----- Original Message ----- From: "Maarten Hofman" Subject: Re: [PIC] Programming a 16f84 vs 16f877 > I would say: get a better programmer. Even the lowly JDM that I got > from Olimex was able to program the 16F628A, 16F877A and 16F688 > without problems. If you have a programmer that can't program new > parts, you're bound to get frustrated anyway. It's not the hardware ... its the software. Any of the "classic" designs will program virtually any part. Most of the designs are supported by hundreds of programs. However, only a handful of those programs will handle the newer parts. If Shay were to, say, build a SERPIC or PARPIC, or NoPPP, and he were to happen across one of those few programs with a lot of flexibility, then he would be well advised to jump right into the F88 or 648A. However, finding those is like finding a needle in a haystack, and as best I can tell, those that support a lot of parts also happen to be those that have issues with installation. Personally, I would NOT go out and buy a JDM or Olimex. Better a Wisp or EasyProg. Better support, more open software, and guys we trust. But it depends on how Shay sees the world. If he wants the cheapest route possible, then building from scratch is the way to go, and building the programmer yourself does remove a lot of the fear. On the other hand, if money isn't the object, then go get something good like the ICD2. > It takes two to five lines of code to make almost any 16F chip behave > like a 16F84A. Absolutely. But until you find those lines (and while they are documented, finding that information borders on impossible), and convince yourself that's all it takes, all those options on every pin is terrifying to many. > initial step of those lines of code, you only gain options, that you > can ignore, or use to simplify things even further. Yep, I agree. Once you get past the hump, there are all sorts of goodies, and they aren't all that tough to learn. But getting past the fear is a major issue for many. --McD -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist