RE: Extreme advice

A post on GPOZ needs some quantifying and as I don't want to post on there I will add the replies here. This is the link:
http://goldprospecting.invisionplus.net/?mforum=goldprospecting&showtopic=3010&st=0&#entry8580

Firstly even though the EPROM code and circuitry on an Extreme is the same as a 3000/3500 it does differ from the next 2 performance wise. My investigations have shown that the Extreme is inferior in a few ways to the 3000 as is the 3000 to the 3500. It isn't as was suggested just a change of labels. Firstly I have just finished a Extreme that had the same Code label (from Minelab) describing what revisions of EPROM and Firmware to that of a 3000 I have to mod also. The 3000 is a different machine, it runs quieter and is less susceptible to EMI this points to the code having some differences. All extremes I have seen so far also have this same problem. In fact the Extremes seem to run (Threshold stability and EMI noise)just a shade better than a modded SD2000 in this area and I mean a shade. That is one reason of why I was never interested in upgrading.

Zed and I have looked into this and although we tend to agree that the EPROM code does look the same when I looked at the code between the 3500 and the 3000 code that ZED had done we presume that they are the same but Zed also said because my measurements seem to differ by a few micro seconds Zed explained that with his tests on sampling with the 2200 and 2000 a small sample difference of even in the nano seconds can change the characteristics of the receive signal and ground noise. So even though they appear the same maybe that is the real difference and not just firmware in the MCU. As an example I find that with the noise of the extreme in my workshop it is difficult for me to see a difference in performance whereas with the 3000 and 3500 I can see the gain. The 3000 less conceivable than the 3500 but still obviously there. I may add that the extreme in the field definitely demonstrates the mod is working as expected just not so obvious in the workshop.

The next point is that the Hitachi MCU does have on the PCB an in-circuit programming facility (ISP or JTAG)for those that know what to look for and know about Micro Electronics. What is unknown at present and I cannot say for sure about the Hitachi MCU as I mainly ever work with Motorola, Atmel and Pic MCU types, the code should not be able to be read and if you copy the MCU you also copy the locked condition of the MCU. I very much doubt that Minelab would have left the MCU unlocked or readable. So insinuating that you could copy the code and maybe change it, although it could be done if you have access to very high end RE equipment that to my knowledge doesn't exist in Australia, is quite incorrect. You can as I stated copy the MCU or more correctly duplicate it but if the MCU is locked you cannot read the code even on the duplicate but you will have a fully functioning 3500 MCU.

A FLASH EEPROM is something Zed and I discussed a long time back but FINDING a replacement is hard as most FLASH EEPROMs are serial whereas the EPROM used is parallel. I did a little bit of hunting but couldn't see a definite replacement in EEPROM that would be a straight replacement. You could however build a little daughter board and plug on a different Parallel EEPROM but I think it would be easier to replace it with a MCU.

Problems arise as the MCU also sends control lines to the EPROM. So although it sounds easy it isn't as easy as it has been made to sound. This is mainly because of lack of knowledge in this area of electronics. Micro electronics is specialist and can be learnt by technicians but a little more research should be applied before answering a question like this. Bugwhiskers would be the better choice to answer this Marshall as you know he is quite knowledgeable in this field.

Just for your info Marshall, I can't see where I have used anything from your forum here just replying to the post in question. You are spot on that I still read your forum and will continue to do so as I like to read what the intelligent people such as Zed, Woody, Aziz, Bugwhiskers have to report or offer. Unfortunately, I am not prepared to add content or reply because of fear of you editing anymore of my posts or being demonised for my opinions.

I would like to post replies there as I find it quite childish that I have to resort to this method but that is all I am prepared to do. At least this forum doesn't need to be censored and so far everyone here has had something intelligent to offer and follow the simple rules of not denigrating any other user.

Anyway, I am not prepared to go down that path with you again.

Just in case anyone is wondering why I have posted this it is in reply to a follow up to an obvious attempt at trying to start some sort of animosity between myself and Woody. The post is here http://goldprospecting.invisionplus.net/?mforum=goldprospecting&showtopic=3022&st=0&#entry8583

I think so as not to clutter this area with this sort of rubbish I will create another area solely for my replies to GPOZ posts.

That's because Marshall (Doug) doesn't want people just to look. They must register. That is how he wants it. I prefer to let people look but don't touch! lol

Seems I have been banned also I no longer have a log in and it informs me that I have been suspended. Obviously doesn't want me to look. What will I do now?

Seems that I am not banned just need to "cool off" must be desperate for my input on his forum?

Thanks for the info guys... I can't seem to understand why I have to call down I haven't said or done anything except post my reply here? And that was a technical response? So where is the problem?