PIC Programmer

[mister_e]

Compare both supported device list first.

Then PICKIT 2 give you this tiny logic analyzer, USART tool, and programmer OTG feature for free... that's a really fair deal to me.

[jessey]

Compare both supported device list first.

Then PICKIT 2 give you this tiny logic analyzer, USART tool, and programmer OTG feature for free... that's a really fair deal to me.

Thanks Steve,

Yes I had a look and it seems to be compatible with all the microprocessors. I posted the wrong URL in my last post for the PICKIT 2, here's the proper one www.microchip.com/pickit2

It even comes with a free getting started in PicBasic Pro tutorial on developing and debugging in basic. How cool is that but then the price jumps from $34.99 to $49.99 for that feature but well worth the extra 10 bucks I'm certain and as Dick Ivers points out, another hidden benefit is that the purchase gives you access to Microchip's Technical Support! Another thing I was going to ask, with the PICKIT 2 can I use a breadboard for programming my micro's reliably or should I be using a ZIF adapter?

I will be purchasing the PICKIT 2 for sure in the very near future. I wonder if I can upgrade my MicroCode Studio Plus so it'll run on my laptop with Vista or if I'll have to purchase another copy, either way it'll be worth it. Now I'll also have to purchase another Cad program to design my circuit boards with that's compatible with Vista, does anyone here know of an inexpensive hobbyist Cad program for under $100.00?

Thanks
jessey

[Archangel]

I just brought my new PICKit2 online last night, got it with the Low parts count demo board, works really sweet, no more JDM ! Got a question though, Adapters for other chips, are they available? Is this ICSP, and is that Low Voltage programming? AND if so, is there a downside?
Thanks.

[mvs_sarma]

I just brought my new PICKit2 online last night, got it with the Low parts count demo board, works really sweet, no more JDM ! Got a question though, Adapters for other chips, are they available? Is this ICSP, and is that Low Voltage programming? AND if so, is there a downside?
Thanks.

It is usable as ICSP also as the user manual shows. It is normal version with Vpp.
As per the user guide, the pin6 is ised for programming some Serial eeproms, but i hope it may be of use for LVP even as the updates come up.

[mvs_sarma]

Thanks Steve,

Yes I had a look and it seems to be compatible with all the microprocessors. I posted the wrong URL in my last post for the PICKIT 2, here's the proper one www.microchip.com/pickit2

It even comes with a free getting started in PicBasic Pro tutorial on developing and debugging in basic. How cool is that but then the price jumps from $34.99 to $49.99 for that feature but well worth the extra 10 bucks I'm certain and as Dick Ivers points out, another hidden benefit is that the purchase gives you access to Microchip's Technical Support! Another thing I was going to ask, with the PICKIT 2 can I use a breadboard for programming my micro's reliably or should I be using a ZIF adapter?

I will be purchasing the PICKIT 2 for sure in the very near future. I wonder if I can upgrade my MicroCode Studio Plus so it'll run on my laptop with Vista or if I'll have to purchase another copy, either way it'll be worth it. Now I'll also have to purchase another Cad program to design my circuit boards with that's compatible with Vista, does anyone here know of an inexpensive hobbyist Cad program for under $100.00?

Thanks
jessey

I really feel and am using breadboard for programming PICs other than obviously the SMD versions. for the SMD we can follow ICSP methods.
As time passes, I only expect Microchip to bring down the Price of the PICKIT2 to may be below $27.
As regards the cad program, perhaps you may consider PCB123. It is working fine for my hobby needs.

[mackrackit]

I use KICAD on Linux and XP and VISTA.
From the web site.

Kicad binaries exists for Linux and Windows (XP, 2000, Vista)

http://www.lis.inpg.fr/realise_au_lis/kicad/

Is this ICSP, and is that Low Voltage programming?

It is ICSP. LVP is something else

Adapters for other chips, are they available?

can I use a breadboard for programming my micro's reliably or should I be using a ZIF adapter?

All you need is a six pin header. No ZIF required.
Here is a pic of a messy setup (a bad pic)
<img src="http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2979&stc=1&d=122612567 7 />

[Archangel]

I use KICAD on Linux and XP and VISTA.
From the web site.

http://www.lis.inpg.fr/realise_au_lis/kicad/


It is ICSP. LVP is something else



All you need is a six pin header. No ZIF required.
Here is a pic of a messy setup (a bad pic)
<img src="http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2979&stc=1&d=122612567 7 />

Attachment 2979

LOL, Hi Dave,
Yea that's what I was Hopin' to avoid
I have seen somewhere nice little flat ribbon cables attached to ZIF sockets and /or with nice little test probe ends.

[chrisshortys]

LOL, Hi Dave,
Yea that's what I was Hopin' to avoid
I have seen somewhere nice little flat ribbon cables attached to ZIF sockets and /or with nice little test probe ends.

Now thats why i dont use bread board

Ive gone for a slightly different approach, ive soldered wires onto the end of the tag strip supplied and put some small crips on which fit tag strips pritty well. Then i have a piece of veroboard with a ZIP in the middle and tag strips runnign down each side so i just move the wires to where i need them for each type of chip.

[Archangel]

Now thats why i dont use bread board

Ive gone for a slightly different approach, ive soldered wires onto the end of the tag strip supplied and put some small crips on which fit tag strips pritty well. Then i have a piece of veroboard with a ZIP in the middle and tag strips runnign down each side so i just move the wires to where i need them for each type of chip.

Actually, that is exactly what I started to do myself, Gotta order some 20 way sockets.

[mackrackit]

Now thats why i dont use bread board

I knew that picture would generate a comment or two I was checking out something for one of the posters here at the time. Shows how versatile the PICKIT2 is. ICSP is a piece of cake. And if you are doing a production run and want to use surface mounts all you need to add is some sort of header or connector to the PCB and away you go.

However you use it, it can not be beat.

[jessey]

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

Hi mvs_sarma,

I like to design and etch my own circuit boards so I need a program that will print out the art work to the correct size, anyone know of a program that will do that and is easy to use and under $100.00?

Thanks
jessey

[mackrackit]

Hi mvs_sarma,

I like to design and etch my own circuit boards so I need a program that will print out the art work to the correct size, anyone know of a program that will do that and is easy to use and under $100.00?

Thanks
jessey

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

[mvs_sarma]

Hi mvs_sarma,

I like to design and etch my own circuit boards so I need a program that will print out the art work to the correct size, anyone know of a program that will do that and is easy to use and under $100.00?

Thanks
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.
please tell where is the artwork work and in what format. if already you use a cad, i would suggest to make a pdf of the concerned layer at 1:1
once you make it perhaps you can take a laser print by configuring the printer with no change in set up and at 100%. you can see and measure the sample print wrt the dimensions compare with artwork or try placing few chips to check whether they fit in
this is what i do from the artwork developed using PCB123 software on WIN XP and generate a PDF at 1:1 as I have to get it printed outside.
If you have Laser printer, the software directly gives you a print of the specified layer at defined size .

OK, Vista supported CAD software, i am not sure.

[mackrackit]

You can use an ink jet printer.

Currently I use a HP Deskjet D4160 with 3M transparency film part #CG3460.
No, not as good as a laser, but works well enough for non production runs.

[mister_e]

I found the InkJet produce better results than Laser... probably because the ink of InkJet is really Dark, while toner is a bit lighter.

[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

[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.