I'm about to pull the trigger and buy a T56 set with adapters, but thought I'd ask people's 2 cents before forking out the cash.
I finally have need for a universal-ish programmer, and it's been a couple decades since I've used one, thus I am assuming that technology has improved a bit. The chips I'll actually end up using appear to be well supported by any universal-ish programmer (PIC/Atmel/typical BIOS flash/etc), so other than adapters for different chip packages, mostly basic req's are sufficient for the moment. BUT new toys for the lab always get bumped up at least one capability tier, within reason.
Beyond basics, I need in-circuit flashing, as I've previously done with an RPi, but want a dedicated tool for all flashing/read/test/etc. I do not "need" VGA/HDMI hacking, but I'm curious enough to shell out a little more cash to play with it, but priority is having a dependable tool. The RT809H seems to come with VGA/HDMI standard, is there an equivalent adapter for T56 out there? Again, I don't "need" it but it sounds interesting.
Linux compatibility: AFAIK, manufacturer supplied software/drivers are usually Windows only. I once used an RPi + "flashrom" utility + IC probe clip to rescue a non-booting motherboard BIOS (via internet step-by-step directions), but no idea for linux compatible utils for programming PIC/Atmel? Perhaps the same?
Firmware updates.... Free? Or has this switched to paid subscriptions? Not sure, I've been out of the loop for a while.
I'm thinking any of the below devices should work, any others I should look at or which you prefer?
XGecu TL866II / T48 / T56
RT809H
Any good source for a reasonably comprehensive but cheap-ish set of chip package adapters, or better to get a T56 kit that includes a bunch? I am assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that any adapters for one programmer would work in other makes/models of adapters...
YES: At the end of the day, it comes down to compatibility with the chips you need the programmer for, but new tool for my lab means getting a bit more than I need ATM. Thanks!