Copyright (C) 2025, 2026 Kai Mertens kmx@posteo.net
This file is released under CC BY-SA 4.0 International Public License.
See https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ to get license
details.
Thank you for ordering the Zerocat “Chipflasher v2.2” Kit!
Zerocat’s chip flasher is hardware of a free design, which continues to be developed voluntarily. The project consists of electronic hardware design files in conjunction with appropriate software tools, documentation and free licenses.
This product respects user’s essential freedoms to use, study, share and improve the provided design files and documentation under certain conditions. Sample devices will be shipped to the Free Software Foundation (FSF), USA – RYF certification is intended.
Manufacturer: Zerocat Free-Design Hardware
<https://www.zerocat.org/>
Product Category: EEPROM Programming Device Kit
RoHS: This product is RoHS Compliant with RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU and as amended by
Directive 2022/287/EU, and without material
exemptions.
CE Marking: This product meets the requirements of
relevant directives or regulations for the
CE marking. The CE marking is applied onto
this document, which is accompanying the
product as printed on paper.
RYF Certification: Sample devices will be shipped to the FSF,
USA – RYF Certification is intended.
Product Compliance: TARIC: 84719000
ECCN: EAR99
Product: Zerocat “Chipflasher v2.2” Kit
Type: SPI Programmer Kit
Description:
This SPI EEPROM programming device is shipped as a kit -- chips
have to be inserted, firmware has to be uploaded.
This device is intended for trustworthy, ‘in-circuit’ firmware
replacement on mainboards of desktops, laptops and other
electronic equipment. It is based on free licensed design
files, even down to chip level.
On a GNU/Linux operating system, it can be used by means of the
‘flashrom’ or ‘connect’ utility.
Interface Type: RS232
Supply Voltage: 5VDC
Pack Quantity: 1
Unit Weight: approx. 400g
U1 and U4U1)U4)a cross head screw driver (PH2), required to mount the panel
a small flat head screw driver, required to adjust the onboard trimmer
a laptop or desktop computer
running with free/libre firmware, if possible
running the GNU Guix System
Alternatively, run the Trisquel 12.0 GNU/Linux-libre operating system along with the GNU Guix package manager.
two USB ports for power
Alternatively, use an external power adapter 5V@1500mA with 5.5/2.1mm barrel connector.
one RS232 port
Alternatively, use a docking station or an USB-to-RS232 data converter if no RS232 port available.
W25Q32.V SPI flash chip, or similar (for testing)
ThinkPad X200 mainboard (as your first target)
Your chip flasher comes with an acrylic front-panel which holds the main power button as well as an informational sticker, carrying the device name:
“Chipflasher v2.2”
The exact version of the PCB will be printed onto the PCB itself.
1) Remove the acrylic glass panel, carefully
Take attention to not scratch the surface.
Mind the orientation of the connectors.
2) Insert the Parallax ‘Propeller 1’ microcontroller into the empty DIL40 socket U1
This is not a trivial task:
3) Insert the Microchip EEPROM into the empty DIP8 socket U4
This step is optional.
Firmware can always be uploaded to the controller’s RAM instead.
4) Remount the acrylic glass panel
Reapply the panel’s connectors, mind their former orientation.
Be gentle with the screws! Acrylic glass will crack if mounted too
tight, maybe not immediatly, but probably later when ambient
temperature changes.
5) Done!
Your kit is assembled.
However, it is not yet ready, as the firmware is missing.
Please operate your specific piece of hardware with appropriate
software only!
The following steps will help you to match the proper version.
The sources of the chip flasher project are ready for download by means of Git https://git-scm.com/.
On GNU Guix System https://gnu.org/s/guix, copy all sources onto your harddisk like so:
$ git clone git://zerocat.org/zerocat/projects/chipflasher.git
Change into the chipflasher project folder and perform a checkout:
$ cd chipflasher
$ git checkout v3.0.2
Please read the project’s doc/README.md text file. It should provide
all necessary information to get you started.
Take your time, several steps are required to ...
Have fun!
As the chip flasher project evolves, software and hardware design may change. However, software changes might still apply to your specific piece of hardware. Please check compatibility based on:
chipflasher/doc/CHANGES.mdchipflasher/hardware/CHANGES.mdZerocat Website
Zerocat Chipflasher Webpage
Zerocat Grasshopper Webpage
GNU Guix System
GNU Boot
Coreboot¹
Libreboot¹
Zerocat Coreboot Machines¹
The Free Software Foundation (FSF)
¹ Pay attention on non-free, proprietary binaries!
Zerocat “Chipflasher v2.2” Kit is sold according to Zerocat’s General Business Conditions. Its Free Software is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
This product, Zerocat “Chipflasher v2.2” Kit, meets the requirements of relevant directives or regulations for the CE marking:
All electronic items on the product’s printed circuit board are RoHS compliant and the board itself has been soldered with high-quality, fair trade, lead-free solder.
When shipped on paper, this statement is signed by the manufacturer:
```
Name:
______________________________________________
Address:
______________________________________________
City:
______________________________________________
Country:
______________________________________________
Date, Signature:
______________________________________________
```
As affixing the CE marking onto the product itself in an indelible manner was not achievable, it is affixed to this document instead:
Please help Zerocat to set up a valuable reputation – don’t forget to provide your supportive feedback!