Print debug information to simulation console window

[lucromain]

I am looking for a way to send debug information to the console when the problem is executing. I am writing code for a PIC16F690. I would like to add these debug statements inside functions so I can trace and debug the execution of the program. What I would like to see is a printf-like function that prints to STDOUT (where STDOUT is the MPLAB SIM console window).

Is there a way to do this?

Thanks

[PCM programmer]

This is discussed in the Microchip MPLABX forum. It's not implemented
yet as a general feature (and may not ever be, for all I know):
http://www.microchip.com/forums/m564387.aspx

[temtronic]

If you have one spare I/O pin , why not just dump your debug data to a PC running some sort of data capture program?
Any data you want to go to the MPLAB SIM console window can easily be sent to a PC AND it will be running in the real world, in real time unlike 'simulators' that do not work correctly.

[lucromain]

I like this idea about using a spare I/O to send debug data to an external monitor. The MCU is currently on a PCB but there is no external pin is available on any of the external connectors. I will heat up the soldering iron and make one pin available. Thanks.