EPROM burner

SuperBee4406

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I am getting into this hobby even deeper now, because I am needing EPROM chip made.

So my question is, Any recommendations on a basic EPROM burner, that I wont break the bank, and is good for a once in while use?
 
Inexpensive EPROM burner which will handle old EPROMs/PROMs for arcade games?

Hands down, Data I/O System 29B with LogicPak and UniPak2B.

I still see these pop up on ebay all the time. Last one I noticed sold for around $50 or so.

Dave

I am getting into this hobby even deeper now, because I am needing EPROM chip made.

So my question is, Any recommendations on a basic EPROM burner, that I wont break the bank, and is good for a once in while use?
 
Inexpensive EPROM burner which will handle old EPROMs/PROMs for arcade games?

Hands down, Data I/O System 29B with LogicPak and UniPak2B.

I still see these pop up on ebay all the time. Last one I noticed sold for around $50 or so.

Dave

Hmm.. I should look for one of those...
 
I keep plugging these programmers because they will handle pretty much all of the old bipolar PROMs which is unusual for anything available today. Plus, they're stand alone, so you don't NEED a PC connected to use them. You can, however, have them connected to a PC if you're pulling binaries from files. You just need a special cable to connect from the Data I/O to the PC. Leopardcats used to have this info....check the way back machine to dig up the old pages on the cable specifics.

I used to pick these things up all day long for $20 at ECSC (Electronics and Computers Surplus City) in Gardena back in the day. Barry Gott, the owner, died from pancreatic cancer about 6 years ago and the place pretty much disappeared overnight. They used to have some COOL stuff there. It was like a huge junkyard of old electronics and computers. Loved that place and miss it dearly.

Dave


Hmm.. I should look for one of those...
 
Oh, I should mention something. If you DO get a Data I/O, grab up some new ZIF sockets from that ebay seller (don't recall his name) and replace the old ones on the GangPak, UniPak, LogicPak, etc... You'll save yourself a lot of headaches AND resolve about the only existing issue with these programmers.

People don't realize that even though these programmers don't look like much, they were considered top of the line "high end" programmers from the time period they were manufactured. What that means to us now is that we're getting premium (yes, aged) programming equipment which was designed specifically for the old parts we need to program.

It's a win-win situation all the way.

Dave
 
I keep plugging these programmers because they will handle pretty much all of the old bipolar PROMs which is unusual for anything available today. Plus, they're stand alone, so you don't NEED a PC connected to use them. You can, however, have them connected to a PC if you're pulling binaries from files. You just need a special cable to connect from the Data I/O to the PC. Leopardcats used to have this info....check the way back machine to dig up the old pages on the cable specifics.

I used to pick these things up all day long for $20 at ECSC (Electronics and Computers Surplus City) in Gardena back in the day. Barry Gott, the owner, died from pancreatic cancer about 6 years ago and the place pretty much disappeared overnight. They used to have some COOL stuff there. It was like a huge junkyard of old electronics and computers. Loved that place and miss it dearly.

Dave

Thanks Dave,

I will keep an eye out... LMK if you find any...
 
I'm interested in getting an eprom burner too. Searching on ebay I don't see many of the ones mentioned by Dave, including completed listings, and the ones that are there are like $150 and up. I'm thinking maybe I should look for something cheaper. Mainly I'm interested in burning from file anyway. I might look for the one blkdog mentioned. Any downside to that one in particular, Dave? Any other burners you'd recommend that might be cheaper and would fit my needs?

And do burners also read (dump)?
 
It really depends on what you want to program. In my opionion, the Data I/O 29B with the LogicPak and the UniPak2B is a setup that cannot be beaten for older EPROMs and Bipolar PROMs (especially the PROMs). That said, the best part about the Data I/O units is the fact that they will operate stand-alone. Flip the switch and it's ready to go. You can copy/dump EPROM/ROM/PROM information with the Data I/O, too. Keep looking, I see them in the $50 range ALL the time. When you get one, be sure to change out all of the ZIF sockets for good measure....it's about the only issue I've ever seen with them. They have been in operation since the late 70's/early 80's so their ZIF sockets have seem some extreme use. Also, got to remember, these units were $15,000+ back in the day. Most people seem to have forgotten that. They were considered "top of the line" at the time. I'm more than happy to have these in my equipment lineup.

The EMP-10 does not program the bipolar PROMs, if I recall. This is a HUGE problem for me when it comes to maintaining old classic arcade games. I had some experience with the EMP-10 and I really wasn't impressed, overall. I mean, the build quality was fine and it did what it was supposed to, so we're all good there. But to use it, you absolutely have to connect it to a PC which means no stand-alone operation. I also had a LOT of experience with the Needham PB-10 which was an ISA card with a ZIF socket attached via a long ribbon cable. I actually liked this one a little better than the EMP-10, but I had the same problem with it... HAD to connect to a PC to use it.

BTW, you might want to check your local electronic recycling locations in your area for used equipment. I've found some really interesting stuff at places like these.

Dave

I'm interested in getting an eprom burner too. Searching on ebay I don't see many of the ones mentioned by Dave, including completed listings, and the ones that are there are like $150 and up. I'm thinking maybe I should look for something cheaper. Mainly I'm interested in burning from file anyway. I might look for the one blkdog mentioned. Any downside to that one in particular, Dave? Any other burners you'd recommend that might be cheaper and would fit my needs?

And do burners also read (dump)?
 
OK, I'll keep my eye out for it. But I think you and I may have different definitions of "ALL the time" since I don't see an example when searching current or completed listings. :p

I can appreciate how good they are and how much they sold for BITD, but that doesn't mean I want to pay $150 for one now. I'd just not buy a burner at all if that's what I had to pay. :)
 
I also had a LOT of experience with the Needham PB-10 which was an ISA card with a ZIF socket attached via a long ribbon cable. I actually liked this one a little better than the EMP-10, but I had the same problem with it... HAD to connect to a PC to use it.

