Microchip PicKit 2 Programmer

[DynamoBen]

I've been using PIC micros for several years now. I've had all kinds of inexpensive programmers ranging from parallel to serial. All of them seemed to have issues and never worked 100% of the time.

A few months ago my JDM programmer died and I needed another programmer. After much research I settled on the Microchip Pickit 2 USB programmer. Not only has it been the best programmer I've ever owned, but each time they update the firmware they seem to add new cool features. The latest software release allows you to use the programmer as a TTL to USB interface, which has been very handy.

At $35.00 its well worth the small investment. See the link below for product details, software, and supported pics.
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en023805

The P/N for just the programmer (w/o development board) is PG164120.

[P. Short]

I agree wholeheartedly. That is the exact programmer that I'm using.

--

Phil

[jscheve]

I am also using one and have never had any troubles with it.

[KC]

At $35, it's also much less expensive than other commercial programmers I've been seeing. Thanks for the tip, Ben.

[DynamoBen]

Microchip did a good thing by creating it and pricing it at a hobbyist level. This thing is defiantly on par with "professional" programmers, in some ways its better.

NOTE: Microchip has published the schematics if you're adventurous and want to build your own. ;)

See appendix A:

http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/51553C.pdf

[P. Short]

Along the same lines as the PG164120, they did the same thing for the PicKit1, creating a programmer-only product (PG164101), which I had previously purchased for $25. It doesn't have a nice plastic case, and doesn't really seem to be available anymore. But I am still keeping mine as a backup programmer.

--

Phil

[stempile]

I bought the PIC KIT2 programmer a couple months ago and like it alot as well. I have built a handful or carrier boards with different sized sockets for different chip with prewired test buttons, LEDs and switches to play with and learn more about ASM. Its a good tool to have. I need to build a module with a ZIF socket sometime soon. I should have started with PICs along time ago!! I have been using the OOPic and BasicStamp for a while though. Working with the PICs directly is much cheaper.

Also I am considering getting the PIC Basic Pro for the variety of other projects. But the $250 price tag is keeping it out of reach for now.

ms

[DynamoBen]

Not to head off topic but I use PicBasic Pro and love it. Yes the price tag is a bit high but its super stable and a pleasure to use. There is also a very active and healthy support community, which I'm a long time member of.

If you want to try before you buy CompileSpot offers a month to month online PicBasic Pro compiler. That’s how I started out.
http://www.compilespot.com/

While I'm not one to complain about a great product I do wish they had a “hobbyist" version of PicBasic Pro. The price tag seems to be geared towards the professional market but the majority of its users are hobbyists like me.

[Macrosill]

I am ready to purchase a Pickit2. I was looking at the different options and I see Phil listed the part number for the programmer as PG164120. Is everything I need in that kit? Do I need one of the other part numbers to get the board that holds pic or is it included? I just want to make sure I get everything I need in one shipment.


edit: see the Tools and Equipment (http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=49) forum and this thread (http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3217#3217) for more information.

[P. Short]

PG164120 is just the programmer, which is what I've used, and does not include a socket for the PIC. The DV164120 kit is the whole kit and kaboodle, which I haven't used myself.

--

Phil

[greenmeanie]

Just ordered the starter set from your link thanks for the info.

[DynamoBen]

I to just ordered the programmer. I program everything either on a breadboard or on a PC via ICSP, so I didn't need a socket.

[joneslights]

PG164120 is just the programmer, which is what I've used, and does not include a socket for the PIC. The DV164120 kit is the whole kit and kaboodle, which I haven't used myself.

--

Phil


Phil, can you program a 16f688 with that socket?

Greg

[wbuehler]

I purchased the PicKit2 clone with the extender (The extender came with a bunch of ZIF sockets) from EBay and I love it. Super easy to use and works great. I have pictures and a how to use PDF in my journey thread.

I did a quick search on EBay and it seems that the generic may be in short supply right now. Just wanted to post to the fact that the PicKit2 that I use works great.

http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1643

[kmc123]

I have the PicKit 2 from eBay as well - I have pictures on my site of it in action, as well as where to place the PIC's in the sockets...

[mrpackethead]

I have a 2 Pickit II's ( long story ) as well as a ICD2.... And while the icd2 is great, 95% of the time, i just use the pickit2.. so much easier than farting about with all sorts of other bogus hack together programmers.

[ppohlman]

I purchased the PicKit2 clone with the extender (The extender came with a bunch of ZIF sockets) from EBay and I love it. Super easy to use and works great.

How much did the clone and extender cost you?

[kmc123]

Mine was 50 bucks and 6.10 shipping - 56.10 total...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180129366985

[wbuehler]

How much did the clone and extender cost you?

The complet kit cost me around $56.00. I have seen posts were you can get just the extender and I beleive that you can get them for around $15.00 to $20.00

I just did a search and the extender looks to not be available at the moment.

Bill

Thanks KMC123 I did not have a space between pickit2 when I did my search

[kmc123]

Here are two extender only options if that is what you want:

1. Buy it now for 15.00
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180148684095&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=180129366985&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=CategoryProximity&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m183&_trkparms=its%3DS%252BI%252BSS

2. Bid on it, currently at 9.95
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380004985245&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BID_Stores_IT&refitem=180129366985&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=CategoryProximity&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m183&_trkparms=its%3DS%252BI%252BSS