On 8/2/06, Richard Le Mesurier <richard.lemesurier@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi, I've been reading the digest for a couple of weeks, and trying to
> get started on pic'ing without much luck. I feel its time to ask you
> guys some newbie questions. I am using PIC 16f84a, WinXP, learning from
> www and course book from local university (Cape Tech, South Africa).
>
> 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

this one is ok



> 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.
>
> 2) WinXP abstracts the LPT ports. So I downloaded 2 different LPT
> drivers - can you guys vouch for them?
> GiveIO.sys
> UserPort.sys
> I found GiveIO works, at least under test.
>
> 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)


works ok, but you have first to "setting/option/misc/enable XP driver"
no auxiliary lpt driver necessary

a faster programmer software (pair with the hardware mentioned) is
http://www.qsl.net/dl4yhf/winpicpr.html


> 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.
>
> Since voltages on pins seem correct under test conditions I am starting
> to think there are timing problems maybe under programming conditions.
> Could there be a synchronisation problem with the board under XP using
> these drivers? Is there a way to test if MCLR rises fast enough to 12.5V
> without using scope?
>
> 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.
>
> Of course I could change to a "better" pic and use bootloader, but that
> requires one have a programmer working to put the boot code on first
> with. Chick'n'egg situation...
>
> Thanks
> Richard
>
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