USB PIC Programmer with 40 pin Zip socket

[Papabravo]

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

The comment was primarily directed to the TS.

 

[bcz]

I downloaded and installed PICkitminus onto my Windows 10 laptop.
The screenshot shows the "PICkit 2", whereas in your image it says
"PICkit 3". Is this a concern?
I am waiting for the Amazon order, should arrive by the end of January.

 

[be80be]

The PICkit3 has to have its firmware updated to work with PICkitminus

The PICkit3 and PKOB (PICKit On Board) require a special 'scripting' firmware, just like the Microchip original PICkit3 standalone GUI software. It is easiest to use the PICkitminus GUI software to update this firmware. When you start the software, it guides you to update the firmware if needed. The pk2cmd doesn't yet support firmware updates for PICkit3 or PKOB.

When you want to use MPLAB, MPLAB-X or MPLAB-X IPE again, you must revert the PICkit3 to bootloader. To do this, select 'Revert to MPLAB mode' from Tools menu. Then start MPLAB(-X), and it will update the correct firmware for MPLAB usage. If you don't do this, you will get all kind of errors when trying to use your PICkit3 or PKOB with MPLAB.

PKOB operation has been tested with the following development boards:

• Curiosity PIC32MX470 Development Board (DM320103)
• PIC24F Curiosity Development Board (DM240004)
• Microstick II SK (DM330013-2)
• Explorer 16/32 Development Board (DM240001-2)

Please Note that all new devboards have PKOB4 or some other solution, those are not supported. Also many older boards have been updated to new revision. For example Curiosity HPC board (DM164136) originally had PKOB (based on PICkit3), but revision 2 has PKOB4 (based on PICkit4). The easiest way is to look at the microcontroller type on the devboard. If it is PIC24FJ256GB106, it is very likely PKOB, and probably will work.

 

[be80be]

I would just use MPLAB-X IPE it works out of the box

 

[For The Popcorn]

Personally, I prefer the simplicity of the PICkit GUI. MPLAB has many options which will probably just confuse a BASIC user. That's my experience for what it's worth.

 

[be80be]

You think he will get it to work with pickit3 I’ve not tried it I use the regular pickit software it said on there website you have to change bootloader
I use mplab x so ipe works fine for me with any
Software be it X swordfish whatever I just point ipe to where the hex is it’s easy as pie

 

[For The Popcorn]

As I said, this is my experience. Other may and are welcome to see it differently.

Based in bcz 's comments, I think he'll find PICkitminus much less intimidating.

 

[bcz]

As soon as I receive my order from Amazon and familiarized myself with the materia I want to report back (sometime after the end of January).

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

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.

Exactly, any of the PK series will self power a PIC in a ZIF socket, but may not be capable of doing so via ICSP. The PK4 is a big step forward though, and much more power capable than the PK3.

I would just use MPLAB-X IPE it works out of the box

I would agree, it seems crazy to complicate things using third party limited software.

 

[be80be]

The pickit 3 is buggy about powering even with just led on a ip pin but any from pickit2 to pickit 5 will program a 18f2550 or bigger 18f4550

 

[bcz]

Finally my order for

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9ZTJFD?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_0&th=1

has arived yesterday.
I downloaded and installed PICkitminus on Windows 7 and Windows 10.
On both PCs trying to "READ" a PIC18F2550 resulted in a message "No device detected".
Did I buy a "lemon" or am I missing something?
Reviews of the programmer hardware on Amazon are quire discouraging.

 

[For The Popcorn]

I suspect the jumpers are in the wrong positions or the chip isn't located properly.

The silk screen in the Amazon picture isn't entirely helpful.

 

[augustinetez]

Also check under "Tools" "Target VDD" that "Force PICKIT" is ticked.

 

[bcz]

F: I suspect the jumpers are in the wrong positions or the chip isn't located properly.
- I have absolutely no info about configuring those junpers. No documentation came with the device.

A: Also check under "Tools" "Target VDD" that "Force PICKIT" is ticked.
- I tried without success.

 

[For The Popcorn]

I have absolutely no info about configuring those junpers. No documentation came with the device

Look at the bottom of the board. Also the Amazon listing.

 

[For The Popcorn]

From Amazon description:

Universal Programmer Seat Description:
Instructions for use:
Installing the microcontroller, 28-pin, 40-pin microcontroller left aligned 28/40P (A) This flag line short-circuit cap on the A position.
The 8,14,18,20-pin microcontroller aligned on the left 8P/14P/18P/20P flag line (B), shorting cap on the B position.
The ICD2, KIT2, KIT3 crystal head or 6Pin Block programming connection for programming the programming operation. (Note: a separate program of the seat can not be programmed the chip is programmed functions)

The seat supports the following programming microcontroller:
PIC16/18XX 40PIN Series devices (except 16F59)
PIC16/18XX 28PIN Series devices (except 16F57)
PIC16/18XX 18PIN Series devices
The PIC 8PIN/14PIN/20PIN family of devices (except 10FXX)

 

[bcz]

Would this help to set the jumpers for a PIC18F2550 (28 pin DIL)?

 

[augustinetez]

That looks right for the 28 pin PIC's

 

[bcz]

I click "Tools" --> "Check Communication" --> Nothing happens.

 

[For The Popcorn]

The jumpers are confusing.

I suggest looking the the data sheet for the PIC you have to deterimr the pin numbers for

/MCLR
V+
V– (ground)
ICSP clock
ICSP data

These signal correspond to pins 1 – 5 on the ICSP connector (I may have 4 & 5 reversed - klin car). With the jumpers in their current position, verify continuity between the micro pin and ICSP pin.

Continuity on all 5 pins means jumpers are correct. If not, try again.