Is any body else Having this problem. I'm using the Pocket Programer. I just read try downloading from dos mode. This is my last resort before I go back to Eproms.

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'91 Formula
383CI Supercharged
5-speed
3.42
12.34@117.04
on Drag Radials

 

Read the two recent posts on EEProms as I recently discussed what I had to do to get the AT29C256-12PC to work.

Basically, you have to do the following:

1) Be in DOS mode, not Windows
2) Use Fileprom.exe
3) Select the AT29C256 from the Flash Proms
4) Insert your Flash Prom
5) Do a (B)lank check (option 1)
6) If it is not Blank, then you must load a file of "Hex FFs" on to the Flash Prom first. I just found the AT29C256s preferred that rather than just programming straight from a file over an already programmed Flash Prom.
7) Check again for Blank.
8) Once Blank, then you can chose option 2, program from a file. You must specify the directory and then chose the file from the directory.

If you do not have a "Blank File", you can create one by running EPROM.EXE, chosing the 27C256 and then filling the memory with Hex FFs (option 6) and then saving the buffer to a file.

As I said, I found the AT29C256-12PC preferred to be "initialized" with Hex FFs before you program it. So it takes an extra 30 seconds. If you don't, it will appear to program correctly, it will verify to the file correctly, but the ecm will not like it.

 

I wonder if this is a problem with the Pocket Programmer or its software. I cant program Flash PROMs from within Windows, whether I use the Windows version or the Dos version. But if I exit to Dos I can use the Dos version (fileprom.exe) and burn Flash PROMs all I want. Weird... EPROMs work just fine using the Windows version. And I've tried all different settings for the parallel port of the computer.

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West Coast GM Shootout 2001!
1991 Camaro Z28
5.7L 5-Speed (originally 305)
13.25 @ 107.18 MPH
Southern California
Member: SoCal 3rd Gen F-Bodies
Webmaster: SoCal F-Bodies
-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

I use the Windows version of the pocket programmer software. You can download it off the their website. From what I understand the chip gets erased as it gets programmed, so there's no need to load it with FFs. Mine will sometimes stop programming if I have other programs running in the backround, but I just make sure to kill everything before I start programming and it programs quickly with no problems... while still in Windows.

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92 Z28 5.7
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Trick Flow 23° heads, Comp Cams XR270HR-10 cam, Accel intake base + ported TPI,
TES headers, Flowmaster catback, MSD ignition, #24 SVO injectors, 1LE aluminum driveshaft.

Click here to see pics of my car.
Check out our car club Truspeed
Check out the Bin Archive for all your .bin needs

 

Actually, if you read the documentation for Fileprom.exe they mention that Flash Proms may not work properly if you execute FILEPROM from a Windows and recommend using DOS directly if you are using FILEPROM.

 

The Windows version costs an extra $49.95. I'll save my money and just load Hex FFs instead.

 

I've tried doing it with no other programs running. I've tried everything but safe mode. It'll let me load all FF's but it'll stop while programming and say there is a device error. Oh well, its annoying but at least it works.

 

Thanks guys. Tried it dos mode and it down loaded just fine. Now to see how it works in the car.

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'91 Formula
383CI Supercharged
5-speed
3.42
12.34@117.04
on Drag Radials

 

The windows version is a free download from their website. I just went and downloaded it... Sometimes it takes 5-6 tries to program a flash prom but I tried it with loaded all FFs first and there was absolutely no difference. Programming FFs is like programming a regular .bin.. if it's gonna fail there's nothing I can do about it. Lately I just kill ALL programs that are running and it usually goes on the 2nd try if not on the first.

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92 Z28 5.7
------------------
Trick Flow 23° heads, Comp Cams XR270HR-10 cam, Accel intake base + ported TPI,
TES headers, Flowmaster catback, MSD ignition, #24 SVO injectors, 1LE aluminum driveshaft.

Click here to see pics of my car.
Check out our car club Truspeed
Check out the Bin Archive for all your .bin needs