GQ-4X EEPROM Programmer

Choosing the Device

There are 3 flash chips that can be programmed with the Z88 Extender card.

They are as follows

 These are:-

• AMD Am29F080 1M Flash

• AMD AM29F040B - 512K Flash

• AMIC A29040BL - 512K Flash

Windows 8.1 Installation Issues

http://www.mcumall.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4970

The Windows 8 only accepts the fully digital signed driver.
Temporary disable the digital signature enforcement will let you install the USB driver.

1. run shutdown.exe /r /o /f /t 00
2. System will restart to a "Choose an option" screen
3. Select "Troubleshoot" from "Choose an option" screen
4. Select "Advanced options" from "Troubleshoot" screen
5. Select "Windows Startup Settings" from "Advanced options" screen
6. Click "Restart" button

System will restart.
7. Select "Disable Driver Signature Enforcement"
If your display is digital or doesn't work like mine (hdmi) just hit "F7" then "enter". Trust me. :)

The next time the computer was started I got the message "Windows is trying to repair your computer." Select Run Windows 8.1.

Latest Software and Drivers

USB Driver 2.0.1.0
Software Re. 6.26  TESTED OK
Software Re. 6.37  TESTED OK
Software Re. 6.38  TESTED OK

When updating Software go to Adding or Updating the "devices.txt" file
Software Re. 6.38  TESTED OK

Important Notes About GQ‑4X Programmer Versions

There are now two different GQ‑4X programmers, and the software/driver requirements are not the same. This is important when installing on Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Old GQ‑4X (single beep at power‑on)

This is the original model. It uses the legacy USBPrg software (e.g., Re. 6.26, 6.37, 6.38) and the older USB driver. The newer software from the MCUmall website does not support this older programmer and will display errors such as:

• “Did not get response from programmer”

• “Demo only”

• “This software does NOT work on older version GQ‑4X”

To use the old GQ‑4X on Windows 10 or Windows 11:

• You must use the older USBPrg folder copied from a working installation.

• All supporting files (device definitions, algorithms, adapters, etc.) must remain in the same folder structure as the original system.

• Windows 11 requires Memory Integrity (Core Isolation) to be OFF, otherwise the unsigned driver will be blocked.

Once the correct folder is copied and the driver is installed, the old GQ‑4X works normally, including programming and verifying flash cards.

New GQ‑4X4 (two beeps at power‑on)

This is the updated model. It uses the new USBPrg software available on the MCUmall website and a digitally signed driver. It works with Memory Integrity ON and installs cleanly on modern Windows versions.

The new software is designed for the GQ‑4X4 and will not communicate with the older GQ‑4X.

Summary

• If you have the old GQ‑4X, you must use the older USBPrg software and driver.

• If you have the new GQ‑4X4, you must use the new software from MCUmall.

• Mixing the wrong software with the wrong programmer will always fail.

• Windows 11 users with the old GQ‑4X must disable Memory Integrity to allow the unsigned driver.

Open

Folder Locations Required for Z88 Extender Programming

The GQ‑4X programmer software (USBPrg) can be placed anywhere, including:

Code

However, the Z88 Extender project files must remain in the same folder structure as the original working installation. These files include the flash images and the Java emulator build outputs.

For example, a working Windows 10 installation may use:

Code

If these files are moved or placed in a different location on a new computer, the programmer may fail to verify or write the flash device. Restoring the original folder structure resolves these issues immediately.

Once the correct project folder is restored, the GQ‑4X programmer operates normally, including full flash card write and verify capability.