ICSP (2) questions

[mister_e]

You also need to enable the LVP mode in your config fuses... and forget the specific PGM I/O for future use as it will be dedicated for LVP mode only.

Not a fan of those few components JDM based one...

[Ramonetnet]

mister-e : what one do you recomend then ?
I can spend 30 - 50 euros, but dont want to buy

>>> http://www.microchipdirect.com/produ...rds=DV003001++

Part Number: DV003001 - PICSTART PLUS DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM

It is 136 euros (plus tax, I guess)

I did write to microchip, asked to program a 18F452 and a 18F4520, and they say "DV003001"

Thanks for sharing your opinions !

[mister_e]

PICKIT 2 is the cheapest solution. Sure it doesn't have any Ziff socket, but you can use it + breadboard or home-made adapter.

Since awhile i no longer use my PicStart ... not sure if he's still working

[mvs_sarma]

I strongly support the recommendation of Mister-e and as on date the best and worthy one is PICKIT2

It won't let you down wasting days to fault trace other programmers.

I have one and is working fine. Perhaps you can get it at your local Microchip dealers.
But, Don't be fooled by imitations.However I feel that JUNEBUG from www.blueroomelectronics.com is also performing well and I use it, too.

[mackrackit]

The PICSTART PLUS is a good programmer, It can even be used for ICSP but is not designed for that. As far as programming the 18Fs... About two years ago I was playing with the 18F4320 for the first time, I did not have a PICKIT 2 yet just the PIC START. Putting the 18F in the zif of the PIC START would some times program and sometimes not . Microchip people said I needed to upgrade the PIC START. I bought the upgrade (new chip for inside the PICSTART) and still had the same problem. MICROCHIP then said I needed to add capacitors across the VDD and VSS pins of the chip while it is in the ziff. YEAH RIGHT AS I ONLY HAVE TWO HANDS! That is when I started using the PICSTART as a ICSP. I had to take time to make a few adapters for different chips.

Then I bought a PICKIT2. Came with the six pin header skimask told you about. Plug the header into the breadboard, ran five wires on the board for VSS, VDD, MCLR, and the two going to the programing pins of the chip. Plug the PICKIT2 into the header and it worked. I did not have to modify it at all.

Now all I have to do is add a cheap 6 pin header to my designs and it it ready to program on the fly. I am paying $0.25 USD for these.

That all is not to mention the price difference. The only reason I have a PICSTART PLUS is because the PICKIT2 was not made when I bought it.

That is why I recommend the PICKIT2.

[Ramonetnet]

Thank you all, true !

I did write to Microchip again, saying 136 € was too expensive and all I wanted was to program a 18F452 (old chip) and/or a 18F4520 (new chip).

They answer is clear :

PG164120 = 23,84 € = pickit2 programmer
AC162049 = 27,24 € = universal programming module (socket)
AC164110 = 6,81 € = RJ-11 to ICSP adapter (cable)

This makes 57,89 €.

Do you all agree it is a good price ?

[mister_e]

Fair enough for me. But you could still build your own adapter for few bucks... BUT you will spend time on it.. so there will be no money saving at the end.

So... Go for it.... even it's kinda weird that the adapter is more expensive than the programmer

[mister_e]

Still possible to hack this 12USD board

http://www.mikroe.com/en/tools/experimental/pic/

But add the shipping etc etc... not sure if it worth it. maybe easier to use though.... not jumper, no nothing.