Firmware / Conversion for 330fx

[Edward McCouch]

I have a 330fx Optical Jukebox with four(4) 2.6GB drives. I want to convert the drives from 2.6GB to 5.2 GB. According to the PDF I found, it looks like I have to buy a conversion kit and then install (or have an HP CE install)new 5.2 GB drives and then upgrade the firmware for the robotic arm. As I read the firmware section, it says that the firmware needs to be upgraded on the robotic arm AND the drives. I'm not sure if I need to buy the conversion kit at all now.

Can someone verify whether I need new 5.2GB drives or can I just update the firmware on the 2.6GB turning them into 5.2GB drives?

[Curt Thompson · Accepted solution]

Hello Edward,

Sorry, but you do need the conversion kit. The drive are actually 5.2GB (8X) drives compared to your current 2.6GB (4X) drives.

The firmware may still be necessary, but maybe not. What I mean to say is that a NEW conversion kit will contain NEW drives that will probably contain up-to-date firmware. At that point, you just need up-to-date controller firmware and you are finished.

Worst case is you will need f/w for both drives and controller. In any case, adding 8X drive f/w to a 4X drive will not convert it to an 8X drive. In fact, if you are even successful in downloading the 8X f/w to your 4X drives, they will probably end up brain-dead.

Good Luck,
Curt

[Edward McCouch]

That was what I was afraid of, but thank you for the answer. The documentation was a little confusing.

[John Griffith_3]

Hi Edward,

Sounds like Curt has this answered pretty well but I thought I'd throw in some more details...

The drives are entirely different, the controller issue is in fact just a firmware upgrade in most cases. Depending on the upgrade you're doing you may also be required to upgrade the interposer board on the unit to enable the larger number of slots (330fx to 1200ex).

Anyway, it unfortunately is not as straigh forward of a conversion as it might seem and you will need the entire kit. Also in most cases I recommend having a CE do it.

John