home made EPROM erasers

Since were on the disscusion of EPROM erasers, I
thought I'd share how I made my own, because
I didn't want to spend $40 for a DataRase II.

The EPROM erasers I have seen are just basically
a fluorescent fixture with a UV bulb. I did a little
investigating and found a germicidal-radiation
bulb that emits the same type of UV that zaps EPROMS.
I called a few electrical suppliers and found they are
available in all sizes & costs. I decided to choose a
8 watt GE bulb # G8T5 (cost $22), its about 11 inches long
& 1/2 inch round. It fits commonly available 'under the
cabinet' fixtures that can be had for around $10 at a
discount store. Then I just built a light ** tight box **
and a tray to hold the EPROMS about 1/4 - 1/2 inch
from the bulb. I can zap 3x as many EPROMS than the
DataRase II in about 4-5 minutes, with a total cost
in parts of $32 plus stuff I had around the shop.

** Warning ** Germicidal lamps emit ultraviolet
radiation ! exposure to direct or reflected radiation can
produce very serious 'sunburn' of the eyes (blinding)
and skin. Place a safety cutoff switch inline with the lamp
fixture to prevent the lamp from burning while installing
or removing EPROMs !!

-- 
Thanks
Todd
http://www.netconx.net/~litterbox