Need a programmer recommendation

[retroshaun]

Hey guys
A colleague here is inquiring about a prom programmer and wanted some recommendations. AFAIK this is in no way arcade related (sorry - a little OT). What he needs is one which will program "SST bios chips in PLCC packages" (his words).

Any thoughts?

 

[guddler]

Without looking at the device lists for all the modern contenders I couldn't say what ones will or won't do the job but I can tell you that the ability to handle devices in a PLCC package is usually handled by the addition of a DIP -> PLCC adapter. Some adapters are passive and cost very little, others are active (voltage shifters and the like) and cost loads. Then there are the passive adapters that cost loads anyway because the manufacturers just rip you off

I'm guessing too that you don't really mean PROMs? They tend to be one time programmable only, a bit like the old BiPolar Fuse Roms. These days, I would assume he's looking for EPROMs or EEPROMs ?

 

[retroshaun]

Well yes, that was his direct quote and I too was assuming E/EEPROMS too, but its been a long time since I programmed anything so I am totally out of the loop.

 

[retroshaun]

He was looking at this one... any good?
http://www.mcumall.com/comersus/store/comersus_dynamicIndex.asp
(the GQ-4X)

 

[guddler]

Doesn't look like it does PLCC out of the box. Unless any of them come with adapters. To be honest though, if that's the sort of thing we're looking at then I'll need to leave it to someone else with more experience with the cheaper programmers as mine was more in the region of £800. Actually over £900 after I'd bought an adapter for 2708's and an upgraded PSU for the bi-polar fuse roms

 

[retroshaun]

Yeah I think he wants something a little more entry level... he did say this one comes with an adapter for PLCC.