MasterCRD-LCD programmer
The MasterCRD-LCD programmer: (Category Universal programmers)
This is the MasterCRD-LCD programmer, the more sophisticated version of the MasterCRD-2.
The MasterCRD-LCD's biggest asset is the possibility to work with the almost every imaginable universal programmer software like ChipCat, CardWriter, DMSSC & MasterBurner. These software packages are amongst the most user friendly programs around when it comes to programming smart cards. The MasterCRD-LCD will handle any popular type of smart card, provided you have the proper software for it. Just look in the chapter Overview what software you can use for which card.
The MasterCRD-LCD needs 8.2 Volts of external power. Thanks to their built in Voltage regulator, they will program any card without problems, as long as your power supply meets the minimum requirements.
I am happy to see that more programmers are nowadays equiped with either an On/Off switch, or a Power saving mode (mainly on USB programmers). The On/Off switch was something that I have first seen on the MasterCRD-2 and is now luckily continued on the MasterCRD-LCD. And the positioning of that switch is perfect on the MasterCRD family of programmers. The only improvement that could be made there, would be a push button switch, instead of the current sliding version.
Although the LCD display does not really add anything to the programming possibilities, it does give the programmer a certain extra. It just makes it look more professional. Even though it does nothing more than list the programming modes in words, rather than in numbers ;-)
The MasterCRD-LCD is a direct descendant from the MasterCRD-2. The PCB design has changed a little, but the general family resemblance is still visible. The main PCB layout is left unchanged. What has changed though, is the way the PCB fits in its enclosure. The MasterCRD-2 PCB is mounted with some force, because the On/Off switch is a bit too high. So when the PCB is screwed into the enclosure, the PCB will bend in the middle where the tightening srew is.
That problem is now changed in the MasterCRD-LCD. The PCB will now fit without any force, so no stress is put on the PCB anymore.
OK then, the pro's & cons:
Advantages:
- will work with almost every popular programmer software
- is able to read/program all popular card types
- possibility of manual selection of the right programmer mode
- no problems with power supplies, due to the perfect Voltage regulator
- a sturdy and nicely finished enclosure
- easily reachable on/off switch
Disadvantages:
- None that I have found
Please make sure that you insert the cards with the contacts facing UP.
The operating modes:
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.