HC2 issues

[pepetrueno]

A few years ago I bought a couple of HC2's and PSUs from HardKernel to set up with OpenMediaVault (omv) for family members that live far away.
I set them up with the same disk (WD red 8TB), omv image and configuration, but only one of them is stable, the other was rebooting with no apparent reason (no load) a few times per day.
I didn't have time during my visit to diagnose & fix, and with the expensive shipping and 1 month warranty, I just left it in storage and thought about buying another one, but they are discontinued.
Now I'm visiting again and would like to make this work.
Considering I don't have much time left, what can I do to diagnose and fix this issue?

I thought about testing with another PSU, but it seems they need 5V, despite the official website saying in red

Normally ODROID-HC2 consumes less than 1Amp/12V in most cases.
But it can go up to 2A when the computing load is very high with fully spinning 3.5inch HDD.
Any 5V/9V/15V PSU can’t be used with HC2. It works with only 12V PSU.

So naturally, I tested it first with a 12V/2A PSU, but it didn't power up (don't see any LEDs light up, but I don't remember if there were any).
Then I tested a 5V PSU, and it doesn't power up.
Did I fry it by using a 12V PSU on a 5V device?
Help please.

[mctom]

Odroid HC2 is rated at 12V and you did everything correctly. Except trying that 5V PSU.
The reason is simple, 3,5" HDDs almost always require 12V to function properly, and the 12V input is used on HDD directly. Thus you cannot use any other voltage.

Where did you get the idea that HC2 works with 5V?

There are three LEDs on HC2 and you should see at least one glowing when you plug in the power. If that doesn't happen this means the PSU is damaged or HC2 is damaged.
Trying with HDD unplugged may be worth it, to determine whether the PSU is overloaded. HDD will be a major power load on the system.

The HC2 shop site has all the basic information:
https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/odroid- ... cloud-two/

[mad_ady]

Where did you get the idea that HC2 works with 5V?

HC1 was 5V, same as XU4. Maybe from there.

[pepetrueno]

I thought it was 5V because the video linked in the HC2 website says so at 3:52. But I just realized its the same video talking about both the HC1 and HC2, duh.

This thing is not showing any signs of life.
I don't see or smell anything, but I haven't been able to remove the pcb from the heatsink to see the other side yet.
Did I do any permanent damage by trying that 5V PSU?
Is there anything else I can try?
Can HardKernel fix if I send it to them?

Or another approach: anyone knows where can I get a working HC2 at this point? I found a used one in Ebay, but they posted it for $250 (when new it cost $54).
Is there anywhere I can find a used one for a reasonable price?

[mctom]

I thought it was 5V because the video linked in the HC2 website says so

Not this guy again, I beg you

You are quite unlikely to spot a fault with a naked eye. Good thing you didn't remove that PCB off the heatsink, you'd need a new thermal compound to put it back on.
Have you tried turning it on with HDD removed?

Did I do any permanent damage by trying that 5V PSU?

I don't think so.

I see one used HC2 on olx.pl for 250+10 PLN. PM me if you're interested.

[rooted]

I thought it was 5V because the video linked in the HC2 website says so

Not this guy again, I beg you

Before looking up and finding the link to the video I knew who you were talking about .. Clicked link and I was right