I went ahead and ordered the PicKit 2 Debug Express from Digikey along =

with some other PIC related goodies. I think having the PIC16F917 demo =

board with its debugging capability might come in handy as I learn to =

write more advanced code. I've used the MPLAB simulator to test my code =

in the past, but the ability to debug code at full speed on the chip =

might come in handy, even if it isn't the target device.

Thanks to everyone for the input and advice.

James
> 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
> *_ <http://www.microchipdirect.com/productsearch.aspx?Keywords=3DDV164121=
>_*
> 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?
>
> 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?
>
> 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.
>
> Sincerely,
> James Linschied
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>   =


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