Development system

[Klaus]

I'm confused as to what to buy for a development board. I would like to set up something similar to what the Basic Stamp development system is, a socket for the PIC and a way to connect to the computer for program development and programming of the processor. I have a MELAB U2 programmer with a zip socket that I use to program the PIC, but now I have to program, then remove the PIC from the zip socket and plug it into my circuit to test the program. I would like to be able to use debug feature as in the Basic Stamp system so I can see what is going on on my computer screen. I would appreciate any suggestions as to what to buy.
Thanks,
Klaus

[mackrackit]

The PICKIT2 and a bread board.
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/id...cName=en023805

[Klaus]

Well, that brings me to the next question. Can I use PIC Basic with this or do I have to use C?
Will this work with the 18F2550 or 4550 and other PICS? I guess I just don't understand the data on the PICKIT2. I would rather not have to learn C, I have enough trouble with Basic.

[mackrackit]

No "C" required. The PICKIT2 transfers hex files to the chip, in or out of circuit.

Use MCS or MPLAB to compile the PIC BASIC code into hex. The PICKIT2 software can be setup so when it sees a hex file of your choice updated it will automatically program the part. Or if you do not want auto it has a manual setting.

Yes it will work with the chips you mention.
This page list on the left side all of the chips it will program.
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/id...cName=en027813

[duncan303]

Hi,

You can go the pickit2 route as there are a number of contributors here who can and would be happy help you out.

But you have a Melabs serial programmer, and therefore you already have a very capable piece of programmer hardware. Compiler wise the step from stamp to PBP is very straightforward. Take a look at Mecanique MicroCode Studio as an IDE. Especially take a look at the ICD demo, which will take your learning curve almost vertical.

Furthermore as you are already into Basic why not go for it and take one of the Melabs development boards, I went the whole MeLabs route with the X1, and never regretted it, although it may be a bit dated now(certainly very battered).

Seems a shame to throw the U2 programmer away really.




Duncan

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[Klaus]

I have the microcode studio, the U2 programmer but do not know what to get with that to make it function similar to the Basic Stamp development board. Will the Melabs development board allow me to do that, and what is the development board I should get? I'm using PIC18F2550. With the development board, can I use other PIC's? Sorry to be so ignorant, but my level of expertise lies in using the Basic Stamp and not much beyond that.