PIC Programmer

[DragonBall_6]

Dear all Friends

I planned to program my PIC using JDM2 programmer with software winpic. But from most of the research it seem not apply to laptop or usb to serial adapter. May i know do i possible to program the PIC using usb to serial adapter (my laptop does not have serial port) using JDM2 programmer? ? ?
Please advice. Thanks.

Peter.

[Kamikaze47]

Nope. You just cant get the voltage required out of a USB-Serial adaptor.

Spend a little extra and get a PicKit2 - they are well worth it.

[chrisshortys]

Agreed! I got a PICKIT1 to start with not looking at the support chips and after being very dissapointed and searching the net for hours upon hours the PICKIT2 seemed excellent value for money. And i have to say it works great!

[xnihilo]

Dear all Friends

I planned to program my PIC using JDM2 programmer with software winpic. But from most of the research it seem not apply to laptop or usb to serial adapter. May i know do i possible to program the PIC using usb to serial adapter (my laptop does not have serial port) using JDM2 programmer? ? ?
Please advice. Thanks.

Peter.

Why don't you use Dontronics/OLIMEX PIC-PG2. I use it with my laptop and serial connection with success (with WINPIC). I programmed 16F684, 16F690, 18F2525, 18F452.

[Kamikaze47]

Why don't you use Dontronics/OLIMEX PIC-PG2. I use it with my laptop and serial connection with success (with WINPIC). I programmed 16F684, 16F690, 18F2525, 18F452.

He said that his laptop does not have a serial port. And unless you can confirm otherwise, those JMD based programmers do not work with USB-serial converters.

[mvs_sarma]

He said that his laptop does not have a serial port. And unless you can confirm otherwise, those JMD based programmers do not work with USB-serial converters.

All said, the PICKIT2 only at $35is the best for any need. In UK for EPE magazine readers, they are giving at less than10 BP. Some procedure to be followed though
I hope, Microchip to consider reducing the price of such valuable item in order to help their customers and hobbyists., as a promotional measure.

[mikem]

I too could never make USB to serial converters work so I too got the PicKit2 from Uchip for ~ 35 bucks. The best money spent i have used it on desktops, laptops everything and never had a failure yet.

I even modified some old Olimex adapters to work with the Pickit2 and it also works great.

save yourself the heartache and get a Pickit 2 which also comes with a dev/eval PWB and working Pic.

[skimask]

I too could never make USB to serial converters work...
MikeM from Fairford?

[DragonBall_6]

Hi All

Thanks for the reply. I think i will decided to buy the PicKit2. There are 2 model of PicKit2: PicKit2 starter Kit and PicKit2 debug Express.
May i know which one is better and can be use for long range?

THanks

Peter.

[mackrackit]

All you need is this http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductDetails.aspx?Catalog=BuyMicrochip&Category=Getting%20Started%20Programmers&mid=1&treeid=6
the basic PICKIT2. And a 6 pin header to connect the PICKIT2 to a bread board.

I purchased the DebugExpress and have never used the demo board.

[Agent36]

Hi,
If anyone is interested, there is an exclusive offer in Everyday Practical Electronics to buy a PICKIT 2 for £9.99 including postage and VAT, with a coupon from the magazine. I think this is only open to uk people, but others might be lucky.

Kind regards Nick

[mikem]

No

Mike M from Chelton Avionics in Northern Arizona

[Dick Ivers]

I have the PicKit2. Works great, but another hidden benefit is that the purchase gives you access to Microchip's Technical Support. Any questions or problems are quickly resolved.

[bcd]

+1 for PicKit 2

It also has a built in UART tool and Logic Analyser that has saved my bacon on a few occasions !

Also support for future devices is going to be a lot better than any of the 3rd party programmers.

Bill.

[Glenn]

Microchip often have special prices on their programmers on fairs and exhibitions too, I bought my pickit2 for roughly 1/3 of the normal price at a fair.

[jessey]

I too could never make USB to serial converters work so I too got the PicKit2 from Uchip for ~ 35 bucks. The best money spent i have used it on desktops, laptops everything and never had a failure yet.

