Free EPROM/FlashROM Programming
If you would like to have different firmware for your DVD player but you can not get access to a programmer then fear not! I am offering my services for FREE.
This service is also available to any other chip you may need programmed PROVIDED the chip is either a DIL (Dual-In-Line) package up to a maximum of 40 pins, or a 32-pin only PLCC package. I am not limiting my services to just Apex/Hiteker DVD owners, it is open to everyone.
The chip on the left is a DIL package, and the chip on the right is a 32-pin PLCC package.
Please note: I am again offering my services to people outside of Australia but there are conditions regarding return postage. See below.
Other people offering their services are listed here. They are in no particular order of preference.
PLEASE NOTE:
1. The people listed here may not cover the wide range of chips I can program so ask them first before sending your chip to them!
2. I cannot guarantee that all the people listed here are offering "Free Programming". Some may ask for a small fee to cover the cost of their hardware and time. This is beyond my control and they are quite within their rights to charge a small fee if they wish. Please ask them first if you are unsure.
Daryle Tilroe in Canada ONLY. Click HERE to email him.
Derrick Leong in Minnesota, USA. Click HERE to email him.
Fernando in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Brazil/Chile/Uruguay as well)
Click HERE to email him.
Ian Cull in Massachusetts, USA. *only DIP package type chips*.
Click HERE to email him.
Jeff Grous in Southern California, USA. Click HERE to email him.
Jeff Rossel in California, USA. Click HERE to email him.
Peace Chen in Austin, Texas, USA. Click HERE to email him.
Sashka Nochkin in New York, USA . Click HERE to email him.
Bill Todd in Colchester UK. Click HERE to email him.
Chris Flint in the UK. Click HERE to email him.
If you would also like to offer your services please email me and I will include your name and email address on this page.
If you choose me for programming your chip then my terms are the following four easy steps:
1. Buy your own EPROM or FlashROM, depending on your DVD players requirements. *update 23/5/04*: at present I have a limited supply of 27C040 type devices suitable for Apex AD600A and AD500W players. Email me if you wish to purchase one pre-programmed with the firmware of your choice for an all up price (postage included) of $30US.
For example, an AD-600A will accept a 27C040 or 27C4001 (either type) EPROM or a 29F040 Flashrom depending on what your player currently has. (Don't know? Click HERE). An AD-500W will accept a 27C040 or 27C4001 (either type) EPROM.
These can be bought from a number of sources, including online from FARNELL in Australia or JDR Microdevices in the USA. If you are sending me your existing EPROM or FlashROM for re-programming disregard Step 1.
STEP 1
If you are purchasing from Farnell the part number for a 27C040 EPROM is 283-800 or if that is out of stock you can try 703-266. For a 29F040 FlashROM the part number is 703-874. For a 27C801 EPROM the part number is 688-687.
ACTIVE ELECTRONICS in Tasmania (Australia) sell the 27C040 in 120ns speed rating (just right for our needs) and are cheaper than Farnell by far but they do not always have them in stock. They will do mail order at a very good price too. Click HERE for their store locations and telephone numbers. Give them a try!
RS Components www.rs-components.com.au used to sell a suitable 27C040 EPROM but they do not anymore. BE WARNED!!! They *DO* sell a 27C040 (order number 168-9424) but it is 200ns speed rating which is WAY TOO SLOW!!
RS Components do however sell a compatible 29F040 flashrom and the part number for this is: 320-9424 (Description: AM29F040B-90PC AMD DIL32).
If you are buying from JDR do the following:
From the main page scroll down. On the left menu near the bottom click on "Integrated Circuits". When the next page opens scroll down and click on "More info >> EPROMs". When this page opens you will find the parts you require.
A 27C040 Eprom has the description "EPROM (27C4001/27C040) 512KX8 120NS 32CER" while the Item # is 27C401-120.
A 27C801 Eprom has the description "EPROM (M27C801-90F1) 1024KX8 90NS 32CERD" while the Item# is 27C801-90.
For a FlashROM pick "More info >> Atmel 29C Series Flash Memory".
A 29F040 FlashROM has the description "FLASH MEMORY 512KX8 90NS 32DIP" while the item # is 29F040-90PC.
Jameco also sell the 27C040/27C401 type Eprom. Jameco’s part number is 102293 for the 120ns version or 111780 for the 100ns version (both are OK for your needs). You can also do a search from their main page at www.jameco.com
If anyone finds that the above ordering information is incorrect please email me and let me know! Online catalogues do change from time to time, adding new parts and deleting old lines, and just sometimes changing ordering numbers. Your feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
STEP 2.
