Usefulness of Universal Programmers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 02:34:12 am
content: Okay, so my PicKit 2 just died and instead of buying a new one, I was thinking of perhaps getting a universal programmer instead (the Batronix BX48 BateGo II). I would like to know if these are useful for new development, or if they are primarily just for repair work and programming EPROMs etc which aren't really used anymore?I briefly browsed through the supported device data sheet and I do see the PICs and AVR devices I commonly use, but not really knowing what else is commonly used and what I may be using for my next project(s), I am looking for general advice. Things like Cypress PSoC5 and Paralax Propellor etc don't seem to be listed, so I am not sure just how useful these are for new development... if it's not going to be used for anything more than the PicKit can do than I'll just get another one of those for like $30 instead of spending $600.Any suggestions would be appreciated

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 02:45:57 am
content: Always use the manufacturers recommended dev tool for the job is possible. That way you get the best support from the manufacturer and the community.Yes, I'd say universal programmers are just good for those odd jobs, or proper production programming if you get a good one. They also can't do debugging etc.Dave.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 07:00:40 am
content: Given the price difference, just get the PICKIT 3. If you then find yourself with a compelling need for a universal programmer, then you'll need to fork out the extra $600 - but you've still only paid 5% more than the cost of the universal programmer alone.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 07:06:52 am
content: unless you using something different from MPLABx use the microchip one, they have gone all me, me, me lately and pretty much lock you into their own software suit, there is no more standalone program to speak of and I'm yet to get my pickit3 working properly.

author: darrylp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 07:28:09 am
content: What is wrong with fixing your pickit2 ? You've got access to schematics.Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 01:44:37 pm
content: Thanks guys; I guess the universal programmer isn't universal enough for me.

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 10:10:52 pm
content: AND if you still want a pickit2, try 'Sure"http://www.sureelectronics.net/goods.php?id=21

author: djlorenz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2013, 10:47:10 pm
content: i had a ICD2 but it's not supported in mplabx... so i boutght a pickit3 and it's really good for its price

author: smackaay
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2013, 10:31:08 pm
content: Quote from: notsob on January 18, 2013, 10:10:52 pmYes, this. I have one and it works flawlessly and looking inside it's reasonably well built, not as nicely as original but OK for a chinese thing. The PICKIT3 is a piece of shit. that said, you can also buy a real PICKIT2 from microchip direct.

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2013, 10:51:16 pm
content: If you really want a universal programmer I can highly recommend the ones Dataman do. As well as programming chips in their ZIF socket, they have a connector for ISP programming of a lot of chips. You can go to their website and get a full list of devices they can program.As for Pickit3, I use one and it works fine for me.