Simple PIC programmer
I initially used a design by David Tait of the University of Manchester (father of independent PIC programmers). The original programmer worked from the parallel port using software by David Tait or others and was intended to program the 16C84. It also works with the 16F84. Info for a similar unit by SG Willis including excellent software by Nigel Goodwin is available for download here:
DOWNLOAD Zip file of parallel port programmer and software
DOWNLOAD Zip file of alternative software which might be more compatible with later PCs
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Universal PIC programmer
I have used the Tait programmer for many years, and I found that it would read and program other PICs but with limitations. At this point I started looking round at what was on offer world-wide in terms of a universal design from the PICStart down. One of the leading Commercial Programmer manufacturers is Newfound Electronics and their current "Warp-13" Programmer must be the top bargain of universal programmers at about half the cost of a Microchip "PICStart" but with PICStart compatibility. I would certainly recommend it if you aren't into constructing one. The best programmer site I found also contained some interesting information about programmers and a circuit and software to convert a Tate PIC16C84 design to a universal serial port design using their TM4 software. The modification consists of a PIC16F84 and firmware along with the DOS based TM4 software to drive it. All the info and software for DOS operation is free. However there is significant improvement in convenience if you buy the Windows based software for a small fee. The DOS based software works OK but of course you have to either use the DOS based assembler or reboot the machine each time you change over. I'm evaluating the windows software at the moment and the only problem I have found so far is that the software doesn't like USB serial adaptors under either WIN95 or 98. It works well with a standard serial port under WIN95 - I haven't yet tried that with WIN98. It also works under DOS6.2 on an old 386 Machine!
DOWNLOAD Zip file of PCB for combined unit
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LINK to Newfound Electronics - source of software drivers and firmware.
Last updated 2002 MARCH 15