inexpensive eprom programmer, suitable for 27c128

[RevEng]

Just thought I'd share that I found this TOP853 eprom programmer that seems to work well with 27c128 eproms which are often used in 16k homebrew 2600 carts. Doubtlessly other sized chips in the same family will work too, though I haven't tested them.

 

 

BTW, I didn't buy it through the above link (went through ebay) so that's not an endorsement of them. They were just the first hit in google.

 

Nothing much more to say about the programmer, other than it's small, runs on USB power, and seems to work just fine. It only does 5v chips, so it's probably not the most flexible programmer you can buy. Also the manual and software is in broken english, but it was easy enough to figure out without even cracking the manual.

 

With this programmer and some choice selections from the AA store (socketed cart, a few eproms) you're ready to burn your own for ~$100. (but don't forget to factor in an eprom eraser, or buy a lot of eproms!)

 

Of course, if you're only looking to test out your code on real hardware you'll hopefully be able to grab a harmony cart later this year instead.

[yuppicide]

I would have just waited and got:

 

http://www.progshop.com/shop/programmer/BX...programmer.html

 

I hear lots of good things about it.

 

Yours is a very good price, though, and USB which is nice.

[Wickeycolumbus]

That is a nice deal!

 

I would have just waited and got:

 

http://www.progshop.com/shop/programmer/BX...programmer.html

 

I hear lots of good things about it.

 

Yours is a very good price, though, and USB which is nice.

 

I also have the bx32, kind of wish I got the bx40 though. I suppose I could build an adapter to program the 40 pin EPROMs though

[yuppicide]

What would I program using the BX40?

 

I mean for myself anyway I only want to do Atari 2600 stuff, so maybe the 40 is overkill.

 

I must say that BX32 is a really nice looking unit. Looks like it's built very well.

[Wickeycolumbus]

What would I program using the BX40?

 

Not sure if you would want it, but I would program larger EPROMs for other systems (SNES, Genisis, ect...) and for new large bankswitching schemes for the 2600 I may design in the future.

[+selgus]

I must say that BX32 is a really nice looking unit. Looks like it's built very well.

I use the BX32 and it is very well made, along with easy to use. I would, and have, recommended it to others if they are in need of a eprom burner.

--Selgus

[yuppicide]

Thanks, yeah I wouldn't need the BX40, but the information is nice to know.

 

I (don't think I still have it) have always had a fancy, though, to dump an NES cart and have someone go through the source.

 

I have (don't think I still have it) this one multicart that drives me absolutely crazy.

 

You turn it on and get like 32 - in - 1.. pops up a menu and some music. Has 32 different games.

 

You turn if off and on again you get 31 - in 1 or something close to that.. a different menu with different music. No repeat games at all.

 

Here's the weird part.. if you don't have the cartridge in correctly sometimes you turn it on and can see a THIRD menu with different graphics, but you can't access anything in it. It doesn't fully display properly so you can't read what games are in it. I'd LOVE to see what's in that section.

 

What would I program using the BX40?

 

Not sure if you would want it, but I would program larger EPROMs for other systems (SNES, Genisis, ect...) and for new large bankswitching schemes for the 2600 I may design in the future.

[disjaukifa]

Just thought I'd share that I found this TOP853 eprom programmer that seems to work well with 27c128 eproms which are often used in 16k homebrew 2600 carts. Doubtlessly other sized chips in the same family will work too, though I haven't tested them.

 

 

BTW, I didn't buy it through the above link (went through ebay) so that's not an endorsement of them. They were just the first hit in google.

 

Nothing much more to say about the programmer, other than it's small, runs on USB power, and seems to work just fine. It only does 5v chips, so it's probably not the most flexible programmer you can buy. Also the manual and software is in broken english, but it was easy enough to figure out without even cracking the manual.

 

With this programmer and some choice selections from the AA store (socketed cart, a few eproms) you're ready to burn your own for ~$100. (but don't forget to factor in an eprom eraser, or buy a lot of eproms!)

 

Of course, if you're only looking to test out your code on real hardware you'll hopefully be able to grab a harmony cart later this year instead.

 

Hey do you know if this will work with 2732 and 27C32? Also are you still satisfied with the programmer? Looking at getting one myself.

 

Thanks

Disjaukifa

[RevEng]

Yes, its supposed to work with 27C32 and 2732.

 

I'm still very happy with the purchase. The programmer does what its supposed to do, and it hasn't failed me once.

[Bruce Tomlin]

Most "cheap" EPROM programmers will work with anything from 2764 to 27512, since they are all 5-volt 28-pin parts, and 2716/2732 since you just need to shuffle around the +5V power pin. Other than programming timings (which can be ignored if you simply use slower algorithms), the only real difference is the programming voltage.

 

(But even expensive programmers might not support reading 2708, much less programming it, since it needed 3 voltages just to power up the chip. That's not much of a problem unless you play around with really old coin-ops or old Apple II stuff.)