danger involved in using PIC missing a contact pin?

**kboyts** · 11-12-2009, 02:20 PM

When removing my PIC16 chip to reflash them I bent a pin, and it broke off when I tried to restraighten it. Its pin #14. Would there be any danger in attempting to reflash/use the chip with this pin mising until I can get a replacement/ would it have partial functionality left?

I re ordered a replacement already but would like to attempt to use the current broken one if it will partially function so that I can get a visual on my sequences (first year setup). That way I can work on any changes that may be needed while Im waiting on the new PIC.

EDIT it was pin 14 not 8

**dirknerkle** · 11-12-2009, 02:24 PM

I doubt there's any danger in reflashing it, but why? The chip is essentially unusable. You'll be missing the RC2/AN6 signal and certainly that channel won't work on the controller.

**kboyts** · 11-12-2009, 02:31 PM

I didnt know what the individual pins functions were, I thought maybe the chip would work but maybe one channel wouldnt?

**budude** · 11-12-2009, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by kboyts

I didnt know what the individual pins functions were, I thought maybe the chip would work but maybe one channel wouldnt?

That's correct - you could continue to use that chip as-is and have one dead channel (the 7th - so 7, 15 or 23 depending on which controller) - note that it may also drive the Framing Error LED as well so you would lose that indicator. That pin is not used within the programming portion.

Keep in mind that your sequencing and wiring will have to work around this and it may be more work than it's worth to put it back into your show if you get a replacement chip down the road (depending on how far you've gotten with your setup).

**mrpackethead** · 11-12-2009, 02:44 PM

This is an excellent example of why using ICSP ( in circuit programming ) is such a good idea. Its such an easy thing to implment i just dont know what its been missed off so many designs..

I simply put four .1" holes on the board, in which i can put a programming pod ( pickit or similar ) in when and needed..

**budude** · 11-12-2009, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by mrpackethead

This is an excellent example of why using ICSP ( in circuit programming ) is such a good idea. Its such an easy thing to implment i just dont know what its been missed off so many designs..

I simply put four .1" holes on the board, in which i can put a programming pod ( pickit or similar ) in when and needed..

An alternative is to use an IC chip clip - you just have to be careful with making sure you have the correct pins wired up to the programmer or you could damage things.

**kostyun** · 11-12-2009, 04:00 PM

Also depends on where it broke - If its not all broken off you might be able to solder a little wire to whats left.

**LabRat** · 11-12-2009, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by fkostyun

Also depends on where it broke - If its not all broken off you might be able to solder a little wire to whats left.

If you have a spare socket, then you can often place the chip in the socket, and solder a new leg onto the chip. *if* the solder happens to flow all the way down into the socket, then consider the socket as a permanent part of the device. Installing chip& socket, into the socket on the board (piggy backing).

Hope that made sense. To me (aka cheapskate) a broken pin *rarely* means the device is a complete write off.

**bmcgeeny** · 11-12-2009, 04:14 PM

Not to get on a soap box, but this is one of the problems I have with group buys, kits, package deals etc. When I order to build a project (and I seldom order for one at a time) i order a few extra of certain parts. PIC's are cheap compared to not having a controller work. OPTO's have gone bad. I have overloaded a triac or two.. Resistors are cheaper if you buy them in a bag of 200 rather than the 75 you might need.

With ten functioning Ren 24's and 5 spares and a drawer full of spare parts I still had to beg a crystall this fall.

But having the stuff helps.

A new guy gets in on a Frank or Wayne board and buys 1 parts kit/set whatever and builds one. One part goes bad and it's a major problem. Unfortunately the group buy rules do not allow for ordering special stuff individually. Fortunately some of us have stuff on hand and will sell/give send/mail on a moments notice.

I might do a little poll after Christmas and put a group buy together for say the 10 parts that must be kept on hand for spares.

**budude** · 11-12-2009, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by bmcgeeny

Not to get on a soap box, but this is one of the problems I have with group buys, kits, package deals etc. When I order to build a project (and I seldom order for one at a time) i order a few extra of certain parts. PIC's are cheap compared to not having a controller work. OPTO's have gone bad. I have overloaded a triac or two.. Resistors are cheaper if you buy them in a bag of 200 rather than the 75 you might need.

With ten functioning Ren 24's and 5 spares and a drawer full of spare parts I still had to beg a crystall this fall.

But having the stuff helps.

A new guy gets in on a Frank or Wayne board and buys 1 parts kit/set whatever and builds one. One part goes bad and it's a major problem. Unfortunately the group buy rules do not allow for ordering special stuff individually. Fortunately some of us have stuff on hand and will sell/give send/mail on a moments notice.

I might do a little poll after Christmas and put a group buy together for say the 10 parts that must be kept on hand for spares.

That's a very good idea! ;)