PicBlaster PIC Programmer
Why pay $99+ for the leading brand when you can build your own PIC
programmer for under $10!!!!
COMPARE:
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Some PIC programmers sell for $99 and you have to go to a boring seminar.
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The PicBlaster can be built for under $10 - no boring seminar.
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Other leading brand MAIL ORDER programmer kits sell for at least $30 +
s&h!
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Why WAIT for the mail man when you can use readily available parts from
your junkbox?
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The leading brand programmers program several different chips.
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OK the PicBlaster only programs the 16c84 (so far), but it programs FAST
and no waiting for the EPROM to erase.
PIC16c84 programmer that fits inside a DB25 hood!
Parts you will need:
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3 resistors
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1 diode
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1 100 microfarad capacitor
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78L05 Voltage Regulator
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female DB25 connector and hood (preferrably plastic)
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IC socket (anything 8 pins or greater) even a ZIF if you want to
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variable mini-pot OPTIONAL
The design is pretty self explanatory as shown in the picture above. Drill
holes for the IC socket on the hood and fit it in. If you use small components,
the whole thing should fit snug inside the hood. You might even want to
try surface mount if you are brave. I used a good quality machined socket.
To keep the socket firmly in place, I dripped hot melt glue around the
edges of the socket and hood. To program a chip, I just popped the programmer
into the back of my laptop computer SERIAL port, lightly pressed the chip
into place, and ran the program. This is a very handy device, especially
for those who work out in the field.
Check out the schematics
and download
the software.
The plans are for a 9 pin connector. If you want to use a 25 pin plug
or are having trouble with programming, check out my troubleshoots.
NEW! Have any questions, comments or problems? Check out the Picblaster Forum
Check out some great books about PIC's:
Programming & Customizing PICmicrocontrollers
PICmicro Microcontroller Pocket Reference
Electronic Circuit Guidebook, Vol 1: SENSORS
Sensors for Mobile Robots : Theory and Application
The follow books are out of print, but used copies might be available:
PIC'n Techniques, PIC Microcontroller Applications Guide
Design With Pic Microcontrollers
Easy Pic'N : A Beginners Guide to Using
Microcontroller Cookbook
Antti Lucas drew up the
schematics and wrote the pip-02 software. Check out his web site.
Credits for the
circuit design: Erik Herman - almighty creator of this wonderful device
schematic, software, and web site for download: Antti Lucas of Silicon
Studios <-fastest coder in his part of the hemisphere
general design: kyoorius
kyoorius@techfreakz.org
