I have an an "INTEL ICEpr 5100" with the 8051 pod with huge ribbon cable ...... There is no software with the unit

Sounds like an e-bay purchase.

I can not imagine (and know of none) an ICE working without PC software.

Many ICE producers provide free software (It's no good if you have not bought the hardware) search and search at the Intel website (one of the toughest to search).

Statement based on production of <100 units: If you have no luck, I suggest you discard the unit and switch to SILabs chips where you get 85% of a full ICE for $99 to $149.

Erik