to get old
systems running at a low cost, and I think that means original
or functional equivalent parts.
Ah, but the modern/larger EPROM _is_ a functional equivalent part.
Yes, obviously you use the original type of EPROM if at all possible. But
if you _can't_ get the part, then it makes a lot of sense to use (say) a
2764 with the same code in it.
A secondary issue occurs when the original part was a mask-programmed
ROM. They can fail as well... Or you might want to make some changes to
the code. In that case you virtually have to use an EPROM and make an
adapter.
I don't think we disagree. Whatever part that is handy and works is fine
with me. One off fabrication of an adapter for a nothing special less than
$50 retail value target system though isn't cost effective. Even some sort
of genric adapter may not be a cost effective solution, since many of the
systems I would like to save need to earn their keep, ie value as a usefull
item, not a collectible item.
I used to burn eproms half a dozen times a day and had it setup to take
very little time via some software and a custom board in a Apple II, but I
don't know if I still have it. If I do, then it is a short step to moving
it to a IIgs and suddenly its a nice networked solution to read and write.
Aaack, thats the downside to living in a huge pile of old computers,
sometimes you get the notion of finding something.