MasterCRD 2 Programmer
The MasterCRD 2 Programmer: (Category Universal Programmers)
The MasterCRD family programmers are almost identical to the MasterA & VX Multi programmers. This type of programmers is still my undisputed favorite. The MasterCRD family of programmers is very versatile and really user friendly. And they come in a robust enclosure which is (at least until recently) certainly not common for hobby programmers.
The MasterCRD'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's will handle any type of smart card, provided you have the proper software for it. Just look in the chapter Overview for the right software for your card.
The MasterCRD's 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.
There is 1 simple function, which I saw first on the MasterCRD 2, that makes it stand out from the most of the competition: the On/Off switch. You might think I am exaggerating, but I really mean it. So if any manufacturer of programmers is reading this: equip your programmer with a simple on/off switch. It gives you an edge.
On the photo below, you can see the On/Off switch on the right programmer in the upper right corner.
The introduction of the On/Off switch has lead to one small issue though. 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. Well, that's something that will surely be solved on future versions.
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 and nicely finished enclosure
- easily reachable on/off switch
Disadvantages:
- wasn't able to think of one
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.
Mode 7:
Only available to the MasterCRD-II. This mode allows you to revive a dead Irdeto MOSC card.