On Tue, 21 Jan 1997, Jean-Francois Joly wrote:

> Hello everyone!
>
> Is there anyone that has the PIC-1 programmer from ITU? How is it? Any
> inconvinients? Is this one compatible with MPASM?
>
> Thanks a lot!
> Jean-Francois

Jean-Francois,

I have been using the ITU PIC-1 programmer for about 1 1/2 years without
any trouble from the programmer.  I've used it primarily with the PIC16C84
since it's so easy to work with for little hobby projects.  I've used
MPASM and I am currently using MPLAB without troubles, provided I use
ITU's DOS program to dump the hex file to the programmer.

I bought the kit and assembled it myself in part of one evening.  I
recall that the assembly was quite easy and the assembly instructions were
clear and concise.

Despite the positive things I've said about the ITU PIC-1 programmer I
would NOT buy it again.  This is solely due to the lack of extended
support for the programmer.  I would highly recommend you read Andrew
Warren's remarks on this topic. See answers to questions #73!

http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/2499/answers.html#PIC00073

At the time I purchased the kit, software upgrades incorporating various
improvements were promised.  ITU even advertises that upgrades are
totally free from their FTP site.  The only problem is there have been
absolutely no upgrades!  I believe there was every intention to support
the product with software improvements and new capabilities, but the
hot/fun project of yesterday is often not as exciting today.  (Check out
ITU's web site.  I think it's clear what is hot and fun right now!)

If I were to do it over right now, I would spend a few extra dollars and
get the added capabilities and assured long-term support from one of the
larger companies.  The Picstart Plus would be number one on my list.
(Actually, I hope to get one in the not to far distant future so I can
play with some of the high and low end Microchip micro-controllers.)

Hope this gives you some food for thought.

Best of luck,

Preston Gabel


-----------------------------------------------------------------------
   Preston S. Gabel                  Email: Preston.S.Gabel@Tek.Com
       Tektronix, Inc
       PO Box 500 (m/s 39-527)       Voice:  503 627-4035
       Beaverton, OR  97077            FAX:  503 627-1388
The views express herein are mine and not necessarily my employer's
-----------------------------------------------------------------------