I even modified some old Olimex adapters to work with the Pickit2 and it also works great.

save yourself the heartache and get a Pickit 2 which also comes with a dev/eval PWB and working Pic.

Hello Everyone,

I just purchased a new laptop a while back that is running windows vista so I have to purchase a usb programmer. I notice that melabs sells one but the cost is much higher than the PicKit2 http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductDetails.aspx?Category=GETTING+STARTED+PROGR AMMERS(BuyMicrochip)&mid=1&treeid=6&Sort=PackageType&Error=Quantity which sells for $34.99 as opposed to melabs http://melabs.com/products/usbprog.htm starting at $89.95 and melabs price dosn't include a case for the programmer or any of the reguired cables.

Can anyone tell me if the PicKit2 has any advantages as compared to the melabs second-generation USB programmer besides the obvious price difference?

Thanks
jessey

[mister_e]

Compare both supported device list first.

Then PICKIT 2 give you this tiny logic analyzer, USART tool, and programmer OTG feature for free... that's a really fair deal to me.

[jessey]

Compare both supported device list first.

Then PICKIT 2 give you this tiny logic analyzer, USART tool, and programmer OTG feature for free... that's a really fair deal to me.

Thanks Steve,

Yes I had a look and it seems to be compatible with all the microprocessors. I posted the wrong URL in my last post for the PICKIT 2, here's the proper one www.microchip.com/pickit2

It even comes with a free getting started in PicBasic Pro tutorial on developing and debugging in basic. How cool is that but then the price jumps from $34.99 to $49.99 for that feature but well worth the extra 10 bucks I'm certain and as Dick Ivers points out, another hidden benefit is that the purchase gives you access to Microchip's Technical Support! Another thing I was going to ask, with the PICKIT 2 can I use a breadboard for programming my micro's reliably or should I be using a ZIF adapter?

I will be purchasing the PICKIT 2 for sure in the very near future. I wonder if I can upgrade my MicroCode Studio Plus so it'll run on my laptop with Vista or if I'll have to purchase another copy, either way it'll be worth it. Now I'll also have to purchase another Cad program to design my circuit boards with that's compatible with Vista, does anyone here know of an inexpensive hobbyist Cad program for under $100.00?

Thanks
jessey

[Archangel]

I just brought my new PICKit2 online last night, got it with the Low parts count demo board, works really sweet, no more JDM ! Got a question though, Adapters for other chips, are they available? Is this ICSP, and is that Low Voltage programming? AND if so, is there a downside?
Thanks.

[mvs_sarma]

Thanks Steve,

Yes I had a look and it seems to be compatible with all the microprocessors. I posted the wrong URL in my last post for the PICKIT 2, here's the proper one www.microchip.com/pickit2

It even comes with a free getting started in PicBasic Pro tutorial on developing and debugging in basic. How cool is that but then the price jumps from $34.99 to $49.99 for that feature but well worth the extra 10 bucks I'm certain and as Dick Ivers points out, another hidden benefit is that the purchase gives you access to Microchip's Technical Support! Another thing I was going to ask, with the PICKIT 2 can I use a breadboard for programming my micro's reliably or should I be using a ZIF adapter?

I will be purchasing the PICKIT 2 for sure in the very near future. I wonder if I can upgrade my MicroCode Studio Plus so it'll run on my laptop with Vista or if I'll have to purchase another copy, either way it'll be worth it. Now I'll also have to purchase another Cad program to design my circuit boards with that's compatible with Vista, does anyone here know of an inexpensive hobbyist Cad program for under $100.00?

Thanks
jessey
I really feel and am using breadboard for programming PICs other than obviously the SMD versions. for the SMD we can follow ICSP methods.
As time passes, I only expect Microchip to bring down the Price of the PICKIT2 to may be below $27.
As regards the cad program, perhaps you may consider PCB123. It is working fine for my hobby needs.

[mvs_sarma]

I just brought my new PICKit2 online last night, got it with the Low parts count demo board, works really sweet, no more JDM ! Got a question though, Adapters for other chips, are they available? Is this ICSP, and is that Low Voltage programming? AND if so, is there a downside?
Thanks.
It is usable as ICSP also as the user manual shows. It is normal version with Vpp.
As per the user guide, the pin6 is ised for programming some Serial eeproms, but i hope it may be of use for LVP even as the updates come up.

