>
> Has anyone tried to program a PIC using the Needham Electronics
> EMP-20 device programmer? The EMP-20 looks like a flexible and very
> portable unit (two key points for me), and it is alledged to
> program almost every part that I care about. The question is, how
> well does it work on PICs in real life?
>  David A. Boulton                 | knowledge is just a polite
>  boulton@netcom.com               | term for dead,
>
 It works just fine. I use the 16c5x parts and never had a problem.
Like most burners it has a graphical interface, but you can write
an ini file that feeds it keystrokes. For example I call mine from
a bat file that recompiles my code with new EQUs from command line
arguements, then calls the burner program, burns the chip, and then
exits. All I need to do is drop in a chip before I hit return. The
EMP-20 gets it's versatility by using simm like modules to reroute
pin connections in hardware rather than software. If you order it
from Digi-Key you get the first 4 of 9 currently available with it.
Normally Needham only gives you the first three with it, but they
gave me all 4 since Digi-Key was back ordered at the time. This
was important since all the Microchip parts use simm # 4. BTW the
unit has a 48 pin ZIF. The simms go for about $40 US. It is very
portable as it connects to the parallel port with a standard centronics
printer cable, and port address is fully programmable. Good unit,
good service when I needed a clue on the ini file syntax. I'd recommend
it. Costs ~$450 US, more than the other PIC burners, but it'll do
tons more. Question is do you need the added features and what is
your budget. The answer to these questions will decide for you. -Rick