On 2017/12/04 4:28 PM, wrote:
On Fri, 1 Dec 2017 00:33:14 -0800, John Robertson
wrote:

On 2017/11/30 6:29 PM, wrote:
On Thu, 30 Nov 2017 15:12:01 -0800, John Robertson
wrote:

On 2017/11/30 3:09 PM, wrote:
On Thu, 30 Nov 2017 11:56:10 -0800, John Robertson
wrote:

On 2017/11/30 9:33 AM, wrote:
I have several EPROMs from the 1980s that I would like to copy so that
I will have backups. I see all sorts of readers/programmers online and
on eBay but I don't know what to avoid or buy. I have EPROMs that I
can practice with. They are good as far as I know but the info in them
is for a different machine. So I was thinking I could copy one, then
program a new one with the copied data, and then compare the two to
make sure all the data was copied correctly. I am assuming that the
software I use to copy and write will also have the ability to compare
the two devices. I may be wrong. In about a month the machine I am
most worried about will be free for long enough for me to do the
copying process. I do know how to handle the boards properly to avoid
static and other damage and I do have a nice tool made for removing
and inserting the devices. Any advice or suggestions?
Thanks,
Eric


Hi Eric,

It all depends on the chip. For example - 2716s - most Eprom programmers
can still read those, however if you have 2532s that is harder to find a
reader for. 2732s, 2764s, and later almost any inexpensive device (Wilem
for example) will read those.

If you have 2708s then you will have to buy a legacy Eprom programmer to
read those unless you are adept at making interface modules - you have
to provide +12 and -5 for 2708s. Earlier still devices, and PROMs again
need more specialized reader/programmers.

Most of the 70s games are archived and not too hard to find via MAME.
Which games are you trying to back up?

Or you can talk to someone like my shop where we can read and program
devices right back to 1702As so we could read your chips and give you a
copy of the archive. Not free I'm afraid! Cost depends on the device read.

John :-#)#
The machine in question is a CNC lathe with a Fanuc control. Neither
Fanuc or Miyano, the lathe manufacturer, have any more EPROMs.
Eric


So, what are the part numbers of the EPROMs? Chances are it is fairly
modern, and indeed you want to archive those!

I'd archive them for you if you want to make me a small injection mold
or two (ducking).

John :-#)#
Greetings John,
I'll get part numbers tomorrow and post them. All the EPROMs in my
Fanuc controls are, I think, the same part.
After I read the EPROMs I would also like to look at what is
written in them. In particular some of them have ladders. I spoke with
Miyano, who wrote the ladders for the lathe, and they don't have any
records of what was written. But I'm not sure if I am going to need
special software to make sense of what was written.
I want to do this because the Miyano lathe didn't come with a rapid
override switch or a spindle override switch. Or even a spindle stop
switch that works when the lathe is running a program. These features
are all options for the control and the machine tool maker decides
which ones to use.
The machine moves very fast in rapid, has a 15 hp spindle, and
crashes are nerve wracking. This machine is the only CNC machine I
have seen that does not have a rapid override. Setups with a new
program always make me nervous.

Thanks,
Eric


So, the EPROMs hold lookup tables, that are like the old automated looms
shown a long time ago on the Connections (BBC) series?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itd-4lMoXgI

Some of the EPROMs will be operating code, others may be your ladders.
Would need to know the CPU these run under - probably 8-bit like 6502 or
Z80 if early 80s.

Sounds a bit fun.

A couple of fellows I knew back in the 80s and 90s had some rather large
CNC lathes, and mill machines that ran on paper tape. I tried to help
them keep them running but in the end I just didn't know enough (and
this was prior to 1995 - the internet could have saved them) to keep
them going and they shut the shop down as they could not afford newer
equipment. Always felt sad about that. However Honeywell offered zero
support (other than schematics) and they could not find anyone else
remotely interested in trying to help. Nice guys too.

Things were different pre-1995!

John :-#(#
GEEZ! I forgot to post the EPROM part numbers. They are all 2532
devices. Most are made by TI but a couple are Hitachi.
Thanks,
Eric


2532s - those I think can be read by some inexpensive programmers,
burning is another case as they are orphans as far as modern programmers
are concerned.

You can read them as a 2732 if you make an adapter socket if your reader
doesn't handle the 2532s. If you have an old 24 pin wire-wrap socket
with long legs that is easy to use to bend the legs around to gain
access to the data.

https://www.aussiearcade.com/showthr...-Eprom-Adaptor

I have several tools that handle 2532s easily enough. Xeltek, Data I/O,
Andromeda, and a few other programmers lying around the shop. However I
think I am too far away to be useful to you.

John :-#)#

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