Hi guys:

I've used the EPIC since 1995. I still have that one but use a slightly newer one these days. I am currently programming 16F628A DIPs (or trying to) via the EPIC 8-40 pin ZIF adapter. My EPIC has worked fine with no problems until today. I went to make a change on an existing program and I couldn't get it to program.

To make a long story shorter, apparently there's an issue with LPT1 on my main PC. I did recently install a HP officejet. Maybe that's what hosed it, can't tell.

So, needing to get these chips programmed, and of course as luck would have it, I was unable to find my meLabs software disc. Lacking that, I downloaded the meProg "beta" and installed it on my XP Pro Dell laptop.

Could not get it to program a chip either. Unlike the desktop, it was reading the chips, but would not program them. Gave the "...error at 0000".

I accidentally discovered if I kept trying, eventually it would program. Sometimes it takes 20-30 tries.

I followed *every* troubleshooting step on Melabs page. I also checked some of what was mentioned in other threads on the same subject here. No luck. My laptop has 3 protocol settings for the LPT port, tried all 3. I checked the 2 resistors under Q1, they are 1k's on my newer board (circa 99), they are 10k on the old board. I've checked both Reg's voltages, tuned Reg2 to 13.5 exactly. No luck. I tried fresh batteries instead and jumpered to use them, no luck. I normally use a surplus nice laptop external 18VDC PS, so to be sure it wasn't the culprit, I tried a differenty one, still no luck.

The laptop is pretty clean, has no print drivers, I have spoolsvc killed just to be thorough.

My ZIF board isn't one that calls for an modification as far as I could tell (mine says 04221 JMS no other visible part #), and the other mods indicate they are for other chips.

I've got 2 problems, one, how to figure out why meProg won't talk on my desktop's LPT port, but more related:

How do I get the EPIC to program reliably again?

I finally got my batch of chips done, but I need it to program every time, not every 35th.

Figures it would happen on a holiday weekend, when I need to get it done and Melabs is closed

Thanks for any help!
Scott