>I'm currently using the Paralax programmer (Now Tech Tools) for in-circuit
>programming. I had in-circuit in mind during the board design Mostly
<snip>
>The unit works well for programming production units. My only beef is for
>now I'm stuck using the Tech Tools program for this task... I'd much prefer
>to have my own program doing this task (that way I could make the UI geared
>to the product I'm building, not a chip that happens to be inside it).

I believe Carmacon has opened up the communication spec to their
programmer.  FWIW, we are using their firmware updates in a modified
Parallax-style programmer (we used their schematic and changed a few
things) for a production bed-of-nails programmer/test fixture.

The neat part about this is that:
        a) we can use Parallax, Carmacon, or Tech-Tools chips in the board, with
the appropriate PC driver
        b) because we can use the open Carmacon RS-232 comm spec, we can burn
chips from the PC, Mac, or Linux box!!!
        c) this also allows us to burn the configuration I2C EEPROM at the same
time.

If you are looking for an OPEN solution, visit their website www.carmacon.com

Andy

==================================================================
   Andy Kunz - www.montanadesign.com - andy@montanadesign.com
           Life is what we do to prepare for Eternity
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