PSA: New Archgon UHD drives do not allow flashing

[blind-s33r]

Post the Makemkv info. Make sure it's a MT1959 drive. You know that you have to switch enclosures for flashing?

I already swapped and flashed it do bu40n 1.00 as Im running linux, my other bu40ns work perfectly fine... well one is dying which is I grabbed the new archgon.

Code: Select all

Drive Information
OS device name: /dev/sr0
Current profile: BD-ROM
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.00
Serial number: MO2P56B1549
Firmware date: 2116-12-20 15:28
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 76

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Original (unpatched)
Firmware version: 1.00
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

Disc Information
Label: ALITA_BATTLE_ANGEL
Timestamp: 2019-05-28 16:01:22
Protection: AACS2.0/C v68
Data capacity: 59.20 Gb
Disc type: BD-ROM UHD
Number of layers: 2
Bus encryption flags: 80

Return it.

Eh, the drive itself works perfectly fine in the old enclosure for 4k ripping, Ill hold off as I needed the drive either way and hope in the future the enclosure will be supported...

[Coopervid]

Your decision. A SATA>USB adapter will work. But that's cumbersome.

[blind-s33r]

Your decision. A SATA>USB adapter will work. But that's cumbersome.

I did notice that it never says Using libredrive mode when trying to start a rip so I have to assume that thats the issue, it wont even use libredrive mode on dvd's or blurays either...

[Coopervid]

Post your Makemkv info. I guess it's not flashed successfully.

[blind-s33r]

Post your Makemkv info. I guess it's not flashed successfully.

I already did, as I said the drive itself works in the old enclosure. Its just the new enclosure that's the issue. Maybe mike can bypass the restriction in a future version of makemkv if that is the root issue.

[Coopervid]

Now. If you are on Linux go back to a 17.x version of Makemkv since 18.x versions don't work OK:

[blind-s33r]

Now. If you are on Linux go back to a 17.x version of Makemkv since 18.x versions don't work OK:

18.x works fine for me, I've never had the issues most other people have as I build it from source... its the enclosure.

[A.RABID.BUFFALO]

Post your Makemkv info. I guess it's not flashed successfully.

It’s the enclosure and not the drives. The drive can be flashed and will rip 4K outside of the enclosure. When putting a second known working drive in the enclosure it will behave the same way. The Amazon listing also explicitly says “Do not use Illegal firmware to circumvent DRM”. When the enclosure is taken apart the PCB that functions to convert the data from the drive to USB C looks nothing like any of my previous working enclosure PCBs. That’s not super telling, however it has an extra chip on most likely either stopping the drive when it notices a disc being ripped or preventing it from communicating with MakeMkV. I have a pioneer slim drive on the way to throw in and test for shits and giggles. To see if this is strictly recognizing modded LG firmware or if it’s preventing any drive regardless of manufacturer to communicate with MakeMKV.

[starkiller]

As pointed out in the beginning of this topic the new enclosure has a different USB to SATA III controller:

initio INIC-3639PN

It is most likely the INIC3639PN-FL; the QFN48 pin package variant supporting Type-C, from the 3639F family. I suspect that Archgon has programmed this IC to disable vendor command passthrough. Which prevents certain low-level operations such as LibreDrive, direct drive programming, and ripping.

I have ordered the drive and am waiting to receive it to do further testing. If anyone is able to obtain a copy of the MPTools for this chip, it may be more than possible to reprogram the IC and restore passthrough functionality, unlocking full programming and ripping capabilities through the enclosure.

This Chinese webpage gives some information but unfortunately no datasheet: https://www.szlvdu.com/show-9-12.html

[Reveille]

I purchased two new USB-C Archgon drives as my old USB 3.1 drives I have accidently busted over past 2 years. I took them apart switched the new drive to the old USB 3.1 case. I can confirm that the new drive flashes completely the same as the old one. I ripped a 4K UHD movie with no issues at all. The only apparent difference is the card that plugs into the back of the drive to make it USB-C. Please note that you must use SDF Tool Flasher v1.3.5 I couldn't get the new flasher to work with this drive. I have pictures of the two different cards taken out of the cases but unsure how to upload them here.

For those interested in taking the drive out of the case there is two small screws underneath the back rubber feet. Then there is a small screw in the side of the plastic case to remove it. After this the board will easily slip off. If you don't have an old case you can simply install it a slim drive slot on a desktop PC. I plan to do this with the second drive I have.