Woo Hoo! I nearly fell off my seat.

Get PIC'n for 50 cents.

I just got ROMzap to program the user configurable boot code into a
16F873 without a programmer. It takes about 20 secs. I haven't got it to
auto erase the code protect yet, but for prototype work, I don't think
code protect matters. In fact, you can set the fuse to any value you
like, but WRT stays on, CP and DEBUG stay off.

I added the option to include a CLRWDT command into the boot code in
case the WDT is enabled, and you can set the ADCON1 register so that the
pins with A2D can be configured to digital if needed.

The boot programmer uses the serial port and the parts for it cost about
50 cents if you have a spare female DB9 connector. I just used a spare
dual power supply to get 5V and 13V and threw it all together on a
breadboard.

I had some trouble getting the timing to work properly over different
speed PCs, but I think I've overcome that now. I can't tell much
difference on a CRO anyway.

I'll try to get the schematics, PCB and help file updated tonight.

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Best regards

Tony

http://www.picnpoke.com
mailto:sales@picnpoke.com