Norman Gillaspie wrote:
>
> I aquired a Microchip Promate programer. It looks like
> it works. However I can't communicate with it with the
> software that is available via download from the Microchip
> website.

I have communication errors, also.  MPLAB enables the ProMate, but I
have to do a "blank check" before it will let me program the device.  Go
figure.

>
> It reports version 2.04 code opon powerup which I believe is
> pretty old. Does anyone know what the current version
> of code is in the programer. I am thinking that the newer versions
> of development sofware might not recoginize this old version
> of firmware in the Promate.
>
Mine powers up to version 4.24.00.  I just upgraded it the day before
yesterday.  If you've upgraded to MPLAB version 4, you've already got
the latest frimware upgrade (PF42400P.HEX for the PIC devices).  Look at
"readme.pro" in your MPLAB directory up upgrading instructions.

> Anyone have any ideas. I have no documentation with the unit at all
> and I don't see anything much on the Microchip website.
>
You can find links to ProMate II documentation and software here:
 http://www.microchip.com/10/Tools/picmicro/program/promate/index.htm

--Matt