NEC3500 firmware update

[samijubal]

Can the firmware update be done on a drive bought OEM from Newegg? It says not to update on drives from certain manufacterers, but it didn't come from any of those manufacterers. Has anyone with an OEM drive done the update?

[steve2713]

Almost everyone that owns a NEC has an OEM version, so the answer is definitely YES.

[Skith]

Yes, you can update the firmware of the OEM NEC 3500A. I have this exact drive, purchased from newegg.

For a list of firmwares (unmodified, as released by NEC, and several other rebadged brands):
http://www.micheldeboer.nl/firmware/index.html#3500_original

For Modified (enhanced/hacked) firmwares see the following:
http://www.micheldeboer.nl/firmware/index.html#3500_modified

(the modified list is just below the original firmware list on the same page).

For lots of info on the latest hacked firmwares:

CDFreaks NEC forum:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=86

Quickee's Firmware: http://freeweb.siol.net/tvajng/Quikee_FW.html

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=123990

Liggy & Dee's (of http://club.cdfreaks.com) - complete list of versions and FAQ:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=119004

To update firmwares, use Binflash:
http://binflash.cdfreaks.com/

*Binflash note: Win32 version = XP/2K command prompt; Win32GUI = Windows XP/2K with graphical interface; DOS32 = Pure DOS mode.

Keep in mind hacked firmwares will void any warranty you may have with Newegg.

Some Terminology:

Riplock - a feature in a drives firmware that limits the reading speed of pressed DVD-ROM's to reduce noise. All NEC drives (to my knowledge) have this feature enabled in manufacturer/OEM firmwares. Hacked firmwares are needed to remove this limitation.

Bitsetting - A feature in a drive's firmware that allows changing of a DVD +R/RW/DL media's booktype to DVD-ROM. Some firmwares may only support this feature for specific types of + media (for example: +R DL and +R, but not +RW media).

[chas0039]

Skith: Very nice job summarizing NEC options. I am saving this for future questions that always show up, credit to you of course.

[Skith]

Thanks. The NEC forum over at club.cdfreaks.com can look like a jungle, it is so active. The amount of info there could take days to sift through, so I just pulled some of the most recent links and threads.

I'd like to add:
Most of the "hacked firmwares" allow overspeeding of select media. One should not always use the highest available speed setting, as it increases the chance of a coaster. For example, some firmwares may support writing 4x RICOHJPNR01 media at 12x. This is generally not a good idea without extensive testing. In such instances, setting (reducing) the burn speed in your recording program is advised (stick to the rated speed of the media).

[handyguy]

when you use an official NEC fw, it says whether you can use it or not when you run it.

[Skith]

From what I understand, that is just so NEC legal/disclaimer mumbo-jumbo to avoid liability if people mess up their drives. You can use Binflash to switch firmwares easily, set DVD + media booktypes (as firmware allows), and dump current firmware (for backup purposes).

I highly recommend dumping your current drive firmware before flashing. Binflash can flash from .bin files, as well as .exe files (often distributed by NEC or rebadged retail companies).

If you have any doubts, you can always use binflash to revert to the original firmware (from the dump, or from a downloaded version) then upgrade to the newest NEC official firmware.

Of course, use what works for you! Do not feel obligated to use binflash or hacked firmware if you have no need for them.