On 11/3/06, James Linscheid wrote: > Hello, > > I've recently started experimenting with PIC microcontrollers in a > hobbyist capacity using the "El Cheapo" programmer and have already > become frustrated with some of its limitations. A few of the newer chips > I have are not supported, and that in addition to it being a bit > temperamental has me looking at the PICKit 2 an alternative. More than > anything it seems to be frequently updated to support newer devices. > > On the Microchip web site I see 2 PICKits 2 packages offered: > > PICkit=99 2 Debug Express, Part number: DV164121 > and > PICkit=99 2 Starter Kit, Part number: DV164120 > *_ _* > The are both the same price, but I'm a bit confused as to the > differences between them. It looks to me like the only difference is > that the Debug Express has a demo board with a chip already on it, and > the Starter Kit has a blank 8/14/20 pin board for programing my chips. > Is this correct? Do they both support in-circuit debugging in MPLAB? That's right. The difference is in the prototype boards included. Get one if it's convenient for you, but read on. The PICkit 2 supports debugging on the PIC16F917 only. The '917 doesn't fit the 8/14/20 pin board. The '917 is availible in the 44-pin version with the Debug Express and a 40-pin DIP version. > Based on that assumption it looks like the Starter Kit is the way to go > if I want to program my own devices, and not just the demo board. > > Also, I've seen references to the fact I can support 40-pin devices like > my 16F877 by wiring up a cable to a board containing a 40-pin Ziff > socket. Is this true, and if so does anyone have a pointer to a schematic? The programming connections for each PIC are called out in the chip's "programming guide". Look at the chip's home page at microchip.com. The programming guide is listed on the right-hand side. The connections are usually on the first page or two. For the PICkit 2 end of the cable, look in the user guide (also downloadable). The schematic is in an appendix. You'll need five connections: power, ground, reset/Vpp, data, and clock. I recommend you don't make a special board for programming. Just add the 6-pin header for the PICkit 2 to whatever design you are working on, and program the chip in-place. This is called "in-circuit serial programming", and is much more convenient than pulling the chip out and popping it in a ZIF socket a thousand times while developing software. You can also build a temporary programming jig on one of those white solderless breadboards. > Sorry if these are really obvious questions. Like I said I'm pretty much > a beginner at this. I'm just looking for a programming solution that > will keep my hair intact, and hopefully support future additions to the > product line. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The PICkit 2 is a pretty good choice for a development programmer. The source code is available, so you could even hack in support for something if it's not yet supported. In fact, the latest code won't require changes to the PICkit code to support new chips. Regards, Mark markrages@gmail -- = You think that it is a secret, but it never has been one. - fortune cookie -- = http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist