On Mon, 30 Mar 1998, Wilson Tam wrote:

[big snip]
> If any one has purchased this ITUPIC programmer,
> (KIT VERSION), could anyone tell me whats
> required to get it operating properly.

See my previous note to the list. I'm using one of these that I
purchased in kit form.

> Up to this point I have tried:
>
> 1) Changing the programming wire (presently using
>    a 5 inch male/female D-type wire.

As both Norm (among others) and myself (in my last message)
mentioned:
Try directly connect the programmer to the PC's parallel port.

> 2) Checking the output voltage at specific points
>       a)  Input voltage is 18-19V DAC

DAC? You've tried both DC and AC?
Try switching to a 12-16 VAC supply.

[snip]
> 4) Since the ITU program is DOS based, I have load the
>    programm in MS-DOS settings.

Try booting up an old DOS 6.x bootdisk and trying things.

> Questions:
> 1)  In terms of the ITU solftware,
>     The READ from PIC16 and ERASE PIC16 functions properly.
>     However, when I PROGRAM , the ERROR IN PROGRAMMING shows
>     up.

Been there, had this exact problem.

[snip]
>     Observations: The programming LEDs does blink for sec,
>                   but immediately afterwards, the error shows up.
>                   However, I believe the HEX file is read properly.
>                   The problem is the interface between PIC and
>                   software.

The problem is R11. See below.

> After talking to a friend of mine (whom is also part
> of this PICLIST), we discovered that there are some
> possible problems in the ITU  design.  To be exact, R11
> (if you have ITU PIC specs) is a 100ohm resistor placed
> in parallel with a Data line (D0), however it doesn't
> make sense for it to be this small in magnitude.
> If 5V is being sent in, the resistor would act as load,
> therefore taking in most of the input current, leaving
> a sufficiently low current into the main curcuit.
> Therefore, my question is should I try:
>      1) desolder this R11?
>      2) Increase the resistance (approx 10kohmn)?
> According to your experience, what effect does these
> changes do the circuits.

I'm not sure my first message made it to the list.
Solder a (aprox) 12ohm resistor across the current R11 (100 ohms)
I used the bottom of the board, to make future removal easier.

-theo