minipro

Open-source programmer for TL866II+, TL866A, TL866CS, and T48 devices

TLDR

Read chip to file

$ minipro -p [AT24C256] -r [output.bin]

Write file to chip

$ minipro -p [AT24C256] -w [firmware.bin]

Erase chip

$ minipro -p [AT24C256] -E

Verify chip contents

$ minipro -p [AT24C256] -m [firmware.bin]

List supported chips

$ minipro -l

Search for chip

$ minipro -L [AT24]

Read with Intel HEX format

$ minipro -p [ATmega328P] -r [output.hex] -f ihex

Write ignoring chip ID mismatch

$ minipro -p [AT24C256] -w [firmware.bin] -y

SYNOPSIS

minipro [-p device] [-r file] [-w file] [-E] [-f format] [options]

minipro is an Open-source programmer for TL866II+, TL866A, TL866CS, and T48 devices. It programs EEPROMs, flash memory, microcontrollers, and other programmable chips.The tool supports over 13000 devices including Atmel AVR, Microchip PIC, EPROMs, EEPROMs, and various flash memory chips. The device database is community-maintained.Read operations dump chip contents to files. Write operations program chips from binary or hex files. Verification confirms successful programming.Erase is typically automatic before write but can be performed separately. Some chips require specific erase procedures or unlock sequences.Intel HEX and Motorola S-Record formats are supported for microcontroller firmware. Raw binary works for data storage chips.

PARAMETERS

-p DEVICE

Specify chip/device.

-r FILE

Read chip to file.

-w FILE

Write file to chip.

-E

Erase chip.

-m FILE

Verify against file.

-l

List all supported devices.

-L PATTERN

Search devices by pattern.

-f FORMAT

File format (raw, ihex, srec).

-y

Do not error on chip ID mismatch.

-c TYPE

Specify memory type: code, data, or config.

-s

Do not error on file size mismatch (warning only).

-v

Do not verify after write.

-e

Do not erase device before write.

-i

Use ICSP mode.

-x

Do not attempt to read chip ID (read mode only).

CAVEATS

Requires compatible TL866 or T48 programmer hardware. Not all chips in database tested. Some chips need specific adapter sockets. USB permissions may need configuration on Linux. T56 support is experimental.

HISTORY

minipro was created as an open-source alternative to the proprietary Windows software for TL866 programmers. Development began around 2014, enabling Linux and macOS support for this popular affordable programmer.