The Mathias has a PLL in it, which allows me to pick the osc frequency I want
(pretty closely, too).  Saves me from having to change crystals.

It also allows me to power my target circuit w/o having to make some sort of
power supply for it (many times, depends on how much load it is).

My point was that, as much as James likes his ICD, it still is no replacement
for an ICE.  Nice tool to have, but I sure couldn't afford to be restricted to
just the ICD's very limited functionality.

If you are in the market for a test tool, just make sure you ask all the
questions before you plunk down your hard-earned cash.

Andy










Alan Pearce <A.B.Pearce@RL.AC.UK> on 03/21/2000 12:20:44 PM

Please respond to pic microcontroller discussion list <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU>








 To:      PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU

 cc:      (bcc: Andrew Kunz/TDI_NOTES)



 Subject: Re: MPLAB-ICD firmware version 2.04 and other
          problems








>     7) Does it allow me to program the oscillator to any value I want so that
I
>can determine exactly what crystal I need to hit the performance exactly,
>without having to resort to having a collection of crystals to solder on (SMT
>crystals/resonators).  (This is just ONE reason why I hated the Advanced
>Transdata ICE, btw).

The only way you will be able to do this is have an external programmable
oscillator to drive the PIC. I suggest you will have to stick with changing
crystals.

apart from that, you dont really want much for nothing, do you?