MultiPro RS232
The MultiPro programmer: (Category Universal Programmers)
The older MultiPro programmers are not capable of handling large Eeproms like the ones on the Funcard 5 and Funcard 6. But there is a solution now. A firmware upgrade is available.
Click here for more info and a guide to installing it yourself.
The MultiPro programmer really makes a great first impression. Nice design and well built. OK, I admit, for many serious hobbyïsts that is low priority, as they require functionality first and for all. But when it comes to versatility and capability, the MultiPro won't easily let you down either. So if your aim is to be able to program all popular cardtypes, and you don't have a need for programming chips off their PCB's, then this slick looking device may just be the thing for you. In the list down here, you can see what programming modes are available on the MultiPro. These modes will enable you all the popular cards you will come across.
The MultiPro is connected to your PC through a serial cable AND a PS2 cable. The serial cable goes into a free Com-port, the PS2 cable goes between your mouse- or your keyboard-cable. There is no need for an external power supply, as power is derived from the PC itself.
The MultiPro software that comes with the programmer is needed to switch programming modes on the MultiPro. It's needed, because there is no mode switch on the programmer. Just 4 leds, that's all there is to be seen on this device. So if you want to switch modes on the MultiPro, you need the MultiPro software. See the screenshot below.
The CardPro software makes this programmer an absolute smasher. All programming modes are selected automatically when needed. All you have to do is select the card type and the files you want on that card and click Write. It's really as simple as that.
Allthough I wouldn't know why you would want to, you can use Chipcat too if you like. Just start the Multipro software, then start Chipcat and use Multipro to switch modes whenever Chipcat tells you to. I have also tried to get the Multipro running with Cardwriter, but it looks like Cardwriter is blocking the COM port. So you cannot switch programming modes with the Multipro software as long as Cardwriter is running.
With a price tag, identical to for instance the MasterA-2 programmer, it is far from being cheap. But in my opinion, it's well worth the money. Thanks to the CardPro software that is. If only all software were that simple.
1 important tip:
Put you card in the programmer with the contacts facing down :-))
So. Are there no drawbacks at all then??
Oh yes there are. Not many, but there are.
The MultiPro cannot be switched manually. That means that you can switch programming modes only through the use of the MultiPro software, supplied with the programmer. But switching modes, will only work if the serial port is not kept occupied. That is the reason why you cannot use CardWriter for instance to program your cards with the MultiPro. CardWriter will keep the serial post occupied, thus disabling the MultiPro software to switch programmer modes.
If you (like me) have more than 1 PC and would like to use your programmer on any of those PC's, then the MultiPro might not be the best choice. Because the MultiPro gets its operating power from a PS2 connector, you will probably have connected it to your mouse port, or to your keyboard port. So if you want to move the programmer to another PC, you need to disconnect and reconnect the mouse or keyboard first. And not all PC's appreciate you doing that while they are still running.
OK then, the pro's & cons:
Advantages:
- will work with a large selection of universal programming software
- will handle all popular card types
- comes with great, efficient and easy to use software
- very nice and sturdy enclosure
- no extra external power needed
Disadvantages:
- mode select can only be done by software
- moving it from 1 PC to another, may require you to reboot the PC
- not all available universal programmer software can be used