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 $35. I have used it, it works ok. It has an ICSP connector, and you can plug it directly into the DevBoard. Microchip discourages you from buying this one, because they are discontinuing it, but it works just fine. Really, its the best one to go with.
Here is a link to the information on Microchip's website. If you buy any of their programmers, go with just the bare bones programmer. They offer other packages with various accessories, but all you need is a programmer.
Best regards,
Bill Premerlani
Comments
This is not exactly a programmer question but I am new here. To the point: abrupt movement appeared to "crash" the board. So, how would the board report its crashed state so another controller could reset the UAV dev board and provide accurate info to the UAV dev board of what is level?
Most of Microchip PIC chips are supported by the PICkit-2 programmer with its mini-USB plug. In 6 months of use, I have not had any problems with it and PICkit-2 is faster than a serial type programmer.
also note that PICkit2 is no longer supported for new PICs
that is not an issue
I will soon get started with the UAV Dev Board.
Wich one of the PICkit2 should I buy: the Starter Kit or Debug Express?
Apparently they both cost 35$.
Thank you.
You can do programming/debugging on the UDB with the PICkit2 or the PICkit3.
You can also use the spare serial port to produce a continuous stream of debugging information.
Best regards,
Bill
Can you do some debugging on the UDB using the pickit 2 ?
You have some interesting ideas, that parallel some of the discussions that are going on in the uavdevboard group.
Best regards,
Bill
I build systems so that code modules, macro instructions and parameters can be fed through any ‘other’ communication, like CAN or ZigBee or I2C, etc... I can envision a Ground Station(ATC/remote pilot) and autopilot that does just that, that is how satellites and autonomous spacecraft are designed. Ultimately that architecture would put autopilot within the reach of a *lot* more people and improve the lifecycle of them.
Have you used the ICD for debuggng or do you use it only for prog?
I am of the school that, unless you have single-stepped and/or instrumented your code then you may never be done debugging and tinkering...
I use PIC's for a number of other uses, and have fallen in love with the PIC12's for slave data acquisition and pre processing... also I am inherintly cheap, so if I can save a few cents on each board, but invest in tools that is the way for me.
Regards,
Dane
I can almost hear the grumbling from the USB only folks... IMHO USB is so yesterday,
The tag-connect looks great for exactly the reasons you list.
Best regards,
Bill
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