Pros to using flash PROMs
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Pros to using flash PROMs
Regarding my question about JET proms, I looked again and it is the window style prom. Should I ditch the prom eraser and go to flash proms? What are the advantages beside being able to flash them? I am using a 88 165 ECM and Tunercat. Is programming them the same process? What are the numbers on the flash proms, and how much do they cost? That last question my have been asked already. Thanks!
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The Flash Prom (AT29C256) allows you to electrically erase them by the Pocket Programmer rather than using a UV Eraser.
Depending on the version and type of software used, you don't have even "initialize" them, you can reprogram directly onto the Flash Prom. Thus saving the UV Erase time, which must be increased over time as you re-use the Eprom more. So it is a great time saver.
Lastly, a Flash Prom has a virtually indefinite life while an Eprom can only be reprogrammed so many times before either the Erase Time become intolerable (hours) or just won't erase and reprogram properly. Depends on the type and quality but anywhere from 25-50 times is about the maximum times you can re-use an Eprom. Sometimes not even 25 times if it is a poor quality Eprom.
The cost is actually almost the same as an Eprom, some places charge $1.00 more. Generally $5-$6 for a Flash Prom.
You can get them either from Insight (they have a minimum order of $50.00) so you may want to organize a group purchase...there are always guys wanting them. Or you can buy "onesies and twosies" from JDR, but they have a high shipping cost and I have had bad luck in them cancelling my order for no reason at all, and then scooping the Shipping cost without shipping anything.
Depending on the version and type of software used, you don't have even "initialize" them, you can reprogram directly onto the Flash Prom. Thus saving the UV Erase time, which must be increased over time as you re-use the Eprom more. So it is a great time saver.
Lastly, a Flash Prom has a virtually indefinite life while an Eprom can only be reprogrammed so many times before either the Erase Time become intolerable (hours) or just won't erase and reprogram properly. Depends on the type and quality but anywhere from 25-50 times is about the maximum times you can re-use an Eprom. Sometimes not even 25 times if it is a poor quality Eprom.
The cost is actually almost the same as an Eprom, some places charge $1.00 more. Generally $5-$6 for a Flash Prom.
You can get them either from Insight (they have a minimum order of $50.00) so you may want to organize a group purchase...there are always guys wanting them. Or you can buy "onesies and twosies" from JDR, but they have a high shipping cost and I have had bad luck in them cancelling my order for no reason at all, and then scooping the Shipping cost without shipping anything.
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You need to get a 34 pin connector called a "header" (Digi-Key) has it and it is mentioned in the article. In fact, the article gives you the part number as I used it to order one from Digi-Key (costs $5.00).
I then just "cut" the end tabs off and 6 of the pins (3 pairs) with a Dremel to leave me with 28 pins. I then just plug the modified "header" in the PP and the Memcal (or piggy-back, they both connect the same) into the header and there you are.
Tim use to have "pictures" of the connector which clearly showed what this looks like. Maybe Tim can send you a copy of the picture.
I then just "cut" the end tabs off and 6 of the pins (3 pairs) with a Dremel to leave me with 28 pins. I then just plug the modified "header" in the PP and the Memcal (or piggy-back, they both connect the same) into the header and there you are.
Tim use to have "pictures" of the connector which clearly showed what this looks like. Maybe Tim can send you a copy of the picture.
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