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Help needed with setup & useage of Willem EPROM Programmer V508 version PCB50B

inotarobot

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Hi again all, (EDITED to add "Maybe this thread can be for all to add info on any version of the Programmer")

well as some of you know I was asked to copy ROMS out of my INFORMER 207/102-V22.. so I have gone and dragged out my what I would call modern hobby marker Programmer.

Its a Willem Eprom programmer and of course stupidly I did not store the software that came with it, with it.
Nor did I store the DB25 M to DB25 F Parallel Port Cable with it.

SIGH.. Earlier in the day I when I got it out I could not make out a version of it, but I felt it was late as I have a lot of surface mount adaptors for it as well.

wA6mBGJ.jpg


oTegLpG.jpg


Looking at PCB under the 12pin dip switches I see the marking ""Ëprom Programmer V50B""

and to the left of that near the red led VPP the board is marked PCB50B... so just now I googled that and got the OEM website so I have cut and will past this basic info on this model later in this thread.

But for now I have a few questions.

I have an old IBM ThinkPad 240 Type 2609-21M loaded with Windows xp. This unit has a DB25pin Parallel Port Female connector on the back. The Willem has a DB25pn Male Parallel Port connector on it.

HELP am I correct with the following ????

Q1 So if i recall correctly the DB25M to DB25F cable was a STRAIGHT Through one, and that should mean I can simply plug the Willem directly into the ThinkPad without need for a cable (As due to Covid-19 we are in a Stage 3 lockdown so I cannot drive the 40min to nearest store that would have one)

SJybIdt.jpg


woak8IB.jpg


Q2. I see the the latest version of the Willem software is 0.98D12 but no mention as to what OS or version of OS it can run on. So I wonder if it will work on my Thinkpad 240 with Win98

((Edited to add as I just found on their website the followingThe newest Willem EPROM Programmer PCB50B© Supports Win9X, Me, XP, NT, 2000 and VISTA operating systems & the Updated software Willem EPEOM PCB50a(0.98D12) only works on this PCB50a & PCB50b


Q3. I also cannot see any mention of what sort of Parallel Printer Port it needs or can work on?
ie LPT1 or Bi-Tronics or EPP or ECP ... So any input from your own experience would be good

Q4. can this unit be operated sucessfully on a late model laptop using a USP to Parallel Port adaptor?
this is something I have never tried.
 
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Copied from Sivava.com site this is the info on this Willem EPROM Programmer PCB50B as sold in what they are calling ""Package 7""
==============

I highlighted in the body of there description 2 area in Red as its interesting to see what OS and PCB rev the latest version of the Software supports