Buy two small air bubble type padded type envelopes. These type are preferred to protect your chip from damage. On one of the envelopes write your Name and Address. On the other envelope write mine:
DBK Services
PO BOX 403
Pakenham 3810
Victoria, Australia
STEP 3.
Pay the postage on BOTH envelopes. *VERY IMPORTANT* because I WILL NOT pay for the return postage!
SPECIAL NOTE FOR OVERSEAS PEOPLE
(if you are in Australia please skip this section)
You cannot use your country's stamps for the return postage, nor can I exchange non-Australian type money orders or cheques (checks) without a substantial fee ($20AUS) and 28 days clearance. Furthermore I cannot convert any other currency other than US, UK, Euro or Canadian dollars without substantial fees so please ONLY send this type of currency if you are not sending Australian dollars.
As a general guideline it costs me about $7.00 (Australian) to Air-Mail a small "Jiffy" sized padded bag to the USA. At the current exchange rate of 74 cents (Australian) for every US dollar that means for me to send your package back to you will cost you $5.00 (US dollars). Therefore if you are in the USA just include $5.00 (US dollars) with your chip and return envelope and I will do the rest.
People outside the USA please work out the exchange rate for your country or ask your local post office to help you. You can also use this handy online currency converter at XE.com
Here is what what a satisfied person from the USA has to say:
"Following is my rather simple account of the events of installing the new version GK600B firmware in my Apex AD600A.
After intense reading and scrutiny of http://www.nerd-out.com/darrenk/600/600.htm, I took apart my AD600A, and found I was lucky enough to have a removable ROM chip, but was not eligible to use the CD-R upgrade. I contacted Darren from the web site, and he was nice enough to confirm that I could utilize the GK600B firmware AND per the web page, he would “burn” the chip for me FREE. (!!) I ordered a new chip from JDR here in the states, and sent the chip off to OZ for only $9.00 + his return cost of $4.00 + $1.00 tip. ;-)
Wed, 23 May 2001 Ordered and shipped new ROM Chip $15.71
Sat, 26 May 2001 Sent chip to Australia via US PO $14.00
Global Priority Mail (including return shipping)
Thurs, May 31 2001 Chip received in Australia
and returned from Australia
Tue, June 5 2001 Chip received in USA and installed.
Now for a rather modest sum of money, I have the best firmware available for my APEX. Thanks again Darren!"
Note:This person used "Global Priority" mail however just standard Air Mail is OK and cheaper but the package takes a little longer (around 7-10 days).
STEP 4.
Put the chip, a typed note saying what firmware you want on your chip including DVD Region number (or Region Free) and YOUR addressed envelope into the envelope addressed to me and post it. IMPORTANT: On your note please supply your email address so I can tell you when I have received your chip, programmed it and sent it back to you. If we have corresponded via email the best solution is just to print out our correspondence which will include what firmware you want and your email address on it anyway.
NOTE for AD-600A people: If you want the firmware to have your own personalised background picture then you need to either send me the .BIN picture file or the complete firmware image ready to go. Remember for any "A" or "N" series firmware the image must be less than 24009 bytes and for GK600 and BI-600E it must be no more than 18000 bytes.
NOTE for AD-500W people: If you want the firmware to have your own personalised background picture then you need to either send me the .BIN picture file or the complete firmware image ready to go. Remember for all 500W series firmware the image must be less than 24009 bytes.
NOTE for all other people: I can patch the images into any other firmware that the byte limit is known (see backgrounds page for the list), however I cannot test the firmware chip as I only have access to a AD-600A and AD-500W.
You CAN send me the BMP file if you are unsure how to convert it to a BIN file however it must be sized to 704x480 resolution already. Also note that I will not be held responsible for any pictures that do not work properly. I do test them but if it don't look right for you then I am sorry! Changing the background image is done at YOUR OWN RISK.
Upon receiving the chip I offer a turnaround of 24 hours. REMEMBER TO TELL ME THE FIRMWARE VERSION AND THE DVD REGION!
Oh, by the way *ALL* firmware is Macrovision OFF, unless you tell me otherwise!
Also note: I have had MANY emails asking whether this service is still available. OF COURSE IT IS! Otherwise this page would not exist anymore !!
If you have any question please EMAIL ME
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