XGecu TL866II/T48/T56 vs RT809H vs...  ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: pipe2null
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2022, 10:48:23 pm
content: I'm about to pull the trigger and buy a T56 set with adapters, but thought I'd ask people's 2 cents before forking out the cash.I finally have need for a universal-ish programmer, and it's been a couple decades since I've used one, thus I am assuming that technology has improved a bit. The chips I'll actually end up using appear to be well supported by any universal-ish programmer (PIC/Atmel/typical BIOS flash/etc), so other than adapters for different chip packages, mostly basic req's are sufficient for the moment. BUT new toys for the lab always get bumped up at least one capability tier, within reason.Beyond basics, I need in-circuit flashing, as I've previously done with an RPi, but want a dedicated tool for all flashing/read/test/etc. I do not "need" VGA/HDMI hacking, but I'm curious enough to shell out a little more cash to play with it, but priority is having a dependable tool. The RT809H seems to come with VGA/HDMI standard, is there an equivalent adapter for T56 out there? Again, I don't "need" it but it sounds interesting.Linux compatibility: AFAIK, manufacturer supplied software/drivers are usually Windows only. I once used an RPi + "flashrom" utility + IC probe clip to rescue a non-booting motherboard BIOS (via internet step-by-step directions), but no idea for linux compatible utils for programming PIC/Atmel? Perhaps the same?Firmware updates.... Free? Or has this switched to paid subscriptions? Not sure, I've been out of the loop for a while.I'm thinking any of the below devices should work, any others I should look at or which you prefer?XGecu TL866II / T48 / T56RT809HAny good source for a reasonably comprehensive but cheap-ish set of chip package adapters, or better to get a T56 kit that includes a bunch? I am assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that any adapters for one programmer would work in other makes/models of adapters...YES: At the end of the day, it comes down to compatibility with the chips you need the programmer for, but new tool for my lab means getting a bit more than I need ATM. Thanks!

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 04:24:27 am
content: eeproms, memory ic's etc ... and or more specialized stufflike xilinx, xtm32 microchip mcu's, 8051 series cpu etc ...XGecu TL866II / T48 / T56RT809HThey are fine for most stuff with an icsp or isp port, but bigger stuff means a bigger programmer model ??

author: pipe2null
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2022, 07:42:54 pm
content: Thanks for the input.I've seen reports of malware from officially supplied software provided by various far east manufactures. Apparently it is common practice to run supplied software in a VM with USB passthrough for the programmer (or economical fiber laser, or...) for security purposes, so linux compatibility is a non-issue. But direct linux compat would be a bonus. I'll be seeing how much the "flashrom" utility can do.Ended up ordering an xgecu T56 with a basic assortment of chip package adapters, plus the $19 VGA/HDMI adapter off ebay to satisfy my curiosity.