I still use my PB-10 to this day. I don't really mind needing a PC, I just have an old box on an A/B switch and switch over when I need to do something.

Although... I haven't done any ROM things for years. (which I'm sure I just jinxed myself by mentioning) :oops:
 
I still have my PB-10 connected to an old 486 system. Although, I have not used it in probably 8 years now. I have no idea why I'm holding onto it. It must have something to do with being a packrat. LOL

Dave


I still use my PB-10 to this day. I don't really mind needing a PC, I just have an old box on an A/B switch and switch over when I need to do something.

Although... I haven't done any ROM things for years. (which I'm sure I just jinxed myself by mentioning) :oops:
 
It really depends on what you want to program. In my opionion, the Data I/O 29B with the LogicPak and the UniPak2B is a setup that cannot be beaten for older EPROMs and Bipolar PROMs (especially the PROMs). That said, the best part about the Data I/O units is the fact that they will operate stand-alone. Flip the switch and it's ready to go. You can copy/dump EPROM/ROM/PROM information with the Data I/O, too. Keep looking, I see them in the $50 range ALL the time. When you get one, be sure to change out all of the ZIF sockets for good measure....it's about the only issue I've ever seen with them. They have been in operation since the late 70's/early 80's so their ZIF sockets have seem some extreme use. Also, got to remember, these units were $15,000+ back in the day. Most people seem to have forgotten that. They were considered "top of the line" at the time. I'm more than happy to have these in my equipment lineup.

The EMP-10 does not program the bipolar PROMs, if I recall. This is a HUGE problem for me when it comes to maintaining old classic arcade games. I had some experience with the EMP-10 and I really wasn't impressed, overall. I mean, the build quality was fine and it did what it was supposed to, so we're all good there. But to use it, you absolutely have to connect it to a PC which means no stand-alone operation. I also had a LOT of experience with the Needham PB-10 which was an ISA card with a ZIF socket attached via a long ribbon cable. I actually liked this one a little better than the EMP-10, but I had the same problem with it... HAD to connect to a PC to use it.

BTW, you might want to check your local electronic recycling locations in your area for used equipment. I've found some really interesting stuff at places like these.

Dave

Connecting it to a PC is a MUST for me. I don't want to do it any other way. I always burn from a file. It also works great for copying physical existing roms to my computer. It works for all my Nintendo needs just great. I have used it for Punch-Out high score ROMS and Vs. ROMs. All burned from files on my PC. It does everything I need it to do and it was cheap.

The only downfall is that it only works reliably under DOS. So, I have to boot my computer into DOS using a floppy. It also connects via serial or parallel. I forget which.
 
I usually have any number of my Data I/O machines connected to a PC for the same reasons, particularly for dumping ROM images. I just like that I don't HAVE to keep them connected in case I want to drag one out to the shop or on-site. I keep a horrendous number of known-good PROMs/EPROMs handy and drag them with me just in case I need to make copies for anyone. :) It definitely adds to the weight of my toolboxes, but I find it convenient to do this way.

I think my #1 issue with most of the newer EPROM programmers that *require* attachment to a PC is that they generally do not program the bipolar PROMs. In fact, I cannot name one such programmer which will definitely do the 82S123, 126, 129, 131, 137, 141 PROMs, let alone the 82S153 PLD (this one is difficult for every piece of gear I own EXCEPT for my 29B with LogicPak).

I've been an avid Data I/O user since I was about 11 years old, so my thoughts on the subject, while VERY informed, are definitely biased toward their gear. Though, I have plenty of experience with EPROM burning equipment from other manufacturers, so I am versed enough to talk about them. LOL

Dave

Connecting it to a PC is a MUST for me. I don't want to do it any other way. I always burn from a file. It also works great for copying physical existing roms to my computer. It works for all my Nintendo needs just great. I have used it for Punch-Out high score ROMS and Vs. ROMs. All burned from files on my PC. It does everything I need it to do and it was cheap.

The only downfall is that it only works reliably under DOS. So, I have to boot my computer into DOS using a floppy. It also connects via serial or parallel. I forget which.
 
I usually have any number of my Data I/O machines connected to a PC for the same reasons, particularly for dumping ROM images. I just like that I don't HAVE to keep them connected in case I want to drag one out to the shop or on-site. I keep a horrendous number of known-good PROMs/EPROMs handy and drag them with me just in case I need to make copies for anyone. :) It definitely adds to the weight of my toolboxes, but I find it convenient to do this way.

I think my #1 issue with most of the newer EPROM programmers that *require* attachment to a PC is that they generally do not program the bipolar PROMs. In fact, I cannot name one such programmer which will definitely do the 82S123, 126, 129, 131, 137, 141 PROMs, let alone the 82S153 PLD (this one is difficult for every piece of gear I own EXCEPT for my 29B with LogicPak).

I've been an avid Data I/O user since I was about 11 years old, so my thoughts on the subject, while VERY informed, are definitely biased toward their gear. Though, I have plenty of experience with EPROM burning equipment from other manufacturers, so I am versed enough to talk about them. LOL

Dave

Yeah, I am totally a noob about these, I agree. I just love mine cause I figured out how to use it and it now feels like home. I have yet to need it for anything but 2764s so my view is a little skewed.

Here's a list of EPROM the EMP-10 supports. Most of it is greek to me.

http://web.archive.org/web/20040224050217/http://www.generaldevice.com/pdf/emp10device.pdf
 
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