eprom progrqmmer

[zarobhr]

can any one recommend a decent eprom programmer for a decent price.

i want to be able to make backups of my game chips for personnel assurance Ie broken legs

[poppo]

can any one recommend a decent eprom programmer for a decent price.

i want to be able to make backups of my game chips for personnel assurance Ie broken legs

A lot will depend on what type of chips you are working with. A cheap Willem works fine for 27CXXX chips.

Might just try doing a search (button near the top) for 'eprom programmer' as there are several threads dedicated to discussing various models. 

[hd474]

I use one of these:

http://www.batronix.com/shop/programmer/eprom-programmer.html

[poppo]

I use one of these:

http://www.batronix.com/shop/programmer/eprom-programmer.html

Again, I think a lot depends on what it is needed for. My $35 programmer works just fine on 27CXXX and serial EEPROMS. Until I have a need for something it can't program, I can't see spending a lot. Now if someone is programming in quantity, then maybe 10 seconds vice 60 (just an example) might be a reason to buy something better. But for the casual user, I would get the cheapest one that gets the job done.

[hd474]

@poppo:
I also used a cheap willem programmer and it worked fine. but the ones i recommened here have nice features like eprom type auto detect (no need to change dip switches), the software is great and they do not require an external power supply since they are powered by the usb port. I would normally agree to your statement, that the cheapest one does the job, but the batronix are somewhat foolproof, which makes them easier to use for the casual user. It's -as always- just a question of personell priorities.

@zarobhr:
poppo's recommandation does the job and it's cheap, my one might be more convinient.

have fun!

Jens

[Ron (r273)]

I went the cheaper route for my use too. Mounted it on a board with a thin peice of foam. Also got an
adapter for other chips including 40pins.

Ron (r273)

[StatFreak]

Where are all the GQ-4X owners? I know we have a lot of them.

I use it and am very happy with it. I bought it to replace the Willem Dual Power piece of S#^t that destroyed some of my chips when reading them by putting out programming voltages during the reads. In this case, I'd say that you get what you pay for.

The GQ-4X goes for $100 without the PLCC adaptors on mcumall, or buy the kit if you want them. It's slower than the more expensive burners and doesn't auto-detect the brand and type of chip, but you can select a generic chip family (such as 27c512) from the menu and it will then tell you the brand and specific number. You can also save the chips you use most to a custom menu which ends up being almost as fast as an auto-detect. It's only a problem if the chip has a sticker that you don't want to remove and you have no idea of the size or type.

They also provide regular software and supported chip updates.

[zarobhr]

i ordered the  GQ-4X

[jbshocks]

I use one of these:

http://www.batronix.com/shop/programmer/eprom-programmer.html

Again, I think a lot depends on what it is needed for. My $35 programmer works just fine on 27CXXX and serial EEPROMS. Until I have a need for something it can't program, I can't see spending a lot. Now if someone is programming in quantity, then maybe 10 seconds vice 60 (just an example) might be a reason to buy something better. But for the casual user, I would get the cheapest one that gets the job done.

What model is your $35 programmer and where did you get it?  I am looking to back up Universal and IGT S or S+

[CaptainHappy]

I went the cheaper route for my use too. Mounted it on a board with a thin peice of foam. Also got an
adapter for other chips including 40pins.

Ron (r273)

Ron,

You Cheap Bastard.... You flash us your $10,000 Bill and then buy a $35 programmer!!! You can affor the GQ-4X that alot of us have!!!

  Just kidding of course!!!

I just wanted to put my vote in for the GQ-4X available from www.mcumall.com if I remember correctly

CH

P.S. Ron, you remember the $10,000 that you owe me, right???

[poppo]

I bought it to replace the Willem Dual Power piece of S#^t that destroyed some of my chips when reading them by putting out programming voltages during the reads.

I found that it's best (with the Willem) to always do a read with no chip in first, otherwise you don't know the state of the pins. I had noticed that on power up, sometimes the program LED would be lit, other times not. So I just got in the habit of doing a read on power up and never had a problem.

[poppo]

What model is your $35 programmer and where did you get it?  I am looking to back up Universal and IGT S or S+

Mine is a 'Enhanced Willem'. It's an older model but works fine. I got it on e-bay. Just do a search there for Willem. All of them will do 27CXXX chips.  

Note: A lot of the Willem models use a parallel port and the USB is only for power. So if you don't have a parallel port, those models won't work. Also the 'dual power' ones can use USB or a separate supply for power. Mine only has USB power, but I use a +5V regulated wall wart to power it (via the USB port) as it seems to be more reliable.

[proten]

I have the GQ-4X and I use it to backup my S+ and Bally E series.
I am no electronic nut and not rich by no means but I have not had
any problem working my GQ-4X and the price is very affordable.

[StatFreak]

I bought it to replace the Willem Dual Power piece of S#^t that destroyed some of my chips when reading them by putting out programming voltages during the reads.

I found that it's best (with the Willem) to always do a read with no chip in first, otherwise you don't know the state of the pins. I had noticed that on power up, sometimes the program LED would be lit, other times not. So I just got in the habit of doing a read on power up and never had a problem.

I know. In the case of the model I owned, that solution didn't really work. The trick was to perform a read on an already destroyed chip O & O until the red burn LED no longer came on. I used to also check to be sure that the checksum of the already corrupted chip didn't change for at least 6 successive reads. Sometimes that would take as many as 20 reads to happen. Even after all of that I still lost one more chip to that piece of dog s#^|.

