Power calibration error

11-01-2009, 12:54

Hi all,

I've just tried a to burn a DVD with Nero and I got a "Power calibration" error...

I've had a look around with Google, and found an artice which said to disable a service IMAPI CDROM Burning Service - but I don't appear to have this service on Windows Vista.

Any ideas - or is it a hardware failure?

Cheers

Lee

Bonglet · 11-01-2009, 12:59

Usually the first sign of the writer developing a hardware fault, something to do with the lazer on a dvd-rom not powering enough to the speed the disc is spinning at.

11-01-2009, 15:34

Just what I didn't want to hear! At least it's under a year old - wonder what eBuyer will say!

boroboi · 11-01-2009, 16:04

Had the same thing happen to me recently, it was hit and miss whether it would burn at all but it finally gave in and died.

admars · 11-01-2009, 18:07

it usually does mean device is on it's way out.

Alternatively, are you using a different brand of disc to normal, or have you changed any other hardware in your PC. i remember Nero help saying that PSU may not be powerful enough, which could suggest that the PSU is on its way out, or just isn't up to the job which seems unlikey?

have you tried using some other software?

boroboi · 11-01-2009, 18:23

As you said Admars, it's usually the hardware itself thats about to go six-foot under.

I've had a PSU change myself during a recent upgrade and the problem persisted. Although it could be a PSU issue like you say, if he's not having problems elsewhere on his system id have to say it's the burner.

RubberyDuck · 12-01-2009, 01:04

Update the firmware for the DVD drive, if there is one available, also try using different software, something like imgburn, works good for me and its free.

abailey152 · 12-01-2009, 13:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSainsbury

Hi all,

I've just tried a to burn a DVD with Nero and I got a "Power calibration" error...

I had this problem a couple of years ago.

Try turning your Power Saving features off completely, and maybe turn off any screensaver you may have enabled.

It worked for me then.

12-01-2009, 13:22

OK - update:

I've upgraded the firmware on the drive to the latest from Sony / NEC - still gives the same error.

The last time I used it was about a week ago to burn a data CD and it was perfect then, though this time it's a DVD.

So far I've tried: Nero, Infrarecorder and some ISO burning software.

I've now opened an eNote thing with eBuyer - which they have accepted. I'm just waiting to see who will be paying for the return - either they will collect or I can send back and claim.

I've also noticed that the drive is no longer in stock or has been discontinued - what happens in that instance then?!

Cheers
Lee

RubberyDuck · 12-01-2009, 14:03

Though it sounds like your sending it back but if your drive is one from this site

http://liggydee.cdfreaks.com/page/en/

You can update to a Modified Firmware, my NEC 4550a uses the latest V1.09 Liggy version and burns without a problem even the Dual Layers, it didnt work that well with the Original firmware mind you.

chrisjones · 12-01-2009, 14:26

Is it by chance an external USB drive?

12-01-2009, 14:28

Thanks for the link. Mine is a AD-7191S - that link has the firmware - which I downloaded this morning, but thanks anyway!

---------- Post added at 13:28 ---------- Previous post was at 13:28 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisjones

Is it by chance an external USB drive?

Nope - internal SATA. Zing recommended it!! LOL!

chrisjones · 12-01-2009, 14:52

oooh crap.
Only reason I asked was I had a similar issue when I ran my external drive through a hub, hated it and spat out coasters for a day until I realized the issue..

12-01-2009, 15:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisjones

... until I realized the issue..

Which was??

chrisjones · 12-01-2009, 18:58

The USB hub, like I said, the drive hated it :-S