[time-nuts] Question about Firmware for EIP Counters
brucekareen at aol.com
brucekareen at aol.com
Tue Jan 12 17:54:05 UTC 2010
Is anyone on the list familiar with the firmware for EIP 578 or 548 series
counters? I have a favorite 578 counter, with power measuring option,
that I have owned for years. All of this time I have wished it had the
Frequency Extension option. Recently I bought a mechanically-damaged 578 with
the desired extended frequency range feature on eBay. I removed the optional
RF parts and added them to my old counter. I also transferred the
associated firmware PROM (U20) to my counter's A-105 microprocessor board, and
added the jumper required to activate the feature on a second board. But the
option failed to work. By pressing buttons I determined the cause was a
firmware rather than RF problem.
While my old firmware set of 5 PROMS was Version-B, the "parts" counter
had Version-D PROMS, even though it was not far removed in serial number and
bore the same CCN code. So I transferred the remaining Version-D PROMS to
my counter and presto! the frequency extension option worked great!
However, before I could celebrate by closing the case, I realize the prized power
measurement feature no longer worked. I tried interchanging the first
then last PROMs in the programming sequence, but this just caused the
microprocessor to lock-up. I am left with the feeling that the various firmware
versions might correspond to the eight permutations of the three options
requiring microprocessor intervention (A to D Converter, Power Meter, &
Frequency Extension). If this is the case, my augmentation project seems doomed
unless I can obtain a copy of the appropriate firmware. Has any list member
had experience adding options to the EIP counters of this family? I have
already asked this question on the Microwave Reflector, but with no
responses.
Bruce Hunter, KG6OJI
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