PonyProg

PonyProg is a programmer (or, more precisely, its software part) that is able to perform operations of writing and reading data from ROMs and microcontroller programs. It is necessary to use it, in the overwhelming majority of cases, with the physical device-programmer which has received the big popularity because of the low price and simplicity in use. In addition, it supports many different EEPROMs and can be connected to a computer via a COM port. It works with AVR ISP, DT-006 AVR, EasyI2C and Ludipipo hardware interfaces, and supports permanent memory devices with serial access.

The principle of PonyProg operation is based on changing byte values in the firmware code and programming FUSE bits. It is very often used to "hack" car stereos and some very old mobile phones. However, the scope of the programmer's application is not limited here. PonyProg is especially popular with ink cartridge printer owners. The fact is that because of the high cost of new cartridges in the "people" it is customary to fill the old ink, the most saving a huge amount of money. The problem is that many printer manufacturers add security to their devices that prevents them from reusing an ink cartridge that has run out of ink. The "unsuitable" information is recorded in the firmware of the cartridge. So, with the help of PonyProg it is possible to make changes in this very firmware, thereby making the printer "think" that it works with a completely new cartridge. It's done in an elementary way and takes just a few seconds.

PonyProg allows users to easily modify firmware codes, enabling efficient reuse of technology such as ink cartridges, potentially saving money.