On Sun, Jan 29, 2006 at 10:26:19PM -0800, James Newtons Massmind wrote:
> > If you want USB, PICkit 2 or GTP USB Lite will be a better 
> > solution IMHO.
> > 
> > Adding the cost of a USB to serial converter to a simple 
> > programmer will bring the cost similar to GTP USB Lite or 
> > even PICkit 2. I know quite some people do have USB to serial 
> > converter but other may not have. For one I do not have any 
> > USB to serial converter.
> > 
> > Take note that GTP USB Lite is very similar to Wisp628A but 
> > it is using USB port to power up the programmer. It will be 
> > actually quite cheap to build. The software is closed source 
> > though but the hardware is quite simple. It supports many 
> > PICs and even dsPICs using WinPIC800.
> 
> 
> <song> The day... The haaaaaakerrrrrs died... </song>
> 
> Oh well... 
> 
> 1. Serial so it will work on all available compters, terminals, PDAs, etc...

Yes.

> 
> 2. No software or web server based software so the OS doesn't matter.

I could buy that. My preference is open source software that can be ported
to the required platform.

> 3. Actually shows the user what the heck is going on rather than "magic
> happens in this program and some signals go into the PIC and wow! Presto!
> It's programmed"

Yes and no. Good from an educational standpoint. Not so good for the hobbist
that just wants to get a job done.

> 4. Allows a bootloader (open source) to be loaded into the PIC so that
> future loads are faster, still don't require software, etc...

Bingo. That's the primary purpose. It can even be used to bootstrap a
traditional programmer if need be for parts who don't support bootloading.

> 
> 5. Bootload programmer software for what ever open source programmer you
> want for other PICs and use whatever software.

Yup.

> But at least once, you had some idea of what signals were actually being
> applied to the PIC....
> 
> 
> Ok, enough said. I'll let it die now.

Thanks for the insight.

BAJ
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