Supports Win9X, Me, XP, NT, 2000 and VISTA operating systems
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[A5] Willem EPROM Programmer PCB50B
Package 7 : Willem EPROM Programmer PCB50B©
PACKAGE 7 INCLUDES:
1.) Willem EPROM Programmer PCB50B©
2.) CD Installation Software and Manual
3.) USB Cable (for power supply)
4.) Computer cable DB25 (for data communication)
Description:
This is the newest Willem EPROM Progrmmaer from the original producer/developer of Willem EPROM Programmer version: PCB3b, PCB3.5, PCB4C, PCB4.5C, PCB50 and software versions:0.98D11, 0.98D10, 0.98D9, 0.98D5 , 0.98D2, 0.97ja, 0.97j, 0.97i+, 0.98i or (0.97i), 0.97h and 0.97g.
This new hardware version (PCB50) is is more STABLE than all old PCB version and increase supports 3V3-3V6 SPI Flash devices. * SPI flash chips are found on new motherboards, DVD burners, hard drives etc.
Updated Newest Software Willem EPEOM PCB50a(0.98D12)© support the SPI FLASH chips (AMIC, ATMEL, EON, MXIC, Numonyx (ST), P-FLASH, SPANSION, SST, WINBOND, GigaDevice, MicroChip ) more than the all version and improved the models of algorithms focusing on SST 25 series .
Latest software 0.98D12 improve W39V040, W39V040A; W39V040FA; W39V040BP; W39V040FBP; W39V040FCP; W39V040FCPZ; W39V040FBPZ; W39V080APZ; W39V080AP; W39V080FA; W39V080FAZ Programming to flash, 100% perfect.
You are buying directly from the manufacturer.
Applications:
Refreshing , Upgrading, Programming BIOS chips.
Copier, Fax machine, Printer main board maintaining or repairing.
VCD, DVD, Color TV maintaining or repairing.
Neon Light Controller code writing.
MCU development - programming for MCS-51 series, AVR series and PIC series MCU.
Repairing, reading, writing, programming PC motherboard BIOS Chips.
Upgrade the chip in your cars computer.
Programming MicroChip PIC Micros.
Programming ATMEL AVR Micros.
Hardware & Software Features:
The newest Willem EPROM PProgrammer PCB50B©. It can program up to 20% - 50% faster than old version of Willem EPROM Programmer have Built-in PLCC32 and PLCC Firmware HUB/LPC on-board
Supported program
- SPI FLASH chips VCC(3.6V)
- EPROM, EEPROM, Serial (I2C) EEPROM, Microwire EEPROM, Microchip PIC
- FLASH Burner (Vpp 12.5V, 21V, 25V), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)
- Micro controllers MCS-51, MCS-48
- Test nonvolatile SRAM, static RAM, ATMELand etc.
Willem EPROM PProgrammer PCB50© and PCB4.5C can support the chip 29/39/49LVxxx (Low Voltage 3.3V).
Uses the power supply from the USB Port or AC/DC adaptor power
Note: Higher Vcc voltages (5.6v and 6.2v) will be available when an external AC power supply is used.
Able unprotect the AM29F040B flash memory chip.
The back of circuit board is covered by a sheet of perspex and completely protected from a short circuit.
Supports Win9X, Me, XP, NT, 2000 and VISTA operating systems
Updated software Willem EPEOM PCB50a(0.98D12)© only support The newest Willem EPROM PProgrammer PCB50B©

IMPROVED SUPPORT CHIPS:
--- AMIC ---
A25L05P-B, A25L10P-B, A25L20P-B, A25L05P-T, A25L10P-T, A25L20P-T, A25L512, A25L010, A25L020, A25L040, A25L080;, A25L016
--- ATMEL ---
AT25F512, AT25F1024, AT25F2048, AT25FS010, AT25FS020, AT25F010, AT25F040, AT25DF021, AT25DF041, AT25DF161, AT25DF321, AT25DF641, AT25D081A
--- EON ---
EN25B05, EN25B10, EN25B20, EN25B40, EN25B80, EN25B16, EN25B32, EN25B64, EN25P05, EN25P10, EN25P20, EN25P40, EN25P80, EN25P16, EN25P32, EN25P64, EN25D80, EN25D16, EN25F20, EN25F40, EN25F80, EN25F16, EN25T80
--- MXIC ---
MX25L512, MX25L1005, MX25L2005, MX25L4005, MX25L8005, MX25L1605, MX25L3205, MX25L6405
--- Numonyx (ST) ---
M25P05, M25P10, M25P20, M25P40, M25P80, M25P16, M25P32, M25P64, M25PE10, M25PE20, M25PE40, M25PE80, M25PX80, M25PX16, M25PX32, M25PX64
--- P-FLASH ---
Pm25LV512, Pm25LV010, Pm25LV020, Pm25LV040, Pm25LV080, Pm25LV016
--- SPANSION ---
S25FL004A/040A, S25FL008A, S25FL040A-T, S25FL040A-B, S25FL016A, S25FL032A, S25FL064A.S25L128
--- SST ---
SST25LF020A, SST25LF040A, SST25LF080A, SST25VF512, SST25VF010, SST25VF020, SST25VF020, SST25VF040, SST25VF020B, SST25VF040B, SST25VF080B, SST25VF016B, SST25VF032B, SST25VF064C
--- WINBOND ---
W25P10, W25P20, W25P40, W25P80, W25P16, W25P32, W25X01, W25X02, W25X04, W25X08 , W25X16, W25X32, W25X64 , W25B40A,
--- GigaDevice ---
GD25F40, GD25F80, GD25D40, GD25D80, GD25T80
--- ESMT ---
F25L004A, F25L008A, F25L016A, F25L032PA, A, , F25L04UA, F25S04PA, F25S08PA, F25S16PA, F25L32QA
--- MicroChip ---
25LC(AA)1024
Can be expanded by adding various adapters (Optional)
-. PIC + adapter, 16 bit 40pin/42pin Adapter, PLCC32, PLCC44
-. ATMEL AT89/MCS-51, FWH/HUB adapter
-. TSOP48, TSOP32 Adapter and more.
Uses the power supply from a USB port or from an optional power supply or plug pack (not supplied)
Note: Higher Vcc voltages (5.6v and 6.2v) will be available when an external AC power supply is used. The back of circuit board is covered by a sheet of perspex and completely protected from a short circuit.
========
 
