Getting Started: Complete list

[softshelpro]

I'm new! I have experience with soldering. I have very basic electronics knowledge. I am new to all that is PIC. I'm ready to get my feet wet with a project like the "Dongle" and the "Lynx Express" (complete build and download of firmware).

I need to know what to buy in order to program any of the PIC chips used in the (very cool) light controllers on this site. I would prefer to build a programmer my self (if it can be done cheep).

Any help would be nice. 

[BrianO]

I believe the device is called a PicKit 2.  Check on ebay

[WWNF911]

I don't know anyone who's "built" their programmer.

Try this thread for info...

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[tbone321]

Where there are kit(s) to build your own programmer you will find that the cost of the kit is about the same as just buying the pickit-2. 

[OkieJay]

One thing I found, the PICkit2 is only half the equation.  You will need a PCB with ZIF sockets to put the PICs in while you program them.  The little one that comes with the PICkit2 starter kit is too small for most of the PICs used in Lynx devices.
I got the Sure model from ebay.  Info at the bottom of this thread.  You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login   

Hope it helps.
Jay

[ThaiWay]

But Jay, you don't need the adapter if you're dealing only with LE's and/or Wireless.  The PicKit2 plugs directly into the 5-pin header on the boards.

John

[OkieJay]

But Jay, you don't need the adapter if you're dealing only with LE's and/or Wireless.  The PicKit2 plugs directly into the 5-pin header on the boards.

John

Very true.  Will need someone else to help with the dongle PIC, but that would be the only one.

Jay

[softshelpro]

Very good options!!

I have to laugh at my self thow. At the top I said " I have very basic electronics knowledge." but I ment to say " I have very little electronics knowledge.". Silly me!! 

I also found these units and want to know if they would work.

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[rrowan]

How about buying the programmer direct from Microchip??

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$34.99

Cheers

Rick R.

[aERonAUtical96]

Save yourself the potential hassle by just buying the pickit2 direct from microchip.  I bought 2 different kits, and while both indicated they supported the particular chip model, neither did.  Spent days on trying to get the dongle chip programmed.  Couldn't do it.  Had to have RJ do it on his pickit2 while mine was in transit.  Took 10 seconds to program.

Don't buy the knock offs... get the the pickit2.  And with LE's, the pickit2 hooks right up and programs w/ no issues.

[softshelpro]

OK, so I found this one on ebay.

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Are the "ICD 2 20P Header" or "ICD 2 to ICSP Adapter" that are included in this sale going to help with programing our chips?

What is the most that any of you would pay for this sale?

[jnealand]

This is where I got my programmer and zip sockets, but they are currently out of stock.

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paid around $60 for the pickit2 and 4 different zip sockets that support everything in the Lynx line.

[knguyen916]

I'd make a suggestion to get the pickit3 (when it is out, if it is out) instead of pickit2. Or pickit2 when it goes on sale for the new pickit3

Save yourself the potential hassle by just buying the pickit2 direct from microchip.  I bought 2 different kits, and while both indicated they supported the particular chip model, neither did.  Spent days on trying to get the dongle chip programmed.  Couldn't do it.  Had to have RJ do it on his pickit2 while mine was in transit.  Took 10 seconds to program.

Don't buy the knock offs... get the the pickit2.  And with LE's, the pickit2 hooks right up and programs w/ no issues.

[softshelpro]

What is the advantage of getting PicKit3 over PicKit2. I have read the specks but they just talk jibberish of numbers and stuff. (I am new to chip stuff) 

[knguyen916]

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Of course newer is always better (sometimes).  Spec wises i'll let someone a little higher on the knowledge scale to answer for you.

What is the advantage of getting PicKit3 over PicKit2. I have read the specks but they just talk jibberish of numbers and stuff. (I am new to chip stuff)