Which in-circuit programmer is good ?

arunb · Joined: 08 Sep 2003 Posts: 492 Location: India

Hi,

Which in-circuit programmer is better, ICDU64 or pickit 3..???

thanks
arunb

dyeatman · Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 1968 Location: Norman, OK

I don't have the ICDU64 but I have been using the ICDU40 for a number of years and it has worked great for me...
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mkuang · Joined: 14 Dec 2007 Posts: 257

I use the MPLAD ICD2. I have no basis for comparison.

Guest · Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:56 am

I use PicKit2 for programming only and i happy for it:-)

bkamen · Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:49 pm

I've had:

The PICstart Plus -- not exactly designed for ICSP but it works!
PICkit2 -- (gah!) Don't get me started. Mediocre MPLAB support in the past.
ICD2 -- Rock and Roll!
ICD3 -- Newer and better. I still don't use all the neato features.

I'm very happy with the ICD's.
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arunb · Joined: 08 Sep 2003 Posts: 492 Location: India

Thank you all for the reply.

I examined both ICDU64 (ICDU40 is not available) and PICKit3. They both are similar in many ways.

PICKit3 needs a 6 pin connector on each target board, this could be expensive. Is it possible to solder the ICSP terminals to the target board for programming ??.

ICDU64 is equally good, but with the TagConnect extension, I could eliminate connectors. But the cost of the system would be 105 USD..

How is the TagConnect extension cable is it useful ??? Does the cable degrade after a period of usage...??

Also is the ICDU64 bug prone ???

thanks
arunb

bkamen · Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:48 pm

Actually, most ICSP setups only need 5 pins.

I typically only use 5 on my systems with full debug.

I design a header on the board and just leave it empty.

On the bench for Development, I use a soldered in header.

When I go to program the board, I just hand hold the programming cable in place.

A pod with Pogo Test pins could also be used.

I've also designed 6p6c modular connectors onto boards for people.

Cheers,

-ben
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