Hi Richard,

    Generally most DIY boards out there do not provide
the correct TTL conversion and the user base is not
wide enough for "reliable" programming. There are
plenty of PC hardware version to cover out there.


> 1) I am trying to build a programmer off the www. In
> replies from the
> list to someone else recently, it seems that this is
> a bad idea.
> Can anyone here vouch for the following designs that
> they should work?
> PPWin hardware -
> www.semis.demon.co.uk/Pics/ppwincct.bmp
> Oshonsoft hardware - www.oshonsoft.com/picprog.html
> They are Tait designs, and differ only in the fact
> that Oshonsoft uses
> more caps. (I think)
> Both boards are giving the correct voltages on the
> pic pins during
> software testing as below.
> 

  If it is tait's programmer than the usual mods for
it are usually flawed. 

> 
> 3) I am trying 2 different softwares, both get good
> reviews on this
> list, but not sure about their compatibility with XP
> and the above
> drivers - anyone know?
> ICProg ver 1.05d (also 1.05c)
> FPP ver 0.9 build 43
> Anyone know correct FPP settings for the boards
> mentioned above?
> I can get the software to change the correct LPT1
> pin outs as required,
> using their test modes and multimeter, but have no
> oscilloscope to check
> while programming.
> 
  The problem is that there is a clk and a data line.
You can check this is in datasheet. Timing is critical
while programming the chip. If the clk if off just for
a while, it screws up the programming. It is not
impossible to do with a PC but when multithreading
comes in.......... You get the picture. 

> Am at a loss, and can't afford "real" programmer for
> a few months, but I
> have all the time and dedication in the world (i.e.
> unemployed...). Any
> advice appreciated.
> 
  Try PICKit2. It is cheap and reliable. Does not
cover so many PIC but good enough to start with. ICD2
is a better investment. Olin's programmer is also a
good choice. 


John

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