ICSP and 16F684

I am having some problems understanding ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming), I've actually never programmed an ic before but I'm trying to figure out how to get the code to the chip, without using a programmer. I have a book that describes some different programs and whatnot for the 16F684.

I do not have a programmer of any sort, thus the question.

I have a breadboard, a 16F684 microchip, I also have available some resistors, and some other minor electronic components and I also have a DB9 connector (for the ICSP programming).

As I understand it, the ICSP is designed so you can connect to an IC when it is in a circuit.

What I don't quite understand is if I can directly connect it to my computer, or if I need to connect it to a programmer which is then of course connected to the computer.

If anyone has some more information I would appreciate it.

You have to use a programmer of some sort ... although I cannot imagine making one, many people do.

Have a look at these sites for some ideas. Also search DIY or Homebrew Pic Programmer on google for a zillion hits.

http://microspics.blogspot.com/
http://www.lpilsley.co.uk/software.htm (see the P16Pro40 link)

This tells all about ICSP. http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/e...Doc/30277d.pdf

Some have luck with a JDM type and others do not. If you are just getting started I would suggest the Pickit2 from MicroChip. Around $50 US. You will have enough to learn with out wondering if there is a problem with the home made programmer. Learn the code and hardware first.

Thanks for the information, I think that was really the biggest confusion point, I was looking at the schematics on Microchips website for how ICSP should be connected and I just was not seeing how you could do it without a programmer, I guess I'll have to wait around to save up and buy one. Have a good time, thanks again.

Hi! :) I'm new to PIC programming too. I made my own JDM programmer, but I also bought a PICkit 1 Flash Starter Kit from Microchip. Like the other guy said, you'll have enough problems getting started without having to wonder if your homemade programmer is working or not.

Why did I choose the PICkit 1 (rather than PICkit 2)? I first bought Myke Predko's book "123 PIC Microcontroller Experiments for the Evil Genius", and all of his examples use the PICkit 1. So now I have everything that Myke uses in his book.

And by the way, you DO NOT have to have a programmer. You can simply run the proper 5 wires from your serial port to your solderless breadboard. To know which wires go where, it will depend upon which PIC chip you're using. Different PICs have different pin-outs for Vpp/MCLR, Vdd, Vss, OSC1/CLK, and RA0/Data. It's surprisingly simple what little you actually need to program and use PICs! :)

If you want to know more, contact me at [email protected].

Aaron :)