CAS Interface 2
The CAS Interface 2
The CAS Interface 2 is a programmer, specially designed to (re)program or repair certain types of CAM's. And the possibilities are not restricted to external CAM's, it will handle a number of embedded CAM's as well. For a specification of supported CAM's I advise you to visit the Duolabs support pages. All relevant information, with all the latest updates, can be found there.
The picture below shows the Duolabs CAS Interface 2. As you can see, it is an Infinity-style enclosure, except that this one is semi transparent, so that you can see the activity indicator leds.
In this picture, a Matrix Reloaded CAM is inserted in the CAS Interface. The Matrix CAM is a Sidsa based CAM. For more information on Sidsa, please visit the CAS Studio pages in the section Software Tutorials. Sidsa based CAM's can be programmed directly with the CAS Interface 2. There is no other equipment needed. Just plug the CAM into the PCMCIA slot of the programmer and off you go.
With the Neotions based CAM's that is a whole other story though. For more info on Neotions you can also visit the CAS Studio pages in the section Software Tutorials. Your CAS Interface 2 is supplied with a Jcard and a flat cable. The Jcard is a small PCB which has to be inserted into the CAM for purpose of programming a Neotions based CAM.
In the picture below, you can see the Jcard. This picture shows an inside view of a Neotions based CAM with the Jcard inserted (bottom right) and seen from the bottom side of the CAM.
Inserting the Jcard into the CAM has to be done very carefull, so that you don't bend the contacts on the Jcard. Also it is very important that you insert the Jcard before inserting the CAM into the programmer. When you insert the CAM into the programmer, power is applied to the CAM circuitry. If you then start moving the Jcard around, you could create a short circuit, possibly resulting in a damaged transistor inside the programmer.
Below you can see a sequence of pictures, displaying proper insertion of the Jcard into the CAM. This is how it should be done:
Insert one flatcable connector into the Jcard.
Get your CAM and have a look at the opening in the front where the Jcard is to be inserted. Notice that the opening is slightly bigger on the left? Well, that is why you should insert the card on the left side. And you will find that inserting goes best if you do it slightly angled. Try inserting it angled from right to left and the front pointing a little bit downward, as seen in picture 1.
Make sure the Jcard is inserted far enough so that the little pins on the card have completely passed the front, see picture 2.
Next you can move the Jcard forward and backward carefully until the card is positioned in line with the CAM, like in picture 3.
Now move the Jcard gently to the right while at the same time moving it forward and backward a little, so that the pins do not get damaged. Move the Jcard completely to the right as seen in picture 4.
In my case I had to pull the Jcard back only a fraction to let the pins make contact. It was about the thickness of a smartcard. No more. If you look closely, you can see it in picture 5.
One last tip: it seems that sometimes the Jcard doesn't make proper contact inside the CAM. A simple trick to solve that is either gently squeeze the CAM at the Jcard location, or even easier, insert a smartcard between the Jcard and the bottom side of the CAM (see picture 6 below), so that the Jcard is slightly lifted for best contact.
Next you need to insert the second flatcable connector into the back side of the programmer and be carefull not to move the Jcard when mouting the connector.
Now you may insert the CAM into the CAS Interface and make sure that the Jcard isn't moved while inserting the CAM. If you follow this procedure carefully, you will not risk damaging the programmer.
OK, so much for practical instructions. How about my opinion:
When you buy a CAS Interface 2, you do get a complete package: Programmer, Jcard, USB cable and flatcable, all delivered in a nice carton box. The programmer itself sits in an Infinity style enclosure. So all in all the first impression is very good. On closer inspection however, it seems to lack a certain touch of quality. It looks nice on the picture, but where the Infinity enclosure feels real firm and solid, this one doesn't and that's a pity.
The programmer seems to do everything it is supposed to do. At least all procedures that I tested worked flawless.
From a hardware point of view, my only criticism is the enclosure which could (and should) have been more sturdy. But ... the CAS Interface is part of a whole package which also includes software. Without the CAS Studio software, this programmer would be useless. And as far as the software is concearned, the best I can say about it is that it does what it is supposed to do. At least if the software will respond properly which at times requires several exits & restarts.
My verdict:
The hardware is OK, the software is not.