This is exactly what the pocket is. It is an existing, proven and professional design, with OPEN SOURCE (and hardware) so you can add whatever programming abilities you want to it. It has one analog source. http://www.piclist.com/techref/microchip/devprogs.htm#pocket Tony is now working to add a "programming programming language" to the pocket so that you can write a script that does all sorts of programming. Just like the Engine. http://www.bubblesoftonline.com/engine.html A previous attempt at a universal open source programmer was started and has been languishing for lack of someone to lead the project. http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist/cump/index.htm Do not underestimate the difficulty of developing a project like this. The people who sell closed source programmers are protecting a lot of hard won knowledge and do provide valuable products. But I think there is a need, and room for, open source, home built, community developed units as well. A device programmer that only programs a list of devices selected by someone else and only programs devices (when the same hardware could do so much more) seems like a waste. http://www.piclist.com/techref/idea/ebb.htm --- James Newton (PICList Admin #3) mailto:jamesnewton@piclist.com 1-619-652-0593 PIC/PICList FAQ: http://www.piclist.com or .org -----Original Message----- From: pic microcontroller discussion list [mailto:PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU]On Behalf Of Carlos Nieves Snega Sent: Friday, May 25, 2001 03:00 To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU Subject: [PIC]: Universal programmer Hi all, I'm thinking in a design for an universal programmer, controlled by a PIC. I'm a bit tired to search for a programmer for every device I plan to use, so I would want to build one able to program all devices. My thought is that it will be "open hardware" (i.e. you will be allowed to use, build, and improve it at your own, like open-source software) with an open source software. I will make the software to program the devices I'm using, but other people working with other devices can do the same... so in some time we could have a free universal programmer. I have one design in mind, with 50 pins to interface with the device. Each pin is able to handle several sources: - Digital output. - Analog output (from two analog sources) (from 0 to 25V, digital controlled). - Digital input (for reading data from the device). There will be two analog sources in the design, one will act as supply voltage, and the other could be the programming voltage. I don't know if two only analog sources will be enough so I wanted to ask you if you know any device needing more than one programming voltage (or greater than 25V). Please apologize me, because I know this mail is not about precisely about PICs, but I also know most of you have worked with many devices... Regards, Carlos -- http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us! email listserv@mitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body -- http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us! email listserv@mitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body