Silicon Image SIL3112 Flashing: Easier Way Using flashrom

[nikdoof]

A little more experimentation, I added a Apple branded SATA 2.5" HDD onto the SIL3112 card and booted with my known good OSX 10.4 from the SATA2IDE, the boot was extremely slow but it did get into OSX, and in System Information the HDD didn't show. Again, works perfectly fine and without issue in OS9. Removing the power from the HDD the system booted into OSX near instantly again.

 

[nikdoof]

It seems it's down to my Samsung Evo 750, Using the HDD for a OSX install works perfectly fine. Shame I didn't test this before investing in another card...

 

[pizzigri]

So I got a Kalea Informatique card off amazon, and found out it has the 12v fw chip, I have a AT29C010A chip I got for a different project (replacement of an Adaptec 2940 SCSI card) and I wanted to know if I could use it here for on-card flashing?

 

[Daniël]

So I got a Kalea Informatique card off amazon, and found out it has the 12v fw chip, I have a AT29C010A chip I got for a different project (replacement of an Adaptec 2940 SCSI card) and I wanted to know if I could use it here for on-card flashing?

The 5V IC would get damaged at 12V. Often, these cards have SMD resistors that can be moved to set the voltage on the regulator down to 5V. I would look at the regulator's part number, and check the datasheet if it is adjustable. If so, try and find which resistor (or pads for a resistor) is/are responsible, and if it can be changed/placed/(re)moved to adjust it to 5V.

 

[dosdude1]

So I got a Kalea Informatique card off amazon, and found out it has the 12v fw chip, I have a AT29C010A chip I got for a different project (replacement of an Adaptec 2940 SCSI card) and I wanted to know if I could use it here for on-card flashing?

Yep, you can install that EEPROM no issue, then flash it on-board. That EEPROM runs at 5V, just like the original, so no need to change any resistor position. The only case in which that is necessary is if you switch to a 3.3V EEPROM, which are normally designated with an “LV” in their part number.

 

[dosdude1]

The 5V IC would get damaged at 12V. Often, these cards have SMD resistors that can be moved to set the voltage on the regulator down to 5V. I would look at the regulator's part number, and check the datasheet if it is adjustable. If so, try and find which resistor (or pads for a resistor) is/are responsible, and if it can be changed/placed/(re)moved to adjust it to 5V.

12V is only needed to erase and program the AM28F010 EEPROM, which is why it cannot be programmed on-board (the board has no way of supplying 12V needed). In normal operation, the EEPROM runs at 5V.

 

[Daniël]

12V is only needed to erase and program the AM28F010 EEPROM, which is why it cannot be programmed on-board (the board has no way of supplying 12V needed). In normal operation, the EEPROM runs at 5V.

Haha, oops, serves me right for trying to multitask my work and 68kMLA
Never mind my last response!

 

[pizzigri]

Ok so I have some problems…. I replaced the chip on the board as per the image. I am using a 8600 that has been upgraded to a G3/450 using a Sonnet cpu, with 9.1 installed. very reliable machine. As I try to flash the FW, the machine hard freezes (no pointer movement) at the moment I press the button and the notice “erasing” appears. I resoldered the chip, but no joy. Maybe the chip is counterfeit? Anyone has a known good one? I cannot remember if this chip came from Mouser - got it some time ago, and the problem is I am finding less and less as these are all obsolete parts.

 

[macuserman]

Ok so I have some problems…. I replaced the chip on the board as per the image. I am using a 8600 that has been upgraded to a G3/450 using a Sonnet cpu, with 9.1 installed. very reliable machine. As I try to flash the FW, the machine hard freezes (no pointer movement) at the moment I press the button and the notice “erasing” appears. I resoldered the chip, but no joy. Maybe the chip is counterfeit? Anyone has a known good one? I cannot remember if this chip came from Mouser - got it some time ago, and the problem is I am finding less and less as these are all obsolete parts.

Not sure when I do mine I always flash the chips first then solder them in.

 

[pizzigri]

Ok then, I dont think I can do that as the programmer I have is a ch341a. I think my problem is in sourcing the correct chips since the one I have may be unusable. At this poi t is anyone able to poi t me in a good direction for sourcing a compatible chip or sell me one?

 

[macuserman]

ah wha! Ok then, can you walk me how to do that?
i do have a ch341a - not sure whether it’s relevant- and I still have a problem in finding suitable chips since the one I have may be unusable.
edited to remove wrong images.

I've got an older one of these, but dang they have gone up in price, I think I paid $30 for mine. But with these it's a piece of cake to flash the chips and then drop them on the board. In fact I just went ahead and flashed my whole tube of roms last time I had it out and so I can just drop them in when I need.

Amazon.com

 

[macuserman]

I've got an older one of these, but dang they have gone up in price, I think I paid $30 for mine. But with these it's a piece of cake to flash the chips and then drop them on the board. In fact I just went ahead and flashed my whole tube of roms last time I had it out and so I can just drop them in when I need.

Amazon.com

The software for it is Windows though so if you don't have access to a PC then it doesn't help you much.

 

[pizzigri]

argh I may have changed the reply too soon then if the programmer can be used! Yes I do have access to a PC however it’s too new - no pci slots in it hence why I was looking to flash the cards (there’s a Ati 7000 too) in situ. Do you still have a rom chip?

 

[pizzigri]

Plus my 341 does not have a suitable “socket” to use these chip packages….

 

[dosdude1]

Ok so I have some problems…. I replaced the chip on the board as per the image. I am using a 8600 that has been upgraded to a G3/450 using a Sonnet cpu, with 9.1 installed. very reliable machine. As I try to flash the FW, the machine hard freezes (no pointer movement) at the moment I press the button and the notice “erasing” appears. I resoldered the chip, but no joy. Maybe the chip is counterfeit? Anyone has a known good one? I cannot remember if this chip came from Mouser - got it some time ago, and the problem is I am finding less and less as these are all obsolete parts.

I’d check the soldering... Looks like it may not be properly soldered. Best way to do it is to heat it with hot air until all solder is molten.

 

[pizzigri]

Hi Dosdude, yes that is how i did it…. I used an 858 and chipquick solder paste I have some reservation on the chip itself as I cannot remember where it came from, most probably ebay since they aren’t in stock at Mouser.

 

[pizzigri]

Do you think it could be good practice to remove it clean everything and resolder it on the pcb?

 

[pizzigri]

Done…. Let’s clean it

 

[pizzigri]

Unfortunately, it did not work - again… however it did give me a slightly different message. Trying to flash in a Beige g3/300 that is absolutely stock with512mb ram and os 9.2.2.
it freezes hard at this message.
ruined flash chip maybe? I’m concerned that subjecting the pcb to all these heat cycles will damage it.
adding pic of (re) soldered chip

 

[pizzigri]

Ok — I admit I have to throw the towel here. For some reason, I believe due to the card I have, DosDude’s on card flashing doesn’t work. I used two identical chips and a third different one and it always fails. I would purchase a programmer, however I cannot afford the one needed as it easily approaches 100$ and I wouldn’t use it much afterwards.
so, asking here: can anyone sell me a programmed chip or working flashed card for a reasonable price?
I’m located in Rome, Italy.