Wich PIC Programmer is best???

[Nigel Goodwin]

I am absolutely astounded that you would buy a PICkit-2 programmer that comes with 2 CD’s filled with programming material and not think the software is worth hundreds of dollars, if not thousands of dollars.

Anyone with any sense, everything on it is a free download from MicroChip.

It's very useful, in fact EXTREMELY useful, but is provided FOC by MicroChip.

Bill obviously can't provide it on CD, as I'm sure MicroChip would take a poor view of that, but anyone can just download it for nothing.

 

[be80be]

revmonster I would get the junebug It's really good deal. You can test code on it or
program a chip off board.

 

[ThermalRunaway]

I don't think it really matters which you buy - Junebug or PicKit 2 - because in terms of functionality you're on to a winner with either of them. So the choice just comes down to your personal preference. If you insist on building your own, then the decision is made for you - Junebug.

The advice most of us are trying to offer is, don't waste your time with those old DIY designs. They're outdated, they support very few chips, and they lack the feaures you need. Get yourself something decent - Junebug or PicKit 2, you decide.

Brian

 

[blueroomelectronics]

The PK2 is a great programmer. It has a programmable VDD generator and internal EEPROM (the Junebug does not have those)

I designed Junebug as two in one project. An 18F Tutor with a PK2
it's a kit, I like building kits and sure miss Heathkit
it's all hole through and the ICs are socketed (repairable)
I've reflashed a Junebug with the Serial Analyzer firmware nice.

Both are MPLAB compatible and support the really handy PICkit2 2.61 tool.

Either is an excellent choice

 

[ThermalRunaway]

I know this is an old thread, but I thought I'd revive it because Dave Jones (the guy from the blog I recently linked to) has now done a review on the PicKit 3, comparing it directly to the PicKit 2.

His comments will be interesting to anyone who is debating which programmer to buy.

https://www.eevblog.com/2009/10/21/eevblog-39-pickit-3-programmerdebugger-review/

Brian.

 

[smanches]

I hadn't heard many good things about the PK3 yet, but this sounds a bit ridiculous.

 

[blueroomelectronics]

I'll have to watch that podcast.