Short version:
Recieved empeg yesterday...it worked...computer locked uring sync... empeg locked at logo....rebooted several times...
empeg worked...empeg stopped working...
rebooted several times...still doesn't work...
upgraded software to beta 2.0
"No hard disk found Contact Support"...

I've read and searched the faq and the posts but this is either a bit different than what I can find or I've done the suggestions short of opening my unit. I would appreciate any help you can give a newbie with no linux experience.

This is what the hyperterminal connection reads:

empeg-car bootstrap v1.02 20001106 (hugo@empeg.com)
If there is anyone present who wants to upgrade the flash, let them speak now,
or forever hold their peace...it seems not. Let fly the Penguins of Linux!

e000 v1.04
Copying kernel...
Calling linux kernel...
Uncompressing Linux..................................... done, booting the kernel.
Linux version 2.2.14-rmk5-np17-empeg50 (mac@aphex.internal.empeg.com) (gcc version 2.95.3 20010315 (release)) #7 Fri Feb 8 18:45:38 GMT 2002
Processor: Intel StrongARM-1100 revision 11
NetWinder Floating Point Emulator V0.94.1 (c) 1998 Corel Computer Corp.
empeg-car player (hardware revision 9, serial number 40103246)
Command line: mem=16m
Calibrating delay loop... 207.67 BogoMIPS
Memory: 15024k/16M available (964k code, 20k reserved, 372k data, 4k init)
Dentry hash table entries: 2048 (order 2, 16k)
Buffer cache hash table entries: 16384 (order 4, 64k)
Page cache hash table entries: 4096 (order 2, 16k)
POSIX conformance testing by UNIFIX
Linux NET4.0 for Linux 2.2
Based upon Swansea University Computer Society NET3.039
NET4: Linux TCP/IP 1.0 for NET4.0
IP Protocols: ICMP, UDP, TCP
TCP: Hash tables configured (ehash 16384 bhash 16384)
IrDA (tm) Protocols for Linux-2.2 (Dag Brattli)
Linux-IrDA: IrCOMM protocol ( revision:Tue May 18 03:11:39 1999 )
ircomm_tty: virtual tty driver for IrCOMM ( revision:Wed May 26 00:49:11 1999 )
Starting kswapd v 1.5
SA1100 serial driver version 4.27 with no serial options enabled
ttyS00 at 0xf8010000 (irq = 15) is a SA1100 UART
ttyS01 at 0xf8050000 (irq = 17) is a SA1100 UART
ttyS02 at 0xf8030000 (irq = 16) is a SA1100 UART
Signature is 206f6972 'rio '
empeg display initialised.
empeg dsp audio initialised
empeg dsp mixer initialised
empeg dsp initialised
empeg audio-in initialised, CS4231A revision a0
empeg remote control/panel button initialised.
empeg usb initialised, PDIUSBD12 id 1012
empeg state support initialised 0089/88c1 (save to d0005600).
empeg RDS driver initialised
empeg power-pic driver initialised (first boot)
RAM disk driver initialized: 16 RAM disks of 4096K size
empeg single channel IDE
Probing primary interface...
Probing primary interface...
empeg-flash driver initialized
smc chip id/revision 0x3349
smc9194.c:v0.12 03/06/96 by Erik Stahlman (erik@vt.edu)

SMC9194: SMC91C94(r:9) at 0x4008000 IRQ:7 INTF:TP MEM:6144b MAC 00:02:d7:28:0c:ae
RAMDISK: ext2 filesystem found at block 0
RAMDISK: Loading 320 blocks [1 disk] into ram disk... |/-\|/-\|/-\|/-\|/-\

I've read and searched the faq and the posts but this is either a bit different than what I can find

Did you read this entry? Sound like exactly what you're experiencing. The boot log shows that it's not recognizing any disks, there's no disks appearing at "probing primary interface".

So I guess the question is do I open the case and void my warrany to find out if the cables are loose?

Don't open the case unless your warranty is already void or you have gotten clearance from support to do so.

I'll clarify the FAQ on this point now.

I had a similiar problem a few months ago. I sent an email to support@empeg.com. He (David) sent me a new ide ribbon cable along with installation instructions. It fixed my problem. He was also very prompt. If you have not already you might try that.

Thanks guys, I had already emailed David but I had hoped for a simpler solution. I guess I'm a lttle anxious.

It is difficult to wait for sure. But sometimes it is the best option. My brother is having a similiar problem with his right now.

So did you get clearance to open your unit? I really don't want to send it to someone if I don't have to.

First, you have to pass a verbal exam where David quizzes you on whether or not you know your history of English pubs. If you pass that, then he gives you clearance to open the player.

Pubs? I'm in trouble... How about English preachers... C.S. Lewis used to hang out in a pub, but I cant remember the name of it.

I assume email is the best way to get a hold of David.

Greetings!

Email is the way to go. I would not worry, the quizzes are usually quick and direct. Basically, if you are comfortable working in a computer (i.e., won't spill high proof beverages inside while it is plugged in), you can usually do it. In this particular instance, you can check two out of the three plugs without even breaking the seals or unscrewing anything but the fascia. It is that last plug that is the hardest. Also, one of the troubleshooting tips would be to move the drive to another connector.

Basically, if you are comfortable taking a computer apart (hard drives, cables, etc.), you will be fine.

Cool.. I appreciate the tips. My sled is installed. So when I get the parts and replace the wire I'll post some pictures.

The problem is intermittent, so it is very likely to be a faulty drive cable. I can send a replacement for you to fit yourself.

There is also the possibility of a dry solder joint on the IDE header, but that is rare. If the replacement cable doesn't help, then it'll be my next suspicion and I'll bring the player in for repair.

Cool.. do you want me to email you my address.

I assume email is the best way to get a hold of David.

The best way to get a hold of support is detailed here, which, by the way, is linked about 20 times in that FAQ entry about the drive cable.

Postal address and the serial number of the player please.

The Eagle And The Child

If you have a single drive model, you might be able to set up a temporary fix by connecting the drive to the other connector. Requires surgery, but easy to do.