Summary of Build your own PICkit 2 programmer
### Summary The article discusses the limitations of third-party PIC programmers regarding software updates and legacy interfaces like parallel ports. It highlights Microchip's PICkit 2 as a superior, low-cost USB ICSP programmer that integrates with MPLAB IDE for programming and debugging. Key advantages include automatic firmware updates via USB, free software upgrades, and an open design allowing for clones or DIY builds. The author recommends the PICkit 2 over older devices like the Melabs EPIC due to its compatibility with modern PCs and support for recent PIC families.
Parts used in the PICkit 2 Programmer:
- PICkit 2 programmer hardware
- USB interface
- Microchip MPLAB IDE
- Standalone programmer applet
- ICSP cables
- Schematic (open design)
There are many PIC programmer available, commercial and DIY devices. As Microchip introduces the new microprocessors the programming software got to be updated accordingly playing catch-up with the PIC manufacturer. That is the root of the problem with third-party PIC programmers. Microchip’s PICkit 2 is the low cost ICSP programmer for Flash PICs with USB interface introduced by Microchip. Only subset of PIC microcontrollers is supported, but the list is including all the recent devices from PIC16, PIC18 and PIC24 families and certainly covers all the PICs you are most likely want to use. It is fully integrated with Microchip’s MPLAB IDE and allow not only program but debug applications as well. As alternative you can use the standalone programmer applet, see picture below
The PICkit 2 has USB bootloader and capable of updating the programmer firmware directly from Microchip web site. Every time the PICkit 2 programmer application is launched, it will check the firmware version of the PICkit 2 to see if it is the latest version. If not, it will attempt to automatically download the latest version. The software upgrades are free and Microchip updates them in timely fashion. Even more, the firmware and schematic are freely available. Apparently Microchip has made the open design intentionally, see it as the way to boost using the popularity PIC microprocessors. With such simplicity of design it is easy to build a clone version. The Sure Electronics is making a good clone and it comes with ICSP cables, see the Products page. My first PIC programmer was Melabs EPIC device with parallel port interface. After upgrading my PC I have realized that parallel port became legacy these days, as the most of new PC motherboards do not have it all. The another annoying part about Melabs programmers in general is that even if you buy the full package (hardware + software) upgrades are not free and only beta stuff available for download. I have successfully burned all my PIC18 and PIC24 chips using PICkit 2 and would definitely recommend it.
For more detail: Build your own PICkit 2 programmer
- What is the main advantage of the PICkit 2 over third-party programmers?
It offers free, timely software upgrades and automatic firmware checks, unlike third-party devices that often lag behind. - How does the PICkit 2 update its firmware?
It uses a USB bootloader to automatically download the latest version from the Microchip website when launched. - Does the PICkit 2 support debugging applications?
Yes, it is fully integrated with Microchip’s MPLAB IDE allowing users to both program and debug applications. - Can I build a clone version of the PICkit 2?
Yes, because Microchip released the schematic and firmware freely, making it easy to build a clone due to the simple design. - Which PIC microcontroller families are supported by the PICkit 2?
The list includes all recent devices from the PIC16, PIC18, and PIC24 families. - Why was the Melabs EPIC device replaced in this context?
The parallel port interface became legacy on new PC motherboards, and its software upgrades were not free. - Is the software for the PICkit 2 paid or free?
The software upgrades are free and available directly from Microchip. - Can the PICkit 2 be used as a standalone programmer?
Yes, users can utilize the standalone programmer applet as an alternative to the IDE integration.