Besides, who wants to go through that kind of a hassle every time one wants to back up a chip?    The GQ-4X is only $100 (another $50-$65) and works flawlessly with no DIP switches, no damaging reads, and no hassles.

You get what you pay for when it comes to these readers.

[poppo]

One bad thing about the Willem programmers is there is like a dozen different models and not every version of software works with each. And trying to figure out which goes with which is not always easy (despite the support web site).

I agree that it would be less hassle to pay a little more, but if someone is really on a budget, the cheap ones 'can' work.

I did have a TOP2005 (or some similar model) that was a PITA. You had to keep reloading the USB drivers or rebooting the PC to get it to work at all.  

[StatFreak]

I can definitely understand someone being on a tight budget. Even so, if one can afford to buy the machines, one should be able to spring for a $100 burner.


For others reading this thread, there are more expensive and better burners than the GQ-4X for those who need them. For example, Buzz's burner costs three times what we paid for our 4X, but burns chips eight times faster and auto reads the chip type, size, and mfg.  For those who need to burn dozens of large chips at a time like he does it's well worth it, but it's overkill for those of us who only burn a chip or two once in a while. There are even faster burners that will also burn several chips at a time for those with larger business needs.

Still, there's a line on the low end that's not worth crossing, IMO, especially when there's a risk of damaging a perfectly good chip for no reason, or to save the endless hassle of changing DIP switches.

Stat

[poppo]

Will the GQ-4X do 8 pin serial EEPROMS like the 24C04 without an adapter (I need to be able to program them)?  On my Willem, there is a separate socket for them.

Actually that is another plus and minus on the Willem. Lots of different sockets (a plus), but little documentaion on which one to use (a minus). The picture on the software when selecting a chip, does not always match up with the programmer you have due to the many different versions.

[Ron (r273)]

I went the cheaper route for my use too. Mounted it on a board with a thin peice of foam. Also got an
adapter for other chips including 40pins.

Ron (r273)

Ron,

You Cheap Bastard.... You flash us your $10,000 Bill and then buy a $35 programmer!!! You can affor the GQ-4X that alot of us have!!!

  Just kidding of course!!!

I just wanted to put my vote in for the GQ-4X available from www.mcumall.com if I remember correctly

CH

P.S. Ron, you remember the $10,000 that you owe me, right???

OK the checks in the mail.

I purchased mine 4 or 5 years ago. But if I had to do it over I now would go with the GQ-4X too.

Ron (r273)

[StatFreak]

Will the GQ-4X do 8 pin serial EEPROMS like the 24C04 without an adapter (I need to be able to program them)?  On my Willem, there is a separate socket for them.

Actually that is another plus and minus on the Willem. Lots of different sockets (a plus), but little documentaion on which one to use (a minus). The picture on the software when selecting a chip, does not always match up with the programmer you have due to the many different versions.

Yes.  I've burned 27C1001, 27C2001, 27C4001, and 27C801 chips with no adapter. It does require an adapter to burn the 16bit chips. They have a $19 and a $30 version of the adapter. Both have a ZIF for the 40 pin socket, but the cheaper one doesn't have a ZIF for the 42 pin socket.

The software tells you if you need an adapter when you select the chip and specifies it by model number. For a 27C24, for example, it states:

ADP-054, ADP-055 16 BIT EPROM ADAPTER

[erbs]

Zarobhr  Good choice, the GQ-4X is what I use. Easy to use hadn't had any problems.

[coorslight115]

GQ-4x is the way to go!! Had mine for 3 years and never let me down yet. 27c4002 require an adapter. Not a high production machine but a real simple no fuss unit for the casual to moderate user and no learning curve! All for around a $100 with free lifetime software upgrades!

[channelmaniac]

One bad thing about the Willem programmers is there is like a dozen different models and not every version of software works with each. And trying to figure out which goes with which is not always easy (despite the support web site).

I agree that it would be less hassle to pay a little more, but if someone is really on a budget, the cheap ones 'can' work.

I did have a TOP2005 (or some similar model) that was a PITA. You had to keep reloading the USB drivers or rebooting the PC to get it to work at all.  

The TOP programmers are easy... If the software won't start, go to the directory it's in and erase the config file then start it up. Took me awhile to find that tidbit.

Now, I LOVE my TopMax programmers as they'll do just about anything I throw at it from bipolar PROMs to GAL/PAL/PALCE to NVRAMs/Flash to EPROMs. BUT, they are not cheap!!!

RJ

[stayouttadabunker]

I might burn a chip a couple of times a year...tops!
( I don't buy as many kits like Yoeddy does!    )
The GX-4X chip reader/programmer that I purchased a few years ago has never let me down.
It's been great for my favorite hobby!
I highly recommend it for a hobbyist/slot homeowner that doesn't have an
industrial need for one.

[laneman]

I had a GQ 4X and liked it alot but it wouldnt do the Aristocrat M27V322 chips so I bought a Chipmax2.
The chipmax wasnt cheap but is a really good,fast programmer,best one that I have had to date.

[stayouttadabunker]

Yes,
It's good to check and see what each of these programmers are
capable of doing before one goes out and buys one.
They don't all work for all your needs.
Sometimes you just gotta go pay the big bucks...