Jesse Lackey wrote:
> Works with hubs!  (powered hubs).  The ICD2 is totally erratic.

I don't see how it couldn't as long as the hub adheres to the USB spec.  It
probably won't work with unpowered hubs because it will probably ask for the
maximum power and refuse to go if it can't get it.

> Target powering at 3.3V instead of 5V (actually a settable voltage from
> 2 or so to 5 would be super).

It has variable Vdd from 0 to 6 volts.

> Some means of knowing when target is drawing more current than can be
> supplied by the programmer.

No problem.  First you'll see it, then you'll hear it, then you'll smell it.

Seriously though, there is no facility to measure target power draw.  The
programmer will definitely protect itself from damage if Vdd and Vpp are
shorted to ground, but I'm not sure yet whether it will otherwise continue
to operate correctly.  I'm not sure yet how much power supply can handle.
There may be a tradeoff between that, the ability to accomodate a wide input
voltage range, response time, and efficiency.

> A way of sending serial to a hyperterminal-type display via the
> programmer.

Very unlikely.  If I implement debugging at all, it will be to fit into the
MPLAB framework.  I don't believe that has any such capability, and I don't
see how you would want to control that anyway.

> I always have some way to do debugging/status printf() from
> PIC to PC; and I have to connect a TTL->RS232 converter for this.

Hmm.  I sell TTL to RS-232 converters, so I'm no seeing how this is a bad
thing ;-)

> Would
> be just dandy to be able to do this via USB with the programmer, as an
> additional signal on the programming cable.  (This could be significant
> effort and hassle, I know...)

There is definitely not room for an additional signal.  I could possibly
provide access to the serial port from the USB, but I still don't see how
you expect the host interface for that to work.  Adding commands for that to
the protocol is relatively easy, but then what?

> Able to withstand a short of Vdd/Vpp to ground, if possible.  This
> allows the programmer to be used with completely untested boards,
> instead of having to use a current-limit supply for first power-up.

It will definitely tollerate such short without damage, not sure about
continuing with proper operation though.

>> The interface spec and host software will be open.
> Yay!  Calling all linux and Mac people...

The interface spec and host software for the existing programmers are
already available at http://www.embedinc.com/picprg/sw.htm.  These will be
enhanced to support the new features of this programmer, but will otherwise
be basically the same.


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