Couple of questions about equipment.

Hey guys I'm looking to get a decent multimeter. I'm also wanting to get a Eprom Programmer eraser that I can mess with neo stuff and some CPS2 stuff I have. I don't want to spend a huge amount but I don't want to buy crap either any suggestions?

I recommend FLUKE multimeters, they are the best in my book... Uber quality..come in a quality protective rubber case (higher models).
I have tried cheaper meters in the past.., but they are crap... spend a little more on one of these & have no regrets!

A generic PCB 3 or enhanced PCB 3 from ebay is a good universal programmer. Probably sold as a willem, willem +, or enhanced willem, even the ones that are not willem but PCB3 (very similar, almost identical). THese are extremely cheap and easy to use.

They plug into your parrallel port and will burn almost anything. You need adapters for many things though. Adapters are cheap and easy to use, some places overcharge lots for these though, just shop around, bc they can be very very cheap. For hobby use they are absolutely perfect. I don't see why anyone would really need one of those $300 programmers, when PCB3 boards can burn almost everything the $300 ones can... Everything from EPROMs, PIC microcontrollers, PROMs, EEPROMs, even SRAMs (though I'm not quite sure why you would need a eprom programmer to wite data into SRAM, maybe if it had a backup battery on it.

I use a willem programmer ... very very good with certain limitations.

You will need an adapter to program some eproms (16 bit, etc) and I would avoid the prebuilt ones that are powered from the usb port as they cannot supply high enough voltages for some chips (albeit fairly elderly ones !).

If you are interested pop over to the willem site - you can build the programmer very very easily - there are pcb layouts, etc so you can even etch the board yourself.

It cannot program gals, pals or do logic checks (although I have only seen all of these facilities on very expensive programmers) but is certainly invaluable for arcade board work.

Depending on how involved you are planning a logic probe or clip, logic comparator (sometimes come up on ebay !) and frequency counter could also be good starting points !

I use a maplin multimeter (maplin electronics) has quite a few basic tests built into it such as frequency counter, diode test, transistor test, etc ... useful for quick go / no go tests before bringing out dedicated equipment.

And the final cherry on the cake .... a tidy oscilloscope ... something like an old Tektroniks does a wonderful job ... I actually prefer the old ones to the all singing all dancing new tft screen ones .... nothing like having a cuppa while it warms up ....

Iain

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42291&item=4369607290&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

This is the model# I got for my birthday a few years ago.

I don't know how much It retailed for, but my dad got it because he thought it looked exactly like his Fluke model. He even speculated that it's the same one.

Also, if you have an ISA slot on your PC and need a Ep rom burner, let me know... I have one that i have yet to use.

Iain said:

I use a willem programmer ... very very good with certain limitations.

You will need an adapter to program some eproms (16 bit, etc) and I would avoid the prebuilt ones that are powered from the usb port as they cannot supply high enough voltages for some chips (albeit fairly elderly ones !).

Click to expand...

I have one of these with the USB port, works fine but you will need to use the 12V jack for some EPROMs. Since it has both this isn't really a problem. It was prebuilt too, only like $30 (+shipping) on ebay. It's PCB3 not willem (but they're almost identical).

Craftsman probably copied the design of the Fluke 87, which is likely what your father has. I use an 87-III at work (it's what we were issued, along with a Fluke Scopemeter). I do have a Craftsman meter at home, but I recently acquired a lesser Fluke model (from Fatguy) that I can't remember the # of off the top of my head, but it's designed for automotive use. The Fluke meters are definitely faster than my Craftsman. The Craftsman takes awhile to display a reading after contact. I am keeping the Craftsman around at home though, because the Fluke I have here doesn't do capacitance or temperature, although I had to buy a type-K thermocouple to do temp. readings with the Craftsman.

norton9478 said:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42291&item=4369607290&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

This is the model# I got for my birthday a few years ago.

I don't know how much It retailed for, but my dad got it because he thought it looked exactly like his Fluke model. He even speculated that it's the same one.

Also, if you have an ISA slot on your PC and need a Ep rom burner, let me know... I have one that i have yet to use.

Click to expand...

RiotoftheBlood said:

Craftsman probably copied the design of the Fluke 87, which is likely what your father has. I use an 87-III at work (it's what we were issued, along with a Fluke Scopemeter). I do have a Craftsman meter at home, but I recently acquired a lesser Fluke model (from Fatguy) that I can't remember the # of off the top of my head, but it's designed for automotive use. The Fluke meters are definitely faster than my Craftsman. The Craftsman takes awhile to display a reading after contact. I am keeping the Craftsman around at home though, because the Fluke I have here doesn't do capacitance or temperature, although I had to buy a type-K thermocouple to do temp. readings with the Craftsman.

Click to expand...

yeah that's a poss..

I do like my craftsman model..... It's alot better than some shit i've seen.

More than adequate for most of this stuff.

At the moment I am using a home built siliconchip 32 pin zif programmer, its OK for 27C256/512 etc for older board set eproms but no use for say a 27C1024 (40 pin)

http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_30475/article.html

Hoping to buy a discontinued Advantech 40S programmer soon (from my friendly arcade vendor who is upgrading to the current model which also handles PALs and GALs).
http://www.1-stop-programmers.com/AV-48-pgmr.html
I dont really want to be spending $1200 on a programmer

This Zeltek programmer looks OK, 1024 is not listed as supported though.
http://www.1-stop-programmers.com/XT-spz-pgmr.html

This Russian programmer looks good value at $120 if on a bugdet, adaptors will be required for some eproms, they tell me its OK for 1024s.

http://masterra.webzone.ru/english.htm

As already mentioned there are sometimes good deals on programmers on ebay, beware the cost of adaptors, they can run from 50-100 bucks a piece, which is a bit much for a one off job.

Here is my eraser made of a water purification uv fluro


check this out for an eprom uv eraser for less than $20
http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_104058/article.html


For a multimeter Im using a Brymen TBM812, and really happy with it

http://www.brymen.com.tw/product-html/cata810/Bm810s.htm
True RMS, frq, capacitance and an optical RS232 to connect to the PC.
Used to have a Fluke 87 but it was stolen from the workshop a couple of years ago, I swear the Brymen is just as good at a fraction of the price.

Hey toddy, you know that PCB 3 (or willem) type board I got on ebay for $30 supports 16-bit EPROMs 1-4 MB (40 pin) or 4-16 mb (44pin) each adapter (zif 32 on the board) was only $3 or $4 from this site i found in germany. I think Willem sells a combination 40 and 44 pin adapter for about 20 EU. Plus there are adapters for TSOP, PLCC, SOIC, WELLS, PIC, all kinds of stuff. I have seen sites selling the 32 pin zif adapters for $60-80, but there are lots of places selling the same ones for around $5. All the PCB 3 board designs and adapters are free to the public for anyone to build so I don't see how you can really charge for a whole lot more than just parts.

Here's a list of supported devices (this is for both willem and PCB 3)
http://www.willem.org/specs.htm

It's really pretty amazing considering how cheap they are pre-built on ebay. They cost a little more on the willem website, but the parts only (not built) kit is reasonable I think. So far it's been both fast and reliable.

Cheers,
-DT