts to help out.

I'm agreeing with the original idea. Until the SSD's get real on price, having a bigger faster and affordable alternative might help a lot of people extend their X units for years.

I like that.

But then I hang out with people working on C-130s that are as old as they are or older.

#66 Post by **Harryc** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 12:39 pm

C-130's...awesome aircraft. I live near Stuart AFB and I see them all the time taking off on/returning from missions to Iraq. It's just a spectacular sight ...

Digitalrhino · #67 Post by **Digitalrhino** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 11:03 pm

Here's an ebay link to the 120gb Samsung for $125.

sparta.rising · #68 Post by **sparta.rising** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 2:10 am

Go for it Harry!

#69 Post by **Harryc** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 4:59 am

I was way ahead of you guys

. I bid on it yesterday (best offer $120) and won it for $130 shipped. It's coming from Poland ...

#70 Post by **Harryc** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 5:14 am

Here's where we are at with parts and finances -

Carry Over Balance - $513.14
X41 Purchase - $180.00
ZIF Adapters Purchase - $11.38
ZIF Hard Drive Purchase - $130.00
Remaining balance - $191.76

Parts needed;

X41 XP Pro Recovery CD's
External CDROM (USB) drive or X4 Ultrabase with a CDROM drive
(1) rear foot, and (2) front feet

At this point it appears that we will not be getting an X41 base donation (for the feet), so we'll be buying a base or just a foot kit. Again, just the foot kit costs @ $48.44 shipped from Lenovo. I can't even find a base on EBay at this point. I put up an Ad in the Marketplace forum here.

#71 Post by **Harryc** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 2:25 pm

Today, the project purchased an X4 dock for $19.80 shipped. That dock takes an ultrabay slim optical drive, but does not come with one. If anyone has any spares around, please let me know.

Carry Over Balance - $513.14
X41 Purchase - $180.00
ZIF Adapters Purchase - $11.38
ZIF Hard Drive Purchase - $130.00
X4 Dock - $19.80
Remaining balance - $171.96

Parts needed;

X41 XP Pro Recovery CD's
Ultrabay Slim Optical Drive
(1) rear foot, and (2) front feet

sparta.rising · #72 Post by **sparta.rising** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 6:54 pm

Would X60 feet fit? This auction gives dimensions:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0308392082

Or maybe T40 feet?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0128590938

#73 Post by **Harryc** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:17 am

sparta.rising, T41 feet are a better fit. The X41 feet are; Front = 6mm x 18mm, Back = 7mm x 12mm. The T41 feet are 5mm x 15 mm. So, they would be a tiny bit short in the front, and 3mm too long in the back. I could trim the feet for the back...so this might be a good solution. Thanks for the idea. I will order them.
T41 feet on EBay

#74 Post by **Harryc** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:24 am

Ok, the feet are on order. $4.69 shipped...beats $48 shipped any day.

Carry Over Balance - $513.14
X41 Purchase - $180.00
ZIF Adapters Purchase - $11.38
ZIF Hard Drive Purchase - $130.00
X4 Dock - $19.80
Rubber Feet - $4.69
Remaining balance - $167.27

Parts needed;

X41 XP Pro Recovery CD's
Ultrabay Slim Optical Drive

#75 Post by **Harryc** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 5:34 pm

Things are starting to come together for this project. Today I received the dock, it is brand new and was an outstanding deal for the money. I also received the ZIF/IDE adapters from China, and the hard drive cover. Thanks to x412008 for shipping the HD cover all the way from Norway! This should be one very nice X41 when it is finished ...

#76 Post by **Harryc** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 5:53 pm

We've had an offer from a member to upload X41 recovery CD's, but I do not have web space large enough to accommodate them. If anyone has a large web space that these can be uploaded to, please PM me. Thank-you.

proaudioguy · #77 Post by **proaudioguy** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 8:56 pm

Harryc wrote:We've had an offer from a member to upload X41 recovery CD's, but I do not have web space large enough to accommodate them. If anyone has a large web space that these can be uploaded to, please PM me. Thank-you.

After those are uploaded I'd be happy to upload all my recovery CDs of which I have quite a collection. I just want them to be available to everyone. They won't install on a computer they didn't come with anyway so I don't see the harm in it.

sparta.rising · #78 Post by **sparta.rising** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:21 pm

If you look a the T61 project thread I believe I found a number of free filespace websites.

#79 Post by **Harryc** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:07 pm

Just a quick note here to mention that the ZIF hard drive has arrived. Also a member here was kind enough to upload the X41 R&R iso files, so I have those as well. Sometime after Christmas we'll document and complete this project. Stay tuned...and Happy Holidays.