[mackrackit]

I use KICAD on Linux and XP and VISTA.
From the web site.


Kicad binaries exists for Linux and Windows (XP, 2000, Vista)
http://www.lis.inpg.fr/realise_au_lis/kicad/


Is this ICSP, and is that Low Voltage programming?
It is ICSP. LVP is something else :)


Adapters for other chips, are they available?

can I use a breadboard for programming my micro's reliably or should I be using a ZIF adapter?
All you need is a six pin header. No ZIF required.
Here is a pic of a messy setup (a bad pic)
<img src="http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2979&stc=1&d=1226125677 />

2979

[jessey]

As regards the cad program, perhaps you may consider PCB123. It is working fine for my hobby needs.

Hi mvs_sarma,

I like to design and etch my own circuit boards so I need a program that will print out the art work to the correct size, anyone know of a program that will do that and is easy to use and under $100.00?

Thanks
jessey

[mackrackit]

Hi mvs_sarma,

I like to design and etch my own circuit boards so I need a program that will print out the art work to the correct size, anyone know of a program that will do that and is easy to use and under $100.00?

Thanks
jessey

The program I told you about works fine, I etch my own boards too. And the program is FREE.

[mvs_sarma]

Hi mvs_sarma,

I like to design and etch my own circuit boards so I need a program that will print out the art work to the correct size, anyone know of a program that will do that and is easy to use and under $100.00?

Thanks
jessey

Jessy, basically you have asked for a cad that could work with Vista. now you want a program that could print out the artwork.
please tell where is the artwork work and in what format. if already you use a cad, i would suggest to make a pdf of the concerned layer at 1:1
once you make it perhaps you can take a laser print by configuring the printer with no change in set up and at 100%. you can see and measure the sample print wrt the dimensions compare with artwork or try placing few chips to check whether they fit in
this is what i do from the artwork developed using PCB123 software on WIN XP and generate a PDF at 1:1 as I have to get it printed outside.
If you have Laser printer, the software directly gives you a print of the specified layer at defined size .

OK, Vista supported CAD software, i am not sure.

[mackrackit]

You can use an ink jet printer.

Currently I use a HP Deskjet D4160 with 3M transparency film part #CG3460.
No, not as good as a laser, but works well enough for non production runs.

[mister_e]

I found the InkJet produce better results than Laser... probably because the ink of InkJet is really Dark, while toner is a bit lighter.

[Archangel]

I use KICAD on Linux and XP and VISTA.
From the web site.

http://www.lis.inpg.fr/realise_au_lis/kicad/


It is ICSP. LVP is something else :)



All you need is a six pin header. No ZIF required.
Here is a pic of a messy setup (a bad pic)
<img src="http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2979&stc=1&d=1226125677 />

2979
LOL, Hi Dave,
Yea that's what I was Hopin' to avoid :D
I have seen somewhere nice little flat ribbon cables attached to ZIF sockets and /or with nice little test probe ends.

[Archangel]

I found the InkJet produce better results than Laser... probably because the ink of InkJet is really Dark, while toner is a bit lighter.
Really, my HP 6L I can adjust the DARKness.

[mister_e]

Yup mine too, but still inkjet is a bit much dark... toner remain toner i guess... Laser work without much problem, i just had better (slightly better) results with Inkjet. Well, my own experience so far :D

[mvs_sarma]

I fear that the topic is not about ink quality.

After printing, Jessy might need to transfer it to copper clad by some process and there after it should be etch resistant? I don't expect Inkjet print to be able to transfer the image for a toner transfer?

BTW, whether Jessy is aiming photographic transfer using pre sensitized copper clad?

