USB PIC Programmer with 40 pin Zip socket

[bcz]

I am looking for a USB PIC programmer with 40 pin Zip socket.
I want to use it on my Windows 10 Laptop with a suitable software.
Any recommendations for buying sources are welcome.

 

[augustinetez]

First question is which PIC's do you want to program and what software will you be using?

Secondly - hobby use or commercial work?

That will determine which hardware is needed.

 

[bcz]

- Mostly PIC18F2550, but also PIC16Fxxx.
- OshonSoft Basic
- Hobby use.
My Windows 10 laptop has USB2 port.

 

[sagor1]

A Pickit2 or Pickit3 should be able to handle the 18F2550 along with standard 16F series. There are several "clones" of Pickit2 out there on places like Ebay or Amazon. If you have trouble finding Pickit2 software (it is out there), you can also look at "Pickitminus" software.

 

[bcz]

Pikit2 or Pickit3 use ICSP. I am looking for a programmer with Zip socket.
I found this:

USB PIC Programmer - Assembled

USB PIC Programmer - Assembled - CANUK1300 A professional, fully assembled and tested USB PIC Programmer offering ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) sockets for easy PIC programming.

www.electronickits.com

On the device list there is the PIC18F2550 and many more PIC18Fxxx and OIC16Fxxx.
Question is where to get the driver and software for it.
Also, if it's suitable for "OshonSoft Basic".

 

[bcz]

I just found out, they don't take any more orders.
Are programmers (whether or not ICSP) programming language specific or not?

 

[bcz]

How about this programmer?

USB PIC Programmer

www.canakit.com

Or any other suggestion?

 

[augustinetez]

All PIC's are programmed via ICSP of sorts, it just varies by whether you are programming something in a ready built thing or in an off board socket - even that kit above uses a variation of ICSP.

Here is one example of a PICkit3 that plugs in to a 40 pin socket https://www.amazon.com/SUPERELE-PICKIT3-Programmer-Programming-Universal/dp/B01N9ZTJFD?th=1

Also, Oshonsoft Basic can't program PIC's, it only generates the hex file to be programmed in to the PIC, so you will need some other software like the afore-mentioned PICKITminus for a PICkit 3 or suitable software for other alternative programmers.

And for reference I use a PICkit3 connected to a 40 pin socket.

 

[For The Popcorn]

^^^^^ This! PICkit 2 or PICkit 3 with an adapter board is the way to go with the PICKITminus graphical interface. Reliable and easy to use....but it does not support some of the most recent chips.

Beware of any old PIC programmers that depend on legacy serial or parallel ports. People have spent many hours searching for the Holly Grail USB converter that will work with this type of programmer, usually without success.

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

I am looking for a USB PIC programmer with 40 pin Zip socket.
I want to use it on my Windows 10 Laptop with a suitable software.
Any recommendations for buying sources are welcome.

Go for a PICKit 3 or PICKit4 (or even the PK5 if it covers what you want - but it's a bit pricier), you can buy or built a simple ZIF adaptor to meet your ZIF requirement. The fairly cheap prices of the PK programmers have pretty well wiped out all the lesser ones, and it's fully compatible with MPLABX.

 

[granddad]

40 pin dip is getting a little vintage now, you could still DIY. I even got a clone PK3 as a spare. You will need to provide external power.

 

[Papabravo]

I am looking for a USB PIC programmer with 40 pin Zip socket.
I want to use it on my Windows 10 Laptop with a suitable software.
Any recommendations for buying sources are welcome.

A picky point, but the correct name for the socket is "ZIF", which stands for "Zero Insertion Force"

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

A picky point, but the correct name for the socket is "ZIF", which stands for "Zero Insertion Force"

Must admit, I read it as ZIF, and referred to it that way in my post

 

[bcz]

I would go for

https://www.amazon.com/SUPERELE-PICKIT3-Programmer-Programming-Universal/dp/B01N9ZTJFD?th=1

and

PICKITminus

if they definitely can be used for programming PIC18F2550.

Your opinion please.

 

[For The Popcorn]

I'm virtually certain that a PICkit 3 supports the 18F2550.

 

[bcz]

Most likely I will place an order. If it doesn't work, I hope I can return it.
Thanks for all comments and advice.

 

[For The Popcorn]

Devices Supported by PICkitminus.

PICkitminus Webpage.

 

[augustinetez]

You will need to provide external power.

Er, no, the PICkit 3 will provide the power for that, I have the same basic system and no external power is needed.

 

[granddad]

True but as you see the pic IO outputs are available for development / testing so power could exceed the PK3 limits during a run.Ie an LCD and backlight..

 

[For The Popcorn]

The PICkit 3 has much less output current than the PICkit 2, so external power may be required for ICSP on a populated board. If programming a bare chip in a ZIF socket, a PICkit 3 will have no trouble.