External USB Drive Question

[tmills108]

Hi All,

I have a Dell XPS M1710 laptop with a Plextor PX-760A connected to it through an external Vantec USB case. However, I'm wondering if dBpowerAMP is able to detect C2 error pointers with this drive over USB? I've tried a couple scratched discs but haven't been successful in detecting C2 errors so far.

If USB is a no go, can anyone recommend the best way to rip using a laptop? I've tried using the internal drive, but I have a lot of discs that it won't read that the Plextor reads fine. Would I be better off just ignoring the C2 stuff and relying on AccurateRip and the Plextor's ripping capabilities instead?

Thanks for your insight,
Tom

[SuperCell717]

Re: External USB Drive Question

Same problem here, PX-755uf over firewire (Gateway NX570). When I try -detect C2 support-, the message says no c2 errors, and that's on a disc that I sacrificed to a thumbtack. Ripping with C2 pointers enabled doesn't work, just "error" in the rip status field. I have not yet installed Plextools, I wonder if C2 only works when using that, like the way the maximum drive speed is only available with Plextools. :vmad:

[LtData]

Re: External USB Drive Question

C2 should work over USB, as long as the drive supports it and the IDE-to-USB chipset on the drive itself supports it.

[GypsyM]

Re: External USB Drive Question

LT.

Maybe you can help educate a lowly SGT! I am having the same issue with a PX-230a via Firewire. If I check C2 detection it is all errors. Once I uncheck C2 detection I am able to rip accurately.

Anything I might do to alleviate this?

SGT GypsyM

[Spoon]

Re: External USB Drive Question

Try via usb if you can, it is all down to the chipset on the enclosure.

[tmills108]

Re: External USB Drive Question

Does anyone have or know of a USB/Firewire enclosure that does work?

Thanks,
Tom

[GypsyM]

Re: External USB Drive Question

I hate to say this but it is completely hit and miss. I think it may be dependent on the interface between the enclosure chipset and your motherboard.

I had an enclosure with the prolific chipset and firewire did not work. I exchanged it for an enclosure with a oxford chipset and they both worked. Then I got an replacement D820 from dell and now only USB works. I am sort of pissed but hell at least I got one of them to work.

I used a place called Dealsonic to purchase my enclosure. they were good in working with me to find a setup that worked.

Good luck.

SGT GypsyM

[SuperCell717]

Re: External USB Drive Question

I downloaded EAC, It can identify c2 over firewire, but dbPoweramp only works when I switched from firewire to USB. AFAIK the PX-755UF is a PX-755A with Plextor OEM enclosure.
Thanks GypsyM

[GypsyM]

Re: External USB Drive Question

I have been using a PX-230a in an after market enclosure using USB, because that is what I can get to work. I am using this to rip my collection.

I am setting aside anything I can not get a clean rip of. I will be using the PX-755UF to try those once I am done. I will update and let you how both of these drives work with EAC and USB/Firewire once I get there.

SGT GypsyM

[tmills108]

Re: External USB Drive Question

Hi gang,

Looks like I spoke too soon about the Vantec case. I realized I was still using R12 Beta 3. When I installed the final R12 release everything just started working.

Over USB using the Plextor PX-760A and a Vantec NexStar DX enclosure I had no difficulty getting the C2 and FUA support recognized.

By the way, the dual core support in the Reference edition works great.

I'm a happy camper,
Tom

[SuperCell717]

Re: External USB Drive Question

I gt C2 working with firewire by installing the Nero ASPI layer. Download page here: http://www.nero.com/nero7/eng/WNASPI32.DLL.html
Close dBpoweramp, copy wnaspi32.dll into your dBpoweramp folder, restart and change the communication method to ASPI.

[Spoon]

Re: External USB Drive Question

If you have Nero installed you should be able to select Aspi [Nero], to use it direct (without copying)