Advice on eprom burner/programmer needed

[Riptor]

Wow, that TOP853 from HongKong looks in my price range.

I'm looking for a chip reader/programmer for stuff like Galaga and Stargate. Will this do when I'm looking for? Will it work with Win7? I've never used one so I'm a n00b.

I can verify that the GQ-4X works just fine on win7 and XP. Never used a TOP.

 

[SuperGunGuru]

I can verify that the GQ-4X works just fine on win7 and XP. Never used a TOP.

That's cool to know about Windows 7. I'm hoping to finally get a new PC soon and I also own a GQ-4X. It's served me well and I've been really happy with it, though I do need to get an external power supply for it. I was at Rat Shack going to buy one, but of course the adapter piece that would fit my burner was out of stock for their generic supplies.

 

[kb0jjn]

GQ-4X for the win!

+1

This is one of the one's I am considering. That or a TopMaxx.

 

[Muel]

+1 for the GQ-4X

I was able to successfully program 2532's an 2732's on it without an external PS. The USB port must've provided just enough power to program the eproms.

It's worth the $$$

 

[G-P-E]

I own an older Advin and a SuperPro2000.
The Advin works great - does most anything including the old stuff.
The SuperPro2000 (upscale version of Topmax) is the biggest piece of C that I ever bought.

 

[tyranix95]

What's the model number on the Advin programmer?

 

[Broodwich]

I also had my eye on the GQ-4X they're $99.99 on ebay shipped. I heard about the external power source requirement also but figured i'd get one from the shack unless i already have one

 

[G-P-E]

What's the model number on the Advin programmer?

Advin Pilot U84+

Quite reliable BUT it is a parallel port operated programmer. Had to keep an old computer around that has a parallel port on it.

My Superpro 2000+ is also a parallel port programmer. Has a ton of devices on it's programming list. Does EPROM's fine but really sucks at programming PLD's and serial PROMs. Sometimes it works...sometimes it doesn't.

Ed

 

[tyranix95]

How long does it take your Parallel port burners to burn a few roms?

Oh, just pic a few sets: like, 3, 6, 8 Roms..

I ask because, a while back, I was thinking about getting a WILLEM Parallel port burner--until I saw a USB burner in action. It was so fast it blew me away.

 

[G-P-E]

How long does it take your Parallel port burners to burn a few roms?

Oh, just pic a few sets: like, 3, 6, 8 Roms..

I ask because, a while back, I was thinking about getting a WILLEM Parallel port burner--until I saw a USB burner in action. It was so fast it blew me away.

Can't remember - it's been awhile since I have done EPROM's.
But, I am pretty sure the programming speed depends on the individual device's programming algorythm as well as data content and not so much the computer interface (except for real old RS232 programmers).
If the data content is mostly high (such as lots of FF's) then it goes very quickly. If the bits are mostly zeros then it goes considerably slower. When EPROM's are erased - each byte is changed to all bits high (FF). As it gets programmed, bits are set or programmed to zero. The more zeros, the slower. Age and condition of part also makes a big difference. Often, older erased parts take considerably longer to program as the programmer may need to hit a bit mulitple times to set it low. After too many tries, it gives up and tells the user to roundfile the part.