Promlink 6.1 and DATA I/O 29B & XP

What cable are you running? What are the serial port settings?

RS-232 is a finicky thing. You have to use the right cable, right baud rate, and the right number of start, stop, and data bits too...

RJ
 
I've got a 29B with a unipak 2.

The only software I can get to work on a laptop with XP is the promlink341-1991 that can be found out on the net.

I have to force the command window into 'dos mode', which is what I call it. I do this by calling an older executable like 'edit'. The old dos editor forces the command window to a smaller size and the directory names display in the /x format like c:\dataio\promli~3 .

Then promlink can start with a command to feed it your custom init file like
pl my_29b
The my_29b file has all the saved parameters in it from a session you know runs.

I just tried again with the 6.1 directory and I always get some error in module blah blah or something.

I know the older software version doesn't support all the chips that the programmer can handle, but it's all I know. I haven't seen any better help out there.

Good luck.
 
I attempted to run the very unit your talking about. I believe I ran it on win98. It would appear to work for a bit, but then it would knock out the serial port to where it wouldn't communicate any longer. I replaced like 3 serial ports before I called it quits with that. I've still got it but it's sat for a number of years.
They have better things out now, but it'd be interesting to try a serial to usb adapter on that and I bet it'd work.
 
If I remember right, the software was looking for a different COM port, and I couldn't find a way to change it. I need to pull it out again and try to figure it out.
 
it will work with the modified promlink software that you can find on the web - leopardcat's data i/o resources site:

http://www.retroclinic.com/leopardcats/dio/dataio29b.htm

You run the modified promlink in a dos window and you will get an error about a com port not being found. Going from memory, it is looking for com2: even though it does not need or use it in default mode (it uses com:1). Com2: does not exist on most modern pcs and notebooks. Just click ignore.

Set baud rate on both the pc and data i/o to a baud rate that works with no parity 8 data bits and 1 stop bit 9600 , n, 8, 1. You can try higher baud rates once you get things working at 9600.

Most important is the proper "null" modem cable. Directions and a diagram for the null modem serial cable can be found in the data i/o manual or again on leaopardcat's excellent resource page:

http://www.retroclinic.com/leopardcats/dio/dataioserial.htm

I've done this on several older pcs with good results and one that did not work. On the one that did not work, I probably would try a plug in serial card or USB to serial but had enough old pcs that I did not need to try it.

Have fun and once you get it set up, document what you did.

Last step is to put the data i/o into serial external communications mode:

On the 29A or B keypad, press "select", "F", "1", "START", "START"
(yes you have to press the "start" button twice).

Have fun and if you need any more advice, the folks who have Data I/Os can assist. This is the most reliable programmer of all of the ones I've used. It's a clunky beast but has never let me down for the older proms and eproms.

Bill
 
Bill, done all that. The cable im using is actually one I made for Billys 29A so I know thats good.
Here is another weirdo thing. When I fire up the 29B it goes straight into remote mode.

Anyone have device code and faimily pinout list or know where I can find them?
 
I am still not sure that cable is right. I found very conflicting information on the cable.

All the software is stored inside a picture on the group site.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Data_IO_EPROM/

If you unpack the picture with 7zip you will have all the files the yahoo group keeps for everyone.

I would join and then post to the data i/o group if you have any problems. They always answer the questions sent and all the answers have a special place in my inbox!
 
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Lets see if I can get some relevant links up. Also you know I have all the manuals for every one of my adapters and the 29.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Data_IO_EPROM/message/311

http://www.pestingers.net/Data_IO_29B.htm

These few posts below should put you right on target...

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Data_IO_EPROM/message/242

What would the best SW package to use with this programmer? I saw mention of PL6.1 and other SW versions. A Version 01 - 05 would work best with PL3.4 as it uses only 4 digit family/pinout codes. PL 6.10 works with a Version 06 29B with 6 digit family/pinout codes. 6 digit codes were added starting at Unipak 2/2B Version 15.0
You might need to upgrade that beast to get 6.10 working!

Hope that last link above help...

Also this pdf below is awesome...

http://www.pestingers.net/PDFs/Prom_Programmers/29B/ComputerRemoteCtlAppNote_Jul85.pdf

Hear is a complete list of packages than can be burned with the right combination of the 29, pack & software revisions
http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/25391816/9626564/name/unipak2.PDF
 
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So Mike what versions are the 29b and the uni running? Then we can tell what you can and can't do based on that list above?
 
Ok, here is the version of software that got my 29B running on XP. I also booted up the 29A on the same software and its also talking. Both instances I had Unipak 2B installed, not sure if the standard unipak will work but I dont see it in the list in the software. I will give that a try but you might have to look for a unipak 2B. Also a link to a list of family/pinout codes.

http://teaganm.cademo.com/images/other/unipak.txt
http://teaganm.cademo.com/images/other/promlink.zip

One thing that is strange is the 29B boots right to remote mode. Whats the code to use it standalone?
 
Nope, not working with standard unipak. However, if you get a unipak 2B you should be good to go with your 29A.


Not sure what firmware mine has. Here are the numbers on the machine
990-0013-056
serial 5403058

I have Unipak 2B, LogicPak w/ 303A011A CMOS/BIPOLAR, and have a gang pak on the way. I really only plan on using this for proms so I should be good to go.
Now to do some test burns to verify everything is running correctly. All I know now is that it is linking to the PC which always seems to be the major hurdle with these things.
 
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Glad to hear that you are on the right track. I know who to ask if I ever need some PROMs :).
 
Man this is an old thread. Yep, the old dinosaur is still up and running. Since this post I have had it running on XP, Vista and currently Win7 with no problems.
 
Ok, here is the version of software that got my 29B running on XP. I also booted up the 29A on the same software and its also talking. Both instances I had Unipak 2B installed, not sure if the standard unipak will work but I dont see it in the list in the software. I will give that a try but you might have to look for a unipak 2B. Also a link to a list of family/pinout codes.

http://teaganm.cademo.com/images/other/unipak.txt
http://teaganm.cademo.com/images/other/promlink.zip

One thing that is strange is the 29B boots right to remote mode. Whats the code to use it standalone?

Under the Unipak there is the Dip Switches. DIP 4 controls Remote mode. Turn it to OFF for stand alone.
 
I am getting mine set up for the first time, can I use a standard bull modem adapter I already have along with a 25 pin to 9 pin adapter? I only have a 9 pin on my computer.

Also I will most likely be running this in dosbox on Linux. I have an XP computer too though.
 
OK I am trying this on a XP computer in a dos window and I get this error:

It doesn't matter if I use the pl_updt to update the program or not.

Code:
C:\promlink\PL610>pl_updt -o c:\promlink\PL610

PKSFX (R)   FAST!   Self Extract Utility   Version 2.04g  02-01-93
Copr. 1989-1993 PKWARE Inc. All Rights Reserved. Shareware version
PKSFX Reg. U.S. Pat. and Tm. Off.

Searching EXE: C:/PROMLINK/PL610/PL_UPDT.EXE
  Inflating: c:/promlink/PL610/PL.ERR
  Inflating: c:/promlink/PL610/PL.HLP
  Inflating: c:/promlink/PL610/PL.IDX

C:\promlink\PL610>pl.exe

Error 11 occurred in module MAIN     at address 30F4:0067

Hit any key to return to system
 
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