PIC Programmer

[Kamikaze47]

Why don't you use Dontronics/OLIMEX PIC-PG2. I use it with my laptop and serial connection with success (with WINPIC). I programmed 16F684, 16F690, 18F2525, 18F452.

He said that his laptop does not have a serial port. And unless you can confirm otherwise, those JMD based programmers do not work with USB-serial converters.

[mvs_sarma]

He said that his laptop does not have a serial port. And unless you can confirm otherwise, those JMD based programmers do not work with USB-serial converters.

All said, the PICKIT2 only at $35is the best for any need. In UK for EPE magazine readers, they are giving at less than10 BP. Some procedure to be followed though
I hope, Microchip to consider reducing the price of such valuable item in order to help their customers and hobbyists., as a promotional measure.

[mikem]

I too could never make USB to serial converters work so I too got the PicKit2 from Uchip for ~ 35 bucks. The best money spent i have used it on desktops, laptops everything and never had a failure yet.

I even modified some old Olimex adapters to work with the Pickit2 and it also works great.

save yourself the heartache and get a Pickit 2 which also comes with a dev/eval PWB and working Pic.

[skimask]

I too could never make USB to serial converters work...

MikeM from Fairford?

[DragonBall_6]

Hi All

Thanks for the reply. I think i will decided to buy the PicKit2. There are 2 model of PicKit2: PicKit2 starter Kit and PicKit2 debug Express.
May i know which one is better and can be use for long range?

THanks

Peter.

[mackrackit]

All you need is this http://www.microchipdirect.com/Produ...mid=1&treeid=6
the basic PICKIT2. And a 6 pin header to connect the PICKIT2 to a bread board.

I purchased the DebugExpress and have never used the demo board.

[Agent36]

Hi,
If anyone is interested, there is an exclusive offer in Everyday Practical Electronics to buy a PICKIT 2 for £9.99 including postage and VAT, with a coupon from the magazine. I think this is only open to uk people, but others might be lucky.

Kind regards Nick

[jessey]

I too could never make USB to serial converters work so I too got the PicKit2 from Uchip for ~ 35 bucks. The best money spent i have used it on desktops, laptops everything and never had a failure yet.

I even modified some old Olimex adapters to work with the Pickit2 and it also works great.

save yourself the heartache and get a Pickit 2 which also comes with a dev/eval PWB and working Pic.

Hello Everyone,

I just purchased a new laptop a while back that is running windows vista so I have to purchase a usb programmer. I notice that melabs sells one but the cost is much higher than the PicKit2 http://www.microchipdirect.com/Produ...Error=Quantity which sells for $34.99 as opposed to melabs http://melabs.com/products/usbprog.htm starting at $89.95 and melabs price dosn't include a case for the programmer or any of the reguired cables.

Can anyone tell me if the PicKit2 has any advantages as compared to the melabs second-generation USB programmer besides the obvious price difference?

Thanks
jessey

[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]

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.