SNES Pro Action Replay 3: change language to English?

I've got a SNES Pro Action Replay 3 with German screen text. I can manage, but if it could be English it would be even better!

After stumbling on a comment on Youtube I understand this is possible:
From Yitzchak Benetowitz / Izzy Bennett:

So, this is complete new to me, but for this little project I would need:
- UK BIOS (rom, can be downloaded from the net)
- compatible EPROM chip (AM27C010 or AM29F010, -120 or lower)
- PLCC programmer, like this?
- preferably a PLCC32 socket + PLCC extractor

Can you guys comment on this? Is it this straightforward? Open PAR3 and remove the PLCC, put the compatible PLCC in the USB Programmer, flash it with the rom, and then plug and play?

 

If you have the rom and a part number of the chip, I can probably supply one preprogrammed. Rather than paying for a programmer.

Of course, if you intend to use the programmer for other things - then yes, that's what you need.

 

I have no other plans for the programmer, but it might come in handy in the future (is what I think ). What are the cheapest prices they go for. Can I only get them online, or a local electronics store might have them as well? I asked the youtube person about the rom, since I don't know where to get it yet.

EDIT:
Although, throwing it in Google seems to give some hits as well...

 

From Yitzchak

Hey, it's me. You asked for compatible chips? Well, if you plan only on burning the ROM file and using it as-is, I would recommend a one-time EPROM like the AM27C010. If you plan on modifying the code database like I tried (I started writing a program to easily modify the code database, but I while I could get it to write changes to the database, I could never manage to get it to 'read' the damn thing), you'll want a compatible EEPROM like the AM29F010. Make sure that whatever chip you get ends in -120 or less: this is the chip speed, and if it's too slow, it won't work.

If you get a programmer, be sure you're getting one that A) connects via USB, B) does not require an external power source ASIDE from the USB (unless you get something amazing like a Batronix), and C) expect to spend about $250 if you want one with both excellent documentation and ease-of-use. I myself use a Willem GQ-4X, but I'm not super happy with it, and I've been eying the Batronix BX48 Batego II quite greedily, but She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed says no for now.

Also, you'll want to install a low-profile PLCC32 socket, in case something went wrong - soldering those tiny feet would be a bloody NIGHTMARE.

 

I have the Beeprog+

 

Hey Yitzchak, cool to see you here as well! (and congrats on your first post )

I think I'll open my PAR3 asap, to see what everything looks like, and what I'm looking for. How do you yank of the PLCC32 from the PAR3? And what exactly can you accomplish when hacking the built-in codes?

$250 for a Programmer would be more than I'm willing to spend. But I see Universal USB Programmers on eBay for around $50, I'd be ok with that (or look for a second-hand locally), but dont know yet if they do what I need.

I found the BeeProg website: http://www.elnec.com/products/device-programmers/beeprog/, but amazingly it doesn't seem to be offered on eBay (and now I see the prices on the Elnec site, yipes!).
I do notice DealExtreme has one, the Mini TL866CS Universal Programmer. It mentions car electronics, but also PLCC, so not sure yet if it can be used in this case.

 

Ok, made some photos: http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/Shadow_Zero80/library/SNES mods/SNES Pro Action Replay MK3
Guess I need this little fella: http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/S...tion Replay MK3/IMG_1178_zps0756aef9.jpg.html

Any practical way to get it off??

 

hot air rework station

Or you can cut all the pins, then remove them all 1 by 1 with a soldering iron once the chip is out of the way.

My programmer is the Beeprog+ (http://www.elnec.com/products/universal-programmers/beeprogplus/) not the beeprog.

For pricing, check the Beeprog2C, as thats what they replaced it with - at the same price.

 

If you're careful, using a heat gun will take that BIOS IC right off with no problems.

 

Soldering the socket, or the chip directly, it seems a nightmare in both cases to me, not?

I talked about it with a tech friend of mine, but he reeeaaally suggested not trying this mod without professional equipment (which I don't have, nor do I know anyone, locally, who has). So I'm afraid I'll have to park this little project.

 

I was going to offer to do it for you, but then I noticed you're in the Netherlands. Damn. I'm not sure what your friend is talking about with 'professional equipment', but you only need three things: A hot air gun, a 15W-25W soldering iron, and a chip programmed with the BIOS. You should be able to find someone nearby who could program your chip for you (should run you about $5-$10), and you shouldn't have to drop more than $50 on the rest. Granted, my current setup (Soldering Station, Desoldering Iron, Long-distance Microscope, and IC Programmer) cost about $2500 total, but I use it for quite a bit.

 

Tx for the offer though

I only have a soldering iron. So hot air gun, desoldering station etc. is pretty pro to me Obviously I don't want to damage my rare PAR3!
Haven't checked prices yet though, maybe I'll be surprised positively even! ($50 surely is ok)

$2500 sounds like that should be a nice setup XD

Checked some videos in the meantime, a hot air gun and desoldering station makes life A LOT easier! :O