PIC Programming

@graham1904 
Happy New Years.  I've been playing around with the PIC16F1455 using the PICKit 4 (clone?).  So far have playing with several iterations of coding some WS2812B based NeoPixels, I've yet to run into an issue.  I'm using the internal oscillator, a couple of capacitors a test switch to drive 3 NeoPixel Breakout boards (Adafruit).  The timing was a bit tricky to get implemented in code.  Only after having to calculate the frequency and the instruction cycles, I was able to clock it at 48Mhz.  I followed the well documented tutorials done by Jens on Friendlywire to get me started.  
FriendlyWire

-d

Hi,

I recently found an interesting project on the Instructables site that uses a PIX18F14K50 and includes the .hex file. I assumed that I could use a PICKIT2 programmer that I used many years ago.

After a great deal of searching online, I may not be able to load with the pickit2.

I am exploring options at this point, and thoght I would reach out on this forum to see if anyone was still using the Pickit2 and what version of MPLAB they are working with. The last working version I see was 7.5 with the Pickit 2.

I really don't plan on doing anything in the near future with PIC, but this project is specific to PIC and I am looking to find a way to get the chips I have programmed .. somehow.

That or I may need to order a few more and have them pre-programmed at Digi-Key. 

Let me know if you have any thoughts or possible solutions.

Bob D

Hi @bob_d,

  Sorry, I don't know anything about the specific chip, and I am not using any of the PicKits, but in case nobody else replied, I had a quick Google for curiosity.

I spotted Microchip had a note on programming the chip in circuit...

https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/41342E.pdf

Not an easy read, or a trivial task, but first glance suggested it might be possible to program a handy board like an Arduino to create the bit bashing required. There seemed to be two options, one only requiring normal logic levels, although the other might only require an external transistor to switch in a higher voltage when needed. (I didn't spend long enough to figure out why they had two methods, and if it would be necessary to pick one method, depending on the past history of the chip, etc.)

Assuming you have a spare board, like an Arduino, then this might be a near zero 'cash' cost option, but deciphering the fine detail of the Microchip note and programming the 'Arduino' could take a considerable amount of time and luck, depending on your experience, etc. Unfortunately, I doubt if there are many people who will have specific device experience to be able to advise you, if you get stuck at some point.

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Google also found a company offering software and other things related to PicKit 2, etc. I know nothing about them, so this is not a recommendation, but you might find something useful. https://pickitplus.co.uk/Typesetter/

I found it via another article: https://www.electronics-lab.com/pickitplus-software-enhances-outdated-pickit2-pickit3/

There is related Github site which may also be helpful mentioned.

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I don't know how expensive getting some new chips pre-programmed would be, but obviously, it would be a quicker solution, providing the programming code is 100% accurate!

Best wishes and good luck, Dave

Hi Dave, 

This is great information; I will investigate further and consider the options.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. 

Have a great day!

Bob D

Hi Dave E,

I wanted to offer a big thanks for your input.

I purchased the PickitPlus software, and it works great with my Pickit2.

I found it very easy to use, and I was able to program the 4 PICs I needed in minutes.

I don't know how much I will do with PIC moving forward, but is good to know I have a reliable programmer.