The 'ultimate rev counter' thread...

[ecat]

...
Is there not a way to knock one up without the use of a PIC? itmeans I have to buy a programmer or look for someone selling a chip prorammed using their design

The PIC is the brain, the heart, the very soul of the project :(

If you must buy a programmer this is the one I recommend http://www.rapidonline.com/Electroni...+2+Starter+Kit . You will also find a vast selection of ready made and DIY PIC programmers that mostly cost less, don't even think about them!

After much pondering over the requirements of an 'internet project' I'm still convinced the all in one, ready made, USB friendly, no need for a dedicated programmer, cost over £25 but save hours of frustration (1), units are the best options :)
http://robosavvy.com/store/product_i...roducts_id/726
http://robosavvy.com/store/product_i...roducts_id/543

Saves hours of frustration? This is fact under XP at least, best to check comparability of the USB driver with Vista/Win7 if required.

[Ricardoco]

You will also find a vast selection of ready made and DIY PIC programmers that mostly cost less, don't even think about them!..

What makes you say that?? ive tried many, both designed by me and Pre-assembled and likewise DIY and although they all have thair querks, they have all done the job once i got used to them, i do find that many companies try to do too much on the board but that is because they have got "programmers & project boards a bit mixed up" if i want a programmer then thats exactly what i want and if i want a project board i get one or build one of those also.

But the fact remains ive tried a few of both encarnations and all once i got used to them were ok,

Rick

[ecat]

What makes you say that??

I've looked at many DIY kits, I own a Velleman/Maplin programmer (http://www.velleman.eu/distributor/p...iew/?id=351982), we have a couple of old school Microchip PicStart programmers at work. What can I say about the PicKit2, and possibly 3?

They are small, they are neat, price is good, made by Microchip, supported by Microchip, supported by Microchip software, Microchip software supplied in the kit, have a large user base, work out the box, can program a PIC without a PC connection, they work when the target board is powered, they work when the target board is not powered (they supply the power from USB), they can be used with almost all PIC models and variations... The list goes on, they are a seriously hard act to follow.

heh, have a chat with Dave:
http://www.eevblog.com/2009/10/21/ee...bugger-review/
http://www.eevblog.com/2010/02/22/ee...-vs-atmel-avr/