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 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.
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.
Hardware
To connect to the card it needs
- DIL Socket (32 pin minimum size)
- A19 to be available if programming the 1M Flash Card is required.
Programming Software
3 chips are used
EPROM Programmers
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.
Modern computers do no longer support the parallel post. An alternative needed to be found.
Operating Systems
xp
USB 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.
Operating Systems
8.1
TRUE USB 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.
Operating Systems
7
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 
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
Using the Z88 Extender Card with an EPROM Programmer
Although I am showing this card being used with the Willem Universal EPROM Programmer, these techniques and instructions may be used with other models.
Solder the required components onto the card.