Mike Hagen wrote:
> I use Pic Start+ with adaptors (SMD to Pins for Pstart+) bought from
> some vendors here in the US (Logical Systems, Iornwood, ect).
> They run about $65, so get an adaptor that will do the most pins and
> still fit a shorter package.
>
> You have to watch out, some small SMD Pics are narrow, some are wide
> SOIC!  You might have to buy several adaptors, I ran into this going
> from the 12C508 to 12F675?
>
> The PicStart+ is the best supported programmer for the small guy!  I got
> 2 of them, love the fact that they work in MPLAB!
>   
I have 3, and all 3 are broken. They don't seem to be very reliable. 
There are others compatible
with MPLAB that I like better

> On another project with the 16F77, I put a place for a connector for the
> Microchip ICD-2 connection.  I use a real small connector (5 pin),
> but do not solder it on.  The PCB pads are laid out tight so I force the
> connector, program the Pic, and then remove the connector and use it 
> for the next board.  If I wanted to, I could even shorten the PCB by
> about an 1/8", by cutting the board off on that end?
>
>   
The easiest way to accomplish ICSP is to layout the connections on a 5p 
0.1" array of pads, but
do NOT actually install a connector! I then have made up probing pins 
(called POGO PINS) on
a 5P molex connector which connects to the programmer. When you need to 
program, simply
press the probe array into position and engage the programmer. The 
probes are gold-plated and
last about 2000 shots before one or more needs to be replaced. BTW, the 
holes of the pads must
not be too big; 0.030" is ideal for "chisel-point" probes.
> I use the Microchip adaptor board for the SOT 10F200.  It is a universal
> board with ICD and DIP connections, and a good deal.
>
> BUT the DOTTED end on the 10F200 is almost impossible to SEE!
>
> I look under a magnifying lamp, and still have problems.  Microchip
> needs to put a bigger dimple at the pin 1 end.
>
> I am going to stop using them (SOT 10F200) until they do something about
> it.  It takes me too long to program and solder on the PCB
> because I CAN'T SEE which end is PIN 1 !
>
>   
But its a problem with all SOTs, I can't see any of 'em either!

--Bob
>  
> Mike Hagen
> Hagen Engineering
> Crestline, Ca.
> Mike@HagenEng.com
> (909) 338-5521
>
>
>
>
>   

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