>
>         Where did this come from Jim? Can you offer a Microchip link with
> further info? I can't seem to find any info on Microchip's site to back up
> what you say. In fact, the latest programming spec for the 12C family
> (30557c.pdf on the site for download) says 25 times max, and 3X overprogram.
>         Trying to scare everyone that owns a programmer? Microchip - if
> you're listening, could you clarify? Thanks,
>
>         Jim

I can verify what Jim posted.  Here is the delight that arrived in
our e-mail box on June 26:

<Begin Notice>
*** All Third Party Programming Partners are advised to incorporate
this revised programming algorithm IMMEDIATELY ***

Please be advised that Microchip has revised the current programming
algorithm for the PIC16C5X, PIC12C5XX, and PIC12CE5XX products to
achieve consistent programming yields over process and product
variations.

Following is the list of Microchip products which require this Revised
Programming Algorithm :

PIC16C52        PIC16C54B       PIC16C56A       PIC16C58B       PIC12C508A
PIC12CE518
PIC16C54        PIC16C55        PIC16C57        PIC12C509       PIC12CE519
PIC16C54A
PIC16C56        PIC16C58A       PIC12C508       PIC12C509A

All Microchip programming specifications are available on the
Microchip WEB site at http://www.microchip.com with a copy of the
affected programming spec (DS30190G and DS30557D) attached.

Microchip customers have been notified of these changes and have been
advised to contact you for updated software or firmware if using above
devices. A copy of the notice is also attached (CN# 98-062201 dated
June 26, 1998).
<End Notice>

I'm not sure why you were not able to find updated specs on the web,
maybe they have yet to be posted.

We will have an upgrade for our PIC-1+ programmer software by the end
of this week!  PIC-1+ users can download these changes from our web
page and begin programming the '50x devices with the new algorithm as
soon as we post the software.

No mention is made as to when the PICSTART Plus firmware will be
enhanced.  It looks like those of us using older PICSTART units
for '5x programming will be left with a door stop with the latest
algorithm change.

Chris
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Chris B. Sakkas (chris@itutech.com)  http://www.itutech.com
ITU Technologies (info@itutech.com)    ftp://itutech.com
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