----- Original Message ---- From: David VanHorn To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public. Sent: Friday, December 28, 2007 8:23:27 PM Subject: Re: [PIC] El Cheapo High/Low on data line..... > The problem is with El Cheapo or whatever it is called. At 13.42V, > the Vpp is too high for some PICs and this may permanently > damage some Flash PICs. > > Get a proper USB programmer instead like PICkit 2. At US$35, it is > one of the best low cost PIC programmer. Or use your > El Cheapo to bootstrap a Wisp628 or similar. I would agree with that advice. Your tools are not something that you want to add confusion to your life. They should be rock solid and dependable. Sounds like you've already invested more than the $35 in this "cheap" programmer, if your time is worth anything at all. I started with a $5 parallel port programmer too, but only because I couldn't GET the $30 one soon enough. While little projects are fun, it's good to remember what you were trying to accomplish. If it's building it for yourself, then by all means do so, but if it's getting work done, buy an inexpensive but RELIABLE unit. -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist I'm convinced! Just ordered a 'PICKit 2 Starter Kit'. Looking forward to getting started. Thanks for the advice! -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist