> > > > On 02/05/2018 02:06 PM, Chuck Guzis via cctalk wrote: > > On 02/05/2018 10:20 AM, Mark G Thomas via cctalk wrote: > > > >> 2) Many of the chips were failing to program because my Batronix > >> programmer apparently requires more current than my USB port > provides. > >> This surprised me because I have been programming chips for years > >> using this programmer on this computer port successfully, and this > >> is the first I have had the problem. Using a Anker powered USB hub > solved > >> things. My Batronix programmer even arrived with a cheap powered hub > >> when I ordered it, but I never used it because it was shipped with > an > >> incompatible wall wart, but looking at it in the box gave me the > idea > >> that this might be the issue. > > You should be aware that many "thin" Far East USB cables will not pass > > the full USB 1.5A current without substantial voltage drop. I recently > > ran into this with a new LG portable DVD drive. It refused to operate, > > even though I'd just taken it out of the box. I replaced the "thin" > > USB cable with several other "thin" ones that I had with the same > > result. Finally, in desperation, I located a "thick" USB cable, plugged > > the drive in, and discovered that it worked just fine. > > > > Moral: There's a lot of garbage out there. > > > > Rant: The whole scheme of supplying anything but low-current using USB > > is a terrible idea. I have a similar gripe with barrel connectors, > > which don't seem to enforce any standard at all regarding polarity or AC > > vs. DC. > > > > For my own projects I've taken to using mini XLR connectors. Perhaps not > > optimal, but they're rugged enough. > > > > --Chuck > > > My EPROM Programmers all have a connection foir external power > > specifically because sometimes USB can't provide the needed current. > > > bill
I was going to say...I would not have thought any USB-powered prom programmer to be the best solution. I have two programmers both have their own wall power connectors and they're reliable. I am not saying that it would not be possible that an USB-powered prom programmer would work, but I'd personally want to stick with something with some legroom. I always measure my USB supplies and cables' output to separate out the ones that don't provide enough umph from those that do. Happy computing Bill
