Today I received an Explorer 16 ("100 pin" version) I am trying to load the on-board 18LF4550 with the pickit 2 firmware: (from datasheet:) To update the USB firmware: 1. If not done already, download the latest PICkit 2 operating system software from the Microchip web site. 2. On the Explorer 16 board, install a jumper between pins 9 and 10 of the JTAG connector (J13). 3. Press and release MCLR (S1). This places the USB subsystem in Bootloader mode and makes it ready to accept new code. 4. Connect the Explorer 16 board to the PC via a standard USB cable. 5. Launch the PICkit 2 programmer software. From the menu bar, select Tools > Download PICKit 2 Operating System (Figure B-1). I followed the directions to the letter and I can't get Windows / PICkit software / the board to communicate. I even tried it about 12 times to make sure I'm insane. Has anyone gotten this to work, and did you have to do anything not listed in the directions? The switch S2 is in "PIM" position (it shouldn't matter AFAIK) I have a jumper going from pin 9 to 10 on the JTAG header When I plug in the USB cable, the device manager in windows does not update nor show any new devices - should it? The PICkit2 software says that it cannot communicate with the hardware. Thanks for any advice. I've RTFM. - Martin -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist