Iomega ZipCD 12x10x32 CompUSA Dec31/Jan01 for $99 after rebate - Thread II - MODS Please lock!

[diehlr]

For anyone wanting to use this drive in CloneCD (or some other cd burning app), I have an idea. I'm not sure if it will work, but it isn't too risky to try. I don't have this program installed (or my Iomega burner yet) so I can't provide exact instructions or test this idea, but here goes.. Try and load up the clonecd / whatever executable in a hex editor, find the plextor drive ID "PX-W1210A" and change it to the drive ID of the Iomega (don't know it offhand). If "PX-W1210A" isn't in it, then you could try and modify another string (Sanyo ID string, or perhaps just some other random drive ID) to the ID of the Iomega and see if that works. I would think the program would detect the drive capabilities independent of the ID string of the drive and properly recognize the drive, but who knows.

Does anybody with one of these drives and a hex editor want to give this a try? (just back up the exe's you modify first..).

I have been trying to find out how to edit the ID string of the Iomega on the drive itself, to that of the Plextor but I haven't found out anything. It could be pulling the name off an EEPROM on the drive, which would prevent modifying it with flash updates.

 

[mrVW]

For anyone intersted, I produced a new version of the hacked Plextor firmware update program. This one uses the original binary rom file for download, no need to rename it. I also provided exact details of how to change the 32 bytes required to hack the program yourself... that way you can elimiante worry about downloading a virus or anything... just download the Plextor files and edit them yourself!

RoundSparrow.com instructions on how to edit the Plextor Files

 

[mrVW]

Diehlr: it should be trivial for the makers of CloneCD to just release a supported version. Are you sure they haven't alread? Nero has been supporting this drive for weeks! Why not just complain to the ConeCD company and get them to update their software. One line of code to add...

 

[LiQiCE]

Here are the drive IDs according to the Plextor Firmware, and the "hacked" Iomega Firmware programs (They use these to tell if the drive is a Plextor or an Iomega, so these should be accurate):

"PLEXTOR CD-R PX-W1210A"
"PX-W1210A"

"IOMEGA ZIPCD3840INT-A "
"IOMEGA "

Obviously remove the quotes. I dont know if there are any extra space after these ID strings, there may be, so you may have to play around with them, but the spacing is right according to the program. I hope someone can manage to modify the ID strings!

 

[mrVW]

There are two spaces between IOMEGA and ZIP* -- the exact binary changes for one such string are listed in hex at: RoundSparrow.com - how to do your own hack Web Page

 

[ebaker]

MrVW is the current updater download the same as the "003a" version I downloaded earlier (003a worked)?

 

[RaysMD]

I'm using the hex editor to change the ID string on the original Imation->Plextor program and the HP->Plextor program.

I've already made the changes to the program, but why do you guys need the ID string of the Iomega? If I remember correctly from the original Imation->Plextor the program doesn't care about the original ID string.

Anyone want to run it? I haven't installed my drive yet. I'm at home with my Plextor 12/10/32 SCSI.

-RaysMD

 

[JACKHAMMER]

Someone please tryout Rays update program^^^^^^^

 

[JACKHAMMER]

Someone please tryout Rays update program^^^^^^^

 

[RaysMD]

Choose save as if you get problems with the link.
iom2plex.zip

Some warnings:
1. Please if you don't know what you're doing, then do not use this program.
2. Make sure you don't have any SCSI devices attached, or they'll all turn into Plextor 1210A drives.
3. Better yet, make sure the Iomega is the only drive attached.


NOTE: I have not tried it on my Iomega yet, because I didn't install it yet. Still using my SCSI drive. If someone does use it, then update me with a new post on the forum.


Here it is, enjoy. Just a simple HexEdit. NOTE: Props goes to Lore or was it Lotsamula for the original Imation->Plextor 8/20 ID String changer from last year? or 2 years ago, it's been too long.

P.S., Do you really need to change the ID string? For what? I'm going to do it, though
RaysMD

 

[aldamon]

Has anyone answered the question of why this drive was so goddamn cheap? WTF is going on?

 

[ChannelX]

Heh. Its called a sale. A damn good one but a limited sale nonetheless.

 

[unsped]

what does iom2plex do?

 

[Hankysmoo]

Anyone able to change the ID string of the iomega to a plextor yet? does ray's program work?

 

[dwrobert]

For some reason Ray's program isnt on his website yet, or I would try it and see if it works.

 

[LiQiCE]

I dont think this program will work properly because its made to change the ID for a drive on the SCSI bus, where as the Iomega Drive is on the IDE bus. The program depends on ASPI calls. I guess maybe its possible if you have the right ASPI drivers it might work, but I don't think it would. Please correct me if I'm wrong, I'd really love this to work!

 

[RaysMD]

LiQiCE,

You're right, it might now work because the original Imation 8/20 -> Plextor 8/20 was a SCSI device. So was the HP CDROM modification that was based on the Imation mod.


This is an IDE device. Not sure if it's as easy as change the ID string. BUT, IDE drives can use ASPI calls if you can some how install ASPI on your system without an Adaptec product on your computer.


I remember reading about how you can force ASPI?, I think.

RaysMD

 

[mrVW]

I tried the program, it said "no drives found to change."

I have all the ASPI stuff.... the Plextor update program uses ASPI too...

 

[kaiotes]

i ordered one from the website, should have done 2nd day air, worrthat they might not honor my order. (per email confirmation disclaimer)
i went to BB today, was able to get raincheck.
i do not see anywhere where it says exp date, just that only purchasble if it is in stock.
i will call compusa (online) and see if i can upgrade S&H

 

[TonDef]

Is anyone else having trouble using the Plextor-flashed Iomega drive with Nero 5.0.3.8? My drive is doing OK with Adaptec Easy CD, but I'm getting this unexpected error whenever I try to burn with Nero. I say unexpected because Nero always worked flawlessly with my Plextor 12x4x32. Basically, when I try to begin writing a CD the buffer begins to fill and as soon as it hits 100% I get an error (I'll post the exact error tomorrow if anyone is curious...I powered off my CD burner machine for the evening.) I'm running Win2K Professional with all the latest patches on a PIII-1GHz machine with 384MB of memory and no other software running. DOH!

QUICK SUMMARY (your mileage may vary!)
Problems: NTI CD-Maker 2000 v4.2.65 (drive not detected as writer), Nero v5.0.3.8 (see above)
Works: Adaptec CD Creator v4.03, FireBurner v1.06
Not tried: CloneCD, Feurio, WinOnCD 3.7, DirectCD

 

[mrVW]

Ebaker: I actuall produced a cleaner patch that uses the exact same filename for the Plextor download firmware (firm1210.rom). You can do the edit yourself pretty easily...

RoundSparrow version of the hack that only requires 32 bytes to be edited

 

[mrVW]

TonDef: I've used Nero for about 30 CD-R's so far, different brands and all... 80 and 74 minute. All worked great. I'm on Windows 2000...

 

[thuned]

went to both compusa and BB, both out. but BB said i can get a raincheck for it. can't wait till the next shipment arrives...

 

[RaysMD]

mrVW,


The program is looking for the drive to update on the SCSI chain. Since this is an IDE drive, it won't find anything. Oh well, not as easy as I thought.

-RaysMD

 

[StuieG]

Are people having problems using this drive with CloneCD? I just tested it with the latest version (2.8.3.1) and it worked perfectly. I backed up my copy of AOE Conquerors and it actually worked a lot faster than with my Plextor 12X4X32 SCSI.

StuieG