Mountain Computer ROMWRITER Card

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Stargeezer's picture
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Mountain Computer ROMWRITER Card

Evening All:

So two questions for everyone.

1) Has anyone seen a MountianComputer ROMWRITER card for sale anywhere?  There was one on eBay a month or so ago and I just wasn't in a position to act and purchase.  If anyone comes across one of these, or another brand, please let me know.  I would also be interested if anyone has a schematic for these cards to build a clone.

I would also be interested if anyone has the image file for the roms off the AP-64e EPROM Programmer

2) I am going to begin restoring two Sider fixed disk systems I have.  Once I have tested them and validated they work, I will likely sell one.  If you would like to be notified about that, please let me know.  I do not know when I will have an answer as my schedule is so wonky lately.  But, I want gauge interest and give this community first crack.

If anyone has a Sider system or experience using them, I would welcome any advice you may have, like do's and don'ts, etc.

Cheers,

mark

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You can download the AP64A

You can download the AP64A EPROM from my google drive

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B9r6vH-4NK4NZGRjNjA1YzItNzgwYS00M2I1LTk2MjMtNjY4NjQ5ZDU1ZTZj?hl=en&resourcekey=0-PVqPB7KwJPxQU-_baMOGTA

I mostly use the Multiflex EPROM programmer on the Apple II

I have a 40mb Sider. Haven't used it in a bit though.

 

Package iconAP-64e EPROM BURNER CARD.bin_.zip

Attached - Tom

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I have a working Sider 20. 

I have a working Sider 20.  Don't expect to get much if you sell one.  The offers I've gotten for the one I have weren't worth the effort to pack it up and ship it.  Main thing is to make sure you run their "PARK" utility before you move the drive.

 

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Wayne wrote:You can download
Wayne wrote:

You can download the AP64A EPROM from my google drive

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B9r6vH-4NK4NZGRjNjA1YzItNzgwYS00M2I1LTk2MjMtNjY4NjQ5ZDU1ZTZj?hl=en&resourcekey=0-PVqPB7KwJPxQU-_baMOGTA

I mostly use the Multiflex EPROM programmer on the Apple II

I have a 40mb Sider. Haven't used it in a bit though.

 

I think the AP64A is probably more useful than the Mountain ROMWriter.  Although I have fond memories of the latter (a friend had one), it is pretty limited on the chips it can program.  I think it might be able to do 2708s though, and that is something I'd like to be able to do that the TL866 programmer I use can't.

 

 

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I noticed the ROMwriter on

I noticed the ROMwriter on ebay but decided against biding. For the apple II I have a few EPROM burners. I have the Aparrat burner which will do some very old EPROM types should I ever need them.

The AP64 lists only 2716, 2732 and 2764 EPROMs. The Multiflex does about the same. I have a REM EPROM burner which did a very wide variety of EPROMs but it has some issues at the moment. When I have time I intend to try replacing the chips on it.

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Wayne wrote:I noticed the
Wayne wrote:

I noticed the ROMwriter on ebay but decided against biding. For the apple II I have a few EPROM burners. I have the Aparrat burner which will do some very old EPROM types should I ever need them.

The AP64 lists only 2716, 2732 and 2764 EPROMs

 

I was tempted to bid on the ROMWriter, but it was just a little too expensive.  If I remember right it can only do 2708 and 2716 type EPROMs.  And I think for 2708 it may require an adapter and possibly an external 25V DC power supply.

 

The TL866CS that I use I've been able to do 2716-2764 with no problems.  The newer TL866-II unfortunately I have heard may not be able to do a lot of 2716s if they require 21V for programming.

 

 

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I think the Apparat

I think the Apparat programmer might be a good choice. it does 2704, 2708, 2716, 2732, 2508,2516, 2758, 68764, 2815 & 2816. It uses modules to set the EPROM type. If it doesn't come with the one you need, the manual shows how they're wired.

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Thanks

Thanks for the information everyone.

If it looks like I won't keep both Siders, I won't be asking much because it will cost the person a chunk for shipping and this community is awesome.  Randos on eBay are a different story.  LOL

 

@softwarejanitor : thanks for the info on the tl866-CS.  I know Baldrick advised me to stay away from the low cost programmers, but it sounds like the older tl866 programmers can meet the 21v need.

@wayne : I like your idea of the Aparat.  I found the software and manual here.  It includes a schmatic.  Might try making one from a proto-board if possible.  I may hit you up for some advice if I build one.

I'll keep you posted.

Cheers,

mark

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Retro Chip Tester

Just FYI

There is also the Retro Chip Tester.

https://8bit-museum.de/sonstiges/hardware-projekte/hardware-projekte-chip-tester-english/

It can handle EPROMS, Logic chips etc.

 

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Does it program vintage

Does it program vintage EPROMS?

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Chip Tester

Thats a great question.  I was trying to determine the same thing.  I looked at the website for an answer but couldn't find anything speaking to that.  If anyone finds a definitive answer, I would love to know too.  It will greatly influence my decision to purchase one.  They are 48 euros + 6% PayPal fee + 26 Euros to ship to the US.  Not a bank breaker but not inexpensive either.  Keep in mind, what you order isn't the entire device.  Per an email from the vendor the price includes:  - the main board with the pre-assembled ATmega2560, the DC/DC module board,  a suitable micro USB socket.  There is a bill of materials that accompanies it which the purchaser must source the parts and assemble.

Mark

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It does vintage EPROMS such as 2708 and more
Keatah wrote:

Does it program vintage EPROMS?

 

Yes it does, see the section  Programming Adaptor and the section Supported memory modules (EPROMs and (P)ROMs).

If you order it, ask what adapter you need for a specific EPROM type.

 

Note:

You do have to order all the components yourself, you only get the pcb.

And then you have to solder them to the pcb, so soldering skills are required.

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