Backup firmware before flashing

[Nick-P]

Subject: Backing up Pioneer Firmware Before Flashing

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to back up my Pioneer drive’s firmware before flashing it with Blackened2687's flasher. Is there a way to set a launch/startup flag for this?

Alternatively, I know that (older) DVRFlash can't flash my Pioneer drive. However, is it possible to use DVRFlash simply to back up (e.g., "dump¿") the original firmware?

If neither of the above methods are viable, I’ve noticed that my current firmware version (1.02) is still available on the manufacturer’s website. However, there’s a discrepancy in the firmware dates:

**MakeMKV Drive Info**
- Manufacturer: PIONEER
- Revision: 1.02
- Firmware date: 2022-05-31

**LibreDrive Information**
- Status: Possible, not yet enabled
- Drive platform: Pioneer RS8F00
- Firmware version: ID06

**Manufacturer Website:**
- Optical Drive Firmware: 1.02 (09/27/2022)

Would downloading this version 1.02 for safekeeping allow for future reliable switching between this and a UHD firmware (e.g., BDR-S12JBK)? Essentially, can I revert back and forth between `1.02 (09/27/2022)` and UHD firmware without any issues?

Thanks,
Nick

Postscript (P.S)
Is there a technical barrier preventing Hardware Type/Platform `8F00` from being enabled in LibreDrive? I emailed the support file generated by MakeMKV to support@makemkv.com but received no acknowledgement whatsoever. The 'LibreDrive for Pioneer drives' post (viewtopic.php?f=19&t=27378) states it (RS8xxx) should definitely be supported!

[MartyMcNuts]

Subject: Backing up Pioneer Firmware Before Flashing

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to back up my Pioneer drive’s firmware before flashing it with Blackened2687's flasher. Is there a way to set a launch/startup flag for this?

Alternatively, I know that (older) DVRFlash can't flash my Pioneer drive. However, is it possible to use DVRFlash simply to back up (e.g., "dump¿") the original firmware?

If neither of the above methods are viable, I’ve noticed that my current firmware version (1.02) is still available on the manufacturer’s website. However, there’s a discrepancy in the firmware dates:

**MakeMKV Drive Info**
- Manufacturer: PIONEER
- Revision: 1.02
- Firmware date: 2022-05-31

**LibreDrive Information**
- Status: Possible, not yet enabled
- Drive platform: Pioneer RS8F00
- Firmware version: ID06

**Manufacturer Website:**
- Optical Drive Firmware: 1.02 (09/27/2022)

Would downloading this version 1.02 for safekeeping allow for future reliable switching between this and a UHD firmware (e.g., BDR-S12JBK)? Essentially, can I revert back and forth between `1.02 (09/27/2022)` and UHD firmware without any issues?

Thanks,
Nick

Postscript (P.S)
Is there a technical barrier preventing Hardware Type/Platform `8F00` from being enabled in LibreDrive? I emailed the support file generated by MakeMKV to support@makemkv.com but received no acknowledgement whatsoever. The 'LibreDrive for Pioneer drives' post (viewtopic.php?f=19&t=27378) states it (RS8xxx) should definitely be supported!

No need to back up the firmware.

Also, no need to (and shouldn't) switch between firmware versions. There's only a limited number of times a drive can be flashed. Just flash it and start using it.

[Nick-P]

Okay I've taken the plunge and flashed `BDR-S12JBK` firmware to my Pioneer drive. It worked. I am currently making my first legitimate backup of a brand new (unopened) UHD Blu-Ray. Will I lose any other functionality that I might need in the future?

Elapsed: 24 of 133 minutes

*fingers crossed*: no read errors yet.

But I did get lots of errors such as:
Error 'Scsi error - ILLEGAL REQUEST:CANNOT WRITE MEDIUM - INCOMPATIBLE FORMAT' occurred while issuing SCSI command xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx to device 'SG:dev_xxxxx' however, so far these don't seem to be an issue? Hopefully I'll find out in an hour or so, lol.