| ??? 04/12/07 00:09 Read: times |
#137013 - Would this be an example legal reverse engineering Responding to: ???'s previous message |
Erik Malund said:
I once was tasked with updating some very expensive equipment to add functionallity and speed. The thingy ran on (was it 4 or) 5 ~ 14" by 14* boards on a 100 pin bus. The task was to replace these cards and drive the machine from a PC. The lawyers told me that I could not even glance at the schematics of the machine. All I could do was to operate it with the knowledge an operator would have, but no more. I designed a 14 * 14 card with (was it 10 or) 12 of the then available CPLDs from Intel (forgot the number, but it was basically 8 22V10s in one package). I then programmed the card to function as a logic analyzer and started analyzing the signals for the various operations. Then I reconfigured another identical card as a machine driver pulled the 5 cards, inserted the driver and went to work. A number of times I had to resinsert the original cards and my 'analyzer' to refine my knowledge of a detail but, in the end out went the 5 cards and in went my card and a PC.
Erik Hi Erik: Would this be an example of reverse engineering. I have an Emerson Dvd Recorder Model EWR10D5 which only records on dvd disks. Same idea as old vhs recorders copy to tapes, but newer techology. Here's link see what am talking about. Link: http://www.emersonaudiovideo.com/pdf/om/ew...wr10d5.pdf. That link gives my user manual. Any way I had problem unit copied 100 disks ok. Purchased same company disks 8x package 50 did not work. Called tech support said needed redo firmware. Rec. disk put in new firmware no change. Turns out disks made in india were ok and disk same company made in twiwan defective. So though I purchased schematic from sams photofact they do not carrie it. Appears Funai now owns Emerson. No one will sell me schematic of my unit. So I will make my own using reverse engineering would this be legal? Also if gave to friend that had same unit would that be legal? Or would this make me a Pirate. Years ago I buy test equitment from Radio Shack I could always get schematic with unit. Today you can not get a schematic with anything you buy. I was even willing buy block diagram on the internet but were was none. Best regards, Ralph Sac |
