Theoryshare - The Broadband Experts

Not sure what type of JTAG you need, and want some more info as to what types of JTAGs are available then look no further. In this article we discuss the 4 main types of JTAG cable used with cable modems today.

1. Parallel JTAG - The oldest and cheapest JTAG solution available, the para jtag connects to the LPT connection on your PC. This type of JTAG is the slowest JTAG available but is also the cheapest. If you have a LPT port on your computer and plan to flash only one or two modems then this is probably the best product for you. Programming a single modem takes about 30-45 minutes with this type of JTAG. It is compatible with the SB5100, SB5101, DCM315, and DPC2100 and other similar modems. This product is available for purchase in the Theoryshare Online Store

2. Blackcat USB - Offered by both Theoryshare and TCNISO the Blackcat USB is a USB based JTAG solution for use with cable modems which is much faster than the parallel jtag but still slower than some of the other JTAGs we will discuss below. However unlike the other products below the Blackcat USB is priced as low as $29.99, and offers a great upgrade from the Parallel JTAG product for an enthusist who needs a faster price of equipment, but is also on a budget.  Programming a single modem takes just under 5 minutes with this type of JTAG. It is compatible with the SB5100, SB5101, DCM315, and DPC2100 and other similar modems. This is the JTAG solution recommended by Theoryshare for most users, and this product is available in the Theoryshare Online Store.

3. USBJTAG Legacy and Clones - The Legacy USBJTAG are sold by many sellers on ebay and for the purposes of this article the JTAGs sold by SBH also fit into this category. The legacy USBJTAG system was originally developed by usbjtag.com, and is an extremely fast programmer for cable modems, routers, satellite, and cable boxes. However this type of JTAG is very expensive $60+ and has been superseded by the much better product we will discuss below. The USBJTAG NT  Programming a single modem takes about 20 seconds with this type of JTAG. It is compatible with the SB5100, SB5101, DCM315, and DPC2100 and other similar modems, as well as a wide variety of cable boxes and FTA recievers, check USBJTAG.com for more information. Theoryshare does NOT sell this product you can find these cables on Ebay, however they are not recommended in favor of the product below.

4. USBJTAG NT - The USBJTAG NT is the best JTAG product currently on the market, devloped by the same team as the original USBJTAG, the USBJTAG NT is the fastest JTAG available, it supports the most devices including SPI flash devices like the SB5102, and is being updated regularly. As one would expect this type if JTAG is very expensive, and we do not offer them for sale as must users do not require the advanced features of this product, and are unwilling to pay the price for them. Programming a single modem takes about 20 seconds with this type of JTAG. It is compatible with the SB5100, SB5101, DCM315, and DPC2100 and other similar modems, as well as a wide variety of cable boxes, generic SPI flash devices, and FTA recievers, check USBJTAG.com for more information as to compatibility and purchasing.