Help with EPROM Programmer purchase and usage

Radford119

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I am planning on buying a EPROM Programmer and was needing some advice on where to start to learn how to use one. Also, what would be the best programmer for around $300.00? I am looking to mainly repair ROMS on my Donkey Kong and Mortal Kombat series boards.

Is there any resource on how to compare and read ROMS to make sure they are working and not corrupted? Where can you get the good ROM file? Do you get it from MAME or do you have to copy a physical ROM from a working board? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I would even be willing to pay someone to teach me about the process and how to do this. Sorry for the noob nature of this post, I am just trying to find some direction. Thanks
 
You can get one for much cheaper than $300.00. I have a Needham EMP-10 I picked up for around $100. I have burned DK and MK roms with it. It runs in DOS via a serial port. I have friends that have had luck with the USB ones on Ebay from China. These work well in Windows.They can be had for $60ish. I know other members here have personal favorites and I'm sure they'll chime in.

You compare the ROM to a file on your computer. I think it's safe to say that all the software out there that comes with the burners do this as a feature. You can create this file yourself by dumping a good ROM. Or, MAME is a good resource but you need to make sure you are comparing the right version.

you can also compare ROMs using ROMident:

http://www.widel.com/ri.htm
 
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You can get one for much cheaper than $300.00. I have a Needham EMP-10 I picked up for around $100. I have burned DK and MK roms with it. It runs in DOS via a serial port.

You compare the ROM to a file on your computer. I think it's safe to say that all the software out there that comes with the burners do this as a feature. You can create this file yourself by dumping a good ROM. Or, MAME is a good resource but you need to make sure you are comparing the right version.

Thanks, this is where I get confused. When I look at the MAME set for UMK3 I bust open the .zip and see binary files named like "umk-u119.bin" to me this makes sense that this file is the info for ROM U119, easy enough. However, when I crack open the dkong.zip and lets say I need ROM 3F, well I don't see a .bin file that even remotely corresponds to 3F. Is this because I am looking at maybe a 4 board vs a 2 board version?

What are the major differences between lets say an $80 programmer vs a $300 programmer? Speed, Quality, Types of writtable ROMS? What should I look for when wanting something for the arcade hobby?
 
+1 on Romident. Here's a link to the DOS version: http://www.cityofberwyn.com/romident/index.htm

Personally, I love the Neehams PB-10. It's a card that plugs into the PC, and the software runs in DOS. Very reliable, and the Needhams software is excellent. There are lots of other programmers out there though.

You'll also need an eraser. To erase an EPROM, you need to expose it to ultraviolet light. You can either buy an eraser or you can build one using a germicidal lamp tube (available at pet supply stores, they're used in pond filters to kill bacteria).

You may also need to buy more EPROM chips - a good source is epromman.com

-Ian
 
I use an Intronics "The Pocket Programmer." It uses the pc parallel port and has a external power supply. I personally don't trust the ones powered only from USB. I have both Dos and Windows software for it. Programs everything I need it to do, from older 2516, 2532 up to 1meg 27c080. It will do 2meg chips and PIC w/ an adapter. There's one on ebay now for about $25.00. If no one bids on it, I may just to have another in case mine breaks.
 
I have two.
The Willem GQ-4X is very versatile and you can get it from either MCUmall.com or eBay for around $100.

I also just picked up a used Needham EMP-11 for $25 on eBay. I bought the second because I wanted to support some PALs, and the GQ-4X doesn't support the older GAL packages. Needham has been out of business for several years, but they made good stuff.

Either is a good option. Both support all the common PROMs and EPROMs.
 
I use an Intronics "The Pocket Programmer." It uses the pc parallel port and has a external power supply. I personally don't trust the ones powered only from USB. I have both Dos and Windows software for it. Programs everything I need it to do, from older 2516, 2532 up to 1meg 27c080. It will do 2meg chips and PIC w/ an adapter. There's one on ebay now for about $25.00. If no one bids on it, I may just to have another in case mine breaks.
I agree and have this same programmer. It is very solid and reliable. The software gets updated from time to time as well to fix bugs, add features and support, etc.

Scott C.
 
Thanks, this is where I get confused. When I look at the MAME set for UMK3 I bust open the .zip and see binary files named like "umk-u119.bin" to me this makes sense that this file is the info for ROM U119, easy enough. However, when I crack open the dkong.zip and lets say I need ROM 3F, well I don't see a .bin file that even remotely corresponds to 3F. Is this because I am looking at maybe a 4 board vs a 2 board version?

You ever figure this out? I was wondering the same thing about .BIN vs .A7 for example. Is there a way to convert it??
 
I agree and have this same programmer. It is very solid and reliable. The software gets updated from time to time as well to fix bugs, add features and support, etc.

Scott C.

X3

Great programmer. I have used multiple programmers and the "pocket programmer" is not only the smallest, it has the easiest interface to use IMO.
 
You ever figure this out? I was wondering the same thing about .BIN vs .A7 for example. Is there a way to convert it??

You don't need to convert it, just set the software to All Files, and it will show up as a selection.
 
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