At Around 4 AM April 27th 2024, my alert on Feebay for an BP Microsystems Actel Silicon Sculptor 3 Programmer pinged me. Seeing it priced at $3.00 with $12.30 for shipping, I couldn’t resist. This unit opens doors to programming a plethora of old Actel and Microsimi FPGA’s, a capability lacking in my current Xeltek and Other programmers.
Ebay Listing https://www.ebay.com/itm/355669364546
05/05 Seller Listed 2 More at $300 ea https://www.ebay.com/itm/355686427796
Unboxing Video
Photo Of the Unit
Compare Silicon Sculpter 3 Size to a Modern Xeltek Superpro 6100N
Photo Of the Internals
CPU Is a Old 486 DX4 100 UG80486DX4100
There is a JTAG Headder But is it Not Populated I may have to Hook in and Check it out.
Pin Driver Stack, Here is 1 Pin Driver I Removed For Photo there are a few Diffrent Part Numbers I will Get Photos of them All…
I promptly installed the most recent BPwin 8.0.2 software from BM Microsystems. Upon completion, I conducted a thorough system test, confirming that all tests passed without issue. At present, the system is running on Bios V2.34, with the option to upgrade to V2.38 readily accessible. However, before initiating the update process, I intend to safeguard V2.34 through a precautionary backup for archival purposes. Amazing that such an old programmer is still supported on software developed by the manufacture in 2024. FTP Archive of BPwin Software.
Having followed the registration instructions diligently, I submitted the BPUNreg.bpr to BPM Microsystems as instructed. In response, I received confirmation that registration for this model is unnecessary. My other corespondents this is required for the 1710 which there is a hefty software support fee. So, With this task resolved, I’m now on the lookout for a couple of adapter sockets to commence testing with some chips at the earliest opportunity.
BP Microsystems Programmer Socket Naming Convention
Additionally, From my searching for info I came across a Small Wiki Page. https://proghq.org/wiki/BPM_Programmer it Appears this Silicon Sculptor 3 may be a Stripped Down BPM 1410 programmer with the Memory Slot Populated.
I will Post more details and photos after i do the live video of the full teardown.
Last Updated on May 6, 2024 by Steven Rhine