Chris W

due to the severe lack of serial ports in modern computers and laptops, i was wondering if anyone knows of a good (ie. cheep) USB programmer. or possibly enough of a kick in the pants to get me moving in the right direction to build my own.

i do have an old laptop (go p1) that i am forced to use to program my atmels and PICs. but need to make use of some modern technology before the old thing kicks the bucket.

any and all help appreciated.

thanks,
-Chris

bananasiong

http://members.aon.at/electronics/pic/picpgm/
FT245BL is not cheap.

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pc88

For AVRs, have a look at the USBtiny from ladyada:

http://www.ladyada.net/make/usbtinyisp/

It's AVRdude and AVRStudio compatible, and you can even build it yourself if you are so inclined (or just buy a kit.)

Super_voip

or buy a USB to serial convertor

specie

Exactly what i did. And they are cheap too.

Chris W

thanks guys,
i've searched out the usbtinyisb the best i can. the filters here at work don't like the 'lady' part of the ladyada link :P

i have the schematic & the parts (i have a lot of spare parts lying around the hobby room/lab) needed may just have to buy a pre-programmed chip as the code looks like it is the propery of the designer.

i was looking to keep within budget for once with a project. (budget only allow for 20$ or so for fun money. Debt sucks)

thanks again,
-Chris

pc88

That is totally ridiculous!

In any event it's open source. Just grab the firmware distro from ladyada's download page for the project, type make and grab the hex file from the spi directory. Also, you'll want to use these fuse bytes:

extended byte: FF
low fuse byte: EF
high fuse byte: DB

Edit: Just wanted to add that this is a great project for understanding how to make your own low-speed USB AVR application without a dedicated USB-interface chip.

Nigel Goodwin

But unfortunately all too common!.

Like the local planning office for the area I work in, it won't accept the word 'erection' - so if you're applying for the 'erection of a new building' you're pretty well stuffed!

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PIC programmer software, and PIC Tutorials at:
http://www.winpicprog.co.uk

IntArt

this works for pics and atmel
http://www.winpic800.com//
index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id= 19&Itemid=88

silvarblade

i have downloaded this programmer schematic PICPgm USB Programmer. i cant find the 16f84 pic on the support list. and the book that i am learning pic form has 16f84 used in it. is there a better pic ic than this and what about the dsPIC30F family will the made kit support it or not?

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3v0

The PICkit2 programmers and clones are supported by microchip. You can download the schematic for the PICkit2 from microchips website or you can build a clone from the schematic at BlueroomElectronics.com
http://www.blueroomelectronics.com/d...structions.pdf

These programs are supported by microchip and work with MPLAB. They allow for debugging. They can be used as a 3 channel logic analyzer etc etc.

But you do need to program the 18F2550 which is difficult to do without a working programmer.

Fill in you location!

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Junebug USB PIC programmer kit., USB Bit Wacker, Homepage
The 15 Minute Printed Circuit Board! (+drill time)

silvarblade

is the software for the pickit2 free i mean mplab or what ever is used.i do have kiel so will kiel work also??

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silvarblade

can u give me the link of the schematic of this programmer and is it leagal to clone it?is a pickit2 clone better than this?

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Krumlink

Winpic800 is software. PICkit2 and junebug are programmers. MPLAB looks better than winpic800.

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silvarblade

i found this schematic from the website of winpic800 it is said that it can program neary all pics and some avrs. will it work and what about the code for the 18f2550 which i assume will be main piece of programming firmware.i can get it programmed if i find the code.also is a junebug clone better than a clone of this programmer??

Attached Files

GTP-USB[plus].pdf (219.6 KB, 4 views)

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i would explain it to you but it would make your brain explode!