MasterUSB programmer
The MasterUSB programmer: (Category Other Programmers)
This is the MasterUSB programmer. As the name indicates, this programmer is equipped with a USB interface instead of a Serial interface (COM port). There is an important distinction between serial devices and USB devices, that you should be aware of: USB devices must be installed on your Windows operating system, while serial programmers do not have to be installed.
Please notice that I am not talking about the software installation, but just about the hardware itself. Windows will recognize it when you hook up a new USB device to your PC. With serial devices that is not the case.
So, let's start with installing the new programmer correctly:
- Download MasterBurner1.7.zip (it's in the download archive)
- Unzip the complete zip file (all files) and memorize the location (subdirectory)
- Plug in your MasterUSB now
- Windows will tell you that it has found new hardware and needs the drivers for it
- Tell windows to look in your MasterBurner subdirectory
That's it. Your programmer is now correctly installed on your PC and is ready to be used.
Well then, down here you can see the programmer.
Please make sure that you insert the cards with the contacts facing UP.
The MasterUSB is very small, exactly the same size as a smartcard in the plastic version, so it will not occupy much space on your desk. It is not a fancy design, just plain functionality in a well designed enclosure. The finish of this programmer is impeccable. That is equally true for the PCB as for the enclosure. It is very well crafted.
Of course the absence of a serial interface also means that the programmer does not support a Phoenix mode. So editing your MOSC cards, or updating only the eeprom on a card (with ISVedit for instance) is not possible with this programmer. In fact, you cannot use any software for it but MasterBurner. In other words, buying a MasterUSB confines you to using the MasterBurner software. That should not really be a problem though. MasterBurner supports most common smartcards, so you have got plenty of cards to choose from, that you can program with the MasterUSB.
There is just one serious issue that I would like to mention, and that is the programming speed. Or better said the lack of programming speed (see the performance page in the Software chapter). It is such a pity that the MasterBurner software does not utilize the USB speed possibilities.
The InfinityUSB has shown that with USB, programming speeds can be increased significantly. But at the same time, MasterBurner (version 1.7) shows us that it requires dedicated software design to realize programming efficiency and speed. It does indeed support USB programming, but it looks to be done as a "quick fix" built on the originally serial platform.
My conclusion:
It is a programmer with lots of possibilities, but at this moment there is a bit too much room for software improvement. At least to my taste. I do not use this one myself, because it is too slow.