It's been a while, but I used my Willem EPROM Programmer ver 6 with Linux (Debian 8.x - 32 Bit) and I created
a [HOWTO] that is on the Debian Forum at http://forums.debian.net/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=135301

Maybe it will help you with your Version 5.


Larry

Hi Larry, Thank your for your input. I had a quick look at the link you sent. You certainly did a great job.
Its given me food for thought and I will go back and refer to it this evening when i can focus more.

best regards
David
 
I also have a Willem PCB50B (pictured at [here]).

When used, it is attached to my XP machine via a straight-through parallel cable.

The software that I am using is of version 0.98D12a ('V.98D12' on the label of the supplied CD).

The software creates two icons. I use the 'EPROM50' icon. Related may be that my PCB50B has the two 'PCB45<->PCB3B' jumpers set to the 'PCB45' setting.

In the XP machine's SETUP, the motherboard's parallel port can be set to either SPP (standard parallel port), or EPP, or ECP. I tried all three settings, and the software worked for all.

An ISO of the supplied CD, which includes software and manual, is now at [here].
 
hi modem7

thank you for this valuable input re parallel port setting and cable.

I got the ISO you put the link to. be helpful if it could be added legally to Bitsavers as well

will try my unit tomorrow.

regards
David
 
I guess I am knowingly necroposting, but I got one of these a few days ago. I had already read this thread and I knew I was going to have to break out my old XP (32-bit) and I did and it still works fine (had to replace the battery). This, to get to a parallel port in a Win machine. I cleaned up the Willem and started poking around and familiarizing myself with the documentation.

When it came time to plug in a power supply and into the XP parallel port, there was no joy. It could not see it at all. Just getting a connection error.

Looking in the device manager, I see:
lpscn2a.jpg
lpscn1a.jpg

Checking or unchecking the "Enable legacy..." made no difference and neither did switching LPT number....and then I start to remember problems with software that was looking for the original LPT port addresses. I had a cheap PCI ser/par card that was ubiquitous at the time and used the MOSchip. I upgraded the driver but no joy.

I went here and downloaded his parallel port tester (I think it is quite good). Seemed reasonable to test the Port before going further. This software recognized the address as xCCD8 and the port seemed fine as I set pins and they all behaved as they should.

Then I went here and here. Both of these work for me! I ended up using the io.dll and entered xCCD8 into the .ini and it worked! I just read a 27c256 without problems. Not a thorough test for sure but it is a big move forward. So, if you run into this problem, I recommend that you check out those links.
 
I guess I am knowingly necroposting, but I got one of these a few days ago. I had already read this thread and I knew I was going to have to break out my old XP (32-bit) and I did and it still works fine (had to replace the battery). This, to get to a parallel port in a Win machine. I cleaned up the Willem and started poking around and familiarizing myself with the documentation.

When it came time to plug in a power supply and into the XP parallel port, there was no joy. It could not see it at all. Just getting a connection error.

Looking in the device manager, I see:
View attachment 1270680
View attachment 1270682

Checking or unchecking the "Enable legacy..." made no difference and neither did switching LPT number....and then I start to remember problems with software that was looking for the original LPT port addresses. I had a cheap PCI ser/par card that was ubiquitous at the time and used the MOSchip. I upgraded the driver but no joy.

