PIC Programmer

[Archangel]

Joe, I assume you are referring to the spring loaded pins. I got 10 of them for $6.97 about 2 years ago (I am still using the original 5) from here:
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/Dk...name=ED8186-ND

Thank You ! Did you then just stuff them into a connector shell ? Do the long pins protrude through or are these pins just inserted into the PICKit2s connector ?

[rmteo]

The long, skinny end is inserted directly into the PicKIT2. The other end is spring loaded with about 0.1in. of travel.

If you lay out your board with 1x5 pads (0.1in. spacing, about 0.03in holes) and connect them to VPP/MCLR, PWR, GND, PGD and PGC, the spring loaded end will make good contact. This method will allow you to use any type and size package PIC, whether DIP, SOIC, TSSOP, TQFP, QFN, etc. without needing a different adapter for each one.

[rmteo]

BTW, for a semi-permanent connection during the development phase, solder a 1x5 header (right angle is best) and do not use the pins. It is best to place these pads near the edge of the board.

The PicKIT2 has a neat feature called "AutoLoad & Program". In this mode, everytime the HEX file changes, it will automatically load it and program the PIC. This makes it really convenient during development - no matter which compiler you use. I believe it checks the time and date stamp and whenever this changes, it goes and does it thing. No need to figure out a way to integrate it into your compiler or development system.

[mackrackit]

The PicKIT2 has a neat feature called "AutoLoad & Program". In this mode, everytime the HEX file changes, it will automatically load it and program the PIC. This makes it really convenient during development - no matter which compiler you use. I believe it checks the time and date stamp and whenever this changes, it goes and does it thing. No need to figure out a way to integrate it into your compiler or development system.

And this feature also works across a net work.

[jessey]

Jessy, basically you have asked for a cad that could work with Vista. now you want a program that could print out the artwork.

The program I told you about works fine, I etch my own boards too. And the program is FREE.

Hello,

Thanks for the feedback, I appolizse for not getting back to you guys sooner. I already have a CAD program called SuperPCB that I purchased years ago for my PC running Windows ME but it dosn't work very good on my laptop running Windows Vista. I just checked and I can get an upgrade for SuperPCB that's compatable with Vista for $95.00 USD but if PCB123 and KICAD are free and works like you say then I'll look at them for sure and save the money for some other Pic related gadget. I've ordered a PICkit 2 Debug Express and a RJ-11 to ICSP Adapter from Digi Key so I'm really looking forward to trying them. This is a great hobby!


Thanks again guys
jessey

[jessey]

Hello Everyone,

I got my pickit2 debug express delivered to my door last week and it sure works great, just like everyone was saying. I'm using a breadboard instead of a ZIF socket to programme my 16F688 as markrackit was saying and it sure works a treat and with lightning speed.

I've been going through the 44-pin demo board user's guide and have been able to re-program the 16F887 to run the different lessons and all is good there but I don't understand Assembler very much, I'd like to be able to write some asm code but at a later date when I get more time to study it so I'd like to write my code in PicBasic Pro. I looked for the 16f887 include file in my PBP version 2.47 so I could modify it to allow setting my configuration bits in my PBP code and noticed that it's not in the PBP directory? On melabs web site it says:

Previous Release: 2.47
Adds support for PIC16F616, 631, 677, 883, 884, 886, 887

According to melabs the 16f887 files should be there? That's really strange and I loaded PBP directly from the 2.47 CD that I purchased into my new laptop, anyone know what I should do or look at? Any help would be more than welcomed.



Thanks
jessey

[mister_e]

Do you have M16F88X.INC in your \pbp\inc folder?

[jessey]

Hi Steve,

There is no M16F88X.INC but the nearest is a 16f88 include file and the next one below that is 16F505. Then further down it shows a 16F877A then below that one is the 16HV540. I just don't see the 16f887 anywhere in the PBP file?

Thanks
jessey

[mackrackit]

Look at the Readme file in the PBP directory to verify your version.
And use your search tool to look for the file.

[jessey]

Look at the Readme file in the PBP directory to verify your version.
And use your search tool to look for the file.

Thanks mackrackit & Steve,

That's it, I had a look at the readme and much to my surprise it's 2.45! I feel like such an idiot now but at least I know why it's not there and for that I'll sleep better tonight. Looks like it's time for a long overdue upgrade. I'm at a loss of words as to why I thought it was 2.47....

PicBasic Pro Compiler Ver. 2.45 README.TXT
Copyright 2004 microEngineering Labs, Inc.

Thanks a lot
jessey

[mackrackit]

Do not forget that 2.50 has LONGS now. Lots of fun.

[jessey]

Do not forget that 2.50 has LONGS now. Lots of fun.

What's a LONGS? I never heard of that term before?

[mackrackit]

What's a LONGS? I never heard of that term before?

www.melabs.com/resources/articles/longs.pdf

[jellis00]

As regards the cad program, perhaps you may consider PCB123. It is working fine for my hobby needs.

I have used PCB123 and have to say that PCB Artist from Advanced Circuits is a much better, more professional product with superior features for part footprints. PCB Artist is downloadable for free at Advanced Circuits' web site at http://www.4pcb.com/ and gives you direct online access to submit your resulting CAD files to Advanced Circuits for fab (and assembly if you want). There prices are good and the tech support I have received from both PCB Artist and Advanced Circuits has been outstanding.