Chip programmer: BIOS and firmware recovery
PC dead after a BIOS update? Graphics card shows nothing after flashing? Often the board is fine — only the data in the flash chip is broken. I have a TL866II Plus programmer with a set of adapters: I read the chip, keep a backup and write the correct firmware.
To be honest: I do this rarely
The programmer is a “just in case” tool, not my main work — a way to help when nothing else works. I always check first that the problem really is the firmware. If the board itself is faulty, I will point you to a repair service with the right equipment.
What I can help with
Motherboard BIOS
A PC that will not start after a failed BIOS update or a power cut during the update.
Graphics card BIOS
Restoring the original firmware after a failed reflash.
Laptop BIOS
Reading and writing the SPI chip when it can be reached.
Routers and boxes
Recovering flash firmware when the device will not boot.
Chip backup
I save the chip contents to a file before any work.
DIY projects
Programming AVR and PIC microcontrollers, EEPROM, testing 74/40-series logic chips.
Chips the programmer supports
- 25-series SPI flash — the BIOS of PCs, laptops and graphics cards
- 24, 25 and 93-series EEPROM
- Parallel flash and EPROM via PLCC and TSOP adapters
- AVR, PIC and other microcontrollers from the supported list
- 1.8 V chips via a dedicated adapter
- Logic chip and SRAM testing
Adapters
A SOIC-8 test clip (often no desoldering needed), SOP, TSSOP, PLCC and TSOP to DIP adapters, a 1.8 V adapter. If a chip must be desoldered, I will tell you in advance.
What I do not do
- Odometers, immobilisers and car modules
- Bypassing protection, passwords or locks
- Board repair (component or BGA work) — I will recommend a service
- Phone eMMC and NAND memory — wrong programmer
How it works
Message me on WhatsApp
The model and what happened.
Check
I make sure it is the firmware, not the board.
Backup
I read the chip and save its contents first.
Write and test
I write the firmware and we test together.
Price
Price after inspection — it depends on the chip and whether it has to be desoldered. Call-out and diagnosis from 50 GEL. No fix, no fee for the work.