[LinuxBIOS] EEPROM/Flash reader/writer

[Robert Millan]

Hello,

I'm looking for an eeprom/flash reader/writer device, but those I could find
at local vendors seem to be targetted only at win32, or even MS-DOG.

Does someone know a model that works with free software that you can recommend?

[Peter Stuge]

On Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 09:31:10AM +0200, Robert Millan wrote:
> Does someone know a model that works with free software that you
> can recommend?

The GALEP V runs Linux internally, communicates over usbnet and the
Windows software runs fine in WINE.

A bit pricy but seems like a very nice product.

//Peter

[Stefan Reinauer]

* Robert Millan  [070620 09:31]:
> I'm looking for an eeprom/flash reader/writer device, but those I could find
> at local vendors seem to be targetted only at win32, or even MS-DOG.
>
> Does someone know a model that works with free software that you can
> recommend?

The Galep IV and Galep V devices from Conitec work fine under Linux.
There is open source Linux software for the IV model, but it is alpha
and not maintained. The Windows version of both devices (notably the
Galep V which is based on an ARM uC running Linux) work very nice in wine.

Conitec is going to release a native Linux version of their software 
for the Galep V. Whether that will be free as freedom or "only" free as
beer is yet unknown :)

http://www.linuxbios.org/Galep_IV

The setup of the Galep V software is trivial, since the V uses a USB
network chip. You can telnet and http to the device, too.
> My spam trap is [e-mail].  Note: this address is only intended
> for spam harvesters.  Writing to it will get you added to my black list.

excellent idea!

[Robert Millan]

On Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 10:06:00AM +0200, Stefan Reinauer wrote:
> Robert Millan  [070620 09:31]:
> > I'm looking for an eeprom/flash reader/writer device, but those I could find
> > at local vendors seem to be targetted only at win32, or even MS-DOG.
> >
> > Does someone know a model that works with free software that you can
> > recommend?
>
> The Galep IV and Galep V devices from Conitec work fine under Linux.
> There is open source Linux software for the IV model, but it is alpha
> and not maintained. The Windows version of both devices (notably the
> Galep V which is based on an ARM uC running Linux) work very nice in wine.

Oh :(.  Well, I suppose the goal of replacing non-free firmware is a good
excuse to support such program with money.

But since these devices seem quite expensive, there's a pair of things I'd
like to know before I buy one:

- Does Galep IV support reading as well as writing?  I suppose they support
  reading at least for verification, but I want extraction of my propietary
  bios(es) for reverse engineering if necessary.

- How good is support for different chips?  Is a Galep IV enough to be
  able to read/write almost every standard PC board around?
> Conitec is going to release a native Linux version of their software 
> for the Galep V. Whether that will be free as freedom or "only" free as
> beer is yet unknown :)

Let's hope it will.. :/
> http://www.linuxbios.org/Galep_IV
>
> The setup of the Galep V software is trivial, since the V uses a USB
> network chip. You can telnet and http to the device, too.

I think I'll stay with Galep IV.  I already have a parallel port ;-)

Btw, nice tutorial.

Thank you

[Stefan Reinauer]

* Robert Millan  [070620 10:39]:
> Does Galep IV support reading as well as writing?  I suppose they support
>
> reading at least for verification, but I want extraction of my propietary
>   bios(es) for reverse engineering if necessary.

Yes. Reading the flashes works fine.
> How good is support for different chips?  Is a Galep IV enough to be
>
> able to read/write almost every standard PC board around?

Yes, and a lot more. It reads/writes GALs, some microcontrollers, etc

Conitec has pretty good service. When you find a device that is not
supported, they will support it in one of the next releases
> > The setup of the Galep V software is trivial, since the V uses a USB
> > network chip. You can telnet and http to the device, too.
>
> I think I'll stay with Galep IV.  I already have a parallel port ;-)

The IV is a little bit slower than the V, but it is a very nice device.

[Robert Millan]

On Wed, Jun 20, 2007 at 10:51:07AM +0200, Stefan Reinauer wrote:
> > How good is support for different chips?  Is a Galep IV enough to be
> >
> > able to read/write almost every standard PC board around?
>
> Yes, and a lot more. It reads/writes GALs, some microcontrollers, etc
>
> Conitec has pretty good service. When you find a device that is not
> supported, they will support it in one of the next releases

You mean this is handled in software?  Same socket, but different protocol?

[Stefan Reinauer]

* Robert Millan  [070620 14:50]:
> > Yes, and a lot more. It reads/writes GALs, some microcontrollers, etc
> >
> > Conitec has pretty good service. When you find a device that is not
> > supported, they will support it in one of the next releases
>
> You mean this is handled in software?  Same socket, but different protocol?

Yes, the Galep has an FPGA that drives the pins to whatever voltage and
signal is required. This makes the device very flexible.