I cannot get my computer to program these AT29C256 chips. It just WON'T get past 0x2000. It just stops there and sits...

Everything running in the background is closed. I'm using using Craigs bin stacker. I'm trying to load 8 4k files on the chip.

Anyone have any clue why this thing hangs up?

 

try reinstalling your programmer software.

 

Will it load one .bin?.
Try going in steps and see at what point it hangs up.
Have you used this stacker before?.

 

Are you using the Pocket Programmer with their Windows based software? If so, does the computer have Windows ME?

If so, then unless things have changed, it won't work

Two years ago no body could get that combo to work including Xtronics. Basically they said "No support for Windows ME". But if you start the computer in "Safe Mode", then the Xtronics software WILL work.

If that is not your problem, then talk to Xtronics. About 1-1.5 years ago, some people found their Pocket Programmer did not work with all eproms. The Pocket Programmer would work on some eproms, but some others it would not. (And it wasn't a Windows ME problem either).

After no on this board could offer any advice, they went to Xtronics; confirmed the SN/Model of their Pocket Programmer and got a new Pocket Programmer (even though they were past their warranty period - but not a long time either).

Good luck.

 

thanks for the replies fellas. I'm using Win98. I'll try loading in steps, the furthest I've ever seen it go so far is 0x2200.

I've used Craig Moates' stacker a couple times before. I was trying to narrow down where the problem was so I used Mangus' GM ECM Edit stacker and had the same results.

 

Is it not possible to stack the bins using DOS on your computer? I've got an old 486 that I use to burn chips and it's a simple thing to do.

John

 

Check the combined file size for 32k, if it is then the stacker is working or at least it's enough to program onto a chip. Then make certain the correct flash prom is selected. Next make certain it's starting at 0x0000. Last resort, reinstall the software. What programmer are you using?

 

Glenn,

Are you saying that the Windows ME + Xtronics(is it Xtronics or Intronics?) Windows software won't work, or this combo + stacker program won't work?

I'm currently using Intronics Ver 1.02 dated 4 Sept 2001 and have been using it since Oct of 2001 with Windows ME without any problems.

I have only burnt to AT29C256 chips. I use the DOS Copy command to double the bin as I am running a 165ECM and so far haven't ran amok of anything.

Sparks a flyin'

 

I'm using the PP2. I called Xtronics and they said that the version of software I had was known to have problems with programming 29C256 chips. He was nice enuf to give the latest version.

It still doesn't work tho. I had my brother take the chips to work and use the programmer they have there. They all programmed ok...but he was using a multi-thousand dollar piece of equipment.

I've tried two computers. I'm thinking either the chips are bad, or the programmer is busted. So I'm going to narrow it down by using a friends PP2.

 

My Epromer5 had the same problem, would always fail in the same spot. It ended up being a bad socket on the board, ie poor pin contact.

 

Everything worked fine for him with 27C128s, but when we went 29C256, my setup worked fine and my friends didn't.

 

Glenn,

I guess I was just lucky. I haven't tried to burn any other chips with the PP2, though I have read some chips from Panasonic cash registers with it.

Sparks a flyin'

 

I would guess something is going bad hardware-wise in your programmer itself ... you might consider sending it back for verification/repair.