The big external enclosures thread

hopefully either version of ROMwriter will work for me. Thx for the file kworm.

I just captured the firmware version with 2.1.4 through USB, and it does indicate 9/7/04.

BTW, here is where I usually search for any old drivers. Luckily, the Prolific files were there also.

So KTL, I'm just confirming that you used ROMwriter 2.04 to flash to the 9/7/2004 firmware. I'm just making sure I do this correctly when I attempt to do it soon. Btw, good to see it worked for you

That is correct, 2.1.4 did NOT work initally, but 2.0.4 did. With 2.0.4, you can actually save what you have in there now, the 02/12 file, as a .bin file. Then flash the 09/07 hex file, reboot, and use 2.1.4 to read the date again.

Thx for your help Kworm & KTL. Much appreciated. Would either of you recommend backing up the 2/12 firmware or does it really not matter. I assume it would be safer to in case something did happen.

Woa! I forgot about the reboot part... So I did manage to flash it and I get exactly the same pic as you KTL. Thanks dude. Interestingly this "general" forum is turning out to be Benq focused. Hmm...

Still can't scan it with Nero CD-DVD speed

Deleted, waiting for new info.

crea78, it doesn't really matter if you back up 02/12 or not. I did just for the heck of collecting it.

kworm, I don't think it's turning into Benq focused, but more Prolific, which is part of the external case issue. I have my 812S@832S in the case, and I'm able to use Disc Quality Scan as well as KProbe (w/SPTI) without any problems. I didn't try it with the 1620 in there when I did the test burn & transfer rate, since I keep it internally.

The case is a Plumax PM-525C2-PPSO, bought from Dealsonic, silver version. There must have been a model number/character change as the box has a sticker over the original model number.

Got this from dealsonic, black verision: Plumax PM-525C2-PPB Black Combo USB 2.0 / Firewire 1394 External Enclosure for 5.25 / 3.5 Inch HDD/Device,

Hey KTL, are you able to use CD-DVD Speed quality test with your enclosure? What firmware version are you using? What nero version? Thanks.

Here is the Prolific PL-3507 firmwares in one place.

I see there's talk about Prolific's firmwares. Here's a link (thanks, dhc014) to a very big thread about these firmwares at rpc1.org. I haven't read the rpc1.org thread so I'm not sure how useful it is, but it may prove to be interesting.
http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=25140

Based on reading KTL's & Kworm's posts in this thread, I would like compile information on the Prolific chipset firmware upgrades, for myself, as well as others.

Would those of you who have successfully upgraded your PL firmware:
Provide Brand & Model # of External Case?
Why did you upgrade? What were your problems with the chipset?
Would you let us know what your ORG Vendor & Chip ID information is (taken from Rom read)?
What ROM Updater (number) did you use to successfully update firmware with?
Steps taken to successful flash?

For those who were not able to upgrade their Prolific 3507 chips,
What is your Vendor & Chip ID (from Rom read)
What Rom updaters (number) did you try?

From this info, we could put together clear guide on the PL 3507, how to update firmware.

Thanks for your input
dishinit

Two that don't seem to work with my Plextor PX-716A:

1. Akasa AK-EN-03 (USB 2.0 only) http://www.akasa.co.uk/spec/cases/spec_ak_en_03sl.htm - PC (2k or XP) doesn't even detect device being plugged in. I can't see which chipset this is using.

2. Belkin F5U209 - USB 2.0 (ALi chipset). Only tested in 2k, device is detected but cannot start.

Both work OK when used with a HDD instead.

Has anyone used an enclosure (that I can get in the UK) with a PX-716A?

Nice. I was just trying to find out what I can do with my 5163D.

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread....620#post792620

With my 812S@832S in the Plumax enclosure, I can scan using Codeguy's CG3E firmware with CD-DVD Speed 3.55.

dishinit, here's a more complete information.
1) Plumax PM-525C2-PPSO
2) Updated to see whether the transfer rate would be better with 1394. There were no inherent problems.
3) See post #29.
4) Used 2.0.4 to flash 2004/09/07.
5) a) Used 2.0.4 via USB, b) Power cycle, c) Used 2.1.4 to read ROM version, d) Changed to 1394 for reads/writes.

Nice! This might work for me.

Check out the 4/7/04 firmware notes about the EON flash chips on:

http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=25140

04/07/2004 -

1. Add support for EON Flash. [USB]

Note: You must also use ICP AP v2.1.4 to read Flash ID during firmware update.

