Our recent experience with PK3 on18FxxKxx parts is negative. Though the MPLAB claims ICD2 supports 18FxxKxx parts, but it will need circ= uit modification on application boards because=20 ICD2 circuit doesn't support 9V VPP (special requirement on new 18FxxKxx pa= rts), this leaves us no much choice but get new programmer, either PK3 or I= CD3. Luckily, we bought an ICD3 at the same time with a PK3 (just in case PK3 do= esn't work as it claimed).=A0 The ICD3 is fast and works every time. The PK3 simply cannot link to the ta= rget board at all. Both use external powered boards.=20 Not sure if we got a brand-new defect PK3 or there are some tricks needs be= ing implemented. For aged parts, we use in-house developed BB0703 (A enhanced PK2 product). = For new parts which will not be supported by PK2, we will stick with ICD3. And our 50 mil pogo-pin cable works very well on ICD3 too. =A0 Funny N. Au Group Electronics, http://www.AuElectronics.com http://www.AuElectronics.com/products http://augroups.blogspot.com/ ________________________________ From: Forrest W Christian To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public. Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2011 4:07 PM Subject: [PIC] PICkit3 status? I was wondering if the PICkit3 has grown up yet and overcome it's=20 weaknesses as compared to it's older sibling the PICkit2.=A0 For those of= =20 you who might have missed it, the PICKit3 was a bit, well green, at=20 release, but I haven't heard how it is behaving now its a few software=20 revisions old.... -forrest --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .