> I have a Seagate IDE 1 GB hard disk (ST 51080A) removed from a PC
> because of
> media failure. But its spindle motor and drive electronics are in good
> working condition. I have been particularly fascinated by Bob Blick's
> "Propeller Clock" (www.bobblick.com) and I wish to check the
> suitability of
> this hard disk motor for the project.
>
> My problem is that when I connect the power supply cable (without
> connecting
> the 40 pin cable) and switch on the SMPS, the spindle motor
> starts spinning
> but after about 20 seconds, it invariably comes to a halt. I
> guess, this is
> because there is no signal coming from the PC through the 40 pin
> cable. How
> do I make it run continuously? The answer perhaps lies in tying one of the
> 40 pins to ground or +5V.

    Actually it is probably way more complicated then that, a drive SHOULD
remain spinning even if it's IDE is not connected. Usually it stopping is
due to the magnetic heads not finding what they should, I don't see a way
around it. You will most likely have to drive the motor manually. TTYL

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