Programmers,simulators and debuggers - oh my!

[SkyRocketeer]

So my exposure to the world of PIC Microcontrollers has been just over a week now, and I've explored most the FAQ's and tutorials I can find, I've downloaded and installed MPLab, and even gotten a few (really) basic programs to run within the MPLab simulator.

Where to go now?

I'm quite happy with the MPLab IDE for initial development and debuggering, but so far everything is theoretical, I want/need to start building working circuits.

So what sort of programmer would be best for me? There seem to be hundreds to choose from, Serial, parallel, usb, ICSP...

What I want is:

• something that'll work with MPLab
• Something that'll work from my workstation which has every port known to mankind
• and also from a oldish laptop (that I've yet to aquire) which may be limited on serial/parallel type stuff
• Preferably a 1 box solution (i.e. no trail of boards chained together)
• I'd like the capacity for In-Circuit programming, as I'm known to tinker.
• Gotta be cheap (obviously)
• I don't mind self assembly (quite enjoy it actually)
• Needs to be able to program most stuff (as I haven't chosen any particular types of chip yet)

So, am I asking too much? Is there a single product to suit my needs, or a whole slew of them? Any recommendations? Shall I shut up now?

Thoughts welcome.. ta.

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Check the InchWorm+, this is a cheap ICD2 clone, so supports lot's of PIC's, with new ones added all the time, and meets all your requirements.

 

[Hank Fletcher]

I did a bit of research when I was getting into this myself a couple months back, with almost identical specs as you've described. Nigel's right: the Inchworm+ is hands down the best deal for assembly-required products that fit your requirements. Based on what I've seen on this forum alone, the Inchworm+ has the best post-purchase (and for that matter, pre-purchase) support of any commercial programmer on the market.

 

[SkyRocketeer]

All sounds very positive, apart from one problem: dipmicro.com show they're out of stock

Most frustrating. Any insiders know how frequently they update their stock?

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Well the DIPMicro guy posts on here, so he may well reply to you?.

 

[blueroomelectronics]

I talked to dipmicro, he's short of BC558's
Next time I'll layout the Inchworm for 2N3904 & 2N3906

 

[SkyRocketeer]

If that's all he's short, I'm sure I could pull a few out of the telly or something ;-)

 

[blueroomelectronics]

I should start selling direct.

dipmicro has the Unicorn PCBs but has yet to put them for sale.

Creatron Inc has all my kits, in stock, assembled even! but is not ready for mail order.

I have no idea how to setup an online store on my site or I'd sell direct.

 

[SkyRocketeer]

I've emailled dipmicro in the hope they can send me 95% of what I need.

As far as online shopping is concerned, it can't be that hard, as every man and his dog seems to have an e-shop flogging something or another.

You considered selling via ebay?

 

[simrantogether]

Well..

Well..

i like your Question.. where to go now..?

i think i have answer in ' steps ' for you :

1. make a programmer for yourself..

**broken link removed**

2. make projects for yourself.. < go to pic section >

**broken link removed**

3. make different types of robots..

http://robotroom.com/ http://robotics.com/

4. make remote control projects also..

http://rentron.com

5. become a pic master ..

visit www.winpicprog.co.uk of Sir Nigel Goodwin..

Follow the above steps and everything will be easy..

Hey, dont forget to read this article to refresh yourself..

http://www.devarticles.com/c/a/Embedded-Tools/Developing-Embedded-Systems--A-Tools-Introduction/

Regards,

Simran..

 

[SkyRocketeer]

Dipmicro have gotten back saying they'll offer the kit with the 2N3906 If it doesn't work then there's always the telly option..

Simran, brilliant - love the links, more reading material is always good..

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Dipmicro have gotten back saying they'll offer the kit with the 2N3906 If it doesn't work then there's always the telly option..

Any small PNP will be fine, it's not in any way critical - just make sure the pin connections are the same way round!

 

[futz]

I should start selling direct.

Yes! You should.

I've emailed both DipMicro and you in the last week. No replies. I PM'd you here. No reply. Probably all the emails stuck in the spam filters...

I want an Inchworm+ and one of every other kit you have.

 

[simrantogether]

ya thanks..

Simran, brilliant - love the links, reading material is always good..

Thanks.. i've many more links..

Regards,
Simran..

 

[Matt(Pic progger)]

Hello, I have used the ICD2 clone (I got mine from ebay). However I have found that the Mchip PicKit2 is very good, very quick, only needs usb, cheap (approx 26GBP from farnell with chips etc), ICD, ISP etc etc.

It can work as a stand-alone programmer and is very well supported, even into mplab now with the latest release.

The Mchip guys are really on the ball updating this programmer.

Just a thought!

**broken link removed**

https://uk.farnell.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?sku=1340278

 

[Ambient]

blue, I would not go with ebay, they will end up taking 10% of the money. Unless you do not want to set up and maintain your own site. If you cannot set up a site on your own, it may expensive to get someone else to. I would check out Amazon. But they take a percentage as well. But at least that way you avoid paypal taking their cut on top of ebay's cut.

 

[aussiepoof]

blueroom: have you thought about approaching the Sparkfun guys?? I know they have the Olimex stuff, but I don't think Nathan is averse to providing choices.

Just a thought,
Paul

PS: www.sparkfun.com for those not familiar with them... plenty of PIC stuff and good gadgets and sensors etc. to hang off them.

 

[simrantogether]

hey aussie..

is there anything to download on sparkfun for free..?

Regards,

Simran..

 

[aussiepoof]

All their software and schematics are free... if that's what you're asking? And Google is your friend for free schematics and software too, as many projects are open.

Personally I don't think $US30-50 for professionally made breakout boards with various cool chips for bluetooth etc. is very expensive... but maybe I'm spoilt?

Paul

 

[simrantogether]

Oh...

oh...

i got it...

thanks..

but let me guess.. google is a search engine.. am i right..?

moreover.. show me the links on sparkfun.. where schematics and softwares are available..

Regards,

Simran..