WD SpyGlass - Head-map support

[avalanche]

Hello AceLabs,

I have started to see more WD SpyGlass series in. Usually WD40NMZW-11GX6S1. Using the information provide on the AceLabs support blog I can usually get into the SA using donor firmware, and then turn off the SED function with 'Edit ID'. It is necessary to use the PebbleBeach tech mode as there is no SpyGlass option in Utility.

However, currently I cam unable to either create a Head-map in Data Extractor, or edit the Head-map in RAM. Please note that SED is turned off when I attempt this and there is complete access to the SA using a SATA PCB.

Can AceTS confirm whether it is currently possible to create a headmap for SpyGlass HDDs or edit head-map in RAM? I am using up to date software (6.4.16.6715 and DE 5.7.8(U)3374)

Thank you for your help.

----

Create head map in DE Task:

Error execute=LBA->CHS conversion error (0) Device Error Detected: "VSC ERR UNSUP ACTION CODE"
start time 16/04/2018 10:35:24
finish time 16/04/2018 10:35:26


Edit Headmap in Utility:


Code type to check...................... : TypeN
Code map reading........................ : Ok
Code addr............................... : FFE5AE00
Code size............................... : 65536
Code reading............................ : Ok
Code pattern not found

Code type to check...................... : Type1
Code pattern not found

Code type to check...................... : Type2
Code pattern not found

Code type to check...................... : Type3
Code pattern not found

Code type to check...................... : Type4
Code pattern not found

Code type to check...................... : TypeEU
Code pattern not found

Code type to check...................... : Type5
Code pattern not found

[dreu]

I asked the same via support ticket; Ace does not support this family yet.

[avalanche]

I've just tried the new version of PC3000 / DE release August 2018. Unfortunately, head-map functionality in the SpyGlass HDD I have does still not work

[Roman_TS]

SpyGlass and Palmer will appear later. PC-3000 6.5.14x release notes does not include any information about this drives.

[H3rmes]

I second that. There is a demand. I have a spyglass here waiting for a few months as without the headmap I risk some damage to the drive.

[AJ2008]

You have to consider the fact that vendors are manufacturing modern drives with added security partially designed to prevent reverse engineering of its code, which is exactly what is needed to allow such support - to support this drive it must first be completely 'hacked' by breaking all of the complex security before understanding how it works and implementing this new information into a nice user interface allowing access via extremely simplified methods.

I imagine for all modern drives, there will be such delays before full support is implemented. It will only get more and more difficult from here on....

[Doomer]

Source of the post I second that. There is a demand. I have a spyglass here waiting for a few months as without the headmap I risk some damage to the drive.

you can outsource it

[H3rmes]

Source of the post

Source of the post I second that. There is a demand. I have a spyglass here waiting for a few months as without the headmap I risk some damage to the drive.

you can outsource it

Why? They would do the exact same thing I would do. Slowly isolate bad areas without the head map and recover that way. Data recovery lab outsourcing data recovery? I'd be lying to my customers. All work is done inhouse and if something can't be done we inform the customer and recommend other labs that might be able to do it including others on this forum.

[Doomer]

Source of the post

Source of the post

Source of the post I second that. There is a demand. I have a spyglass here waiting for a few months as without the headmap I risk some damage to the drive.

you can outsource it

Why? They would do the exact same thing I would do. Slowly isolate bad areas without the head map and recover that way.

not true

[H3rmes]

Well look, we're not an arrogant business and we accept that there are many other solutions out there. However we do not outsource but rather recommend to our customers that they book in themselves with other labs where we don't have the solution, equipment or experience to deal with a particular issue.. Our customers trust us and we can only recommend who has proven themselves (like Amarbir CD-R India or Luke at recoveryforce in Canada just to name a few). If you do have the capabilities and want other labs to outsource to you then make a name for yourself. The suggestion "you can outsource it" does not really help anyone. We'd also prefer to strike partnerships with other engineers around the world where our R&D exchanges valuable information, methods and technology with other labs rather than outsource. That kind of business practice shows more integrity and benefits both parties. Just as a last added info we do know how to extract the Zone allocation table and create a headmap based on that however we would still prefer full support and functionality from the equipment manufacturer.

[Doomer]

You have a PM

[northwind]

Source of the post then make a name for yourself.

I know you mean well, but this was funny when directed to Doomer.

[H3rmes]

Source of the post

Source of the post then make a name for yourself.

I know you mean well, but this was funny when directed to Doomer.

You know what I mean , It's not meant as an insult I mean a name online because the outsource request is online. I mean I've been in DR for 13 years now and no one knows me because I don't post online but I also don't ask for anything online. If I'm to use my business marketing to send someone else jobs I need to be clear whom I trust. I'm sure Doomer is amazing... we're just not aware of it as we've never cooperated on any level.

Also as a side note most of the best DR engineers that came up with innovative ways to deal with certain issues are not even online and we've worked with some of them.

[H3rmes]

Source of the post

Source of the post then make a name for yourself.

I know you mean well, but this was funny when directed to Doomer.

Also we've sent some sandforce drives your way in Greece as some engineers we've worked with vouched for you.. for example.

[AJ2008]

Source of the post I'm sure Doomer is amazing... we're just not aware of it as we've never cooperated on any level.

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