Computer & Electronics


ideflasher, what is that?

It's an inventive simple solution for writing flash ROM devices
It's a low-priced multi-IO-card
Enabling multipurpose operations through use free programmable IO-ports

last change: 2003/07/20

BIOS update failed?

What's happend? Has your update failed due wrong BIOS image? Have you got the right BIOS version for this board? What will happen if BIOS update is interrupted due power failure? Normally your computer will neither start up nor give a single beep.

When this happends you need to reprogram your BIOS chip. You could do this by sending your chip to a specialist company or by obtaining a replacement from the motherboard manufacturer. The ideflasher is an alternative. Together with another computer you can easily reprogram the BIOS chip by yourself.

Flash memory devices are not only used in ordinary PCs. Today a lot of devices are sold with built in flash memory e.g. DVD player, network adapter or telephone systems. Embedded systems like digital cameras use this type of memory. Sometimes it is also possible to insert a flash ROM as BOOT-ROM to older network adapters which normally uses EPROMs. On the market you will find a lot of devices which use flash memory.

Project: ideflasher

The ideflasher PCB is the simplest type of a flash ROM reader/writer for a PC yet made. You need not to be an expert to assemble it by yourself. It just need a few hours to assemble your own version. It takes approximately 1-5 h; soldering ability required. The ideflasher tool doesn't need a free ISA- nor- PCI slot. Just connect it to a free IDE-port.

The basic idea is to use a 82C55-PIO as main controller. This IC offers 24 free programmable IO-ports. Beside using it as a flash ROM programmer, this gives a high flexible interface for applications like:

Over the last few years many motherboards use flash ROM with PLCC32 pinout. This PCB board provides both commonly used sockets, a DIP32 and PLCC32 socket. Thus, you can handle flash ROM circuits in both pinouts without an expensive adapter.

The ideflasher is designed to use flash ROM with 5V or 12V programming voltage. Through available sockets the ideflasher may programm circuits up 4 MBit (=512kByte) by default. Flash ROM that comes in other pinouts can be programmed in principle. The problem is not the capabilities of the ideflasher but more the high prices of adapters for other pinouts like TSOP etc.

Main purpose for ideflasher is supporting updates of BIOS, firmware of DVD-Players or ModChips. Almost all motherboard manufacturers offer appropriate BIOS images on their sites. Occasionally you can download ROM-Images for DVD-player or other devices from internet.

Before starting to flash new code to ROM, it is a good idea to save the old content to disk or even better copy the new code to a second chip and try it first, to make sure the update is working.

EPROM, EEPROM, Flash ROM

Today usage of flash ROM exceed those of their predecessors EPROM. For many cases they are the better solution. Often it is even possible exchange older EPROM to flash ROM to get most of their advantages.
Like EPROM, it is used to store permanent data. But flash ROM haven't the disadvantage using special UV-lamp to erase data and doesn't need special voltage (12,5V) to rewrite data. Ordinary power supplies provide only 5V and 12V. It that situation EEPROM were more convient thay just need a electrical impulse instead of UV-light to erase all the data. Nevertheless you need special programming hardware.
Flash ROM has none of the these disadvantages. They have a faster access time and with low expenses data can be rewriten again and again.

Ideflasher kit

The c't-Flasher project from a german computer magazine c't 16/1997 gave the inspiration to design a new circuitry that is less complex and low in price. As a result it can be easily assembled by hobbyist with little effort and finally it costs just a few Euro.
Three public modifications of the ideflasher device has been designed; RevD, RevE and RevF. The early version RevD possessed a 5,25" drive power connector. Some ideflasher had a cool blue LED as power indicator. Since late RevE there is an additional expansion board for own extensions.

schematic und revisions

schematic
software
parts list
ideflasher RevD
RevD unpopulated
2001
ideflasher RevE
RevE
2001
ideflasher RevF
RevF unpopulated
seit 2002

installation suggestions

interchangeable harddisk case
interchangeable harddisk case1
installation kit
installation kit
glas cube glas cube
designer sandbad cast glas cube
TEKO011 TEKO011
TEKO 011 case1, 2
1 This picture is just an example and not sold by LOET.DE
2 This case seems quite cheap aprox. 6 EUR, but it needs a lot of time cutting out the recesses from case. The short jumpers should be replaced by adressing plugs. These are like jumpers with a small shaft.

Costs, Ordering, PCB

Purchases are very low. The more courageous among us don't need any resitors or capacitors, only 82c55 PIO, 74HCT139 and a 40pin male IDE-connector. For less then 5 EUR you can solder an ideflasher by yourself. It may not look very beautiful, but a simpler solution isn't possible. All other items may ordered via online shop.

Questions, Indices, Contact

If you need more information, build up your own version, (inquiring questions are welcome) please let me now or give a short note:


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