On Tue, Apr 13, 2010 at 9:43 AM, Michael Watterson wrote: > Really seriously consider PicKit 2 (under $30) or Pickit3, else there > will be PICs you can't program. > He wants to use Linux and free software, PICkit 2 is ok but not PICkit 3. PICkit 3 is currently not supported under Linux. The current Linux support of PICs are not as great as AVR or ARMs. One of the main thing missing is the support of hardware debugger under Linux (Piklab's support of ICD 2 is of beta quality). For PIC firmware testing, I will still use Windows. It is much easier and much more productive to use MPLAB with the Microchip C compilers under Windows (XP, Vista, Win7). The free download of C compilers from Microchip is good enough for many usages, especially for hobbyists and students. That being said, for the OP's usage, it seems to me gputils/sdcc/JAL and PICkit 2 can do the job if he has reasonably basic knowledge with Linux and basic electronics, programming and MCU. -- Xiaofan http://mcuee.blogspot.com -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist