PicStart Plus and 16C508 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PICmonster
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2015, 08:04:10 am
content: Dear AllWe are trying to read a 16C508 Pic, it is not protected. This to validate the programming house is putting in the correct code in the device. Would anyone know if the PicStart Plus programmer can read a 16C508? We need to read the device any other ideas?I have tried PicKit2, PicKit3, ICD2, ICD3 and none of the support this, the PM3 is the only programmer I can find that does support this so far.Where would one go to find the product support list for the PicStart Plus programmer?, would this need re-flashing to latest firmware for it to read the 16C508?Are ALL the versions of PicStart Plus serial rather than USB? I am presuming it will not interface to MPLABX, would you have to use its proprietary software that comes with this programmer for it to work?Jim

author: mikerj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2015, 08:29:23 am
content: Did you mean the 12C508, 16C505, 16C58 or 16C558? I've not heard of a 16C508, and Microchips web site doesn't list it either.

author: picandmix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2015, 09:29:25 am
content: As Mikerj says you have specified an invalid chip number.You can check what chip will work with what programmer by using MPLAB IDE ( old version eg V 8.92) as shown in the pic below.As you say , even if you find one you need a PC with a suitable serial interface or adapter, have you considered sending the chip to a company to read it out for you, might be the cheaper option if its not protected code.Forget any idea of running it on MPLABX , its simply does not do such legacy products.QuoteSeems a bit late to be checking the original code in such a chip is likely to be 15 years old ..?

author: McBryce
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2015, 09:34:43 am
content: Also confirming that 16C508 doesn't exist.Regarding the PICStart Plus - I still have one somewhere, but I've never tried it with MPLABX, I still have a copy of MPLAB IDE 8.46 installed should I need to use it. The device only ever existed as an RS232 device, but it works fine with a USB to RS232 adapter. Also Microchip released a daughterboard for the PICStart Plus at one time and without this board installed you won't be able to install the latest Firmware versions available (if you have one of the original devices).McBryce.http://www.microchip.com/Developmenttools/ProductDetails.aspx?PartNO=UK003010

author: PICmonster
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2015, 09:44:52 am
content: Sorry I do mean12C508

author: picandmix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2015, 10:32:30 am
content: For a few £ you can easily build a simple parallel programmer like one of these which seems to be able to do that chip.Have built the basic Picall programmer, it does work ok, though never used that chip of yours.http://www.picallw.com/Do you have a parallel port though ? Even buying a parallel port pci card might be cheaper than other options.Also never tried it above XP ..

author: 22swg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2015, 10:34:38 am
content: Go here .....https://www.esr.co.uk/velleman/products/frame_kits.htmK8076 says supports it at £18edit May be other kits / builthttps://www.esr.co.uk/velleman/products/frame_programmers.htm

author: dannyf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2015, 11:20:35 am
content: QuoteSince you are utilizing a programming house, I am sure you have enough money for a icd2/3? They can read the data content off the chip.Also, plug your chip into a board and it should work as expected - no programmers needed at all.

author: JTR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2015, 01:37:07 pm
content: Yes the PS+ can read this pic. Actually so will the pickit2 be able to READ it if you select a 12F508. The read protocol is the same...

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2015, 06:10:13 pm
content: The TL866CS (or TL866A) universal programmer will read and write 12C508(A), as well as even older parallel programmed PICs like 16C5x series.