Maxking USB Phoenix
The Maxking USB Phoenix/Smartmouse: (Category Other Programmers)
Below you can see the Maxking USB Phoenix/Smartmouse.
As the name suggests, it is a Phoenix/Smartmouse interface which connects to a USB port.
As you might know, the problem is that Phoenix and Smartmouse interfaces are Serial interfaces and as such are always expected (by the software) to be connected to a COM port. So there has to be a way to fool the software. With this programmer, that has been solved by a simple driver which creates an extra (virtual) COM port on your PC.
So first you need to install that driver, which you can find in the download archive, then configure your software to use that new virtual COM port and off you go. I tested it with MKFind and Cardinal and it works great. It created a COM 3 on my machine b.t.w.
Now before you rush out to get yourself an interface like this, there is a drawback you should be aware of and that is the mode switching.
As said, it can behave like a Phoenix interface or a Smartmouse interface. But you need to configure it to your needs. Nothing new there. It is the same for every Phoenix/Smartmouse interface. You will always find a switch or a jumper to switch modes.
But how do you switch modes on this one?
Well, you need to open the programmer. The jumper to switch modes is inside.
Just look at the photograph below. It is the jumper in the red circle.
I can almost hear you think "what a silly place". Well, I couldn't agree more. It is a bad place for the jumper because you have to take the programmer apart to switch modes :(
And a warning in case you are going to try it for yourself. Watch out when you take the PCB out. The leds do fit the holes in the top cover very tight. If you just try to pull the PCB from the cover, you might break the leds. So instead of pulling the PCB, you better start at the other side. Push back the leds from the top side of the cover and then take the PCB out carefully. That prevents the programmer getting damaged.
Just one last remark:
I do like the software solution, but from a hardware point of view, this device leaves lots of room for improvement.