[Ham-Computers] RE: Removing Hard Drive Ribbon Cable Somewhat Easily??

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Due to connector placement, I generally pull the IDE cables "by the cable" rather than "by the connector".  The only exception to this is if the connector has a "pull tab".

If pulling "by the cable", grasp the cable about a inch from the connector itself and gently pull straight out.  If the connector is tight, then grasp the cable closer to one "edge" of the cable and pull until the connector comes slightly out.  Then repeat on the other "edge".  Once both loosen a bit, then pull from the "center".  When done properly, you shouldn't have any bent pins.

If the motherboard is secured properly, then you won't need to "back" it when pulling the cable.  However, it doesn't hurt (as long as you're properly grounded).  If the area where the IDE connector isn't near a mounting screw, then it's probably safer if you do "back" the motherboard when pulling the cable.

For reference, it is possible to pull the cable off the connector when pulling by the cable.  This rarely occurs, but it can happen due to the way connectors are attached to ribbon cable.  If this happens, it's time to use a new cable...not a problem in your situation as you're intent is to replace the cable.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Friday, December 01, 2006 3:10 PM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Removing Hard Drive Ribbon Cable Somewhat Easily??

My EIDE ribbon cable connector that connects to the "master" hard drive is becoming intermittent due to repeated connections.  The connector that connects to the mother board has never been removed and is really tight. It's time to replace the cable, but I don't have the strength to disconnect by grasping the connector by squeezing the ends of the connector between thumb and adjacent finger and pulling straight up. There's a chance I could remove the connector by grasping the ends, plus gentle rocking, but I doubt it.  The next choice is to grip the connector with one hand, the ribbon cable with the other, rock gently, and pull.  Another choice is to pull on the ribbon cable with one hand and hold the mother board down with the other to avoid any damage to the mother board due to flexing.  I've learned about the problems caused by rocking the connector too much; pins bend and need to be straightened with needle nose pliers.

Computer is a Dell OptiPlex P3-933mhz desktop,

Any suggestions?
Jim, w6ivw