Newbie migrating from Basic Stamp to PIC

[HenrikOlsson]

Gert,
Yes, PICKIt2 works but I think they (Microchip) doesn't add any device files for it anymore so new(ish) PIC devices won't program or debug from within MPLAB. I do think the standalone application allows you tp program newer devices though. I don't use MPLAB myself so I haven't really kept up - and I've got a PICKit3 so....

I really wish MELABS/Mecanique would add (if at all possible, I don't know) support for hardware level debugging to MicroCode Studio, or produce a detailed how-to-guide on how to set it up within MPLABX. I've never been able to figure it out..... Don't let that put you off though - it IS possible to do!

[gertlind]

So if i buy the PBP3 Silver I can go on from there?
I saw that the Microcode Studio + wasn't that expensive so I probably go for that at the same time.

Maybe im a bit spoiled with the Basic Stamp and being able seeing what goes on in a very simple way.

[HenrikOlsson]

Hi Gert,

So if i buy the PBP3 Silver I can go on from there?

Yes, absolutely....
But is there a specific chip you want to program that the silver edition supports? Note that the silver edition doesn't support 18F series or the newer 16F1xxx series. The student edition supports an even less number of microcontrollers but it DOES support a couple from each family (except the 10 series), which might be handy, and it's even cheaper. If I were you, and there isn't a specific chip you're targeting for which you NEED the silver edition, I'd consider the Student Edition as a start but also making sure it's possible to upgrade to Silver or Gold if/when the need arises.

I saw that the Microcode Studio + wasn't that expensive so I probably go for that at the same time

While looking around I saw that Mecanique (the authors of MCS) give you MicroCodeStudio PLUS for free when you buy PBP3 from them - worth considering!

Maybe im a bit spoiled with the Basic Stamp and being able seeing what goes on in a very simple way.

I'm not sure how in circuit debugging works on the Stamps these days, feel free to enlighten me though.
What I can tell you is that I started playing with a BS1 ~20 years ago, quckly moved on to a BS2, then got PBC and later PBP after which I've never looked back. Once you get up to speed with PBP I honestly don't think you'll miss the Stamp. But you need to keep in mind that with the power and flexibility of PBP (but mostly all the devices it supports) comes a little bit of complexity compared to the Stamps. Lots of people here to help if/when needed though!

/Henrik.

[gertlind]

Ok, got the Silver and the IDE+.

However, after some hours fiddling around and Googling I managed to get PBP3 to work with MPLABX IDE :-)
Compiled and run a small test program on the Pickit2, and guess it worked.

Could have save a few buck not getting the IDE+ and gone for the Gold instead.

Time start reading some PIC datasheets and actually understand what im doing. This is going to be fun, be prepared for a lot of stupid questions.

First project will be a snow depth meter (I hope).