James Newton, Host wrote:
> Where can a kid get a PIC loaded with a HEX file for whatever so he
> doesn't have to build a programmer to get started with robots or
> whatever?

If you only need this done once or twice, you can probably find someone
local with a programmer.  However, if the kid is developing a real
application, he's going to need access to programming regularly.  In that
case building a low cost programmer is a worthwhile investment and a lot
less hassle and frustration than regularly trying to get someone else to
program a PIC for you.

Wouter's Wisp or my EasyProg (http://www.embedinc.com/products) might be
suitable.  An EasyProg bare board is cheap, and you can cut parts costs by
not using a ZIF socket.  Or if the kid's parents want to encourage his PIC
explorations, they could spring for the full kit and have the kid learn
something while he puts it together.  When I was in late grade school and
high school my parents knew I'd always be delighted with a Heathkit as a
present.


*****************************************************************
Embed Inc, embedded system specialists in Littleton Massachusetts
(978) 742-9014, http://www.embedinc.com
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist