re: PIC Programmers

   David, I use the Parallax programmer which covers the 12C5xx, 16C5xx,
16Cxxx, and the 14000 PIC line. The 17x series requires another programmer.
I also use their assembler which comes with it. They have been good about
timely upgrades which are free for software and fairly low-cost for the
occasional firmware upgrade. Since Microchip is fairly `prolific' keeping up
with them can be a `chore' for those who write programmer software. I'm
expecting an update to cover the new 16C76/77 chips in the next few weeks.

   As far as their assembler, it uses Intel-style syntax (ie: 8051, etc) but
also recognizes Microchip's syntax. One thing it lacks is user-defined
macros and I would to see a symbol cross-reference. Other than that, I
prefer their assembler as I was already use to the Intel syntax as well as
other minor differences from MPASM.

   Note, these low-cost programmers are not `industrial-strength' but are
suitable for engineering and I've run hundreds of chips though my
programmer. The only other complaint I can think of is that the Parallax
programmer software does not work well under Windows on many machines
including fast Pentiums. I've had no problems when rebooting in the MSDOS
Mode under Windows 95.

   The programmer package is around $200 with manual, power supply, cable,
etc, and I think there is still a kit for around $100. The software is free.

   - Tom

At 06:57 PM 6/10/97 -0624, you wrote:
>Warp3 PIC Programmer? Where do I find these?
>
>Seriously, I am considering buying a programmer. I could just build one of the
>serial elcheapo pic'84 programmers, and might do that anyway since they
>are handy, but the main reason I want to use pic's requires a lot more I/O
>than an '84 has. So, I am thinking about a programmer.
>
>I am aware of the Picstart Plus and it seems like a reasonable deal. Anyone
>out there want to share your opinions about this unit?
>
>Are there other inexpensive programmers that will handle a fairly full
>range of PICs that I should consider?
>
>Thanks,
>
>-dg