cyclone3d wrote on 2020-12-03, 23:53:

Even having the same size EEPROM as the board you are working on doesn't always work properly. Some boards want specific types o […]
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Even having the same size EEPROM as the board you are working on doesn't always work properly. Some boards want specific types of EEPROMs.

Just get a few of each size like you have listed and that should cover most everything.

Then when you run into something that doesn't work you can go searching to figure out exactly what you need.

A lot of the older boards (486 and below) used EPROMs... so there isn't necessarily an easy way to tell exactly what EEPROM will work without trial and error. Chances are that if there are BIOS mods or upgrades for specific boards, somebody else will have already figured it out.

Agree !! There is no magic little group of eeproms that will cover from 286 thru socket 775. Many old 286 and 386 need a true UV EPROM of exact type unless someone found the magic type that will work thru trial-n-error.
Once you get above Slot1/SlotA and soc370 you start running into PLCC types and they vary as much as DIPS... just my opinion 😀

Shamone wrote on 2020-12-04, 00:36:

Can anybody help me with the sale of my Amstrad 386 Mega PC please? UK and needs a loving home!

No we do not sell things here. It is against the rules. Try Ebay or Amibay

Ok got my new TL866ii Plus today, installed and seems to be working OK after a small firmware update.
Curious question for experts: in the batch of 13 adapters are two that appear for SMT that would require some soldering.
The other 11 adapters are self explanatory and built very well but the two in the top right of the picture sort of have me confused.
Any one have a clue what they used for ?

I've seen ppl on yt soldering chips on them.
Probably yes, as it allows chips not fitting in other adapters.

Nexxen wrote on 2020-12-11, 00:16:

I've seen ppl on yt soldering chips on them.
Probably yes, as it allows chips not fitting in other adapters.

Thanks ! Was wondering if they left off some SMT socket.
Overall have used the new programmer a dozen times and am very happy with it.
Figured out how to read some old EPROMS not listed in the quick CHIP ID list and it worked well for reading them.
Thanks everyone for the recommendations !

I've got both the G540 and the TL866 here.

The G540 prommer, which I got first, works "ok" for common types and has an experimental GAL/PAL readout feature.
But for most parts, the TL866 does a better overall job. Anyway, it's not bad to have both for testing puposes. Microcontrollers should work fine with either model, I think it's the EPROMs that cause trouble sometimes.
Especially the types 2764 and before, which are based on ancient technology.

If you use a TL866 series, just remember to unselect that "check ID" checkbox in the main window of the program.
Otherwise, it doesn't work. 😉

Edit: I did forget.. The T56 and the newer incarnations of the TL866 lost the ability to program classic EPROMs with 21V and 24V (25V) programming voltage..
In order to program these, a hack and a separate power supply is required.

Jo22 wrote on 2020-12-11, 09:16:

Edit: I did forget.. The T56 and the newer incarnations of the TL866 lost the ability to program classic EPROMs with 21V and 24V (25V) programming voltage..
In order to program these, a hack and a separate power supply is required.

Do you have any guide at hand to post here? I'll for sure read or watch it.
I noticed that the last version of the TL866 has an 18V max output, I thought it was some compatibility dropping for very old or uncommon chips.

Nexxen wrote on 2020-12-11, 14:55:

Jo22 wrote on 2020-12-11, 09:16:

Edit: I did forget.. The T56 and the newer incarnations of the TL866 lost the ability to program classic EPROMs with 21V and 24V (25V) programming voltage..
In order to program these, a hack and a separate power supply is required.

Do you have any guide at hand to post here? I'll for sure read or watch it.
I noticed that the last version of the TL866 has an 18V max output, I thought it was some compatibility dropping for very old or uncommon chips.

Hi, well, some timg ago I've watched a YT video of someone who was able to program 21V EPROMs with his TL866II+. 😀

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VwxCpSt-3RQ

Jo22 wrote on 2020-12-11, 17:11:

Hi, well, some timg ago I've watched a YT video of someone who was able to program 21V EPROMs with his TL866II+. 😀

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VwxCpSt-3RQ

Thanks ! Watched it and is a very informative video. Was what I was thinking on how to program those needing more then 18v on a TL866ii+ but he explained the menu options needed too which would have been trial and error for me 😀