Best USB EPROM programmer to get?

thesubcon3thesubcon3
in The Brewery
What is the best and easiest to use USB EPROM programmer? I am thinking about a g540.

Dra-Poon suggested a willem gq-3x with an adapter for 42 pin EPROMs.

Any pros and cons on either or something better?

Comments

  • removed04092017removed04092017
    Not going to suggest any since I don't own any new USB ones, but Willems are the biggest pieces of crap every made. Never buy one, the software sucks and makes it difficult to figure out, and then falsely reports tons of error and garbage. They're terrible.
  • SnoopKattSnoopKatt
    If you're just doing NES, a Top853 will work fine. Pretty similar to the G540 though. It needs 32-bit Windows to operate though (which can be done through a Virtual Machine if need be). The authentic GQ-3X works in 64-bit Windows and is probably better built than the others, as well as better chip support.

    The Chinese Willem clones are pretty awful, but people seem to like the authentic Willem programmers.
  • NESHomebrewNESHomebrew
    I have the GQ-4x and it hasn't given me any problems.
  • thesubcon3thesubcon3
    So I take it the x indicates the speed?
  • LincolnLincoln

    Originally posted by: SnoopKatt



    If you're just doing NES, a Top853 will work fine. Pretty similar to the G540 though. It needs 32-bit Windows to operate though (which can be done through a Virtual Machine if need be). The authentic GQ-3X works in 64-bit Windows and is probably better built than the others, as well as better chip support.

    The Chinese Willem clones are pretty awful, but people seem to like the authentic Willem programmers.



    I have a TPO853 and it's worked out pretty well. The software is super easy to use.



    downsides are that I have trouble programming a certain series AM27C020's, and it's only 8 bit so I can't do genesis.


  • NESMASTER14NESMASTER14
    I had a GQ-3X and it was great and affordable. I made the Escape from Atlantis CIB run using it
  • NESHomebrewNESHomebrew

    Originally posted by: thesubcon3



    So I take it the x indicates the speed?

    Nope, there are quite a few differences. 40pin socket, and enclosure to start.  Plus additional chip support/features.



    http://www.mcumall.com/comersus/store/TrueUSBWillem-Programmer-Comparison-4X-3X-2X-Aug-26.htm
  • thesubcon3thesubcon3
    So basically if I get a 3x or 4x I need to get it off the site not ebay because of the Chinese pirates.
  • sazyariosazyario
    I have the GQ-4X.

    No problems here.
  • sazyariosazyario
    Originally posted by: thesubcon3

    So basically if I get a 3x or 4x I need to get it off the site not ebay because of the Chinese pirates.





    GQ Electronics sells on eBay.
    I bought my 4X directly from them on eBay and saved mkneybonnthenhnitnitself and free shipping.
  • thesubcon3thesubcon3
    I've definitely saved the GQ Electronics 4x on eBay. Since it is native 40 pin, I won't need an adapter correct?



    Next up I'm going to research the donors and chips I need for the games I want to make. Might also do a poll to see what game to make in a limited amount as a special release with custom artwork and painted or something.
  • FIkapFIkap
    Does the 3X / 4X "need" Windows 64 or just run on it as well as a 32 system?
  • ol2ol2

    Originally posted by: FIkap



    Does the 3X / 4X "need" Windows 64 or just run on it as well as a 32 system?







    It works fine on XP and 7 32bit OS as well. They only support Windows.
  • FIkapFIkap

    Originally posted by: ol2




    Originally posted by: FIkap



    Does the 3X / 4X "need" Windows 64 or just run on it as well as a 32 system?







    It works fine on XP and 7 32bit OS as well. They only support Windows.






  • FIkapFIkap
    Ok great....thanks for the 32 bit info!
  • Kosmic StarDustKosmic StarDust
    Will the GQ also do Atari and SNES EPROMs? I probably won't be doing Genny however. I need to have my bases covered in case I decide to jump into repro making, rather than buy a gimped product from the start. I only have access to 64-bit Crapsoft Windows PCs now, with USB ports only (no parallel or serial ports), so it definitely needs to have signed 64-bit drivers.



    And why the Willems hate?
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