What kind of programmer to get? So many cheap ones...will they work?
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From: Stillwater, OK
Car: 1991 Formula
Engine: 355 DFI Superram w/ R-Trim
Transmission: Probuilt 700r4
What kind of programmer to get? So many cheap ones...will they work?
I was just browsing on ebay for fun and came across SEVERAL "pocket programmer look alikes." What exactly am I looking for to get the job done? All of these had pretty much identical zif sockets and similar looking hardware. Some used paralell, some used IDE, and some used RS232. The kicker was they were selling for around $30. Compare that to a $150 dollar pocket programmer. I dont have any problem spending the money for the PP but if something else much cheaper will work...
Are these cheap programmers missing key features in order for them to be used for our eproms or will they work? Much thanks!
Here is a link to one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI...ndexURL=0&rd=1
I can post more links if needed.
Are these cheap programmers missing key features in order for them to be used for our eproms or will they work? Much thanks!
Here is a link to one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI...ndexURL=0&rd=1
I can post more links if needed.
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Joined: Jul 1999
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From: The Bone Yard
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The hardware is one issue, the next is software supplied with the programmer. Before Xtronics brought out their Windows Version, there was a lot more "manipulation" you had to do with the DOS software. If you had a MAF system and wanted to use a Flash Prom (AT29C256), you had to convert you 16K MAF Bin to a 32K Bin (upper half) and then burn it. The Windows version makes it so much simpler as you only have to adjust the "Starting Address" by Hex 4000 so it would program the 16K BIn properly.
Also, it may be the programmer is limited on the eproms/flash proms that it can work with. You may find that the programmer won't work with the eproms/flash proms you intend to you. In that case, it's useless.
Xtronics increased the price of their Pocket Programmer because they started to include the Windows Software with the unit and Xtronics is constantly updating the software for "bugs" (they can and DO exist) and for new eproms/flash proms as they are released.
Lastly, Xtronics really stands behind their product. I know of a couple of people that initially had no problems programming their eproms but when they converted to Flash Proms, the programmer just wouldn't work. Even though they were past the "warranty period" Xtronics took the old programmer and gave them a new one, free of charge. That is the kind of company I like to do business with and why I recommend them.
Also, it may be the programmer is limited on the eproms/flash proms that it can work with. You may find that the programmer won't work with the eproms/flash proms you intend to you. In that case, it's useless.
Xtronics increased the price of their Pocket Programmer because they started to include the Windows Software with the unit and Xtronics is constantly updating the software for "bugs" (they can and DO exist) and for new eproms/flash proms as they are released.
Lastly, Xtronics really stands behind their product. I know of a couple of people that initially had no problems programming their eproms but when they converted to Flash Proms, the programmer just wouldn't work. Even though they were past the "warranty period" Xtronics took the old programmer and gave them a new one, free of charge. That is the kind of company I like to do business with and why I recommend them.
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