Can I use picstart plus as an icsp

[jkmadsci]

Can i use the picstart plus as an in circuit programmer. Anotherwords i want to run a 5 pin header to my 16f684 chip and program it using only 5 of the pins?



vdd pin 1
vss pin 14
vpp pin 4
data pin 13
clock pin 12

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Could work, keep the cable short 6" to 8"

 

[jkmadsci]

I built the cable to 5 inches.
It verifys ok, but i get programming errors. i checked mclr and it has 13 volts.

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Hmm, I recall someone else doing it. **broken link removed**

 

[jkmadsci]

Thankyou for the link. i read it and his problem was related to the 5 volt line.
I read 4.25 volts on my circuit witch should be ok. My 16f684 is connected to a couple of very small components and maybe one of them is drawing too much current.
I will retry tomorrow.

 

[atferrari]

Check Microchip forum

Check the posts from mfb (Mario Brezowsky) in the Microchip forum

He explained somehow that it could be used for ICSP.

Minimum a year ago.

 

[jkmadsci]

Why is 8 inches the maximum length. It seems to be a simple interface. Also on my target board I have an additional 20 ma draw. Could one of these things be my problem?

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Well the PICStart+ is a slow programmer so maybe cable length is not as important but keeping it under 8" will mean it's not the problem. It really boils down to the PS+ was never designed as an ICP, and since an ICD can be had for under $50 why not just get one? You could even hand wire one that would run circles around your PICStart+

 

[jkmadsci]

One last question please. Do i have to unplug my circuit from the picstart when i am running my pic chip? Anotherwords can i program and then run the circuit without disconnecting the icsp cable?