AD-Teknik MP35 USB
AD-Teknik MP 3.5 USB: (Category Universal Programmers)
This review is updated because of the new firmware (v4.1) it now comes with as standard. With this new firmware, the MP 3.5 USB now even supports Titaniumcards. If you have got an AD-Teknik MP 3.5 USB programmer with the older firmware in it, these new software tools will not work. But don't worry, AD-Teknik offer very good service. They do have a special firmware update policy. Just check out their website.
The MP 3.5 USB now also supports the Dragon Cam Loader card. You will need Multiprog v1.60 (or above) for it. The Dragon Cam Loader card is added under the MegaPic/M2/Titanium tab, which is therefor now called the MegaPic/M2/Titanium/DragonLoader tab. More about the software in the software chapter.
This is the USB successor of the well known Elvis programmer, and thanks to TJ's wonderfully efficient software, this is the fastest programmer I have ever tested so far.
As you can see on the photograph, it comes in a fancy semi transparent yellow casing. What you cannot see on the photo, are the dimensions. This programmer is seriously small. The MP3.5 is about the same size as a Millenium Micro or a Fun programmer. Only 7,0cm x 5,8cm x 1,1cm. It even comes with a special mini USB cable, because the normal USB connector would be too high to fit into the casing!!!
There is just one thing that really needs to be explained as it may not be obvious to everybody. Before you can switch the programmer to Phoenix or Smartmouse mode, you need to turn it on. Now you might wonder how, as there is no switch on the programmer. Well, it is switched on/off via the MultiProg software. To be more accurate; you do not switch on/off the programmer, but the selected Phoenix or Smartmouse mode. Just start the software and click on the "MP Set" tab. You will see the "Power On"/"Power Off" buttons.
So what more can I tell you about this programmer?
Not much really:
- It is the fastest programmer to date.
- It is among the smallest programmers available.
- It supports all popular cards, including the MegaPIC/M2 and the BasicCard (mind you, I did not test these 2 cards myself).
- It is (currently) the only USB programmer that supports Titanium cards (via USB).
Quite impressive don't you agree!?!?
So, is there no down side at all then?
Well, yes there is a point of criticism too.
The software that you need to install, does create a virtual COM port on your system. The programmer can be configured to support several Phoenix & SmartMouse modes which is important when working with MOSC or GSM software for instance. I tested it with a range of software applications and it turned out that most software will happily recognize and accept the new COM port, BUT not all software does. I noticed for instance that Cardinal (GSM card software) does not 'recognize' the extra COM port, so it doesn't work. On the other hand, all MOSC software that I tested, did work without any problems.
Now then, here comes the hard part. The final verdict.
I do love this programmer because of its speed and for the wide range of cards it supports. I honoustly think that this programmer ranges at the very top, and the only true competitor is the Infinity USB Phoenix. I have given it a long and hard thought to judge for myself whether I like this one better than the Infinity or not and the answer is YES. With the latest addition of Titanium, the MP 3.5 USB does support an even wider range of cards than the Infinity USB Phoenix does and it is faster too.
So, we have a new no 1 in the category of software switchable universal programmers: the MP 3.5 USB
Let me explain the criteria I used.
Both programmers can do almost the same. But they do it in very different ways. So I just tried to sum up for myself where each of the programmers has an edge over the other. This is what I came up with.
Where does the Infinity Phoenix USB stand out:
I think the Infinity does a better job when it comes to ease of use. The Infinity software is IMHO still the best example of no nonsense fool proof software. It makes the Infinity so easy that everybody can use it.
Then there is the true COM port on the Infinity. It doesn't rely on emulation, so it will allways work.
Where does the MultiProgrammer 3.5 USB stand out:
The MultiProg software does support a wider range of cards than the Infinity does. It even supports programming of single chips and seperate eeproms via adapters.
It is the most efficient and therefor fastest software there is.
Just a pity it lacks the Infinity's ease of use. If the software were as easy and user friendly as the Infinity software, this package would have been a clear winner.
Anyhow, I wouldn't be surprised at all if this programmer is going to fall victim to clone builders anywhere soon.