The Speedlabs DVR-107, 108 & 109 to A07XL, A08XL & A09XL conversion tutorial

This tutorial thread started life as a post by my good friend carl, who was brave enough to push that little bit beyond…The need has arrisen for it to become a tutorial, as so many are interested!

Why undertake the procedure:

  • 12x ++ rip speed enabled.
  • 40x CD-R writing to appropriate media
  • Pioneer QuietDrive utility™ access

What you will need

1. The firmware and kernel for the XL drive in question (either A07, A08. A09) from – http://flashman.rpc-1.com/

A07 firmware pack:
A08 firmware pack:
Extra A08 files**You will also need these for the A08 mod, as the former contains only the kernel you require.
A09XL 1.57 (new) firmware pack
DVRupdate

How to perform the procedure:

  • Put DVRupdate in a folder with the appropiate kernel and firmware for the drive you are updating.
  • Start DVRupdate and select the correct drive. Select the correct kernel and firmware files. Do not select ‘Fix Mode’.
  • Hit start and wait for the process to finish.
  • If all goes well you now have the advanced kernel and XL firmware loaded to the drive. Be aware the the drive ID string does not change.
  • Download the Pioneer Quiet Drive utility (Pioneer Quiet Utility) and see if it recognizes your drive. If so, it worked. You should reboot at this point.
  • You are now able to use the advanced features of the drive. With DVRupdate you can flash back to the original kernel/firmware as long as you download these from the above site and follow the same procedure.

As always there are risk’s with this. It could go wrong, kill your drive and it will void your warranty. If it goes wrong don’t blame us..But you may be able to recover by selecting ‘Fix Mode’ and flashing the original Kernel/Firmware back to the drive.