Need a new EC programmer

[reformatt]

So I have a SVOD 3, which has served me well for many years. But I now find that there are newer EC's that aren't supported by it (like NPCE688PA0DX), and for that I have to buy a SVOD 4 instead. Confirmed this in the SVOD telegram group.

Before I splash out and pay nearly $500 AUD for it, I was looking at the alternative Vertyanov Successor 50 programmer. But because their main store is located in Russia, it's impossible to buy one directly from them because of the sanctions. They did give me some others to contact but it all seems a bit dodgy. Sergey in the UK wants 300 Euro for it, that brings it to over $500 AUD. There was only one online store called Micropro, but the email given doesn't work. For such an expensive purchase, I'm not comfortable just transferring someone money in the hope they ship me a legitimate product.

Is it worth all this hassle to try and get a Vertyanov or just stick with the SVOD 4? Would appreciate some others thoughts.

[Akhlz001]

Just get the SVOD 4, much better support and all around a much better product. I have used both last gen models while the Vertyanov is good the SVOD is just next level. I generally use a RT809H for unlocking and such as I deal with SOIC8/WSON8/SOP8 chips, for anything EC KBC related SVOD.

[reformatt]

Thanks, you convinced me. I just ordered one directly off the SVOD store - it's the cheapest option out of everywhere else. Came in at just under $500 AUD (our exchange rate to the EURO is pretty poor right now). The Telegram channel has a lot of useful history there too, only just stumbled onto it.

Couple of things troubled me about the Vertyanov. No direct means of purchasing it from the developer or an easy way to pay for it (because they are in Russia), no direct download link to the software, and you can only get into the Telegram channel once you have bought the programmer. So you have no idea what that is like until you've already got it. Might be a great product, but its harder to get a hold of than rocking horse poop.

[reformatt]

One other thing I will add for others is the only site I found that you could order a Vertyanov online (apart from Aliexpress or Ebay) was one called Micropro.store. I sent them an email to their listed address on their website and this bounced. I asked about it to Vertyanov support and they aren't aware of them so this site might be a scam.

[mon2]

Try Ebay:

https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?item=...&_ssn=micropro

Then you will have the back up support from Ebay for all purchases. The above store ships out of Tunisia (with high grade olive oil).