> in other words depending on the programming equipment 
> and target cuircuit it is possible to get into real shit this way.

Of course, but that is hardly anything new. Impropper tools can always
get you into shit.

> Essentially the only ways out are either to be able to remove the chip
to reprogram it, to have the PIC on an isolatable power rail or have a
programmer that can power up the entire target cuircuit.

Or have a short-term ( milliseconds) shorteable power. And note that
'isolatable' can mean just a 1..10 ohm ressistor between the PIC and the
power.

> and adaptors for putting smt chips in standalone programmers aren't
cheap either) .

for SOIC you can use a SOIC clip

> i belive some programmers (such as the ICD2) can't do VDD before VPP
at all

IIRC an ICD2 can't do that *when you configure it to use the target's
power*

> ultimately before disabling mclr especilly in combination with using
the internal oscilator it is vital to consider the suitability of your
programming arrangements.

correct. and if you find it inadequate now might be a good time to
switch...


Wouter van Ooijen

-- -------------------------------------------
Van Ooijen Technische Informatica: www.voti.nl
consultancy, development, PICmicro products
docent Hogeschool van Utrecht: www.voti.nl/hvu
 
 

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