I imagine Olin was targeting production programmer features recommended by Microchip, such as flash verification at voltage margins. This takes extra production time, though, and I'm certain many products are made without following proper 'production programmer' guidelines. I'd expect that unless the failure rate was high then the tradeoff would be acceptable, and given Microchip's quality, I expect the failure rate is very low indeed. Still, there are specific recomendations that Microchip makes concerning programming for production vs programming for develeopment and prototyping, and one should always mention that when one discusses production programming. Suggesting a programmer might be suitable for production when it doesn't follow manufacturer's guidelines for a production programmer is shortsighted at best. -Adam On 8/4/08, Funny NYPD wrote: > Well, every design has its own pros and cons. The most important thing is: the design must work reliably. > It seems the PICkit 2 design does very well on the job it is designed and it is robust. > > Comparing with the higher cost ICD2, PICkit2 is much more robust on hardware and software architecture. > > Not even consider many advanced features, such as the "Programmer-to-go" feature, end-user can even set up the production line for ICSP programming without a PC. And all the operators have to do is pushing a button. It couldn't be easier. > > This is not a "one-kill-all" invention, but it does have many working features and capabilities. So, if you own one, enjoy it. > > Funny N. > Au Group Electronics, New Bedford, MA, http://www.AuElectronics.com > > > > ----- Original Message ---- > From: Olin Lathrop > To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public. > Sent: Monday, August 4, 2008 10:57:18 AM > Subject: Re: [PIC] Quickest way to get an ICD-2 to program a PIC > > Matthew Rhys-Roberts wrote: > > Xiaofan Chen wrote: > >> A simpler way is to dump ICD2 and buy the US$35 PICKit 2. It > >> has a console version pk2cmd which does what you want. As > >> a programmer, PICkit 2 is way better than ICD2. Firstly it can > >> control target Vdd. Secondly, you can get good support from > >> the PICKit 2 developer from Microchip Forum. Thirdly, it > >> supports non-MCU device like serial EEPROMs and other > >> Microchip device. > > > > This is very interesting. We may take a look at this as & when > > production throughput gets a bit busier. > > I know this sounds self serving, but the PicKit2 is really not appropriate > for production use. It's a good quick and dirty programmer and serves the > low cost niche very well, but for production use you need something that > fully adheres to the specs. I know Xiaofan thinks the PicKit2 is the > greatest invention since the wheel, is the solution to all electronic > problems now and in the future, and cures cancer, but recommending it for > production use is just irresponsible. > > For production get a real production programmer. My USBProg > (http://www.embedinc.com/products) is one, but there are others too. And > yes, it is run from command line programs that can be scripted or launched > from within other programs, such as LabView. > > > ******************************************************************** > Embed Inc, Littleton Massachusetts, http://www.embedinc.com/products > (978) 742-9014. Gold level PIC consultants since 2000. > -- > http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive > View/change your membership options at > http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist > > > > > -- > http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive > View/change your membership options at > http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist > -- EARTH DAY 2008 Tuesday April 22 Save Money * Save Oil * Save Lives * Save the Planet http://www.driveslowly.org -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist