On Thu, Aug 01, 2002 at 07:57:05PM -0700, Bill & Pookie wrote:
> Wow,
>
> Just read Byron A Jeff's reply to Shawn Mulligan.
> Many interesting ideas there, both views.

Thanks,

>
> My concern is that the novice has success with
> their first few projects and  frustrations are
> kept to a minimum.
>
> One thing I see on here that gives me concern is
> the problems people have in building their
> programmer.  Something that must be done before
> the first project is started.

Correct. That's why I designed the Trivial LVP programmer. It can wired
on a breadboard in about a 1/2 hour. It uses components that passes what I
call the 'Radio Shack test' meaning that it uses parts that are supposed to
be in stock at any Radio Shack. And the RatShack does have all of the solder
equipment necessary if a more permanent solution is required. I've always
treated them as my electronics convenience store. A bit pricey, limited stuff,
but when you want a part right now and it's 4:30 on a Sunday, they are the
ticket.

The only part I haven't managed easily is the actual DB25 connector to the
parallel port. It'll require either cutting a male end off an existing
cable and toning out the leads, or getting a DB25 male solder cup and
soldering the required wires to it.

>
> And I have a question about this.  Looking at the
> web pages from olimex at
> http://www.olimex.com/dev/  it appears as if it is
> possible to purchase a assembled and tested
> programmer PIC-PG1 for $7.00 USD and a assembled
> and tested prototype board PIC-P18B-20MHz for
> $13.00 USD.  The postage to USA would be $8.00
> USD.  Adding the power supply, downloading the
> free programming software and plugging in the
> 16F628 chip would be all that was needed to
> program and run the pic chip.  Is this correct?

In theory. That programmer trusts that the serial port meets RS232 specs,
which is not always true. It's better than most serial programmers because
it actually has zeners in place to limit the voltage to the pins.

The other problem is just time. It'll take 15-21 days to have it shipped from
Bulgaria I believe.

> Would use the microchip assembler.

Doesn't matter as it's the programming software that makes a difference.
I'm pretty sure that David Tait's FPP can be configured to drive this puppy.

I may start thinking about a Trivial Serial programmer too.

BAJ

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