I have a question...

I own a PICKIT 2 and a JUNEBUG. Now i know its enough(for most things).

Should i get a ICD 2/3? I will soon start 16bit and 32bit PICS.

I was also wondering....

... would it be foolish to get the Explorer 16? I feel like its old for some reason. Or should i wait until microchip releases a ICD3/Explorer 32(guessing) type of new version?

Explorer 32 doesnt exist i know. But i just though since it would be new and all.

I like the PICTail Daughter Cards.

I am on the fence regarding PICkit2 vrs ICD3. We need to wait for PICkit3 to ship and see results regarding the ICD3.

The ICD3 will get you more speed and unlimited, no-skid, software breakpoints.

I intend to shop for all these and a oscilloscope in March-April. So ill be able to read some reviews by then. But hows your mind on the Explorer 16?

I do not have much to say about target boards.

When cpu's required support chips and external memory it made sense to buy target boards. Now that the uC chip has everything but switches and displays I do not see much point in them.

Since I started etching boards I either use what I have on hand or layout one for the project at hand. If there are more then 10 wires I will go back to eagle. It is only my personal preferance.

ok thanks, I asked because i think i can learn alot by testing these already made boards then creating them in a simpler form

I think Explorer 16 is enough to learn PIC24 and dsPIC33. I had seen in microchip website now discount 20%.

Cool 20% i guess ill get it in 2 weeks. Then buy the ICD 3 in march. It says i can use a programmer with it so i assume a PICKIT 2 is fine. If im wrong please tell me.

Originally Posted by AtomSoft

Cool 20% i guess ill get it in 2 weeks. Then buy the ICD 3 in march.

Speaking of new toys, remember the Logic? You mentioned it a while back. I ordered one yesterday.

oh yeah. When you get it please right a small review for me PLEASE! lol i want one so bad. Its out of stock right now so i can wait tho. I will order in about 1 month if your review is good.

Originally Posted by futz

Speaking of new toys, remember the Logic? You mentioned it a while back. I ordered one yesterday.

The author has just added 1 Wire support. The blog on his site is interesting.

Regarding Logic
Sparkfun shows they now have 71 in stock.

3v0

hey futz anything yet?

Originally Posted by AtomSoft

hey futz anything yet?

It's here. Got the delivery notice. I wasn't home to sign and pay the parasites (customs/taxes). The post office is in the drug store here in town. Going to try to pick up tomorrow after work.

Too bad I already fixed the troubleshooting problem I was hoping to use it for (turned out the ARM7 was pumping out SPI WAY too fast), but there will be others...

not to wish anything bad on you but i hope something stops working soon! just kidding.

Hows this look. Neat? i know naming is a bit hard or confusing at times



PCS = PIC CS Line
PWP = PIC Write Protect Line
SDSDI = SD SDI line from sd card to translator
PSDO = PIC SDO to Translator which is then turned over to the SDSDI. (SD SDI)

Im in the USA but love the other EU symbols

i might switch out the LM1086 for a "MIC4575-3.3wu" 3.3v @ 1A regulator from Micrel.
Some info :

The MIC4575 is a series of easy to use fixed and adjustable BiCMOS step-down (buck) switch-mode voltage regulators. The 200kHz MIC4575 duplicates the pinout and function of the 52kHz LM2575. The higher switching frequency may allow up to a 2:1 reduction in output filter inductor size.

The MIC4575 is available in 3.3V, and 5V fixed output versions or a 1.23V to 20V adjustable output version. Both versions are capable of driving a 1A load with excellent line and load regulation.

from: MIC4575 200kHz Simple 1A Buck Regulator