So I'm wanting to get into a few project that involve burning pics. I'm wanting to get into reproduction cartridges, ps1 modchips, and making some of the xblast aladdin modified mod chips that Ben here at assembler games has designed. My question is does anyone have a suggestion for a good modern pic programmer that will meet these needs preferably run threw usb as well as work with a more modern OS? I was looking around here: http://www.mcumall.com/comersus/store/comersus_dynamicIndex.asp As I've seen a lot of people recommend Willem programmers but I'm mother exactly sure what route to go there either.
This one will cover most of your needs: http://s.aliexpress.com/nMbqUJjY For older flasmemory the GQ-4x seems to have higher compatibility. The pickit 3 is also an option, but then youd have to make small ciruts to diffrent chips before programming
> TL866 w/ adapters gets a thumbsup from me, too. Though I feel like you should be able to find it for less if you shop around for a bit, but don't quote me on that, haven't been following the prices lately. If you want to use it on a modern OS use this, since the software it comes with is Windows only, unfortunately. But unless your workflow involves chips with constantly changing contents to be burned rite nao (like, for example, while you're developing device firmware), you'll probably be better off by planning ahead and ordering preburned chips from someone else.
+1 for the TL866 But without the huge adapter set if you just want to flash pics. Just buy the single unit for $35 and if you need any adapter just buy that specific one.
Seems there are several people here that use this kinda thing. That's good to know. I'm going to need help with this somewhere along the lines I'm sure. Any particular reason why these over the Willem GQ-4X? I'm looking mostly I suppose for the largest variety of chips I can flash as well as something easyish for a noon to use. The 3 projects I listed are just some things I want to do at this point in time I'm not sure what other options and projects are out there for this sort of thing. I have read a lot about writing BIOS chips and things like that for systems like the DC and saturn that I may pick up later as well.
I owned a GQ-4X back in the day. Support is poor, there are often issues programming chips and it takes forever (if at all) for it to be fixed. I own a professional programmer now, but use a TL866 for my backup/on the road programmer and for the money, you cant beat it.
Also for SNES reproductions, and if you're good at soldering and do have some experience with or at least interest in the Arduino platform, you can use an $8 Arduino Mega and my cartreader Arduino sketch to flash 29F016, 29F032, 29F033, 29F1610, 29L3211, 29LV320 and 29LV640 flashroms commonly used for SNES repros. For the last two I have the code written, just need to buy some flashroms to check if it works before I release the update. You don't need to build the whole cartreader or order any custom pcb just connect the Arduino pins to a zif socket fitting the flashrom you want to program with the help of some protoboard according to the pinout.xls. For the 3.3V flashroms you need to convert the Arduino to 3.3V though, so just power it from a 3.3V source like an AMS1117 3.3. You can control the sketch using the Arduino Serial Monitor so you don't need the oled display or buttons either. But in case you want to build the whole thing I have uploaded all the pcb gerber files and made a parts list on the github page too. The Arduino sketch can also reprogram the Nintendo Power SF Memory flashcarts by Nintendo for the SNES, some of the N64 repros out of China, Gameboy Color games that have been converted to use a 29F016 or 29F032 flashrom and so far 1 type of GBA repro from China. And also write savegames to the cartridges. This ofc would be in addition to the TL866 because to my knowledge it does not support every chip. Sorry if this appears like a shameless plug of my project, just want to be helpful.
Well now that u mention the audrino I do have a mega hanging out in havent even used yet got it on Amazon with a whole starter kit and such for basic audrino stuff.....also have an uno and a pi 3 B+ at my disposal as well. I was thinking along the lines of NES repros for myself I've been wanting to put some of the jp English translation roms (FF2 and FF2 for example) as well as other games not USA released but fan translated....who knows what else ju st for fun but these were starter project thoughts
A professional programmer? Now I'm curious. Care to elaborate a little? I didn't know that the ones we are looking at here in this thread were any different other than possibly mass production programmers. Is a professional programmer kinda like the difference between ms paint and photoshop??
> beeprog2 Whoo boy, that device sounds like the one EA would've made if they were in the programmer business. DLC adapter galore! I'm guessing your place of work is paying for all that?
No, I own it personally. I actually bought the Beeprog2, then returned it for exactly that reason and replaced with the Beeprog+, but the Beeprog+ is now discontinued (but wasnt when I bought it) Its just that I couldnt find the Beeprog+ page and it doesnt show the price anyway (and I didnt expect anyone to look into it too much - so it was quicker/easier). The Beeprog+ cost me the same as the 2 at the time. It has same device support, but uses generic adapters (1x tsop48 socket for anything in tsop48!), but is just a little slower (but only noticeable on large nand devices), but the adapter situation is far better. I have more expensive stuff too, my workshop is pretty well stocked for a hobbyist. But now I started my own business, my "work" will be buying much more
See I'm kind of aiming at the idea where I can educate and learn how to do these things even tho its kind of a niche market but I'm looking to learn this stuff as well as make some small profit on the side. Another side project I'm thinking hard on is chipping game cubes and pairing them with discless gameboy players from eBay along side the homebrew player disc and resell those as well.
