PIC USB Programmer

[PICtron]

Hi,

I have received my Programmer today and just can confirm what Ralph has already said.

Somewhere on the WEB (can't remember where)
I have read that OLIMEX is working on a "standalone" Software for this Programmer.

With this Software you could use the Programmer without MPLAB,
and it is supposed to be MUCH faster.

[NavMicroSystems]

If you ever experience a "USB device not recognized" error

with PIC-MCP-USB
or
any other OLIMEX USB Product

have a look at THIS

[RubenR]

I'm using the K150 USB programmer from kitRus http://kitsrus.com/upuc.html#k150

It's a high speed USB-programmer with ZIF-socket included and ICSP-support. The only disadvantage is that you have to use a 16 Volt DC adapter with it.

But the price is nice: USD 47.45 at Electronics123:
http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c....it.A/id.298/.f

[PICMAN]

am i the only one surprised that programer worked off a laptop usb port,,

in my readings it seemed u were lucky to get one to work w/o powersuply off usb, , let alone laptop usb,

[PICtron]

The PIC-MCP-USB does not need any external PowerSupply.
It has a witching DC-DC converter on board that generates the higher voltages from +5V (off the USB port).

B.T.W.

OLIMEX is working on a standalone programming Software for the PIC-MCP-USB.

(With this software you don't need MPLAB anymore to just program a HEX-file onto the PIC)

According to Tsvetan (OLIMEX) the Software should be available by the end of this month.

[PICMAN]

since it has dc to dc converter, should it work on ALL laptops,. lets say by chane the one i have at my disposal,, is old and has the lowest curent output seen on usb, say below 5 v, will it still prouduce needed curent, or is this dependant on a certian voltage from usb,,

reason i ask is im thinking about seting up a more mobile programing solution,, and just hapen to have a lil hp laptop, i just dont want to buy a second programer, and not be able to use it mobily, it just makes sence to me that even with a dc dc converter it would still require a minimum voltage in,

[Luciano]

Theory

Once connected, all USB devices must identify themselves to the host. This is called “enumeration.” In the identification process, the host determines the power needs of the USB devices and allows or denies the device to increase its load from 100-mA maximum to 500-mA maximum.


Theory vs. Reality

USB ports do not limit current. Although the USB spec provides details about how much current a USB port must supply, there are mile-wide limits on how much it might supply. Though the upper limit specifies that the current never exceed 5 A, a wise designer shouldn't rely on that. In any case, a USB port can never be counted on to limit its output current to 500 mA, or any amount near that. In fact, output current from a port often exceeds several amperes since multiport systems (such as PCs) frequently have only one protection device for all ports in the system. The protection device is set above the total power rating of all the ports. Therefore, a 4-port system may supply more than 2 A from one port if the other ports are not loaded. Furthermore, while some PCs use 10% to 20% accurate IC-based protection, others use less accurate polyfuses (fuses that reset themselves) that will not trip until the load is 100% or more above the rating.

USB ports rarely, if ever, turn off power. The USB spec isn't specific about this, but it's sometimes believed that USB power may be disconnected as a result of failed enumeration, or other software or firmware problems. In actual practice, no USB host shuts off USB power for anything other than an electrical fault (such as a short). Most notebook and mother-board makers are unwilling to pay for fault protection, let alone smart power switching. So no matter what dialog takes place between a USB peripheral and host, 5 V (at either 500 mA or 100 mA, or even maybe 2 A or more) will be available. This is born out by the appearance in the market of USB-powered reading lights, coffee mug warmers, and other items that have no communication capability. They may not be “compliant,” but they function.

Source:
http://powerelectronics.com/mag/powe...attery_faster/

For the pdf version of the article, including diagrams:
http://powerelectronics.com/ar/Maxim.pdf

[gdgdx]

I'm using the K150 USB programmer from kitRus http://kitsrus.com/upuc.html#k150

It's a high speed USB-programmer with ZIF-socket included and ICSP-support. The only disadvantage is that you have to use a 16 Volt DC adapter with it.

But the price is nice: USD 47.45 at Electronics123:
http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c....it.A/id.298/.f

This is a brand-new USB & serial port dual mode PIC programmer. It is fully compatible with the popular Kit 149 PIC programmer, with several added enhanced features. It takes power from the USB port and generates various required Vpp voltages via an onboard DC-DC upconverter IC circuitry, thus NO AC/DC adapter is required. Unlike the original K149 PIC programmer where upgrading firmware means taking the firmware chip out and having it programmed externally, this programmer has a built-in circuitry for easy on-board firmware upgrading. It also includes an advanced six-pin ICSP pinheader. USB and RS232 working modes are switchable via a simple push button. When USB mode is selected, the serial cable is not needed.

http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-Serial-Dual-...QQcmdZViewItem

[malc-c]

I came across a guy on e-bay selling ready built GTP-USB programmers. He also offers bare boards and complete kits for £21

http://www.ct-tuning.co.uk

I've purchased a bare PCB as I had 99% of the descrete components (just waiting for the order from RS to arrive with the crystals in) - I received the board and USB socket for £5.00. The quality of the PCB is very good.

I also have the original HEX firmware and winpic800 ver 3.55g when the originator made the files available. Later versions are only supported by the commercial GTP-USB plus programmer.

I'll let you know how it performs

[skimask]

I don't know the exact specifics of why this works, but it does for a lot of things.
One problem I've been coming across when using various USB devices is the fact that a lot of people are plugging them into the 'front ports' of their cases. These USB ports are generally (not always) connected to a USB hub chip on the motherboard and introduces some latency in the communications. The programming software doesn't get a response in time, then fails.
The rear USB ports are almost always connected directly to the motherboard's chipset and are in a direct line with the system.
I've got 3 different MP3 players, a couple of USB type programmers for various chip types, and a few other USB devices. Almost all of them have problems with the front ports when trying to reprogram them. None of them have any problem when doing basic communications (bulk transfers, etc.).

Basically, it boils down to not using a USB hub, even the front ports in most systems are effectively on a hub, whereas the rear ports aren't.

Hope that helps somebody out. It hooked me up...

[mvs_sarma]

Hi all

I understand that Microchips PICkit2 is presently available at very low prices almost around 20 bucks? someone can check it. if so why not picKIT2

[mvs_sarma]

I don't know the exact specifics of why this works, but it does for a lot of things.
One problem I've been coming across when using various USB devices is the fact that a lot of people are plugging them into the 'front ports' of their cases. These USB ports are generally (not always) connected to a USB hub chip on the motherboard and introduces some latency in the communications. The programming software doesn't get a response in time, then fails.
The rear USB ports are almost always connected directly to the motherboard's chipset and are in a direct line with the system.
I've got 3 different MP3 players, a couple of USB type programmers for various chip types, and a few other USB devices. Almost all of them have problems with the front ports when trying to reprogram them. None of them have any problem when doing basic communications (bulk transfers, etc.).

Basically, it boils down to not using a USB hub, even the front ports in most systems are effectively on a hub, whereas the rear ports aren't.

Hope that helps somebody out. It hooked me up...

Hi,

it is a nice and useful observation. Perhaps we have to see whether the front ports are served by a flat cable and not couing up for speed. how ever we are working at very low speed while programming the PICs or any other devices. it should not matter-- this point is worth analyzing.

Ps: in my pc with chinese cabinet, i find a twisted pair wires connected. but no FT232 chip aroun the pins. thus it may perhaps be travelling longer distance on the mother bd itself.(Intel 915GLVG)