>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.

Maybe you could use the PIC to switch the power off and on for
100 ms every 20 seconds or so.  No one would notice.

Barry

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