Task: Assemble a 27C322/160/800/400 EPROM Programming Adapter for Creating New ROM Chips for Retro Computers Such as the Amigas and Classic Macs
Needed: 27C322/160/800/400 EPROM Programming Adapter or kit requiring soldering
Time: 30-60 minutes
Disclosure: Note that as an eBay Partner Network Affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases
Introduction
I have previously posted about the TL866 universal programmer that can be used to test, read, and write (i.e. burn) chips used in many retro computers. I have been interested in burning an EPROM with the diagnostic ROM that can be used to troubleshoot Amiga computers. Unfortunately, the TL866 I have is not compatible with the 40-pin 27C400 EPROMs I need for the Amiga. The good news is that there is an open-source adapter that can be made to accommodate the 27C400s as well as 27C160, 27C322, and 27C800 EPROMs.
Instructions
The GitHub project includes the gerber files and the bill of materials (BOM) if you want to have the circuit board made for assemble. I chose instead to buy a partially assembled kit off of eBay. I bought this one for $20 that required my to solder the header pins and socket. You can buy them fully assembled for a bit more and with no assembly at all for less.
First, you need to solder the header pins onto the board. These are the pins that will be inserted into the programmer. One row of pins needs to be clipped to be flush with the board as the socket will rest on top. Be careful when clipping the ends of the pins. They have high velocity. I recommend eye protection and something to block their flight. I used a breadboard to hold the rows of pins straight for soldering.
Second, insert the zero insertion force (ZIF) socket on the top of the board with the lever facing toward the silkscreened circle on the narrow end of the board. Flip it over and solder the pins. That is it!
Comments
This was a straightforward assembly as the board I purchased was only missing the ZIF socked and the header pins. A bare board would require you to source the other components and solder them on.
I show in the next post how to burn a Diagnostic ROM using this adapter with TL866 and a 27C400 EPROM chip.