Texas Instruments TMS-GANG programmer

[Richard Head]

I've just ordered an MSP-GANG programmer from TI. It can program up to 8 devices simultaneously.
I wonder if anyone else has used this device before and can share their experiances.

Thanks in advance.

Dick

[theatrus]

I've used the MSP430-GANG before, and it worked well. The "push button" mode where the firmware is stored on the device was nice. In stand-alone mode, the error reporting was possibly too simplistic (its just a red LED). The only thing to watch out for is cable lengths - the MSP430 one had signal integrity issues which were hard to trace down as wire lengths increased.

[Richard Head]

Theatrus

Thanks for the reply.
I do intend to use it in stand alone mode as it"ll be used on a production line with no PC connection. The intention is to program 8 units at a time.
I"ll try to keep the ribbon cable lengths as short as possible. Probably about 1m (3ft) max.
I would also like to be able to use it for software upgrades in the field. I wonder if it has an internal battery or just a DC power plug?

Dick

[theatrus]

No battery, just a 9-12VDC wallwart required. You can configure to provide power to the circuit or not.