I went here and downloaded his parallel port tester (I think it is quite good). Seemed reasonable to test the Port before going further. This software recognized the address as xCCD8 and the port seemed fine as I set pins and they all behaved as they should.

Then I went here and here. Both of these work for me! I ended up using the io.dll and entered xCCD8 into the .ini and it worked! I just read a 27c256 without problems. Not a thorough test for sure but it is a big move forward. So, if you run into this problem, I recommend that you check out those links.
Actually, I think I entered 0x378 in the .ini - unfortunately I can't check at this moment, but the directions were so clear, I just followed them :)
 
Actually, I think I entered 0x378 in the .ini - unfortunately I can't check at this moment, but the directions were so clear, I just followed them :)
No. I entered ccd8 in the ini because that is the address of the lpt - not sure what I was thinking or, more accurately, why I was not thinking, but I was using it yesterday and looked (again). Sheesh.
 
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Hi - sorry to hijack/ask in this thread but im stuck using a willem programmer as well - ive got the PCB5.0T- with a XP PC - using the EEPROM willem PCB5c software , ive set the jumper block (itsall the same for gigabyte boards) , found the matching bios chip and i can read a chip , i can erase a chip , and i can actually load back the original bios on the chip - but i cannot reflash a chip with a different bios from the gigabyte website - i down load it extract it - rename it to a bin file and load it = it says binary file ok - but when i try to flash the chip im getting a 0x000000chip=0xff buffer=0x25 error - but this only happens with a new bios ive downloaded - if i flash it back using the original bios - it writes and verifies - but im kind of back to square 1 - what am i doing wrong -
 
Welcome to these forums.

Hi - sorry to hijack/ask in this thread but im stuck using a willem programmer as well - ive got the PCB5.0T- with a XP PC - using the EEPROM willem PCB5c software , ive set the jumper block (itsall the same for gigabyte boards) , found the matching bios chip and i can read a chip , i can erase a chip , and i can actually load back the original bios on the chip - but i cannot reflash a chip with a different bios from the gigabyte website - i down load it extract it - rename it to a bin file and load it = it says binary file ok - but when i try to flash the chip im getting a 0x000000chip=0xff buffer=0x25 error - but this only happens with a new bios ive downloaded - if i flash it back using the original bios - it writes and verifies - but im kind of back to square 1 - what am i doing wrong -
My interpretation of '0x000000 chip=0xff buffer=0x25' is:
- An error at the very first address of the chip (000000 hex), with 25 hex being written by the software to the chip (from the software's data buffer), but read back from the chip is 00 hex.
- The software, having encountered an error, did not attempt to write to the remaining addresses.

ive set the jumper block (itsall the same for gigabyte boards)
Considering how many different models of Gigabyte motherboards have been released, it is hard for me to believe that they all use the same type of BIOS ROM chip.
There will be functionality in the software to identify the chip type, by it reading the chip's electronic ID/signature (assumption: the chip has one.)

i can erase a chip
Presumably, the software does the normal thing which is to include an erase verification (data read-back) operation. If you didn't, I suggest that after erasure, you take a look in the software's buffer (I think there is a 'buffer' tab), just to satisfy yourself that the data in the chip was overwritten to an erased state.
 
Hi modem - thanks - imeant the blue Vpp jumperblock is all the same dip switch settings for a gigabyte skt478 mobos - not the bios chip - ive got the same chip as the original one - sti49fl0003a - and yes when i erase the buffer is all FF so its erasing - and i can reprogram the original bios back on sucessfully but not any of the new bios bin files - this buffer error keeps coming up with any version i try to flash -
 
HI just an update in what i can see in the buffer when i load a bios - the original bios has FF ( empty) from $000000 to $01FF00 and starts the bios language at $020000 being the next line - where as any of the new bioses start the language at $000000 in the first row - so the FF area that must be the buffer - anyone know how to set the programmer to start at $020000 ( $being the sum of squiggle ) - or am i just off track
 
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