PIC LF compatible programmer?

newguy · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 1903

The subject line says it all....

I presently use an MElabs EPIC programmer - cheap and reliable. I really like the fact that I can program chips in circuit via the ICSP header. However, now I'd like to start to tinker with the low voltage PICs (LF), which aren't supported by the EPIC programmer. Note: tinker, not full-fledged production.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a programmer that supports not only the F or C series PICs, but also the low voltage PICs as well? ICSP capability is pretty much a must. Programming speed is not an issue - I can tolerate a slow programmer. Are there any plans available to build my own?

PCM programmer · Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 21708

Microchip ICD2 will do this. The reason we bought it is because we
needed to do ICSP programming on a board that runs at +3.3v.
We used a 18LF458 on the board. The ICD2 works with MPLAB vs. 6.xx.

bdavis · Posted: Tue Sep 14, 2004 10:40 pm

There is also the CCS ICDU-40. It is USB, and supports 3.3V. I have used it @ 3.3V on PIC18LF452 chips via ICSP without issues. You MUST remember to not enable any code protection fuses/configuration bits if you can't remove the PIC (not a socketed chip), or if you can't apply 4.5V or higher to Vdd when programming. Cost was less than Microchips ICD-2 - I think around $70 or so.

PCM programmer · Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 21708

The CCS ICD units require the CCS PCW IDE to do debugging.
If you only have the simple PCM or PCH compilers (without the IDE),
then it's cheaper to go with Microchip ICD2 for a debugger, since it
works with the free MPLAB.

If you don't want a debugger and only need to do ICSP programming,
then CCS has a stand-alone program for this. The CCS ICD would be
a cheaper solution than the ICD2 in this case.
http://www.ccsinfo.com/download.shtml#ICDS