[mister_e]

As none of the transfer method never ever turned me on, I use presensitized board. Sure need couple of chemical and UV fluorescent, but works a treat, no chances to mess the alignment of any dual sided board, well for what I know of the other method ;)

[mvs_sarma]

As none of the transfer method never ever turned me on, I use presensitized board. Sure need couple of chemical and UV fluorescent, but works a treat, no chances to mess the alignment of any dual sided board, well for what I know of the other method ;)
In our country the pre-sensitized ones are not sold, and lamination type film rolls, i saw with production houses, but outside it is a dream, as it is to be imported in bulk roll

As such we resort to TTS method and gives good results. The next board, i would take snaps and post them.
even if photographic process, i feel the best would be tracing paper as used by engineers of those days. with inkjet printer, it gives a dark enough pint.

[chrisshortys]

LOL, Hi Dave,
Yea that's what I was Hopin' to avoid :D
I have seen somewhere nice little flat ribbon cables attached to ZIF sockets and /or with nice little test probe ends.

Now thats why i dont use bread board :p

Ive gone for a slightly different approach, ive soldered wires onto the end of the tag strip supplied and put some small crips on which fit tag strips pritty well. Then i have a piece of veroboard with a ZIP in the middle and tag strips runnign down each side so i just move the wires to where i need them for each type of chip.

[Archangel]

Now thats why i dont use bread board :p

Ive gone for a slightly different approach, ive soldered wires onto the end of the tag strip supplied and put some small crips on which fit tag strips pritty well. Then i have a piece of veroboard with a ZIP in the middle and tag strips runnign down each side so i just move the wires to where i need them for each type of chip.
Actually, that is exactly what I started to do myself, Gotta order some 20 way sockets.

[mackrackit]

Now thats why i dont use bread board :p

I knew that picture would generate a comment or two :D I was checking out something for one of the posters here at the time. Shows how versatile the PICKIT2 is. ICSP is a piece of cake. And if you are doing a production run and want to use surface mounts all you need to add is some sort of header or connector to the PCB and away you go.

However you use it, it can not be beat.

[rmteo]

For production, I use spring loaded pins on 1x5 pads on the PCB. Press the button (just below the thumb) and in just a few seconds, the device is programmed and verified.

http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2987&stc=1&d=1226351338

[mister_e]

I already used some IC clips... works a treat too, you just need to make your own adapter.
http://media.digikey.com/photos/3M%20Photos/923690-16.jpg
http://media.digikey.com/photos/3M%20Photos/923655-16.jpg
But yeah.. you have to make an adapter for each PIC package.

[Archangel]

For production, I use spring loaded pins on 1x5 pads on the PCB. Press the button (just below the thumb) and in just a few seconds, the device is programmed and verified.

Where did you buy the connector ?


I already used some IC clips... works a treat too, you just need to make your own adapter.

But yeah.. you have to make an adapter for each PIC package.
Hi Steve, I have 1 of those for 40 pin.

[rmteo]

Where did you buy the connector ?

Joe, I assume you are referring to the spring loaded pins. I got 10 of them for $6.97 about 2 years ago (I am still using the original 5) from here:
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?name=ED8186-ND
http://media.digikey.com/photos/Mill-Max%20Mfg%20Photos/0922-0-15-20-75-14-11-0.jpg

[Archangel]

Joe, I assume you are referring to the spring loaded pins. I got 10 of them for $6.97 about 2 years ago (I am still using the original 5) from here:
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?name=ED8186-ND

Thank You ! Did you then just stuff them into a connector shell ? Do the long pins protrude through or are these pins just inserted into the PICKit2s connector ?

[rmteo]

The long, skinny end is inserted directly into the PicKIT2. The other end is spring loaded with about 0.1in. of travel.

If you lay out your board with 1x5 pads (0.1in. spacing, about 0.03in holes) and connect them to VPP/MCLR, PWR, GND, PGD and PGC, the spring loaded end will make good contact. This method will allow you to use any type and size package PIC, whether DIP, SOIC, TSSOP, TQFP, QFN, etc. without needing a different adapter for each one.

[rmteo]

BTW, for a semi-permanent connection during the development phase, solder a 1x5 header (right angle is best) and do not use the pins. It is best to place these pads near the edge of the board.

The PicKIT2 has a neat feature called "AutoLoad & Program". In this mode, everytime the HEX file changes, it will automatically load it and program the PIC. This makes it really convenient during development - no matter which compiler you use. I believe it checks the time and date stamp and whenever this changes, it goes and does it thing. No need to figure out a way to integrate it into your compiler or development system.

