On Wed, Aug 07, 2002 at 08:06:33PM +0100, Benjamin Bromilow wrote:
> Personally I'd recommend a HVP non-bootloader approach. After reading the
> datasheet, beginners will expect all the program memory to be free, all the
> pins to be available etc etc. IE a blank bare PIC.
> Won't introducing anything extra onto the chip confuse them?
> As I see it, we need a simple (cheap) fool-proof programmer. Having a built
> in RC pair (?on the PIC) and a few LEDs for a LED_blink program is a bonus.
> Maybe even a switch. That's all I'd want as a newbie (not that long ago).
>
> If I was looking for a new programmer now, I'd like it to have ICSP, built
> in LCD debugging, MPLAB compatibility etc etc, but I think it's getting away
> from the original aim of the PBK.
>
> I'd go for something like..... NOPPP on a PCB with a 18, a 28 and a 40 way
> DIP socket on. A switch, a few LEDs and that's about it. I'd be tempted to
> go for two 9v batteries to power it as well. Two regs to supply 12v and
> 5v...  It could always have an AC adaptor jack for later use once the newbie
> knows it's working.

So I guess I'll go back to James' question that he asked a few days ago:

If we're only talking about a stock programmer then why develop anything at
all? There are already a bunch of low cost programmers out there (PICSTART,
Warp 13, etc.). What's the value add of coming up with YAPP (Yet Another PIC
Programmer)?

If we go this route then the best bet is simply to use an existing
programmer and not waste effort duplicating what's already done. If there's
no innovation, then there's really no purpose.

A simple programmer doesn't even touch on the first abstractive hurdle that
a novice will face: putting together a test board.

We really need to examine this board as a facilitator of the design process.
One doesn't design programmers, they are just a tool. A novices first board
should have the tools that they're going to use for design. A programmer
provides none.

Think about the concept of a design board with common I/O failities. Something
like the old Radio Shack 60 in 1 experimenters board. Except for PICs. With
a rich enough subset of facilities (LCD,LED,serial, switches, pots, IR) and
development tools (bootloader, ICSP programmer, bootloader cloner) it'll
provide a backdrop that novices and experts alike can use as a springboard
for project development.

Think about it.

BAJ

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