BIOS Programming - Which programmer to use??

[urad29]

Hi all,
I have done quite a lot of research into which programmer to use and despite me thinking that there should be quite a lot of documentation on this subject there is relatively little.
I am looking for a programmer for laptop EC chips (SMD and BGA).
I do have some knowledge in programming as I have used the CH341a for BIOS chips.
I am looking into the RT809H or F.
Despite there being a list of which chips the RT809 supports, it seems that there are videos of people using it for chips not on that list.
I guess I would like a programmer that can program basically all laptop EC chips for a decent price.
Is the RT809 good for this or should I look at something else?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

[piernov]

Re: BIOS Programming - Which programmer to use??

RT809 series are not really EC programmers. They do support some EC but support is not that great and undocumented, you won't find much help on the Internet and you will probably encounter issues with no explanations. It's more like if you already have it you can try, but I'd not recommend buying one for this purpose.
I have personally not been successful in talking with MEC5075 with an RT809F even though it's in the support list. (I confirmed the EC is talking properly over JTAG with a JTAG probe).
It did work fine with some ITE like IT8987E, but RT809F requires the PEB-1 extension kit (RT809H does not need it).
If you want the best support for ECs with the least trouble you'll need an SVOD4. Of course it's more expensive and harder to get.

[urad29]

Re: BIOS Programming - Which programmer to use??

Thank you very much for your very informative answer.
Is there a major difference between svod3 and svod4?
If so, what are they?

Thanks

[reformatt]

Re: BIOS Programming - Which programmer to use??

SVOD3 isn't available from their store anymore, only SVOD4. No info from them about any new features, but you'd assume it's using easier to source components, faster etc. Just a natural progression.

The software interface is pretty straightforward I find, just documentation and support from them is a little lacking.