[mackrackit]

The PicKIT2 has a neat feature called "AutoLoad & Program". In this mode, everytime the HEX file changes, it will automatically load it and program the PIC. This makes it really convenient during development - no matter which compiler you use. I believe it checks the time and date stamp and whenever this changes, it goes and does it thing. No need to figure out a way to integrate it into your compiler or development system.
And this feature also works across a net work.

[jessey]

Jessy, basically you have asked for a cad that could work with Vista. now you want a program that could print out the artwork.


The program I told you about works fine, I etch my own boards too. And the program is FREE.

Hello,

Thanks for the feedback, I appolizse for not getting back to you guys sooner. I already have a CAD program called SuperPCB that I purchased years ago for my PC running Windows ME but it dosn't work very good on my laptop running Windows Vista. I just checked and I can get an upgrade for SuperPCB that's compatable with Vista for $95.00 USD but if PCB123 and KICAD are free and works like you say then I'll look at them for sure and save the money for some other Pic related gadget. I've ordered a PICkit 2 Debug Express and a RJ-11 to ICSP Adapter from Digi Key so I'm really looking forward to trying them. This is a great hobby!


Thanks again guys
jessey

[jessey]

Hello Everyone,

I got my pickit2 debug express delivered to my door last week and it sure works great, just like everyone was saying. I'm using a breadboard instead of a ZIF socket to programme my 16F688 as markrackit was saying and it sure works a treat and with lightning speed.

I've been going through the 44-pin demo board user's guide and have been able to re-program the 16F887 to run the different lessons and all is good there but I don't understand Assembler very much, I'd like to be able to write some asm code but at a later date when I get more time to study it so I'd like to write my code in PicBasic Pro. I looked for the 16f887 include file in my PBP version 2.47 so I could modify it to allow setting my configuration bits in my PBP code and noticed that it's not in the PBP directory? On melabs web site it says:


Previous Release: 2.47
Adds support for PIC16F616, 631, 677, 883, 884, 886, 887


According to melabs the 16f887 files should be there? That's really strange and I loaded PBP directly from the 2.47 CD that I purchased into my new laptop, anyone know what I should do or look at? Any help would be more than welcomed.



Thanks
jessey

[mister_e]

Do you have M16F88X.INC in your \pbp\inc folder?

[jessey]

Hi Steve,

There is no M16F88X.INC but the nearest is a 16f88 include file and the next one below that is 16F505. Then further down it shows a 16F877A then below that one is the 16HV540. I just don't see the 16f887 anywhere in the PBP file?

Thanks
jessey

[mackrackit]

Look at the Readme file in the PBP directory to verify your version.
And use your search tool to look for the file.

[jessey]

Look at the Readme file in the PBP directory to verify your version.
And use your search tool to look for the file.

Thanks mackrackit & Steve,

That's it, I had a look at the readme and much to my surprise it's 2.45! I feel like such an idiot now but at least I know why it's not there and for that I'll sleep better tonight. Looks like it's time for a long overdue upgrade. I'm at a loss of words as to why I thought it was 2.47....



PicBasic Pro Compiler Ver. 2.45 README.TXT
Copyright 2004 microEngineering Labs, Inc.


Thanks a lot
jessey

[mackrackit]

Do not forget that 2.50 has LONGS now. Lots of fun.

[jessey]

Do not forget that 2.50 has LONGS now. Lots of fun.

What's a LONGS? I never heard of that term before?

[mackrackit]

What's a LONGS? I never heard of that term before?

www.melabs.com/resources/articles/longs.pdf

[jellis00]

As regards the cad program, perhaps you may consider PCB123. It is working fine for my hobby needs.
I have used PCB123 and have to say that PCB Artist from Advanced Circuits is a much better, more professional product with superior features for part footprints. PCB Artist is downloadable for free at Advanced Circuits' web site at http://www.4pcb.com/ and gives you direct online access to submit your resulting CAD files to Advanced Circuits for fab (and assembly if you want). There prices are good and the tech support I have received from both PCB Artist and Advanced Circuits has been outstanding.