> Hope I have this categorized right:)  If not, do let me know.  I have
> the Olimex PG4 board, with a PIC16F84A.  I'm aware that the olimex
> board uses the serial port for power, and it will not work with a USB
> to serial adapter.  Unfortunately, I don't have a serial port on this
> computer.  Is it possible to power the olimex board off of a 9v
> adapter while programming?  Or can that only be used while the chip is
> running?
> 
> -- 
> Paul Anderson
> VE3HOP

Voltage levels are only a small part of the problem here. The built in programer is a variation of the JDM type, they work by abusing the RS232 spec to create the voltage levels and timings neccesary for programing. A USB-serial adaptor _cannot_ be made to work with this programmer, there is no way to directly manipulate the control lines in the needed fashion. The only way to do this is to use a PC with a real serial port (which might still have issues) or to use an external programmer. 

-Denny


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