M5 USB Programmer
The M5 USB programmer: (Category Other programmers)
This is yet another Infinity clone. Just like the Digitech for instance. The M5 USB is just as easy to operate as the Digitech or the Infinity. No wonder, as it uses the Infinity software. You just need to be aware of one thing: get Infinity software version 1.7 or older. The M5 will not be recognized by the newer Infinity software versions.
Make sure you insert your card with the contacts facing Down.
Almost everything that I wrote about the Digitech is equally true for the M5 USB:
- the performance is superior to that of any serial or parallel programmer.
- no knowledge about cards is required, as the software will detect all valid cards.
- programming is just a matter of selecting the right files and hit the write button.
You need to be aware though, that the M5 USB is a pure card programmer with a limited number of cards that it can program. The M5 USB can only be operated with the Inifinity software and that means that only the cards supported by Infinity 1.7 can be programmed by the M5. That's all. And don't count on any new cards being added in time as the M5 manufacturer doesn't develop any software. So no MOSC editing, nor any direct EEprom editing with ISVedit or Picbined, nor programming Titanium cards etc. All that will not work with the M5 USB.
All in all it is nice programmer. As is the case with the other non-universal programmers, the absence of a Phoenix/Smartmouse mode makes it OK for those that only want to occasionally program a Goldcard or Funcard. For the serious hobbyist however, this programmer is not suited.
OK then, my verdict:
The enclosure is well built and feels solid.
The Infinity software makes it a fast and easy to use programmer.
No future software updates to expect.
Might be nice for the non-demanding occasional user, but certainly not for the real hobbyist.