Cheap way to program 8 bit PIC micros now?

[cupoftea]

Hi,
I havent programmed PICs for a few years now......but now need a simple inrush micro to switch the inrush relay and enable downstream PSU....but the old programmer tools are gone?.
Do you know how to do it now?....do you have to buy the IDE programmer?

I need to stick with PICs as they are much easier than any other micro.

 

[scopeprobe]

do a search for Pickit is the cheap Pic programmer

 

[Aussie Susan]

Depending which PIC family you are interested in, you can get PicKit3 devices fairly cheaply. the PicKit4 is out now but is a little more expensive but needed for some of the newer MCUs.
Susan

 

[KlausST]

Hi

I need to stick with PICs as they are much easier than any other micro.

I'd rather say: Things you are familiar with always seem to be the easier ones.

Klaus

 

[johnny78]

what about JDM programmer ?

its my first programmer used for PIC MCUs
but you need a com port on the PC

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

why don´t you just use the USB-to_RS232 converters?

Klaus

 

[andre_luis]

The JDM programmer took its place decades ago when the RS-232 serial port was native to personal computers; one of JDM's peculiarities was the generation of a high voltage VPP by its internal circuitry took from the serial flow control signals, and it worked fine with onboard serials that exhibited their signals with an adequate magnitude since RS-232 allows a voltage of modulo 3v to 12v, however the USB converters most times work with a minimum value. Another question is whether the software that uses such a circuit supports the latest microcontrollers. Microchip has an extremely extensive portfolio of microcontroller variants.

 

[johnny78]

Hi,

why don´t you just use the USB-to_RS232 converters?

Klaus

Hi Klaus
As i remeber the converter cant support enough power for the programmer
I’ve tested it on this long time ago & it didnt work

 

[cupoftea]

Thanks, if anythign is more straightforward than pics i'd love to find it
The following book got me into micro programming

An Introduction to PIC Microcontrollers (BP S.): Amazon.co.uk: Penfold, R. A.: 9780859343947: Books

Buy An Introduction to PIC Microcontrollers (BP S.) by Penfold, R. A. (ISBN: 9780859343947) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

...i havent found anything this simple for any other micro.....i must admit the arduino is simple but you have to buy the arduino board.

 

[KlausST]

i must admit the arduino is simple but you have to buy the arduino board.

Hi,

you may use your own design, too.

Klaus

 

[johnny78]

using the arduino itself is much cheaper because you dont need any extra tools for test & design

 

[Aussie Susan]

In that case, perhaps the PicDuino is of interest.
Susan