[time-nuts] Question about Firmware for EIP Counters

[brucekareen at aol.com]

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