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PROMs copyable ?

  • 31-10-2007 1:50pm
    #1
    tak
    Closed Accounts Posts: 394 ✭✭


    Can data/programs, etc held on a PROM be downloaded to the hard-drive of a modern PC assuming that one can link (e.g. by COM1 port + HyperTerminal) to that software ?
    This problem relates to a lab instrument (c.1990) that holds its management & calibration software on PROMs mounted within the instrument.
    One can make a nearby PC into a terminal for the software.
    But I'm worried what would happen should the PROMs become damaged.
    I doubt if such memory elements can be got today.


Comments

  • #2
    Tom Dunne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,212 ✭✭✭✭Tom Dunne


    Well, given that there are copies of arcade games and the likes of Sega cartridges knocking around on the interweb, I would say it is quite possible.

    I'd say it would be more of a case of starting at memory location 0 and reading each bit/byte/whatever until the end of the PROM. As to how that would be done, I am sure Google would throw up a tutorial or two.


  • #3
    tak
    Closed Accounts Posts: 394 ✭✭tak


    If anyone reading now actually did this I'd like to know how they got on.


  • #4
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,567 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    PROM's are probably safer where they are

    look up eeprom programmer, you should be able to use it to read the prom and make a copy. BUT make sure the voltages are right and that the chip / programmer is pin for pin compatible

    also look emulation sites

    unless the device is a PC, and you are talking XT for socketed PROM's then the program won't run on a PC


  • #5
    Taildragon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 100 ✭✭Taildragon


    Not sure if I've got this right, but you are looking to make a backup/copy of the PROMs, is that correct?

    It's almost certainly possible. Can you give a little more info, such as

    Manufacturer & model number of instrument?
    Device markings on the PROMs?

    Even better, can you post a clear picture (of the devices) taken with a camera set to "macro" mode?

    I have some good contacts/sources for obsolete devices & semiconductors.


  • #6
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Some devices you can "backup" the firmware (prom content) without removing it via commands and serial port + Kermit etc.

    Reading a Prom/Eprom is a lot less tricky than programming it.

    You can even do it with a suitable old 486 Mobo and FlashProgramming utility floppy and a special adaptor that takes BIOS ROM & the unknown ROM.

    Some PROMS builtin to CPUs (MPUs) are "code protected" to stop you reading them. But obviously any standalone PROM is easily copied


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