universal programmer. recommendations?

[otitov]

Hi!

I would like to spend some money and get a nice universal flash, eprom, eeprom, pic, atmel, etc..., programmer.

I was told to search eBay for Willem Programmer, but first I would quite appreciate your opinions and suggestions!

So! What do you use to programm many-many-many chips!

Oleg
P.S. what do you use to erase eprom's?

[leon_heller]

In most cases, it's best to use the manufacturer's tools. For instance, Microchip has the PICKit 2 and 3, as well as the more expensive ICD 3, and Atmel has the AVR Dragon. They are much more useful than a programmer as they offer in-circuit debugging, which is invaluable. They aren't expensive.

Do people still use EPROMs? I built my own UV eraser and programmer, but it must be over 15 years since I used one.

[otitov]

Yes! People still use EPROMs!

In my case I need a programmer for 27C512 EPROM, I want to upgrade a firmware for Kantronics KPC3+ digipeater (yes, I am radio-amateur with interest in APRS).

I found a nice flash replacement for this chip - SST27SF512, but it is out of stock. I was offered to buy classic 27C512 EPROM, which lead me to consider to buy Willem Programmer and any UV eraser.

[ale500]

If you only need one device then you can use an adapter board with a flash device and program the flash via some uController. A 29F010 for instance is a 5V device, it has 32 pins but it can be easily programmed using an ATMega8535 or ATMega162 (they are DIP too and 5V parts with external memory interface). I'll do that (and I recently sold my EPROM programmer because it had an ISA card...).