Well cleaned both lasers and tried new cd-r's but again no joy. I'd read a
lot of people had succuess by disabling IMAPI service but unforyunately not
for me. Any how thanks to all who replied, I suppose I'll have tpo pull the
drives, but for now I've left some info below incase someone stumbles accros
this post and it helps them.
Once again thanks and watch this space.
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Power Calibration is controlled by the recorder.
Before any write operation, all recorders must do a 15 step power test to
determine the optimum power for writing to the CD; this is called "Optimum
Power Calibration"(OPC). During the write, it continues to do this test to
get the best write throughout the whole CD; this is called "Running Optimum
Power Calibration" (ROPC).
This whole process is controlled by the recorder, though initiated by
programs such as Nero. There is an area on the inner part of the CD for the
test and test data info to be stored. You can use this area up to 999 times.
If you receive the "Power calibration error" or "Power calibration area is
(amost) full" error message, the cause will be either poor media, poor
power, or a defective recorder.
Please try the following solutions:
Update the firmware of your recorder. Please check the manufacturer's
website for the latest version.
Try another brand of CD-R or CD-RW media.
Try different power connectors, and for recorders, do not share power with
other devices. It needs its own power connector. If the error occurs with an
external recorder, the power source in the chassis could be the cause. As a
test, try to take the recorder out of the external chassis and connect it
internal.
Try different configurations, such as taking the CD-ROM to the primary IDE
bus as slave and have only the recorder connected to the secondary IDE bus
as master.
Send the recorder in for service.
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Good Descriptive Advice
You may receive the Power Calibration Error using Nero and Roxio CD Burner
or any other software the same troubleshooting methods should be used.
The Power Calibration error is also known to happen with internal and
external CD DVD Burners and the below information should help resolve the
error message.
Power Calibration Error Explained
Each time a CD Burner is setup for a CD Burning session the burner hardware
will perform a 15 step power test to determine the OPC for a Blank Media
Disc, OPC meaning Optimum Power Calibration.
This test also takes place during the CD Burning process so the CD Burner
can determine the best burn speed and method for the disc; this test is
called 'Running Optimum Power Calibration'.
Although the test is performed by the hardware of the CD Burner, the device
initializes the CD Burning Software for the test to take place. This is one
reason why your software may report the "Power Calibration Error" or
"Calibration Error Full".
Causes of Power Calibration Errors
With Power Calibration errors they can be caused by different factors and
sometimes difficult to locate, especially if the errors are at random. Below
are the known factors that will cause the Power Calibration Errors and how
to check each factor, it is important that each point is considered if
wanting to get to the bottom of the error.
Blank Media Discs
Power Calibration Errors can occur when OPC or ROPC tests for the media disc
so the condition of the disc, brand of disc and even the firmware for the CD
Burner can be the cause for the errors occurring. Test the drive with more
than one disc (650MB only) and even a different brand, for more assisting on
testing discs please see Blank Media Disc Help.
Although the Firmware of CD Burners is physically burned onto a chip inside
the device it is software based and also determines how a CD Burner reads a
disc. It's always recommended to update the Firmware for a CD Burner when
the drive has problems reading media discs.
Power Consumption
A device such as a CD Burners can have different problems if there is a
power consumption issue with the system and the Power Calibration Error is
just one of those problems. If using either an internal or external CD
Burner make sure to disconnect all other devices, except the hard drive and
Burner, before attempting to burn a disc. Double check all cables for any
faults and if possible test with a 2nd Data Cable. It is also advisable to
disconnect the power connection for the CD Burner and test with a spare
connector.
Dust Accumulating
Dust accumulates on electrical devices such as PCs at a high rate and its
very common for CD Burners to become faulty because of this dust with the
Power Calibration Errors being a tell tale sign. The rubber lip located
around the drawer of the CD Burner, usually inside of the drive, is to
protect the inner workings of the device from dust. Power Calibration Errors
caused by dust can still simply be fixed by using a can of compressed air,
specifically designed for using on PCs. It may also be useful to test with a
CD Cleaner Kit as a last resort.
It is also advisable to test the CD Burner on another PC, if possible, to
see if the Power Calibration Errors occur - if so replace the drive.
--
Regards
p.mc
)