Regarding PICKit 2

Rant on:

I strongly suggest building a programmer that does not attempt to use the RS232 voltage as a VPP source. It is neither hard or expensive to come up with a external source for VPP.

When you get one of these simple programmers working the first thing you should do is use it to program a chip for a ICD2 or PK2 clone. They will program all but the latest PICs and provide debugging too.

But anyone who can afford the $35 + shipping should just buy a PK2 from micorchip direct and be done with it. For about $10 more you can get the 3 which is what I am now suggesting.

better you build the pickit2 clone of palma

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wire free zif programming...simple and clean...

wire free zif programming...simple and clean...

Click to expand...

We were all using "wire free" programming prior to ICSP (In Circuit Serial Programming).

I have no problem with the ZIF socket but where is the ICSP connector ? Not having one is a step in the wrong direction.

Here is a circuit that assists the Vpp with a 6v battery:
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That makes me a bit nervous collin. The RS232 voltage is somewhat of an unknown. I would be much more comfortable with a transistor switching a regulated source. Or at least use a volt meter at add just enough cells to get a correct VPP.

Firstly the 15k limits the current to 1mA and the Vpp line is not critical to over-voltage. You can adjust the 6v supply if needed. Some chips need over 13.5v to "open-up," so you really don't know what voltage you need.

Hello everyone,
Thanks for your support. I was able to program the PICs using NOPPP successfully...