I only have parallel port programmers, I don't consider serial port ones reliable enough.
What I would say, if you only have a serial port (so can't use a parallel port programmer) go for a more expensive one - a 'proper' serial port programmer that has a processor on board. These work fine, but obviously cost more - the cheap 'serial' port programmers don't actually use the serial port at all, just some of it's handshake lines, they usually rely on the handshake lines been above RS232 specification, so only work on some computers.
It's a JDM programmer, they don't do 100% - it's entirely dependent on your particular computer's serial port being above the RS232 standard - if it isn't, it won't work!.
But it's very simple and cheap to build, give it a try and see if it works on yours? - although if you have a laptop I wouldn't bother!.
AMPdeck
I have built this programmer and I can only say for myself that it is working for me 100% on my desktop. I have not had any problems with it. I built it approx a year ago and it is still running fine. As Nigel stated I wouldn't try it with a laptop. RS232 voltages are low on the laptops.
Just ensure that your voltages are high enough on the desktop to use it.
I think you need at least 13 V (+ and -) to run it.
AMPdeck
I have built this programmer and I can only say for myself that it is working for me 100% on my desktop. I have not had any problems with it. I built it approx a year ago and it is still running fine. As Nigel stated I wouldn't try it with a laptop. RS232 voltages are low on the laptops.
Just ensure that your voltages are high enough on the desktop to use it.
I think you need at least 13 V (+ and -) to run it.
Yes, but beware,the JDM does NOT work on all PC's.I have built one and it works fine on my PC at work,"BUT" I have also built the OziPic'er on Nigel's site and to be VERY honest I prefer the OziPic'er.
At the end of the day,at a "LITTLE" extra cost you would be much better off.
do a google search for picblaster or umm something like that maybe theres a space in there. i was looking for one a while back before i got my good one and it was a programmer only for the 1684s. not much too it at all. it can be built from scraps youd probably have lying around. if not go to radio shack they have everything for it.
hi guys!, my desktop does not have serial port on my motherboard, im looking for any pic programmer that will run using usb to rs232 cable do any one among you have try this one and make it run?, can you give me the schematic? TIA!..
Try this one. I think it will work fine as it has the separate power supply. I used one of these with 16F628A and it worked v well. Haven't tried with a USB to serial adapter though