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Jameco 664 EPROM Programmer

Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 10:06 am
by Tommy volts
Hello forum members,

Last weekend I bought a Jameco 664 EPROM programmer and a UV Eraser at a Hamfest.

I assumed I could find information on the programmer on the web. I can't find any information whatsoever. No manual, no circuit /design examples. Not anything. It is as though the programmer never existed. Jameco won't even answer my emails.

I have experience with EEPROMS (stamps, Microchip etc. and programming with MPLAB etc.) but none with EPROMs.

I need your help.

I need a manual, a book, or any other information I can get on how to use this system or even something similar.

Thank you.

Re: Jameco 664 EPROM Programmer

Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 10:51 am
by Tommy volts
Jameco emailed me back yesterday.

They have no knowledge of the Jameco EPROM programmer system. They also said that EPROMS are obsolete.

Unfortunately there aren't many folks like me that have an interest in restoring old stuff like radios and historical technology.

When I rebuilt an old 1930's vacuum tube radio a few years back, I was amazed at how many folks asked why I would do that when there are new radios that are much higher quality and cheaper.

I gave them my standard response.... "because it's there".

Once again, I'd appreciate any information from any one out there that has any knowledge about EPROMS. I realize EPROMS were used and popular long before most folks got involved with control applications and that EPROMS are indeed "obsolete".

The total lack of knowledge and resources out there on this is disconcerting, it's like I've stepped into the Twighlight Zone. As though that part of history never existed.


Thanks again.

Re: Jameco 664 EPROM Programmer

Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:35 am
by Janitor Tzap
Tommy,

I know what your talking about.
Unfortunately, each Eprom programmer is different.
Thus, I can't help you with yours.
{Also, I haven't used an Eprom programmer, ever since Flash ROMS came out.} :lol:

But here's a site that may have a few people who are still playing with that old stuff.
http://www.old-computers.com/forum/default.asp

Hope that helps you.


Signed: Janitor Tzap

Re: Jameco 664 EPROM Programmer

Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 1:02 pm
by Tommy volts
Janitor Tzap,

Don't feel alone. Very few EEs out there have ever even seen an EPROM, much less programmed one.

UV Eraser, whats that?

There is no available information on EPROM programmers out there. It's all flash ROM now.

I did find a 24 pin chip that may work though. It is the 2716 EPROM. It has the UV window. I am going to start with that and see what else I can come up with. Ill try do a trial and error program and UV erase approach.

thanks for replying.

Re: Jameco 664 EPROM Programmer

Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2010 9:43 am
by Tommy volts
Still no success.

Re: Jameco 664 EPROM Programmer

Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2010 2:58 pm
by sofaspud
The programmer wasn't made by Jameco. Have you opened it up to see if there's some clue to the manufacturer?
Maybe a silkscreen on the PCB, a custom chip, firmware ID, ... Anything that might help direct a search for docs?

Re: Jameco 664 EPROM Programmer

Posted: Thu Mar 04, 2010 3:25 pm
by MrAl
Hi,


You didnt get a CD with it or anything?

How about a link on the Jameco site so we can take a look?

No name on the front or top of the unit?


I have worked with EPROMs in the past, and in fact that is the first kind of device i ever programmed
back in the 1970's. We used a custom built unit with switches to set the data which was very time
consuming. Since then i designed my own with computer interface (1980's). Dont use them anymore
however.

Re: Jameco 664 EPROM Programmer

Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 2:15 pm
by Tommy volts
I will take off the metal cover and look inside.

Re: Jameco 664 EPROM Programmer

Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 6:04 pm
by psycho
If nothing else (provided you get Nuts & Volts), you can put a question in the tech forum in there. A lot of people read that magazine and someone may know a little about it.

I haven't used an EPROM in 20 years or so...

Kevin

Re: Jameco 664 EPROM Programmer

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 7:59 pm
by Bob Scott
Tommy volts wrote:UV Eraser, whats that?
It is a separate box with a fluorescent UV bulb inside. You turn it on, leave the EPROMs with their windows uncovered inside a shelf below the bulb. It takes a few hours to erase the EPROM.

5 years ago I was working on updating a servo system from the 1980s. The EPROM programmer came with a software diskette and an executable DOS program for programming different sizes of EPROMs on a PC. You could give diskette with a comma delimited HEX file (or space delimited or whatever delimited) and it would program the IC.

Without the software program you are dead in the water. :sad: