So I''m looking into getting an EPROM programmer. Something new to play around with, and do some changes to my Jamma boards. So now I ask: what would be a good programmer that won't break the bank?
depends on your budget. I would recommend a "universal" type reader as opposed to a chinese "topXXXX" type that need to use specific reader/writer software.
Looking around, I've seen I'll probably need to also pick up a UV eraser too.
yes. any will do. some might take a little longer. I would personally stick with the fluorescent tube type rather than an LED type. it's more expensive, but will work much faster.
For the EPROMs themselves: where's a good place to get them? (I'd rather keep the ones I already have on my boards instead of erasing them.)
anywhere really. they are all pretty equal. just be sure to get a speed that match or beat the originals (150ns can be replaced with 120 100 75 etc.) don't go slower.
Does the chip need to just be the same size? Example, my TMNT board uses 8x128Kbit EEPROM 27c010.
same size, yes. the board may be able to be modified to accept a larger or smaller chip, but it's not usually worth the time or effort to mod it. mods like this are usually done because chips of a certain size are no longer available. if you look at that page you linked, the original part number is 27c010-12
Do I need to replace it with another 27c010, or will any 8x128Kbit EPROM do? (like this one).
if your original roms are equal or slower than 120ns, then yes, those would do. any brand is fine.
(Also, does the speed, like the 120 ns, have any affect on using it in the game, or is that the speed it takes to write to it?)
it's the speed in which you can pull information from the chip. the chip has a speed that it can switch it's outputs off and on, if it's expecting it to be available for reading in 100 nano and it takes 150 nano to turn on, the data sent to the CPU will be corrupted. ideally you want the fastest possible, but it's limited to the speed of the switching system that is reading it. again, the safe bet is if your original chips are say...150ns, 120,100 etc. are all fine.
some chips can be switched for FLASH ROM's. (they are mostly pin compatible) then you don't need to light erase them, you can erase them right from the programmer. something like a 28F010 would likely plunk right in. you'd have to check the schematic and see to be 100% sure though