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sam_h said:I want to get started with microcontrollers, and want a cheap programmer to learn with.
I found his on the net and wondered if anyone could tell me whether or not it would be any good? http://www.256.co.uk[/url]
I want to get started with microcontrollers, and want a cheap programmer to learn with.
I think PIC (how's i pronounced by the way? P-I-C or PIC) is going to be the best bet, I hopefully going to go to universty to study electronics but i see electronics as a hobby rather than a career path. So any advice you can offer will be greatly appriciated.
checkmate said:1. An ICSP programmer is a MUST if you are doing PIC develoopment. It is probably cheaper too since you do not need a ZIF socket.
2. All programmer's need to be powered, one way or another. The main thing about PIC programmers is that it needs to generate 13V to kick the PIC into programming mode. My programmer only needs a 5V external power input to work, which I conveniently drew from the target circuit through the ICSP cable, saving me the need of a external power adaptor.
3. Programmer's usually interface to the PC thru serial, parallel or usb ports. USB is of course the best, but I'm quite comfortable with serial ports as well.
I use ICSP for development. Once the design and firmware is done, I have another socket board specially for doing larger-scale productions.Nigel Goodwin said:It's hardly a 'MUST' it's simply a matter of personal choice, ICSP can be useful, but it requires the target system designing to accommodate it, and it uses up resources on the target system - which, depending on the PIC in question, might be more than you can afford.
Personally I've never found occasion to use it, I prefer to leave maximum versatility on the target board - and it's also simpler!.
Space is a premium here where I work. The general idea is cable clutter. Besides, USB ports are usually more accessible than the serial port. Lastly, if the programmer could be powered through another power source, be it the usb port or the target circuit, all the better, saves the need of another adaptor and one less cable.Nigel Goodwin said:Interesting idea?, why should USB be the 'best', it's certainly the most expensive - but both serial and parallel are just as fast (in fact WinPicProg with a parallel port programmer will probably be faster), and generally far cheaper. As I see it the only advantage of USB is that it gives the potential for powering the programmer.
Space is a premium here where I work. The general idea is cable clutter. Besides, USB ports are usually more accessible than the serial port.