SC-Master Phoenix programmer
The SC-Master Phoenix programmer: (Category Universal programmers)
The first thing you will notice when you unpack the SC-Master Phoenix, is its resemblance with the MasterCRD and MasterA programmers, see the picture (from left: MasterA-II, MasterA-III, MasterCRD, MasterCRD 2, SC-Master Phoenix)
That resemblance is no coincidance by the way. The SC-Master Phoenix is designed and built by the "inventor" of the MasterCRD products. All experience and know how, gathered with the MasterCRD's was used to build the SC-Master and even improve it on various details.
The general impression of this programmer:
First the mode switch. This is now a nice flat switch that does not only offer a more comfortable touch, but also feels more stable than that tiny switch of the MasterA's and MasterCRD's.
When you open the enclosure, you will notice a PCB that looks really tidy. All components are grouped logically together and the whole package just looks great because of the nice SMD technique used.
I also noticed that the location of the power swith allows for a completely flat mounting of the PCB in the enclosure. If you open a MasterCRD-2, you will notice that the height of the power switch does not allow for such a completely flat mounting of the PCB. The PCB of the MasterCRD-2 is bend by the force of the central screw that holds the PCB. This is not the case with the SC-Master.
However, there is a downside too. Because the power switch is located at the back of the programmer, the switch is harder to operate on the SC-Master that it is on the MasterCRD-2. Simply because the switch is visible on the MasterCRD-2.
Then the programmer modes. There are 2 programmer modes more on the SC-Master than there are on the MasterA-III or MasterCRD-2. Besides the usual Phoenix modes (3,5 & 6 MHz) there are also 2 real Mouse modes (3,5 & 6 MHz) available on the SC-Master. However... the designer still disagrees with me about the correct labelling of the programmer modes. In my opinion, mode 0 and mode 1 are Phoenix modes and modes 7 and 8 are Mouse modes. Obviously, the designer thinks differently about that. Just look at the label on the programmer. But regardless of the name giving, just keep in mind that when using software that requires a Phoenix interface (like MOSC software f.i.) you should use mode 1 and not mode 8. It seems that I am not the only one that has a different opinion about the names of the programming modes ;-)
But hey, who cares how the programmer modes are called. It's much more important that they are available when needed. And even though I am not aware of any software that will require a Mouse mode and cannot handle a Phoeniox mode; with the future in mind, it is a comfortable thought that all modes are present on this device already.
And then there is a last function that can be very usefull. There is a new firmware available for the SC-Master Phoenix, making your software beleive that it is communicating with a MasterCRD-2. Especially with the great MasterBurner software in mind, that is a great feature. MasterBurner will allow for a completely automatic programming procedure. So no more manual switching involved. Read all about MasterBurner in the Software chapter.
And of course you can also download the the necessary firmware here. In the download archive you will find a folder called SC-Master. In there you will find the firmware and the software you will need to install the firmware. Just 1 remark: I have tested the firmaware extensively and found no problems. Nonetheless, you should be aware that it is a beta version.
OK then, let's sum up the pro's and con's:
Advantages:
- will work with all major popular programming software
- will handle all available popular card types
- can be operated manually
- has a Voltage regulator for an always accurate power supply
- has a power switch
- is encased in a well finished, sturdy enclosure
- has more programming modes than any other programmer I know
Disadvantages:
- positioning of the power switch is not ideal
- programming modes are (i.m.h.o.) labelled incorrect
Well, you are looking at my new favourite programmer here. Even though I found that this programmer has disadvantages and the MasterCRD-2 does not, the SC-Master Phoenix now ranks just above the MasterCRD-2 on my personal list. There are more programming modes on this programmer than on the MasterCRD-2. The finishing of the PCB is better. In general, this programmer looks to be built with just that touch more attention to detail.
This is an absolute hit. You can't go wrong with this one. Not even in the (near) future.
Please make sure that you insert the cards with the contacts facing UP.
The operating modes:
Mode 0:
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:
Smartmouse mode (6 MHz). It is identical to mode 0, but uses an inverted reset instead.
Mode 8:
Identical to Mode 7, but now in 3.58 MHz.