MasterA II Programmer
The MasterA II Programmer: (Category Universal Programmers)
The MasterA family programmers is almost identical to the MasterCRD & VX Multi programmers. These programmers (MasterA & MasterCRD) are my favorites. I have never had a VX Multi to test, so I cannot judge about that one. The MasterA family of programmers are very versatile and really user friendly. And they come in a robust enclosure which is (at least until recently) rather rare for hobby programmers.
Their price tag will inevitably put them out of reach for some people, but if it fits your budget, don't hesitate and buy one. You won't regret it. When it comes to programming, there is nothing that the version II will not do that the version III does. There are just some extra copy options added to the version III programmers.
The MasterA's biggest asset is the possibility to work with the ChipCat, CardWriter, DMSSC & MasterBurner software. These software packages are amongst the most user friendly programs around when it comes to programming smart cards. The MasterA's will handle any type of smart card, provided you have the proper software for it.
The MasterA II needs 8.2 Volts of power. Thanks to their exellent, built in Voltage regulator, they will program any card without problems, as long as your power supply meets the minimum requirements.
There is just 1 function that I really miss on these high end programmers: a simple on/off switch. The MasterCRD 2 has one and in my opinion any programmer in this class should have one. So if any manufacturer of programmers is reading this: equip your programmer with a simple on/off switch. It gives you an edge.
OK then, the pro's & cons:
Advantages:
- will work with almost every popular programmer software
- is able to read/program all popular card types
- manual selection of the right programmer mode
- no problems with power supplies, due to the perfect Voltage regulator
- a sturdy enclosure
Disadvantages:
- switching programmer modes (especially mode 6 to 0) sometimes troublesome
- The finishing of the enclosure is somewhat sloppy
- no on/off switch
Please make sure that you insert the cards with the contacts facing UP.
The operating modes:
Mode F:
Only available to the MasterA-II. This mode switches the programmer in a fully Gold/Millenium programmer compatible mode. So in mode F you can use the Gold*Card software to program your GW Pic card.
Mode 0:
Smartmouse/Phoenix mode (6 MHz). This is the operating mode required by a software program like CardWriter when programming the eeprom of a card via through pic programming. This mode is also used when updating a card by means of. CRD files.
Mode 1:
Identical to Mode 0, but now in 3.58 MHz.
Mode 2:
JDM/Ludipipo compatibility mode. This mode is used to program the PIC on a Pic wafer card. In combination with the right software, you can program any 16Fxxx type chip in this mode.
Mode 3:
JDM/Ludipipo compatibility mode too, but this mode is used to program the eeprom on a Pic wafer card directly if the card has 8 contacts (the so called direct programming lines).
Mode 4:
The Atmel/Jupiter compatibility mode. In this mode it is possible to program AVR type processors like the 90Sxxxx on the Fun- and Jupiter cards.
Mode 5:
The Atmel/Jupiter compatibility mode too, but this mode is used to program the eeprom on a AVR type card if the card supports direct programming for the eeprom.
Mode 6:
This mode is used to read and modify your GSM card. For instance the address book can be edited in this mode.
Mode L:
Copy mode, only available to the MasterA-II & III.
On the MasterA-II, this mode allows you to read a GW Pic card in order to make a copy of it.
Mode P:
Copy mode, only available to the MasterA-II & III.
On the MasterA-II, this mode allows you to make a protected copy of a GW Pic card.
Mode C:
Copy mode, only available to the MasterA-II & III.
On the MasterA-II, this mode allows you to make a normal copy of a GW Pic card.