SKY+ AMSTRAD DRX180 : HARD DRIVE UPGRADE       

(12 Aug 2005; Last Revised: 12 Jan 2006)

Make: Amstrad DRX180

Model: A20A804    Version: AF2002

OS: 1.31A08            EPG: Sky+1.28.d

Existing Hard Drive: Seagate (ST340015ACE / 40 Gb / 5400 RPM)

Upgraded Drive: Maxtor DiamondMax 10 (6L200P0 / 200 Gb / 7200 RPM). Cost: ~GBP 70.00.

Some Observations:

This is a relatively easy upgrade to perform.

The stock Seagate drive runs considerably cooler (no surprise). Even under full load, it is just warm to touch.

The Diamondmax 10 drive under full load is hot enough to give one a minor burn! Having said that, the system fan switches on only rarely, and the top surface of the box above the drive is only slightly warm. I suspect that this may have to do with the large number of ventilation slots on the top, sides and base of the unit which provide good airflow.

I have now carried out this hard drive upgrade on two Sky+ Amstrad DRX180 boxes with no problems, so can heartily recommend it! :-D

In common with others' experiences, I too found that a second "Full System Reset" carried out on this Maxtor 200Gb drive will cause it to cease functioning (on-screen banner says something to the effect that 'no playback/record etc, contact 0870--- for technical support'). This is rectified by plugging the drive in a PC and performing a quick low level format.

Preparation instructions as per Humvee's "Everything Sky+" Pages:

- No PC Is Required For This Upgrade, Just A Brand New Hard Drive
(The Drive Does NOT Need Any Preparation / Formatting, Etc.)

- Before you start, Press Services, Select SKY+ Setup and set "Instant Rewind" to "Off" and "Save New Settings".
- Make a note of all your series links as these must be re-entered.
- Put Sky+ in standby and disconnect the power cable. Also, if you've got the patients, allow 15 minutes for the old drive to cool down.

Unplug all connectors. Remove the top cover by removing the 3 crosshead screws.

Detach the hard drive IDE cable and power connectors.

Remove the 4 rubber mount screws. (The lower left drive mount screw has an earth cable connected.)

Tilt the drive up and remove the screw (with earth wire attached) to release the drive from the box.

Remove screws to release mounting plates.

Note: No thermal pads under the hard drive unlike Pace V2 boxes, but many more ventilation holes at sides and base (as well as top cover).

Attach both mounting plates to new hard drive.

Tilt the drive back into the box and secure the 4th screw which has the earth cable attached.

Secure the 4 rubber mount screws.

Reconnect power and IDE cables.

Reassemble the cover.

Further instructions as per Humvee's "Everything Sky+" Pages:

- Once your box is fully assembled, power it up, wait two minutes and press the Sky Key.
- Perform A "Full System Reset" (Press Services,4,01 Select,8 Housekeeping)
- Wait For Box To Restart (normally < 3mins for a 120Gb drive and < 45mins for a 250Gb drive), Again wait two minutes and press the Sky Key.
- Test for correct operation, re-enable "Instant Rewind" and re-enter your Series Links.

You're Done! :-)

(Feel free to mail me)