USB Programmer - NESdev BBS

USB Programmer
by Dastari on 2009-08-25 (#50204)

I'm trying to learn how to program chips for NES Repro Paks but all of the ones that I see people recommend plug into the parallel port. Unfortunately my computer doesn't have a parallel port. Does anyone know of one that plugs into a USB port?

Please let me know.

by R-T-B on 2009-08-25 (#50206)

I use the USB Willem because it is cheaper, but you might consider one of these if you don't have a paralell port computer handy:

http://www.mcumall.com/comersus/store/c ... cIndex.asp

by Dastari on 2009-08-25 (#50207)

Thanks for the information. Can this programmer also erase chips that already have data? Someone told me that I should get that capability since its cheaper to buy used chips.

I assume that either the GQ-3X or the GQ-4X would fit my needs? Let me know if I'm wrong.

Thanks!

by R-T-B on 2009-08-25 (#50208)

The Willem can erase chips, yes. This is based on it so I assume it should be able to do so. Mind you UV EPROMs like what I use need UV light to be erased, but I only get them because I have a UVLight eraser and they are cheap. Flash and EEPROMs should be easy to erase and burn whatever you want into them.

by Dastari on 2009-08-25 (#50209)

Where can I find the UV eraser?

by tokumaru on 2009-08-25 (#50210)

Dastari wrote:
Where can I find the UV eraser?

Do you really plan on using so many EPROMs that the price difference between them and FlashROMs is that significant?

Erasing with UV light is a pain in the ass process that takes minutes, while FlashROMs can be erased in a few seconds with the programmer.

Also, I think that to program EPROMs with the Willem you need a power adapter, because the USB power alone is not enough to program them.

I can only see disadvantages in EPROMs when compared to Flash (except for the price), so I imagine you are planning on using large quantities of them?

by R-T-B on 2009-08-26 (#50211)

Honestly, he's right. The only reason I bought them is because I already HAVE a UV light eraser. Flash is easier and generally more cost effective, even with the cheaper UV Light erasers these days that can be found.

If you really need a UV Light eraser however, go look on ebay. You also do need a power adapter for the Willem and EPROMS, though they aren't hard to find.

Actually, the coolest thing I've seen lately is NVSRAM (non-volatile SRAM). While expensive, it is a very cool technology. I just can't find any in the NES DIP-28 pinout and size configuration I want.