pic24 beginner

[Ioannis]

If you intent to use the programmer for serious work forget pickit and look for something solid and fast one.

I use for years the Pikprog2 that is discontinued and replaced by other newer models. The site is www.elnec.com and can program with ICSP or with a ZIF socket, PIC controllers, HCSxxx devices and EEPROMS too. New chips added every two months at no cost.

There are others of course in the net.

Ioannis

[Ioannis]

Demo no. But a dev. board in many cases espeacially when you are new to PIC programming might help. But as Bruce stated is not needed. You can just use a Breadboard and lay your circuit on it just fine. Also you can place on the breadborad carefully some header pins and do also ICSP or in fact In-Breadboard Serial Programming!

Ioannis

[robertpeach]

Thanks, thats made things easier.

im thinking of buying this programmer startup kit http://www.mecanique.co.uk/products/pic-prog/usb.html because it seems pretty good for what i need and for my pic. just checking it will actually work for me?

thanks again

[Ioannis]

If you are a hobbist then go for it. Its more than OK.

Ioannis

[mackrackit]

The only dev board you need is a breadboard and some parts. Much more versitile and you can many different projects laying around that you are working on for minimal cost.

I have a serious programmer, a PicStart+, at least it is in the price range of a serious programmer. I got tired of the ZIF thing and the adapters for ICSP. Maybe if I did production work I would look at if differently.

With the basic PicKit2 all you need is a 6 pin header that can be plugged into a breadboard or made into the finished PCB if you want to tweak things later.

We all have different ways of doing things or different needs. In the end you have to figure out what works best for you.

[Archangel]

My first programmer was a JDM clone with ZIF 40 way socket $8. US eBay, I bought the PICKit2 with the low pin demo board at the recommendation of several members and a book by Chuck H. I love it. I do not have to fool around with wires to hook up, I can reprogram and debug with 1 button, great for the more simple programs and I never have to pull the chip. I have worn out many PICs pins inserting, removing and programming. Yes it does ICSP with wires too. Definitely worth the 20 or so bucks it costs additional to the PICKit2. Not a replacement for a breadboard but a nice addition.

[robertpeach]

hey thanks again for ur help everybody!

ill be on here soon enough asking why my codes arent working, so look out for me!