TOP2007 vs TOP2011

BeagleBoy

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I'm about to pull the trigger on a programmer, and I'm wondering about the differences between these two. I'm assuming that the 2011 is just an update to the 2007. Both seem to have a nice selection of supported eproms.

So is it worth the extra few dollars to get the 2011?

-Jim
 
Niether.

The TOP series is pretty poor. It looks to support tons, but support for classics ... anything that requires more than 12 volt programming (e.g. 2716, 2732 @ 21 or 25V) simply wont work. The USB port can't supply enough amperage to do it reliably.

I have a Top2005 and could barely make 21V work with a super thick and short USB cable, 25V never worked. Also the software is a horrible Chin-english conversion that is not intuitive and very 'hacky'.


I switched to a Pocket Programmer II (parallel port version) I found for around $130 shipped off a car enthusiasts forum. Though it has a DOS-like interface, it's well laid out, set up properly and simply -- WORKS. 2716s through 27c400's I've tried with no failures at all.

There are much better programmers than the TOP series. The only thing going for them is the 74xx test mode where you can drop in a 74xx series logic chip and have it test all of the gates in it.

Look into the newest Willems that finally support high amp+volt programming (stay away fro their old ones that dont do anything above 12V), the Pocket Programmers or any of the classic ones, you probably will be happier. Tons of previous threads here with recommendations.
 
I've actually read every thread I could find. I was planning on giving it a 2-amp port for power. There seem to be some members who are quite happy with theirs.

When you used yours, did it fail even when the software said the port had enough power?
 
Use it with a USB hub that has an external power supply.
 
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