>
> >Some chips blow instantly if you reverse the power supply - not so the 16C84.
> >I accidentally (how else?) plugged one in backwards, and I happened to have
> >an ammeter in series with the power supply - 4 fresh AA size alkaline cells.
> >
> >The ammeter read just over 2 amps - I stood there for about 5 seconds trying
> >to make sense of the reading before realizing what I had done. Pulled it out,
> >put it in the right way, and away it went!
> >
>
> Yah, I did the same thing a couple of nights ago, I use a ZIF socket for
> prototyping and put the 'C84 in backwards.  Something was smoking, the power
> supply's fuse went, but after putting in a fresh fuse, opening a window, I
> tried the PIC again and no problems (including reprogramming it)!
>
> Pretty tough little cookie!
>
Yeah, I'm ashamed to admit that I have done the same with the windowed
16C71 part. Ithought I could see a red glow through the window! But when it
cooled down and was inserted the right way, it still worked.
It's nice to work with a device that's at least partially idiot-proof.


....Reg Neale.............standard disclaimer applies.......
"Ignorance is a renewable resource."    P. J. O'Rourke......