Introduction
Flash and EPROM Cards can be programmed in the Z88 itself. What is the attraction of using an EPROM Programmer that is used with the Desktop computer?
Program updates are available on the internet.
Using the Z88
The proceedure of updating the Z88 card is as follows:-
- Download the software image for the Z88
- Transfer the software (ROMupdate) and the image to the Z88
- Use ROMupdate to program the card.
The disadvantage of using this method is when using the 512K/512K Flash RAM Card is that when multiple cards need to be programmed this operation needs to be repeated from 2 because removing the programmed card with the RAM causes a FAIL. A HARD RESET looses the transferred software previously transferred.
Using the EPROM Programmer
The proceedure of updating the Z88 card is as follows:-
- Download the software image for the Z88
- Program the card
- Use ROMupdate to program the card.
The advantage of using this method is when using the 512K/512K Flash RAM Card is that when multiple cards need to be programmed this operation the cards can be changed one after another.
Conclusion
Unless there is an requirement for programming chips like for example an internal ROM or programming multiple Z88 cards, it is not worth using the EPROM Programmer.EPROM Programmers
Testing the EPROM Programmer
Use an existing Flash card to read the data and then verify it. Make sure that all your soldered joints are good ones as bad ones will produce errors when testing the card as well as testing your patience. If you get any data errors, check all your connections and soldered joints.
EPROM Programmer Requirements
For 512K cards
EPROM Programmers expect the user to program the actual chip using the supplied Zero insertion force (ZIF) socket or an adapter. The Z88 PCB Extender Card is an adapter and uses the same 32 pin DIL footprint as the 512K Flash devices. This means that as long as the EPROM Programmer can program
- Am 29F080 - 512K Flash
- AM29F040B - 512K Flash
DIL chips, they can be used.
The 34 way connectors are fitted and are used with a plug (with pins 1 - 18 connected together). This ensures that the RAM in the 512K/512K /Flash/RAM card is not selected. The flying wire with the 8 way connector is not used in this configuration.
Batronix BX32 Batupo II
This uses a single USB connection for Power and control. It has a 32 pin ZIF socket which allows it to program the 512K Flash Cards.
Operating Systems
8.1
For 1M cards
The Am29F080 1M Flash chip can be programmed two ways. If the programmer has it on its list but needs to be connected to
- all 44 pins of the TSOP II device, it cannot be used.
- just the signals in the ZIF socket and the additional address line, A19 it can be used.
A small piece of wire or ribbon cable is used to connect the A19 signal to the programmer either to
- a single socket in the ZIF connector or
- an 8-way header on the Programmer. There are two pins that are marked, the 2nd pin from either end.
If you are using a different programmer, find out where the A19 pin is and connect the wire to that point.
Willem Universal EPROM Programmer
This was the first programmer to be used. It used two connections to the Desktop computer
- USB for Power
- Parallel Cable from the LPT1 printer port.
Instructions are given for this programmer and can be used as a guide to using other programmers.
Modern computers do no longer support the parallel post. An alternative programmer needed to be found.
Operating Systems
xp
GQ-4X EEPROM FLASH CHIP PROGRAMMER
SUPPORTS ALL WILLEM ZIF ADAPTERS
This uses a single USB connection for Power and control. It has a 40 pin ZIF socket which allows it to program the 1M and 512K Flash Cards.
This item has been ordered together with the extender address header that connects the 8 spare holes to an 8 pin header that were on the original Williem Programmer.
Results to follow:-
Operating Systems
8.1
GQ-3X EEPROM FLASH CHIP PROGRAMMER
SUPPORTS ALL WILLEM ZIF ADAPTERS
This uses a single USB connection for Power and control. It has a 40 pin ZIF socket which allows it to program the 1M and 512K Flash Cards. This is a cheaper and older alternative than the GQ-4X above. This has not been tested.
Operating Systems
7
TL866A UNIVERSAL EEPROM Programmer
This uses a single USB connection for Power and control.
It has a 40 pin ZIF socket which allows it to program the 1M and 512K Flash Cards.
This has not been tested as it tests whether all the pins have been connected.
Operating Systems
8
