So, I wondered about this for years but, I forgot about it for a few aswell.

So, I know computers and cars, but not much about electronics, just the basics.

But, I've been reading about using different proms in memcals. So, I've heard of using EEPROMS instead of EPROMS and "stacking".

So, I'm wondering this, an older PC (like Pentium 3 era and before mainly) will have a CMOS chip, 32 pins of 256, 512, 1, 2, 4 megabits. Which can be flashed by the motherboard.

I know that you can successfully pull the PC's chip at a DOS prompt and insert another, flash it, and go back with no problems/complications.

I ordered a cheap chinese willem programmer the other day, so I'm not just looking for the easiest way out. But, I was pulling proms off PC cards (most 28 pins), looking for useable ones when this idea came back to me from years ago.

I understand obviously that the 32pin to 28pin conversion would need to be accounted for though, hopefully something simple? heh

Just a thought, because PC EEPROMS are free to find in junk computers. And they work excellent for flashing. (In PCs)

-Dave

 

You can find older chips out of PCs that will work. Check out www.mouser.com. You can get the 28 pin 27SF512 chips for $1.50 each. At that rate it isn't worth searching through old electronic devices.
Most Willems support the 27SF512 chip. Check if yours does.

The larger BIOS chips have the boot sector locked most of the time.