Programming PIC16C73A - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: metrologist
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 09:12:17 pm
content: Will PICKIT2 program this IC or do I need to buy PICKIT3? I tried it by wiring up to RB6 and 7 as described in the datasheet, but no chip is detected.http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/30390e.pdfCan Arduino work?Thanks

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 09:51:35 pm
content: PICKIT 2 or 3 cannot program it. Its an EPROM memory part and is too old. The PICkit range only support the newer FLASH memory parts.Your options are a PICstart Plus under MPLAB 8, or a PM3 under MPLAB 8 or X, or a 3rd party programmer that supports legacy EPROM PICs.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2017, 11:52:58 pm
content: Why do you want to program such an antique chip?If the answer is "only because I happen to have one" throw it away and get something that's a lot less than 20 years old.And if it's for some existing equipment I'm pretty sure there's a pin and probably object-code compatible flash part (16F873?)

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2017, 04:53:49 am
content: I am interested in why you need to program it.Last year, I did an experiment to demonstrate the "GIE problem" and used a 16C71. Programmer was a PICStart Plus, Assembly, and MPLab. I can't remember specifically whether I used an earlier version than the current 8.92. I was using an old PC that had the PICStart drivers installed. Just checked the IDE, 8.92 supports the 16C73A with PICStart Plus, but not the 16C73 or 16C74.BTW, that "GIE problem" affects only the 16C71 and 16C73/74. According to Microchip, it does not affect the 16C73A.The chip was expensive and the emotional experience is quite a bit different from programming the flash devices. I didn't have a 16F84 or similar device to test on, so I had to trust MPLab SIM.John

author: metrologist
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2017, 06:24:18 am
content: I was trying to build a Brooks Shera GPSDO and that is the chip called for in the plans. I thought I read the original chip was obsolete, maybe I bought the wrong one anyway. Seems some other parts won't work for my 10MHz OCXO anyway.I found this text, but not the other notes I recall reading before, I think I lost the updated file:PIC402NE_Final.asmasm Code (can be read with any Editor)The asm Code is for PIC16C73, PIC16F73, PIC16F873A, PIC16F876AThe Code is compiled and tested with a PIC16F876ANote that I bought a PK2 shortly after Dave reviewed the PK3 and never managed to get past MP lab. I used Arduino for some light projects, so sparsely that I have to relearn every time...

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2017, 07:04:52 am
content: As long as you avoid the obsolete PIC16C73, a PICkit 2 or 3 is good for programming all the other PICs listed in PIC402NE_Final.asm. The best option would be the PIC they specifically tested the code on.N.B. there is no MPLAB PICKIT 2 support for the PIC16F73 - you need to export the HEX fiile and use the standalone PICkit 2 programmer software v2.61.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 31, 2017, 08:23:01 am
content: Quote from: metrologist on July 31, 2017, 06:24:18 amThen why are you trying to use PIC16C73A?

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2017, 09:14:10 am
content: Quote from: metrologist on July 31, 2017, 06:24:18 amDon't use a C part. They were current at the time the design was made but you should substitute for a more modern part.[RIP Brooks. Brooks was hugely helpful to me in the past with the minutiae of the VP Oncore phase messages]

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2017, 09:35:54 am
content: Agree completely with using the 16F876A as the code has been shown to work with that chip.@metrologist -- Since it has been awhile for you, do you realize that the "C" versions of the chips are one-time programmable? That is, unless you get a much more expensive windowed version that is UV erasable.John

author: metrologist
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 31, 2017, 02:32:48 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on July 31, 2017, 08:23:01 amI had copied a bunch of notes into a text file while investigating this project and somehow lost the expanded version and must have been using an old version of the parts list. I recall reading that a newer chip was tested, but when ordering thought I was ordering the new part. I'll just buy the new part a few other things I'd need to make the kit work. Namely, I now need to look into what needs to be done to make it work with 10 MHz OCXO since it now appears the design is not ideal for the frequency reference.Thanks for the insights all.

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2017, 04:34:49 pm
content: Completely agree to avoid the 16C and use a 16F part. These are flash based and programmable by serial ICSP method using PK3 etc. The 16C7x parts are EPROM and therefore non-erasable.That said, the very inexpensive TL866/Minipro programmer claims compatibility with these. I have used mine on a 16C54 which is even more ancient (parallel programmed rather than ICSP).