TOP 10 best programmers: how to use, reviews
A programmer is an apparatus that is used to write data to a storage device. In addition to recording, the device can read information from microcircuits. He also has a number of other modes of operation: erasure, data protection, programming system. How to choose the best programmer for fast and efficient work? The article will tell you about the tips, pros and cons, features of each device and present a rating of the best programmers according to user reviews.
How to use the programmer?
The programmer is used for programming various kinds of microcircuits: TVs, laptops, computers, monitors, car blocks, etc.
To start using it, you need to connect it to a stationary computer via the USB port. If the device is connected, a red light on it will light up. If this does not happen, then the software drivers were not loaded and the computer did not detect the device. When the computer has found the device, it is necessary to download a special program. In many cases, the CH341A Programmer is used. After all the stages of connection, you can proceed directly to programming.
To program the device, open the installation slots on the device panel. The microcircuit is inserted using a key and secured with a latch. If you need to flash a 25-series microcircuit, the device has platforms for programming microcircuits. To do this, you need to solder the microcircuit to the contact pad. It is important not to forget about the fixing elements.
Top 10 best programmers
A universal programmer is a communication device between a microcontroller and a computer. It can be used to install the firmware file into memory. A specially designed program will come to the rescue, which already has protocols for installation. The user needs to make several clicks on the button and wait until the file is loaded.
There are many device options on the market. Budget models are suitable for one class of microcircuits. If the user has decided what he will program, then this is the best option for him. More expensive counterparts are much more functional and are usually focused on professional use.
The top of the best models of programmers includes the following brands:
NOAHlink
A generic device made by a Danish company for working with hearing aids. With its help, the patient will be able to navigate in space. Data transmission is carried out via Bluetooth. It is possible to test speech at different distances. The device is convenient to carry with you. When setting up, the master can move around the house, because there are no cables and wires in it. The wireless connection is considered the most secure.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Country of origin | Denmark |
| The weight | 0.141 kg |
| Nutrition | battery cell type AA |
pros
- wireless connection;
- wide range of action;
- multifunctional;
- light;
- speech testing.
Minuses
- charge frequency;
- fragility of the battery.
Testimonial: “The best programmers of the Danish brand, which have a guarantee for use and quality certificates. The device is very practical, easy to carry and use. No additional accessories required - put it on, press the button and it works. We bought it for a grandmother who can't hear well. She liked it very much.
Iprog Plus v80
The product is intended for power units and cars. In a short period of time, it can correct the mileage. In just a few minutes, the device is able to prepare the technician in the car for use, read information. The multifunctional device can change kilometers to miles, check the operation of the system of the entire car, upload new information, deleting old information.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Country of origin | USA |
| The weight | 0.1 kg |
| Nutrition | USB port |
pros
- compact;
- multifunctional;
- large amount of memory;
- reads information easily;
- constant updating of working drivers.
Minuses
- indicator does not work;
- radius of action.
Review: “Consultants in a specialized store recommend this device for purchase. A very useful thing for car owners. The device prepares it for work, checks the technical data, thanks to regular driver updates, you don't have to worry about the safety of your car ”.
Turbosky PMT-1
A highly specialized modern device that is suitable for different ports of power plants. It can perform functions that other programmers cannot cope with due to the discrepancy between 1 and 0. Dozens of characteristics can be configured using a cable. For example, noise cancellation or the introduction of your own key functionality. Drivers for the device can be downloaded from the manufacturer's official website for free.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Country of origin | China |
| The weight | 0.25 kg |
| Nutrition | USB port, Kenwood connector |
pros
- long service life;
- beautiful body;
- good signal reception;
- lasting;
- keeps the battery for a long time.
Minuses
- crash when configured incorrectly;
- no programming cable included.
Review: “In general, I was satisfied with the device. Convenient button layout, good connection, fast charging. The product is definitely worth the money. ”
Xhorse VVDI PROG
This brand of programmer is designed to work with microcircuits and blocks for the car. The device has built-in software that allows the user to quickly and easily update the firmware to the latest version. Thanks to the self-test function, you can check the functionality of the device.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Country of origin | China |
| The weight | 0.18 kg |
| Nutrition | USB port, adapter |
pros
- reset keys;
- many additional functions;
- practical;
- large amount of memory;
- easily mates with the car.
Minuses
- toggle buttons do not work well;
- long driver update.
Review: “The device has shown itself to be good. Easy, practical, quickly affects the car. There is enough memory for constant updating of the keys to the car ”.
CH341A
A simple and compact device that is designed to flash a flash drive. The kit includes everything you need to work. The manufacturer took care of the users and created the firmware in Russian so that the program interface was clear the first time. In addition to a flash drive, they can repair various parts of a computer, laptop. The main thing is to erase the old data about the device, otherwise it will knock out an error.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Country of origin | Korea |
| The weight | 0.2KG |
| Nutrition | USB port |
pros
- power indicator;
- automatic installation of drivers;
- practicality of use;
- affordable price;
- equipment.
Minuses
- crashes when installing programs incorrectly;
- long record of information.