I got it to upgrade successfully to the 09/07 firmware with the 2.0.4 updater. It didn't change the speed of my burns or my max burst rate unfortunately.

Thanks for everyone's help on this one...

Provide Brand & Model # of External Case?
Plumax PM-525C2-PPB Black Combo USB 2.0 / Firewire 1394
Bought from Dealsonic on 12/15/04

Why did you upgrade? What were your problems with the chipset?
Max burst rate of 22MB/s, not enough for 16X

Would you let us know what your ORG Vendor & Chip ID information is (taken from Rom read)?
Before upgrade:
ROM size: 32(KB)
FW ver.2004.02.12.062
Vendor ID: 0X7F
Chip ID: 0X7F

After upgrade:
ROM size: 32(KB)
FW ver.2004.09.07.160
Vendor ID: EON
Chip ID: en29lv512
Checksum: AFA6

What ROM Updater (number) did you use to successfully update firmware with?
Updated with 2.0.4.

Steps taken to successful flash?
Update Rom to 09/07 version with 2.0.4. Reboot drive and computer. Read Rom with 2.1.4.

KTL & Wolffman,
Thanks for your replies.

In answer to your question
1) Plumax PM-525C2-PPB
2) Updated to see whether could fix drive recognition problems via 1394. I was also unable to use Disk quality test via usb2
3) Original read: ROM size: 32(KB), FW ver. 2004.02.12.062, Vendor ID: 0X7F, Chip ID: 0X6F.
4) Used 2.0.4 to flash 2004/09/07.
5) a) Used 2.0.4 via USB, b) Power cycle, c) Used 2.1.4 to read ROM version -- same read as wolfman
6) Still was unable to test the disk via usb2. Havent tested my connection via FW yet. Upgraded to nero 6603 from 6315 and now I am able to test the disk in the CD speed using usb2

Kworm, Thank you.
Just for clarity, did this PL firmware upgrade, fix your drive recognition problems via 1394?
dishinit

It appears so. I burnt one disc without any problems and had no recognition problems. I haven't done any extensive testing though.

Wolffman,
I needed a new case for a DVD burner I am giving to my son. I realized just before your posts here, that I was unsure of the Plumax because of your struggles with 0X6F chipset.
Then, having read about your & KTL's success with your PL 3507 chipsets (specifically you indicating when & where you purchased your drive), I decided to go ahead & order a new Plumax PM-525C2-PPB Black Combo USB 2.0 / Firewire 1394. I placed the Dealsonic order on the eve of 12/22/04 and received it today, 12/24/04.
I had experienced drive recognition problems with my other plumax case's in XP SP2 and had solved it with the 3507 upgrade.
However, my other two Prolific chipset cases were:
Vendor: ATMEL
Chip ID: BV512
With this flash chip I had little or no difficulty in flashing the PL 3507. Not the same for you if anyone has followed your posts.
I knew I wanted to upgrade the new case firmware for the XP SP2 recognition issues & that it would probably come with the 0X6F chip.

I followed your steps exactly as stated above,
I installed a DVD drive in the case, checked the drive to ensure No media.
Connected the case to to host computer via USB 2,
And using ROM UpDater 2.14, did a ROM Read:

ROM size: 32(KB)
FW ver.2004.02.12.062
Vendor:0X7F
Chip ID: 0X6F

Then, using ROM UpDater 2.04, I flashed the case with the hex file of 09-07-2004 & rebooted the case.
Using ROM UpDater 2.14, read the ROM & showed a successful update to 09-07-2004, without a hitch.

Thank you guys for presenting such clear steps to follow. You have given my son a hassle free (with Win XP) External DVD writer.
Hope all are having a good Christmas.

I also have a Plumax case (PL-3507) flashed with 9/7/2004 and it works great with a BenQ 1620 (EW162I Firmware).

Firewire supports 16X.
USB2 supports 12X.

It's my understanding the BenQ EW162I External has special firmware(UDMA-3 Mode) in order to run at 16X via USB2. As I stated above I only get 12X with the Plumax Case. 19MB/s via USB2 (Nero Burst Test).

Does anyone know what ChipSet in on the BridgeBoard that BenQ uses for it's External EW162I ???

Using the ROM Updater 2.14 after the flash update, what did your ROM show?