Recommend a TTL IC tester?

delroy666

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I'm looking for something to test TTL logic ICs. I know many EPROM programmers have this function, but my GQ-4X does not. I have access to an expensive Dataman programmer at work that does this well (and RAM tests too), but I'd like to have something on my bench at home. Do any of those inexpensive TOPxxxx programmers have a decent IC test function? What are you guys using? I'd appreciate any recommendations!
 
I have a TOP2049 and it works fine.

You can do series:

74: 00-870
40: 4000-4099 and 40100-40195
45: 4500-4599

And you can adjust voltage settings 5.0, 4.2, 3.3 and 2.5.
 
i just picked up a abi chipmaster today (its 100% identical to the B&K 575a) , i wanted to be able to test ram, and some pia devices, which wasn't really possible with the top* product.

can you program gal's on the top2049?
 
In general the RAM test functions on modern EPROM burners are limited to a few common arcade SRAMs, which is better than nothing, but many wont touch DRAMs, or many of the early 80s odd SRAMs.
 
i just picked up a abi chipmaster today (its 100% identical to the B&K 575a) , i wanted to be able to test ram, and some pia devices, which wasn't really possible with the top* product.

can you program gal's on the top2049?

I never tried but it does give me GAL options for Lattice and NS.
 
Thanks for the responses so far. Between my GQ-4X and Dataman 48Pro at work, I have my programming needs covered, so I'm really just looking for something cheap I can use to quickly test TTL IC pulls while doing repairs at home. Anyone have experience with the Genius G540 programmer? They're available on eBay for about $50 shipped. They have an IC test function and the software works in Win 7.
 
No offense intended... but I don't really feel much need for a TTL tester. Desoldering TTLs intact to test them just doesn't make much sense to me.

Verrry few TTL ICs are socketed. That means you will have already de-soldered it; and you will have to do it without clipping any of the IC legs in order to test it. If it tests OK, will you install a socket and stick it in there? or re-solder the TTL directly back to the PCB?

Most TTLs are like 50cents or so. Personally, I try my best with DMM, logic probe and scope to be pretty sure (like at least 75%) that the TTL is bad. At that point, I just clip it off, solder in a socket, and install a new TTL.

I suppose if you're buying questionable pulls, or trying to re-use TTLs from old boards, maybe testing makes sense. But they're generally go damn cheap it's not worth it.
 
No offense intended... but I don't really feel much need for a TTL tester. Desoldering TTLs intact to test them just doesn't make much sense to me.

Verrry few TTL ICs are socketed. That means you will have already de-soldered it; and you will have to do it without clipping any of the IC legs in order to test it. If it tests OK, will you install a socket and stick it in there? or re-solder the TTL directly back to the PCB?

Most TTLs are like 50cents or so. Personally, I try my best with DMM, logic probe and scope to be pretty sure (like at least 75%) that the TTL is bad. At that point, I just clip it off, solder in a socket, and install a new TTL.

I suppose if you're buying questionable pulls, or trying to re-use TTLs from old boards, maybe testing makes sense. But they're generally go damn cheap it's not worth it.

try 1.50-2.00 per chip & socket. ( a SN7416N cost me 1.70 each, and a good socket is .70 )

i just made a huge order from mouser.. i tried buying as many as i could to get bulk savings, but there not that cheap anymore :(

i do agree, just using a new ic chip is far better then a tester.. as most logic chips are not socketed, and you have a greater chance of damaging the board trying to remove it to test, then using a logic comparator or probe.
 
74xx in DIP is only going to get more expensive. Once TI's stock is out there goes the DIPs... Other manufacturers will be in the same boat. Everything has moved to SMT.
 
74xx in DIP is only going to get more expensive. Once TI's stock is out there goes the DIPs... Other manufacturers will be in the same boat. Everything has moved to SMT.

There are SMT to DIP pcb out there but they tend to get a little expensive from 1.00 to 1.50 just for the board. I think if we do find ourself without dips I am sure we here can make out own little SMT to dip boards for cheap if we had too.
or
Maybe we can just strip board for the TTL chips like we use to do in the old expensive ram dip days..
 
Anyone have experience with the Genius G540 programmer? They're available on eBay for about $50 shipped. They have an IC test function and the software works in Win 7.

Stay away from that. 80% of the chips supposedly covered don't work in the software. I wasnt able to test a single RAM or TTL chip. Eproms are generally OK, I programmed a GAL16V8B (not A) and it verified OK in the software, however i didn't test the GAL chip in a real context. The GQ4x is great and at least works for all chips its says it support. of course it sadly dont have a TTL/RAM test nor GAL/PAL r/w.

As far as TTL chip I started my own software project (on top of all the crap i do), that would test TTL chips in circuit with a Logic Probe dump.
 
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