PIC programmer help

[georgetwo]

Hello
I am new to programming, I have also red many books on pic programming, most beginners programmers are Home made programmers, with r232 (with 11 pins) serial port. The program is; my laptop has no serial port, and i couldn't find a usb to serial port converter around, so I had the idea of buying a usb programmer from a store around, I found these
1) ICD 2 Compatible PIC programmer and Debugger
2) USB AVR programmer. (Can also be used as a USB to serial converter with
RS232, RS485 and TTL ouputs)
3) AVR USB programmer. Supports all AVR devices and integrates with AVR Studio
I have no idea which one will be best for me as a beginner.
I need your help in selecting which one can program 8bit, 16bit,..... pics
Thank you all

 

[blueroomelectronics]

#1 is the only PIC programmer, the other two are AVR programmers. Best choice either #1 or a PICkit2 or 3

 

[be80be]

If you can try to get a Pickit2 If you want make one yourself you can get a preprogrammed 18f2550 it's on the page.pickit2

 

[georgetwo]

okay, I will get the pickit2
I hope I will be able to make a usb to comport converter my self with that pickit2
It is obvious that the comport can program any micro controller if configured properly.
I will get back to you guys soon

 

[blueroomelectronics]

The PICkit2 is USB. If you just want a USB to serial converter a FT232R is an excellent choice.

 

[be80be]

Bill i think thats what he was trying to say. Never no will we

 

[Wilksey]

The PICKIT is a programming tool for PIC's not a USB to RS232 converter! You could "make" one with a 18F4550 and a MAX232 for example, sure, and program the 18Fwith the PICKIT, but you would be better of buying a cheap converter from Ebay for example with an FTDI type chip for general use.

Wilksey

 

[be80be]

PIC's not a USB to RS232 converter! you can use it as a UART tool to send and receive UART pic to PC PC to pic

 

[blueroomelectronics]

Xiaofan Chen actually has a FT232 emulator for the 18F2550.

 

[be80be]

It's not that hard to do! You no the 18f14k50 and the MCP2200 are the same chip the mcp2200 is just preprogrammed

 

[georgetwo]

okay, go even if i buy pic kit2, I still need a usb converter. Can you guys show me how to make one converter myself with the pic kit2 or both ?

 

[be80be]

Why do need a usb converter the pickit2 plugs into usb

 

[georgetwo]

my laptop has no port rs232 only usb

 

[blueroomelectronics]

The PICkit2 and 3 are USB. No adapter needed.

 

[Wilksey]

The PICKIT tools are USB PIC PROGRAMMERS, not USB TO 232 converters.

You can buy cheap USB to RS232 converters from Ebay and electronics stores