#80 Post by **Harryc** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 3:01 pm

This upgrade was a success, but not without many hours of trial and error. Hopefully I can explain this well enough so it can easily be followed. I also took many pictures, so that should help. My goal is to have the pictures up with full details by tomorrow. R&R is currently loading on the 120GB 5400rpm ZIF drive in the X41. Also, we need a battery for this machine. I thought one was donated, but I can't find documentation of that fact and one was never received ... any cheap or free source suggestions?

domok · #81 Post by **domok** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 3:22 pm

Have enjoyed lurking here but joined just to ask if the ZIF adapter (Toshiba/Hitachi ribbons) was usable with the Samsung HD

#82 Post by **Harryc** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 3:30 pm

Yes the combination adapter/ribbons works with the Samsung HD. I will document the upgrade here within the next 24 hours.

foehammer · #83 Post by **foehammer** » Fri Dec 26, 2008 4:15 pm

My original post had links to some batteries on ebay for about 25 and 36 bucks each... one used and one new, but the links were causing some issues. They can still be found easily though through the general search though.

mrobo · #84 Post by **mrobo** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:25 am

Harryc wrote:Pictures are up -

http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01493_a.jpg

Easily seen in the pic below - the missing feet.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01497_a.jpg

http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01499_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01504_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01503_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01501_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01513_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01514_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01519_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01521_a.jpg

Also, as easily seen in the pic below, the antenna cover on the front lid lip is bent slightly outward. If you have any repair ideas on that, let me know.

http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01493_a.jpg

By the way, these pics were taken after a few hours of cleaning, including a stubborn sticker removal on the top LCD lid.

COULD YOU POST AGAIN !!!

#85 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 7:00 am

Pictures are working now ...

p78 · #86 Post by **p78** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 7:13 am

it's possible to use free flickr account if you want. limited to 100mb upload/month but has nice features like tagging, rss and comments that would give you some visibility ...

#87 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 7:33 am

This project just purchased an X41 battery for $27.65 shipped from EBay.
X41 Battery on EBay

Carry Over Balance - $513.14
X41 Purchase - $180.00
ZIF Adapters Purchase - $11.38
ZIF Hard Drive Purchase - $130.00
X4 Dock - $19.80
Rubber Feet - $4.69
Battery - $27.65
Remaining balance - $139.62

Total investment in X41 - $373.52

#88 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 10:53 am

As promised -

Ref. the X41 Maintenance Manual (MIM), pages (83) Keyboard Removal and (86) Upper Case Removal. All other steps are not in the manual. Note: It is recommended that you purchase (2) ZIF adapters in case you make a mistake.

Use a Dremel with a cutting wheel at low speed and cut off the voltage regulator legs. Go very slowly, take your time, and cut as close to the voltage reg. as possible. Do not touch the PCB with the cutting wheel. This is a tiny work area with zero room for error. It is possible to desolder it as well, but don't damage the pads.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/voltagereg.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01618_a.jpg

Solder two legs (closest to the IDE pins) of the voltage regulator together. I used a very thin wire to create the solder bridge.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01621_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01622_a.jpg

Remove the keyboard, ref MIM page (83).
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01624_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01625_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01627_a.jpg

Remove the top cover, ref MIM page (86).
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01629_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01630_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01631_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01632_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01633_a.jpg

Empty hard drive bay.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01634_a.jpg

First test fit of the hard drive. Uh oh...not enough room.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01635_a.jpg

Cut off the right side (plastic only) of the hard drive rails to make room for the drive. It is easier to remove the entire bracket first. Reinstall using the same screws.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01637_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01638_a.jpg
Note the circled components must be removed.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01639_a.jpg
Note strip of thick rubber electricians tape cut to size. This helps keep the drive snug, noiseless from vibration, and from shorting against the steel HD rail bracket.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01640_a.jpg

Remove the LEDs and jumper to make room for the drive underneath. I just crushed the LEDs, but they can be desoldered for reuse. The jumper was desoldered.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01643_a.jpg

Test the drive before installation in the machine. Make sure the ZIF cable pressure/hold down bars are closed. You'll need to hook up the keyboard cable to apply power. If you see a 2010 error on boot, and the drive is listed in boot order in BIOS, you are good to go.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01648_a.jpg
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01650_a.jpg

Hard drive installed. (Note this was an attempt prior to removing the jumper). You'll want to remove the jumper to get the adapter down as low as possible or else the top case will not install correctly. Note that the front edge of the drive is taped with electrical tape to avoid shorting against the IDE interface pins. Also you can see that the drive is installed upside down. This is the only way to make the short ZIF cables fit.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01656_a.jpg

All buttoned up ...
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01662_a.jpg

Loading XP using R&R CD's.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/DSC01666_a.jpg

Screenshot showing drive capacity.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/screenshot.jpg

Atto Benchmark.
http://thinkpads.vedet.net/pictures/screenshot1.jpg

Note: This drive will throw a 2010 error on boot in an X41. It can be by-passed by hitting the ESC key. Also, there is an option in the latest X41 BIOS to bypass it without human (keyboard) intervention. Other than the inconvenience, this error will not interfere with the proper operation of the drive.

foehammer · #89 Post by **foehammer** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 2:01 pm

Brilliant write up sir. I am completely confident in doing this to my machine now... especially since the HDD is failing. You and the supporters of this project should be commended for this work.

#90 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 3:16 pm

Thanks for the kind words. Good luck with the upgrade.

Thinkpads.com X41 Project - (Pic Warning)

sata to ide?

Samsung HS122JC

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