On this page ....

Here a brief intro on how to use the InfinityUSB for programming SmartCards, like GoldCards, FunCards, GreenCards, Jupitercards, etc. InfinityUSB is not able to read/write (M)OSC Smartcards though (not really a problem as you most likely will never do this anyway). InfinityUSB has been created for the sole purpose of the InfinityUSB programmer - which is the FASTEST programmer I have EVER seen. Take a look at the SmartCard page for details on the different SmartCard types. Note: Screenshots are based on version 1.20. Note: Read the disclaimer! Though this programmer can be very usefull for making your own smartcard protection of for example you PC or other objects, it also can be used to created illegal smartcards or edit existing smartcards which might be ILLEGAL!

Configuration

Since the InfinityUSB is a USB device, after connecting the programmer Windows will ask for the USB driver for this programmer.

To avoid all kinds of searching, FIRST download the latest version of the InfinityUSB software (either from the download page or from the InifnityUSB website).

Install it. By default it's installed in "C:\Program Files\Infinity USB". The USB driver resides in "C:\Program Files\Infinity USB\driver".

Now connect the programmer to your USB port (works with USB 1.1 and 2.0). When Windows asks for the driver, go to "C:\Program Files\Infinity USB\driver". Next time Windows will know where to look for it.

The next step, after starting the application, is to configure the application to your preferences - go to the menu "OPTIONS" - "GENERAL";

InfinityUSB - Ready to configure?

In the upcoming window make your settings. This is how I have done mine:

InfinityUSB - General settings (additional checked "Restore CPU...")

InfinityUSB - Advanced setting (default settings)

Tip: the option "Auto close status window ..." (first screenshot) closes the status window after completing programming. If unchecked, the window remains open, showing the final status, for example:

InfinityUSB - Programming completed succesfully

Once you finished these setting, click "OK".

Note: The default settings are just fine too for most applications.

Programming a SmartCard

InfinityUSB is not only the FASTEST programmer, but also the most easy one to use. It can even detect card types for you. No need to switch modi, etc. A really COOL programmer if you ask me (and not even expensive either).

When the application has been started, you will a screen similar to this one:

InfinityUSB - Start screen

So, now insert the SmartCard into the programmer.

InfinityUSB has an autodetect machanism which shows in the lower right corner what type of card has been inserted. Two examples of detected cards (the first one is a FunCard, the second one a GoldCard):

InfinityUSB - Detected cardtypes

As of verion 1.20, the detection of FunCards has been enhanced. When inserting a FunCard, InfinityUSB will prompt you with additional info;

InfinityUSB - OK, so we found some kind of FunCard, now what?

The first popup will ask you, if InifnityUSB should continue investigating details on this FunCard. Click "Detect".

The second popup shows the detecting progress, where InfinityUSB determines exactly what FunCard type this is.

So based on the auto-detect, we can now start programming.

First we must select the proper files for PIC and EEPROM (some FunCards need one external and one internal EEPROM, some only the external EEPROM).

InfinityUSB - FunCard screen versus GoldCard screen

Depending on the cardtype, InfinityUSB will show the upper screen (FunCard) or the lower screen (GoldCard).

Here we now specify the PIC (called FLASH when working with a FunCard) file. Click the "Open File" icon and select the PIC file.

The second file to specify is the EEPROM file.
For a GoldCard this is only the external EEPROM (Ext. EEPROM) and for the FunCard the internal (Int. EEPROM) and the external EEPROM (Ext. EEPROM).

Note: not all FunCard files use an internal EEPROM! If that is the case: don't select one either.

Well, now it's time to program the card.

Note: Optionally you can "Erase" the card first. Click the "Erase" button and select PIC or EEPROM. Once selected the card will be cleared. This takes app. 1 to 2 seconds.

Click "Write" to write the card. During programm a window will inform you about the progress;

InfinityUSB - Progress ...

Depending on your settings, either the status window disappears after completion, or remains.

InfinityUSB - Programming completed succesfully

Just to get an idea on speed: The GoldCard will program within 11 seconds. A FunCard takes a bit more time: app. 50 seconds.