Programmers for the UAV DevBoard

UAV DevBoard pilots:

SparkFun is out of stock for both their Olimex ICD2s, which is what I've been recommending to program the UAV DevBoard, as well as their Olimex PICPOCKET, which I do not have enough information right now to provide any recommendations one way or another. SparkFun is discontinuing the ICD2, it is their intent to sell the PICPOCKET instead. Those are out of stock right now. As soon as they get some in, they told me they will test a few with the UAV DevBoard to assure compatibility.

In the meantime, there are 4 programmers that I can recommend, that you can buy from Microchip.

ICD2 - Its around $200. I have used it, it works fine. You will need to buy either an adapter from SparkFun or an adapter from Microchip to go from the RJ11 connector on the ICD2, to the ICSP connector on the DevBoard. Microchip discourages you from buying the ICD2, because they are phasing it out, but it works just fine.

ICD3 - Similar to ICD2. Its also around $200. Its the newer version of the ICD2. I have also used it, it works fine. You will need to buy either an adapter from SparkFun or an adapter from Microchip to go from the RJ11 connector on the ICD2, to the ICSP connector on the DevBoard.

PICkit3 - Its around $45. I have not used it. I have heard of some complaints, but there are reports that it works ok with the UAV DevBoard. It has an ICSP connector, and you can plug it directly into the DevBoard. There are various packages that Microchip offers that include the PICkit3, including a "PICkit3 Debug Express" for $70, but all you need is the "PICkit3 only" package.

PICkit2 - Its around $35. I have used it, it works ok. It has an ICSP connector, and you can plug it directly into the DevBoard. Microchip discourages you from buying this one, because they are discontinuing it, but it works just fine. Really, its the best one to go with.

Here is a link to the information on Microchip's website. If you buy any of their programmers, go with just the bare bones programmer. They offer other packages with various accessories, but all you need is a programmer.

Best regards,

Bill Premerlani

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Comments

Dane Johnson February 18, 2010 at 8:47pm

I have thought of using the tag-connect on my next batch... looks attractive, it takes less space on the board than a header or RJ connector, also because there is no connector, it keeps the board to a low profile and no chance of the connector/header getting knocked around damaging the board.

The cable is about $30 but an RJ11 socket is 50c, therefore the break-even point of the cable is ony 60 boards.

Thoughts?
Dane Johnson February 18, 2010 at 8:07pm

I have the PICkit2 and ICD3, use it for many projects including PIC12 slave units, I frequently use the advanced in-circut debbugging of the ICD3 and have found it very valuable. The OLMIX ICSP breakout allows me to connect both of them via either the ICSP header or RJ11.
Sparkfun has the OLMIX breakout: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8108

I was going to buy the ICE because the PICkit and logic analyzer were just not giving me the debugging and triggering capability to instrument critical sections like ISR latency. I am pleased with the ICD3, it is much cheaper than the ICE or upgrading my LA...
Rana February 18, 2010 at 7:41pm

Thank you Billu Bhaiya !
T3

William Premerlani February 18, 2010 at 7:31pm

Hi Rana,

Thanks for the information. I am very impressed. You are the MAN!

Best regards,
Billu Bhaiya
Rana February 18, 2010 at 5:23pm

Hi Billu Bhaiya !
Infact I was using that only for long time to flash HEX files in my UDB.
PICKit2, I purchased only 2months back.
Only important thing, is that you have to have a dedicated serial port like it is there in Desktop PC's

Thanks & Best Regards

Narpat Singh Rana
T3

William Premerlani February 18, 2010 at 10:06am

Hi Rana,
Thank you very much, I was not aware of the programmer that you referred to. Certainly, you cannot beat that price anywhere else.
But just to confirm, you said you have used it. I assume that was with the UAV DevBoard?
I did not see the dsPIC30F4011 listed in the documentation as a supported device.
Best regards,
Billu Bhaiya
Rana February 18, 2010 at 9:40am

Billu Bhaiya, here is another one in just in $13.95 and works very well with dedicated serial port, not USB to serial converter. I have used it myself.
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8
Admin

Morli February 18, 2010 at 2:08am

Hi Billu Bhayia, I have no complains, my programmer is fine, The debugging and serial port options is plus which other programmer cannot boost :-). In any case I did not have much of choice unless I split my orders which I avoid & Pickit2 wasn't available from SF.
abey February 18, 2010 at 1:04am

For mac users: the Pickit2 is the only programmer for which a Mac native tool exists, if you can deal with the terminal. Along with these instructions for compiling the dsPic gcc compiler, I have a pure Mac workflow: http://vanklinkenbergsoftware.nl/blog/?tag=dspic
Rob Eckel February 17, 2010 at 11:00pm

Also, see this video response from Microchip themselves, after the youtube video that Ryan linked generated a lot of buzz in the community. Despite their response sounding like they'd be fixing the problems with the PICkit3, its been months and months now and I haven't seen anything new. My PICKit3 sits in a drawer and never gets used.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YUvlrVlNao&feature=response_watch

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