Is there a cheap way to program PIC32MX? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: vlad777
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 04:15:56 pm
content: Is there a cheap way to program PIC32MX?In particular PIC32MX210F016B-I/SPIC-ProgPICPgmWinPic800These programs work with DIY programmer hardware, but don't support PIC32MX.I want something for which I can make a programmer hardware my self.Just for example I include a picture of Atmega32 programmer that is just wires of LPT port.

author: andersm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 05:17:43 pm
content: OpenOCD supports at least some models of PIC32MX, all you need is a supported JTAG dongle. If you want to use Microchip's ICSP interface, then a PicKit 3 clone doesn't cost much either.

author: jc101
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 05:49:03 pm
content: Doesn't the Microchip MPLAB SNAP support the PIC32MX, they are only ~$15. Though you may need to use Microchip IPE (or even MPLAB) to use it. Pretty cheap though.

author: jaromir
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 06:19:28 pm
content: You may use old PicKit2 (clones available under 10USD at usual sources) and pic32prog -https://github.com/sergev/pic32progAlso, there is option of using arduino with appropriate firmware, as I demonstrated herehttps://hackaday.io/project/27250-mcu-how-tos-reviews-rants/log/148016-programming-pic32-with-arduinoThe arduino way is cheap, but awfully slow (few kB/s), perhaps usable for flashing bootloader once.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 06:36:30 pm
content: I remember using those home-made programmers with PICs back in the day (mine was on a serial port IIRC), but these days they are frankly just not worth the trouble (and you won't find anything like this to program PIC32s anyway.)As others have said: you can either use OpenOCD with a JTAG probe (I'd recommend that more for experienced users than beginners), or use one of the cheap Microchip programmers (PicKit or SNAP).

author: cv007
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 07:05:55 pm
content: >Is there a cheap way to program PIC32MX?You spend $15 on a SNAP. Now you also have debugger capabilities, it runs on usb high speed, is fast and reliable, it can program pic8 (low voltage), pic32, avr0/1, probably sam parts also.>I want something for which I can make a programmer hardware my self.You probably have a pic32mx for a reason, now you can skip trying to make a programmer and go right to what you wanted to do in the first place.

author: vlad777
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 07:21:17 pm
content: I didn't know about snap.I think I'll buy it.

author: cv007
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 07:39:11 pm
content: If you still feel like doing something in the programmer hardware department, modify the SNAP to provide 5v/3v3-https://photos.app.goo.gl/HA7EgmibKAuhWsRN7They do not provide voltage to the programming pins, but there are a couple vias marked 5V and 3V3. You can use the 5v up to more current than you will use, the 3v3 is from the on board LDO, and I have no idea what it can do but would be shared with the on board mcu. I created my board with a step-down converter from the 5v, so am not using the 3v3 LDO. The 10 pin connector has the 2 extra pins wired to 3v3 (from step-down) and 5v (direct)- I just select the pin for whichever voltage I happen to want (jumper wire to breadboard). There can be more clever ways to select the voltage, but I didn't want to be clever and the two voltages are enough for me.You don't have to create a pcb, either. First version-https://photos.app.goo.gl/NPGz1eJC6UsKoSBe6

author: vlad777
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 08:02:11 pm
content: Quote from: cv007 on November 13, 2019, 07:39:11 pmWhat is that white perf board on the bottom called?It doesn't have copper on it does it?

author: vlad777
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 08:50:34 pm
content: @jaromirI:\__programs_exe>pic32prog.exeProgrammer for Microchip PIC32 microcontrollers, Version 2.0.220Copyright: (C) 2011-2015 Serge VakulenkoAdapter: PICkit2 Version 2.32.0PICkit2: invalid status = 0000No target found.---------I have a pickit2 clone that I have made.

author: cv007
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2019, 09:51:52 pm
content: >What is that white perf board on the bottom called?Perf board, I suppose. I don't know, it has holes, the holes have solder pads on the bottom, all pads may be separate, or some may be connected, don't remember.

author: ale500
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 06:20:14 pm
content: The DIP28 package has two GND PINs (8 & 19) they may be connected internally but maybe not, I don't see them both connected in your picture. I think they recommend a pull up on /MCLR. Maybe it helps.

author: jaromir
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 06:29:03 pm
content: Also, connect Avdd to Vdd and AVss to Vss.What is your Vdd voltage?