PIC Programmer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ko4nrbs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2023, 07:05:18 pm
content: Can anyone recommend a PIC Programmer for Microchip's PIC18F4550 40DIP chip?Thank you,Bill

author: oPossum
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2023, 07:51:48 pm
content: PICKit 2, 3, and 4 will work. Probably also PICKit 5

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2023, 08:00:22 pm
content: That depends what you are doing: production or development.If you are doing development, you probably want a MPLAB X supported programmer. See:https://www.microchip.com/en-us/tools-resources/debug/programmers-debuggersYou need one that supports programmable Vpp. PICkit 4 and the discontinued PICkit 3, ICD 3 and ICD 4 are also viable.If the legacy MPLAB 8 toolchain is good enough, PICKIT 2 and ICD 2 will do the job.In all cases you'll either need an ICSP header on your target, or an ZIF socketed programming adapter board that specifically supports 40 pin, 8 bit PICs, or a bunch or M-M duPont jumpers, two 100nF capacitors, and a solderless breadboard (+ for the ICD programmers, their breadboard breakout cable).

author: ko4nrbs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2023, 08:04:24 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on November 04, 2023, 08:00:22 pmI just need to reflash the FW of a Microchip's PIC18F4550 40DIP chip in a HF Power meter.Bill

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2023, 08:14:59 pm
content: The cheapest option would be a PICKIT 2 or PICKIT 3 clone, off Ebay, Amazon or the usual far east eBazars. Beware, some of the cheapest clones omit the variable Vpp required for high voltage programming of the older PICs, so if in doubt, ask us to check! The ones styled to look like the Microchip original generally have variable Vpp. Some are even sold with a 40 pin ZIF socket board - though not all of those make the correct connections to work properly for your chip without a bit of hacking.Use the standalone software or MPLAB 8 as MPLAB X is massively bloated and makes you jump through various hoops to load and FLASH precompiled firmware.

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2023, 08:23:09 pm
content: I use MPLAB IPE for programming.I previously used a generic / knockoff PicKit 3, and it worked okay. It was a little slow, and not 100% reliable. Sometimes I had connection issues. I still have it, but it will probably never get used again.I eventually purchased a genuine PicKit 4, and it's been fast and reliable with no issues. The ONLY thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't use a USB-C cable.The PicKit 5 has USB-C and Bluetooth, so if I ever need another, I'd get the 5.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2023, 08:43:15 pm
content: If only Microchip would unbundle MPLAB IPE from MPLAB X and make it available as a separate download . . .

author: KungFuJosh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2023, 09:02:30 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on November 04, 2023, 08:43:15 pmOn the bright side, you don't have to install both. I only installed IPE.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2023, 01:17:32 am
content: you have some pic developped software here on some thread for pickit 2 and 3

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2023, 07:53:27 am
content: Quote from: ko4nrbs on November 04, 2023, 08:04:24 pmIf you don't expect to work with PICs regularly, but might run into the need to program other EPROMs or microcontrollers occasionally, maybe a "universal" programmer is worth considering. These cost a bit more but would have you covered for many future needs. The TL866II plus or its recent replacement, the T48, are popular choices and support the PIC18F4550 (and thousands of other parts). Available via the usual suspects -- ebay, Amazon, AliExpress...