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 chipusing
the EPROM Programmer
- Am 29F080 - 512K Flash
- AM29F040B - 512K Flash
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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.
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
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