This is exactly what I have in mind for my Pi -- being able to program=20
PIC's with it.  I'll use the guts of a Pickit2 however, plus character=20
LCD, keypad and ethernet. The intention being to set up a programming=20
system that others here can use to flash firmware, but without any easy=20
way for them to get access to the code (or even hex files).  LCD would=20
just offer a menu of firmware versions (there are dozens!) and would get=20
the files from a server (so I can easily update it remotely). Then I'll=20
just make an enclosure that will limit access to the non-required ports.

Cheers,
-Neil

On 8/31/2012 4:29 AM, Vis Naicker wrote:
> A RPi can program a PIC or AVR using junk box transistors. So if you need=
 a
> Pickit Clone or USBAsp in a hurry you can easily boot load the firmware i=
nto
> your DIY Clone. No fiddling with unreliable virtual serial port adapters,=
 or
> digging out an old PC with a parallel/serial port.
>
> The I2C and SPI pins are available to breakout. Which means that you can
> write a high level controller (not real time) with gui to play around wit=
h
> some ICs. Which for $35 is pretty decent and should save time. Which is
> money.
>
> Also I think that the Spectrum, PSX, SNES, Nes and Mame emulation is alre=
ady
> available, performance is variable.
>
> There are lots of Youtube videos out, this device has lots of versatility
> and potential for $35.
>

--=20
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
.