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If you need to program PICs but don't have a serial port, here's a USB programmer from Carl's electronics for $44 -
"USB ports are just about standard on all PC's now a days. So this is our first PIC programmer using the USB port. Just in case, we have also left a standard serial port connection.
Features:
- USB/Serial Port Connection
- Software that can be updated as new Pics are released
- Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP Compatible Software
- ICSP (In Circuit Serial Programming) Connector
- Quality PCB and Silkscreen for Easy Assembly
- Complete Assembly and Programming Instructions
Related:
- PIC microcontrollers - a beginner's guide - Link.
- Get your PIC on - free PIC programming resources - Link.
- HOW TO - JDM2 based PIC Programmer- Link.
- Programming PIC microcontrollers in BASIC- Link.
From the pages of MAKE:
- Microcontroller Programming - Easy-to-program chips tell circuitry to do what you want. MAKE 04 -Page 159 - Subscribers--read this article now in your digital edition!
Just a note, these programmers are made by the folks at kitsrus.com, and the major drawback is that they do not have recent device support; for example, the new 18F USB PICs (18F2550, 18F4550, etc) are not supported. This is due to the programmer requiring new firmware whenever support for a new PIC needs to be added, but the last update seems to have been in mid-2005. So, it would be a good idea to make sure any PIC you wish to use is already on the device support list, just in case.
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Excellent point evandude. Also keep in mind that even if the device you want to use now is on the list, as you grow in skill, you'll want to use more advanced features found on newer chips. A programmer like this can be a good cheap way to get started but expect to replace it if you really get into pic programming.
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