Apple Superdrive firmware update

I have a 15" PB 1.67gb Hi-Res and get the messages
"No updatable devices found"

I supposedly have a Superdrive


Does this mean the update is already installed? I
did run the Apple Updater (with the iWeb update etc)
It says my firmware revision is "FAAG" -- which I
think it has always been.

I think Dual-Layer PowerBook/SuperDrive owners....need not apply.

The update is for Matshita DVD-R UJ-835 drives only. This is stated in the ReadMe file that comes with the update.

tjoe,

You've got an UJ-846 drive in your PB - the updater isn't intendet for this drive model.

The techdoc page mentioned by the the other user has been amended to say UJ-835. It's nice to know that someone at Apple is not asleep at the switch.

Leo
http://expat-leo.blogspot.com

JMaz, concerning the installer to the firmware updater still not having an updated readme this is no big surprise.

If they add ANYTHING to the installer distro then the whole thing needs to be tested AGAIN by the Quality Team. Take it from me, I know. This may introduce new bugs into an updater that works as designed.

It's MUCH easier to JUST change the web page than it is to put a new readme in the firmware updater for six little characters, 'UJ-835'. So [begrudgingly, but understandably] I'm with Apple on this one thing. Updater [re]building testing is a pain. If it ain't functionally broke, don't fix it, fix the external documentation.

And Apple has done that.

Leo
SQA for another A
http://expat-leo.blogspot.com

Not very pleased here either. Can you folks make updates that actually function? Originally when I bought the PowerBook it burned at 8x with most media types.

I have a Matshita DVD-R UJ-835E in a PowerBook G4 1.67 GHz with 1 GB of RAM.

I applied the SuperDrive FW update. All went well. Afterwards I was able to burn DVD's at 8x with no problem. I managed to burn 4 DVD's at 8x.

The very next day - BOOM - all back to writing DVD's at SUPER-SLOW speed all over again. Poor update, requires Viagra apparently, for longer staying power.

Rebooted. Same slow as a snails pace burning. I tried the update again, naturally it says it's already updated.

I am not a very happy Apple customer. I spend good hard earned $$$$ on your hardware. I in turn fully expect Apple to provide way better customer support. You need to reslove this problem.

I'd like to see a SuperDrive FW Update that lasts longer than one fricking day.

Unhappy, very unhappy...

I have a G4 1.67 with the UJ 835E drive. It accepted the update and now displays burn speeds of upto 8X when 2X was the maximum previously. However now I'm getting the following message when backing up titles using dvd2one and toast 6 "the drive reported an error:sense key=illegal request Sense code=021,002 Buffer underrun" The disc is about 80% done and then has to be ejected. I'm using TDK 1-16 and never had any problems before the update. Any suggestions? I've got 6 coasters so far:(

Either try burning at 4x or switch to another brand like Verbatim.

I've tried different media and have used 1X speed and it still gives me the same message. I have now hooked up my LaCie external, but this is not a long term solution. Does anyone know what the message I'm getting means? Illegal request???

Hi ontraprnr,
I have exactly the same PB and unfortunately also the same problem... ;-(

The SW-Update informed me about the FirmwareUpdate for the Superdrive and I installed it without any problem. BUT since the update my drive won't write CDs/DVDs at any speed - it destroyed the drive.

I got the same ErrorMessage from Toast, then I tried to write with other Apps and DiskUtility said "Can't calibrate the Laser for this Media" or something like that... I tried Branded Disk, Unbranded Disks but all the same, before it begins to write I get the Error.

Please let me know if (and how) you make your drive work...
THX, Berkhoff

PowerBook G4 17" (1.67 GHz) Mac OS X (10.4.6)

PowerBook G4 17" (1.67 GHz) Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Hi ontraprnr,
I have exactly the same PB and unfortunately also the same problem... ;-(

The SW-Update informed me about the FirmwareUpdate for the Superdrive and I installed it without any problem. BUT since the update my drive won't write CDs/DVDs at any speed - it destroyed the drive.

I got the same ErrorMessage from Toast, then I tried to write with other Apps and DiskUtility said "Can't calibrate the Laser for this Media" or something like that... I tried Branded Disk, Unbranded Disks but all the same, before it begins to write I get the Error.

Please let me know if (and how) you make your drive work...
THX, Berkhoff

PowerBook G4 17" (1.67 GHz) Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Hi,
I have a Powerbook Titanium G4 15.2" 1Ghz under a completely updated OSX 10.3.9.

I just installed a UJ-845 to replace the disc-eating original superdrive that came with the laptop.

The new drive will not burn ANYthing. The Firmware Updater will not run (of course, b/c it is only for the UJ835)

When I insert any kind of blank media (I have tried 4 kinds, all of which worked in the old superdrive I had) the drive ejects the disc saying 'the disc drive is not supported. (Error Code 0x80020025)'. Under OS9.2.2 I can insert the media and it will attempt a burn and stop immediately saying the disc can not be burned because the drive is not supported.

With System Profiler, the drive is listed asUJ-845S, Rev 100 and says 'Disc Burning: Not Supported'.

Do I have a defective drive here or am I missing something?

TIA

woops, I guess this should go in the Titanium pbook section. Sorry.