Elvis programmer
The Elvis Programmer: (Category Universal Programmers)
This is the MultiProgrammer 3.4/3.5 (MP 3.4/3.5) better known as the Elvis programmer.
These programmers are especially popular in the UK and in the Scandinavian countries.
There is a myth surrounding the Elvis that I would like to deny.
It is often said to be the fastest programmer available, but that's not true.
The programming speed is not determined by the programmer, but by the software.
I have done a lot of benchmark testing and you can find the results in the Software chapter.
This programmer certainly isn't the most easy to use. So it really puzzles me why so many people seem to be so fond of it. If it wasn't for the absolutely fabulous Multiprog software (by TJ), it would qualify far below average. In other words, the credits go to the software, not the hardware.
On the picture, you can see the card slot on the left side, the serial port at the top and the power supply connector at the right. I find that a very annoying positioning. I don't know how you have organized your desk, but here, the interface cable and the power cable come from behind my desk, so that's where the connectors for these cables should be located ideally. And as I am sitting in front of my programmer, that's where I want to insert the card. At the front. But with the Elvis that is all different. No, the Elvis does not conform to my idea of good ergonomics.
All components on this programmer are located at the bottom side of the PCB. That surely makes the programmer look very clean from above, but it also increases the chances of damaging components on the card. I know that many users do protect the vulnerable underside by mounting the programmer on a sturdy plastic or wooden base plate.
OK then the pro's & cons:
Advantages:
- will program almost every available popular card type
- power to the programmer can be controlled by software
- the build quality is very good
- the programmer is supplied with some very efficient (fast) software
Disadvantages:
- the lack of an enclosure makes it vulnerable to electrostatic discharge
- components are mounted at the underside of the PCB, thus increasing vulnerability
- the programming modes cannot be controled, other than by software
- not all universal programming software can be used
- distribution of input terminals over 3 sides of the programmer
Please make sure that you insert the cards with the contacts facing down because the programmers contacts are on the PCB.