Pickit 2 programmer

petespieces · 28th June 2014, 08:53

I am considering purchasing a Pickit 2 programmer, I have NO experience in using one.

How easy/hard are they to use?

Do you need a degree in micro chip technology?

Can anybody recommend one for a beginner?

Thanks

Pete.

Avulon · 28th June 2014, 09:27

Unless you are a software programmer already, or at least have a working knowledge of assembly language, then it won't be easy (it isn't for most that do either). I must admit that I hadn't heard of the 'Pickitt 2' before now. Did you have some application in mind, i.e. what do you want to program it to do? Depending on the requirement an Arduino Uno or one of the other boards in the Arduino range may be capable of what you want to achieve and has the advantage of a very broad user base and plenty of online help and tutorials, as well as plenty of manufacturers and suppliers (being an open hardware platform).

petespieces · 28th June 2014, 09:49

Hi.

I might need to program (copy) an eeprom chip for my IPK, other than that I just like to experiment.

I have built a solar controller and various timers using standard sensors and IC's but want to try other things, don't really know what

My son bought me an Arduino kit, but that's in the UK at the moment.

I guess basically I am just bored and want something new to play with which won't need physical effort

Avulon · 28th June 2014, 12:41

For the eeprpm chip you'll need the correct programmer board, or do it through t4 or now scantily. For just playing with get an arduino or raspberry pi.

*** Originally written on phone, damn auto-text 'now scantily' should read 'bmw scanner' - it changes words even when I spell them out! ***

petespieces · 28th June 2014, 12:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avulon

For the eeprpm chip you'll need the correct programmer board, or do it through t4 or now scantily. For just playing with get an arduino or raspberry pi.

Thanks, I'll wait until I can get my hands on my Arduino kit then.

Jumper75 · 8th July 2014, 22:34

For general microcontroller and eeprom work the ICD3 programmer would be my 1st choice mainly because of the excellent software and full compatibility with the motorola PIC range. As for programming the IPK/ECUs the auto electronics manufacturers seem to deliberately pick processors and eeproms that most of the hobbyist programmers don't handle so you need to buy a unit which specifically covers the chip you're working on, and you may need several programmers.

28th June 2014, 08:53	#1
petespieces Gets stuck in Rover 75 Saloon 1.8 auto Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Le Theil de Bretagne (France) Posts: 661 Thanks: 36 Thanked 37 Times in 29 Posts	Pickit 2 programmer I am considering purchasing a Pickit 2 programmer, I have NO experience in using one. How easy/hard are they to use? Do you need a degree in micro chip technology? Can anybody recommend one for a beginner? Thanks Pete.

28th June 2014, 09:27	#2
Avulon This is my second home 1.8t Tourer Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tanelorn Posts: 4,830 Thanks: 956 Thanked 1,148 Times in 916 Posts	Unless you are a software programmer already, or at least have a working knowledge of assembly language, then it won't be easy (it isn't for most that do either). I must admit that I hadn't heard of the 'Pickitt 2' before now. Did you have some application in mind, i.e. what do you want to program it to do? Depending on the requirement an Arduino Uno or one of the other boards in the Arduino range may be capable of what you want to achieve and has the advantage of a very broad user base and plenty of online help and tutorials, as well as plenty of manufacturers and suppliers (being an open hardware platform). __________________ Need a T4 ?: T4 Owners Map thanks to Stevestrat ( use at your own risk) Where?: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanelorn Mods/Retrofits: PCV vortex 'filter'; bluetooth; inline thermostat; reversing sensors; plenum spyhole ; headlamp washers ; Diy mp3 player replacing CD multichanger; FBH with remote; Headlamp washers; black/chrome front grille, rear blind; Xenon projectors To do: puddle lights; 2 Din cd/nav to fit; boot release button

28th June 2014, 12:41	#4
Avulon This is my second home 1.8t Tourer Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tanelorn Posts: 4,830 Thanks: 956 Thanked 1,148 Times in 916 Posts	For the eeprpm chip you'll need the correct programmer board, or do it through t4 or now scantily. For just playing with get an arduino or raspberry pi. * Originally written on phone, damn auto-text 'now scantily' should read 'bmw scanner' - it changes words even when I spell them out! * __________________ Need a T4 ?: T4 Owners Map thanks to Stevestrat ( use at your own risk) Where?: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanelorn Mods/Retrofits: PCV vortex 'filter'; bluetooth; inline thermostat; reversing sensors; plenum spyhole ; headlamp washers ; Diy mp3 player replacing CD multichanger; FBH with remote; Headlamp washers; black/chrome front grille, rear blind; Xenon projectors To do: puddle lights; 2 Din cd/nav to fit; boot release button Last edited by Avulon; 28th June 2014 at 21:53.. Reason: Clarification of amusing confusion

28th June 2014, 09:49	#3
petespieces Gets stuck in Rover 75 Saloon 1.8 auto Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Le Theil de Bretagne (France) Posts: 661 Thanks: 36 Thanked 37 Times in 29 Posts	Hi. I might need to program (copy) an eeprom chip for my IPK, other than that I just like to experiment. I have built a solar controller and various timers using standard sensors and IC's but want to try other things, don't really know what My son bought me an Arduino kit, but that's in the UK at the moment. I guess basically I am just bored and want something new to play with which won't need physical effort

8th July 2014, 22:34	#6
Jumper75 Loves to post Rover 75 Connoisseur CDT Tourer Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Cardigan Posts: 358 Thanks: 6 Thanked 49 Times in 44 Posts	For general microcontroller and eeprom work the ICD3 programmer would be my 1st choice mainly because of the excellent software and full compatibility with the motorola PIC range. As for programming the IPK/ECUs the auto electronics manufacturers seem to deliberately pick processors and eeproms that most of the hobbyist programmers don't handle so you need to buy a unit which specifically covers the chip you're working on, and you may need several programmers.