Feedback: “I am very glad that I purchased the device. I didn't even hope that my router would work. I quickly installed the necessary programs, interfaced with the router. A few minutes and it works. A good and, most importantly, the right device ”.
EZP2019
A useful device designed for the repair and maintenance of household appliances. With such a range of functions, the price for it remains budgetary. It is often used in factory production. The automated system independently conducts tests with programmable equipment. It takes no more than 10 seconds to read a record. This is not the fastest result, but it is considered the best among devices in this price category. Supports updated firmware versions.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Country of origin | China |
| The weight | 0.45 kg |
| Nutrition | USB port, controller |
pros
- compact size;
- high speed of data reading;
- automatic testing;
- ease of connection;
- budgetary.
Minuses
- limited spectrum of action;
- requires additional equipment.
Review: “I kept an old TV on the balcony for a long time, it's a pity to throw it away. I took a programmer from a friend, read the instructions, installed the necessary programs and saw that the TV was slowly coming to life. I am very pleased with such a find, I will definitely buy myself, because there are a lot of untreated equipment in the house ”.
MiniPro TL866 II Plus USB
High speed programmer that applies to any operating system. You can connect 4 devices to one computer. A huge list of devices that support the device. The device has a large list of additional functions, for example, testing algorithms, displaying a serial number. It can be used to install copyright protection code, which is very useful in the production process.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Country of origin | Korea |
| The weight | 0.35 kg |
| Nutrition | USB port 5V |
pros
- multifunctionality;
- high speed of reading;
- connection to any OS;
- support for chips of different types;
- large amount of memory.
Minuses
- large enough;
- it is inconvenient to connect multiple devices.
Feedback: “At work we use the programmer of this model to perform a wide range of tasks. He does his job very quickly and efficiently. Just a few minutes and the required information file has already been downloaded to the disk. ”
LC-01 USBISP
The device is designed for the sole purpose of extracting data, which it does well. For a small price, the user will receive a high-quality regulator, it is easy to connect and read data. Thanks to ESP8266, you can transfer data from chips. Outwardly, it resembles a board with yellow connectors, into which modules are inserted. The microcircuit connects the module to the computer. The manufacturer also took care of the voltage regulator.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Country of origin | China |
| The weight | 0,4 kg |
| Battery power supply | USB port, SP |
pros
- clear connection diagram;
- portable device;
- compact;
- high performance;
- powerful.
Minuses
- data exchange is performed after soldering the jumper;
- frequent charging.
Feedback: “I started working in the field of programming recently, so I got such a device. So far I like everything, copes with the tasks. Loads data quickly, writes to disk. There is a voltage stabilizer ”.
ST-link v2
This device has a high-speed interface that allows you to complete tasks many times faster. Helps to step by step perform the work of the microcontroller and monitor its value. This in-circuit programmer connects to any device, has a reflective backlight for operating modes, and a voltage stabilizer. The system is flashed in automatic mode.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Country of origin | China |
| The weight | 0.8KG |
| Nutrition | USB port A |
pros
- Voltage regulator;
- aluminum protective case;
- automatic modes;
- does not require additional connection ports;
- LED indicators.
Minuses
- fragility of work;
- overall.
Testimonial: “A professional device that is used in the production process. With its help, you can set up the software very quickly and efficiently. There is an option to work offline ”.
RT809H
The universal programmer attracts with its ease of use and a wide range of actions. Designed to record information from the microcontroller. Ideal for debugging electrical equipment. Using a special cable, you can read information directly to the laptop matrix. Suitable for computer firmware. The device can operate both from the network and autonomously. Good equipment of the device.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Country of origin | Korea |
| The weight | 0.32 kg |
| Nutrition | USB port, SOP adapter |
pros
- a wide range of possibilities;
- equipment;
- supports any microcircuits;
- autonomy of work;
- practicality.
Minuses
- frequent failures when connecting from the network;
- average data transfer rate.
Review: “I bought a device to flash my computer. Since I don't understand much in this matter, I read the instructions on the Internet and quickly configured the port. I plugged in the cable, connected it to the computer and downloaded the information I needed. The device met my expectations ”.
Selection Tips
Initially, it is worth deciding for what purposes the device will be used. There are 2 broad categories of device:
- programmer for firmware;
- programmer for microcircuits.
In order for the device to perform the full range of tasks without interruption, it must have:
- block where the microcircuit is inserted;
- interface through which information is entered;
- software and hardware driver.
By the type of supported microcircuits, the following devices are distinguished:
- a specialized programmer that works with only one type of microcircuit;
- conditionally universal, which supports microcircuits of different types;
- universal, which programs all types of microcircuits.
If the user decided to start programming, but in the future does not plan to do it at a professional level, then he can pick up a simple specialized device that even a beginner can figure out. If the device is bought for regular use at work, then you should not rush. The choice of models is very large, and not always the most expensive device is the best.
Before buying a device, you should consult with specialists who are well aware of all the intricacies of working with it. Most likely they will offer one of the devices described above, so you can save time and immediately order a programmer, based on its features and reviews in this material.
