1640 with 164B firmware?

Hi,

I wondered, if it possible, to install the new BEFB 164B firmware on the 1640? I use it it with the external Mapower KC51C1 case, but speeds don't exceed 11x, read and write via USB. Firewire is even worse, 10x is the max!

So, may be the 164B firmware works better.

sj

Your REAL problem is the ChipSet in the ManPower Case. DVD Drives don't like the Oxford 911 ChipSet for Firewire. Best case to use is one with the Prolific PL-3507 ChipSet !!!

I don't use the Oxford chipset very often. The drive is connected via the Genesys chipset, which worked fine with my old 1620Pro (16x read/read was no prob).

I am currently using my WinXP with the ServicePack2. With SP1 the Genesys chipset worked fine as well. SP2, Genesys chipset and 1640 seems to be not a very good combination.

Sure, using SP1 would be less risky than trying to flash the 164B firmware, but I am not planning to reinstall Win the next months. And I don not really want to spend again money for a new case. So the flashing may be a way.

sj

I was talking about your FIREWIRE Connection...

I thought so, but this is not THE issue

sj

For everyone with same issues...

flashing the 1640 to 164B brought a lot. Almost 16x read speed, with a burst of 21-23MB/s and a stable 12x burn (6:30mins). 16x burning is still a problem. All that with the Genesys bridge chipset.

Firewire needs to be tested yet.

sj

With Cd/Dvd Speed 4.04 and 4.07 when select Disk Info (with Cd write inside), software disappear.
1640@164B

Didn't appear to me yet...

Another thing that improved is reading speed for pressed DL media. Now it's a stable 12x reader - very nice.

So I think the 164B f/w is first choice for those w/ a 1640 in an external enclosure.

sj

BEFB works fine on the DW1640. My burst rate went from 24MB/s to 38MB/s.
Haven't tried in external case yet, but it's excellent for internal drive use.

It makes no real difference for an ATAPI drive, if it has a burst speed of 24MB/s or 3xMB/s. But it is nice though...

sj

I did some tests after x-flashing to EW164B on my internal OEM drive and noted that:

(1) burst went from 22MB to 34MB/s
(2) seekm times decreased by about 5-10%
(3) CPU usage decreased by 10-20% (proportional)
(4) Error rates increased slightly (Particualrly PIF errors went from 5max to 10max).
(5) Jitter seemed to decrease slightly.

The tests were done with TY 002 8x DVD+R's, and checked twice. I can posts screenshots later if anyone's interested.

I would really like to know people's opinion, because I am wondering if crossflashing has any real benefits, or if I should flash back to DW1640 firmware. If the error rates are going up, then I can live with UDMA2 instead of UDMA4.

How do we crossflash it?

Simply use the BEFB as cvt file with WinDWFalsh.

I don't think it makes no real sense to crossflash an internal 1640. DMA4 has no advantages in real life in comparison to DMA2.

sj

That makes sense, though it obviously does have (very) minor advantages in reading.
It does seem that the firmware (or the interface mode) seem to affect recording quality (albeit in a small way). Did anyone else have a similar experience?

Can someone advice if its possible to crossflash back from EW164B to DW1640, and how?

I've been trying to do it with no success.

Thanks.

well then, let it be... don't drive yourself crazy about it

sj

If you read the posts above you'll note that cross flashing increased the error rate of my burns.

So if possible, I'd like to cross-flash back and would appreciate any useful advice...

Oh, I didn't realize, that this was your prob, sorry. I'll upload the BSLB.cvt f/w for you. In a sec I'll post the link...

sj


EDIT: thx to dangerous brothers... http://tdb.rpc1.org/original/1640BSLB.ZIP

On my YUDEN000T02 media, the PIE (total and max) are cut in half. That's a huge accomplishment, because I generally have tiny PIE to begin with... PIF are same as before, always less than 4.
I'll scan again on the DW1620s, but it looks like BEFB is superb for Taiyo Yuden T02 media.

It makes me wonder, what makes the difference to BSLB!? I don't think the strategies differ to the 1640's f/w.

sj

You're a star! That worked like a charm. Thank you very much!

Hi
Two things that may be of interest.
First with the advent of Quikee's BQFlasher, crossflashing is easier. No CVT. file needed.
Secondly I've found that PIE & PIF reduced by upto 60% depending on media.
See scan.
With this media in the past PIE = >20 PIF = >10 QS typically 95/96.
Jitter down a fraction too.

Very interesting.
The error increase I noticed was minor and could be explianed by a poor batch of media. Are you using the EW164b as an external drive or internally?

And could you please post a link to Quikee's BQFlasher? I just googled it and got nothing...

Hi
I'm currently using 1640 internally flashed to 164B, to go external some time tomorrow.
BQFlasher look here

Nice scan, what speed did you burn it at?