Hello Vuers.
I've just installed a Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 7200rpm 1 TB 32 MB cache SATA2 drive in my Vu+ Duo, and I documented the process fairly meticulously in the hope that a guide might be considered handy for forum members. Here it is.
The process is really easy, but I've broken it down into tiny steps anyway.
PART ONE - INSTALLATION
What you need
- A Vu+ Duo
- A SATA disc drive, with mounting screws (preferably those that ship with the Duo)
- A #2 Philips screwdriver with a shaft longer than around 10 cm.
- If you have a tendency to drop small things like screws, tweezers may be handy.
- If you live in a really dry climate (or have fearsome a/c), you may want an antistatic strap.
Step 1
Gather what you need at your workspace. Unplug the Vu+ and let it sit for several minutes to discharge any capacitors that may be in there.
If you are using antistatic precautions, get those ready. If you don't want to go the whole hog in this regard, you can get by with just touching something that is earthed (grounded) before you start work, and from time to time, especially if the humidity is low and you static electricity is easily generated by you and your surroundings. My RH here is about 65% - I didn't bother with any precautions.
Install_1.jpeg
Step 2
Install_2.jpegInstall_3.jpeg
Take out the three (3) screws in the back with a #2 Philips screwdriver (Fig 2), and the screw towards the front on each side (Fig 3). There are five (5) screws in total. These are black.
Step 3
Slide the top cover towards the back, and remove it to reveal the innards of your Duo (Fig 4).
Install_4.jpeg
The disc drive will be mounted on the bracket present in the area shown within the red rectangle, but to do so, you have to remove the four (4) screws at the indicated locations. These are silver.
You'll see the data and power cables the drive will use disappearing under the bracket; these are not connected to anything at this stage.
Install_5.jpegInstall_6.jpeg
In Figure 5 we see the box with the bracket removed, and in Figure 6 the bracket itself.
Flip the bracket over.
If you are using the drive mounting kit that came with the Duo (Fig 7), insert the rubber grommets supplied into the grooves on the mounting bracket (Fig 8).
Install_7.jpegInstall_8.jpeg
Step 4
Remove the disc drive from its packaging and place it on your work area, with the sockets to the left and the threaded holes for the mounting screws on top. Don't lose the mounting screws that came with it if you plan to use these.
Place the bracket on the drive so that the mounting holes align (Fig 9). If you are not using the Duo mounting kit, the alignment may be a little loose.
Install_9.jpeg
Step 5
Insert the mounting screws, securing the drive to the bracket (Fig 10). If you are not using the Duo kit, you may want to use small washers as standard disc mounting screws will only just bear on the metal; they will work though.
Install_10.jpeg