Advice for EEPROM programmer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: NaxFM
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2022, 09:30:30 am
content: Hi everyone, i want to buy an EEPROM programmer tool that can work with many eeprom chips, mainly to be used for test equipment repairs.Do you have any go-to programmer which is easy to use for dumping and programming memory chips?There are so many designs i don't really know what should i be looking for...Edit: damn, i meant to post this on the repair board, sorry

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2022, 10:35:25 am
content: You have or had the TL866 C or A model who could do higher eeprom voltages than the newest TL866 plusThe TL866 has its own thread here ...it really depends of your needs, be aware there is no ultimate programmer, the higher you pay, more complex or universal they can getThe surprise sometimes come with the other ic's adapters you may need ....The tl866 is a good starter BUT the limits will arise pretty fast EX: Microchip, STM32 devices etc ....ExamplesHad an TNM5000, made a huge mistake to resell it (was paid 250$ usd) now selling way lot more, but the adapters where very cheap and practicalsBought an used Elnec Beeprog for 550$ usd, yes it does more, but very can be pricy for the adaptersHad many adapters and programers, Pickit 2 and 3, tl866, Mcu Mall gq4x, stk 500, STM Link v2, Avr dragon etc ..... had a drawer full of programmersYou have to know your needs before buying ... eeprom types or sizes etc ...my 2 cents

author: m k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2022, 04:16:33 pm
content: Supported chips is obviously a first thing to check.Supported programming methods may have nuances.Old chips can have exotic needs, like voltages and programming pulses.Future needs may also change and nowadays even simple ROMs can have many different connection methods.TL866 is good go-to model but be noted that all models can't do 21V.I think I've updated mine and lost some old types, regular 27-series is there but old 25-series is not.Programming pulse seems to be 1000us max.

author: AndyBeez
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2022, 05:12:10 pm
content: FYI for your toolkit, the goto Linux module is 'flashrom'.QuoteAnd it is free. I use it to read and flash Winbond W25Q spi EEPROMs using a cheapo $10 altera usb bus blaster.

author: DavidKo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2022, 11:53:54 am
content: I have checked for the FW update for my TL866II Plus and they have new programmers which have 25V programming voltage.

author: NaxFM
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2022, 01:24:30 pm
content: Thank you everyone. I'll go with the TL866, looks like a very capable device!

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2022, 01:34:57 pm
content: The TL866 has been superceded and is presumably no longer manufactured by the original manufacturer. If I were buying now, I'd look at the T48.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2022, 02:41:39 pm
content: Seems fine .... XGecu NEW T48 they call it TL866 g3 lollMust be an copied an improved design since the TL866 was reverse engineered ... not to epensive

author: DavidKo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2022, 03:39:58 pm
content: I have forgot to mention it. Definitely go for at least T48 + adapters.T48 can program with 25V (18V is not enough for some devices)adapters - it can be cheaper to buy them together with programmer (check the current prizing)I have bought TL866II+ from XGecu official store on ali - not for sale any more. I do not know how good are the knock offs, since the original is quite cheap.I must say that it was cheap in comparison with other devices on the market and the support seem also good. They regularly add new devices and make updates (both SW and FW).

author: DavidKo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2022, 03:54:28 pm
content: Thread to the TL866xx programmershttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-411-minipro-tl866-universal-programmer-review/2000/