Hi Bearpawz,

if you are using a new PC with low voltage working, the VPP is an issue. as you are not using an external power supply, try to check out what are the measured values of Vcc and VPP by suitably inverting the concerned pins theo winpic800 program. if the pin4 doen't get 13V or little above programming doent take place. also the dellay could be set to 20 instead of 10 or 15. If the eBay has provided the schematic, try to to put it on the post and it will help us disgonose what is really happening-- in all probabilities, low voltages or noice on these voltages is the reason.

eg., one maunufacturer has used MC34063A to derive Vpp from the Vcc obtined from the COM port. if you have only a charged cap as Vpp supply and the PC is of low votage(modern), then you may have to improvise it. afterall prchasing another will not assue trouble free-- we have to study and sort out the issue.

Incidentally if the programmer that you got is of FENG3 ver5.2 rev8
the designer clearly says not to connect the PC's ground to the programmer ground. please check that. if you want you can see the scmatic of FENG3 at http://hamradioindia.org/circuits/feng.php#mods


please inform developments--