I own an OLIMEX ICD2 and have found it to be as advertised. Be aware that it comes with NO documentation of its own. They assume you will download all the stuff about the MicroChip ICD2 from their website. It truly is a drop-in replacement. It would have been nice if OLIMEX had included a few pages of information to help the user get started. For example, there are two 6 pin male headers on the board. The one closest to the USB connector is the one you use. The other one appears to be an ICSP connector for in-house programming of the on-board PIC located on the ICD2. I also discovered that the cable pin marked with the triangle was NOT the pin 1 I thought it was, but rather pin 6. Luckily I figured that out BEFORE I used it. A little following of the traces showed which ones were +5 and Ground, and once I knew that I was able to figure out what was going on. I built mine into a plastic box from RadioShack to help protect it. I included a 9 VAC 300 ma transformer inside the case, since the +5 from the USB is limited. (I have only used the USB, so cannot comment on the serial port interface). I included a pushbutton on/off switch and indicator light to tell me when I had the transformer powered on. You must allow Windows to boot up BEFORE turning on the transformer. I also have a DPST switch connected that switches the CLOCK and DATA lines from the ICD2. After programming a PIC I can then disconnect the CLOCK and DATA lines. This provides complete isolation of these lines between the circuit under test and the ICD2. I am thinking of adding a switch for the MCLR line also, but haven't done that yet. I use 3 small sections of clear acrylic rod 1/8" thick as light rods so I can see the three small LEDs on the ICD2 inside the case. All components mount on the COVER of the plastic case. Slots are cut into the shell of the plastic case to allow for power, signal lines, and the USB cable. I am quite pleased with the final result. Fr. Tom McGahee >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Peter Johansson" >To: >Sent: Friday, September 10, 2004 2:58 PM >Subject: Re: [PIC] Newbie development questions > > Does anyone have any experience with the Olimex ICD2? Are there > any > other ICD2 clones worth considering? Any other comments before > I just > go out and order one? ;-) > > -p. > _______________________________________________ > http://www.piclist.com > View/change your membership options at > http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist _______________________________________________ http://www.piclist.com View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist