SC-Master Phoenix LCD programmer
The SC-Master Phoenix LCD programmer: (Category Universal programmers)
The SC-Master Phoenix LCD'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 SC-Master Phoenix LCD will handle any popular type of smart card, provided you have the proper software for it. Just look in the chapter Overview what software you can use for which card.
The SC-Master Phoenix LCD needs no external power supply, as it is equiped with a PS2 port adapter to get the necessary power from the PC. But if for some reason you can't (or don't want to) use that PS2 adapter cable, you can supply external power instead. Thanks to their built in Voltage regulator, they will program any card without problems, as long as your power supply meets the minimum requirements.
As expected from the SC-Master products, the On/Off switch is present on the SC-Master Phoenix LCD too. There is just one remark to be made about this switch: when supplying power to the programmer with an external power supply, the function of the On/Off switch is reversed. So in that case, power is Off when the swith is in the On position and vice versa. This behaviour is not a bug though, it's intentionally. The reason is simply because adding 2 power sources at the same time had to be avoided. So as a simple measure, the switch in fact functions as a toggle switch between Power via the external Power Supply, or Power via the PS2 adapter.
Although the LCD display does not really add anything to the programming possibilities, it does give the programmer a certain extra. It just makes it look more professional. Even though it does nothing more than list the programming modes in words and numbers, rather than in numbers only ;-)
Only 1 point of criticism here: The LCD display is not readable very well under an angle. In comparison the MasterCRD2-LCD for instance, does a much better job there.
There is a serious advantage in the SC-Master products over all the other universal programmers which I would like to mention here, and that is the possibility to operate it with the SC-Quickburner software. This software which was written for exclusive use with the SC-Master programmers, supports all cards and it does so very quick.
OK then, the pro's & cons:
Advantages:
- will work with almost every popular programmer software
- is able to read/program all popular card types
- possibility of 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:
- None that I have found
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.