Well, I wanted to write a real quick article about my favorite toy, the Pickit1 Flash Starter Kit. I noted that when I finally opened the pack, and tried to install everything, I found that it was really confusing. I just wanted to try to make things easier for those that have bought this kit. First off, Mplab is the software development package. This allows the user to make projects, and build them. Building a project creates the .hex file which can be loaded onto the pic chip. The other CD is the pickit flash starter cd. This contains the “Pickit Classic” program which actually loads the .hex file onto the chip. The Pickit cd also has a tutorial on it that is necessary to use to learn how to program pic chips. I recommend starting with the PIC12F675. It only has 35-36 instructions. I also recommend finding the pic12F675 pdf file. Maybe later, I will create a very basic program, and really talk through it. It can be an intimdating task, but don’t give up.
5 Responses to “Pickit1”
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PICs don’t suck!
Honestly, I use PICs out of ignorance. It is the only micro that I have ever used, so I got the pickit so that I could re-teach myself what I had learned in undergrad. I agree that AVRs are great, but just don’t know much about them. I have been meaning to get AVRs soon. I want to use the Atmel Mega32 to do software video generation.
Anyway, any ideas on how to get started in AVRs? What development kit should I get, and what is a good starter chip? Thanks ladyada, I do really like your site.
You are right John. I have actually done that. I for some odd reason don’t like doing it that way though, so I forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me.
I bought the PICkit 2 for UKP25 then they stung me for handling, P and P and tax ! Total UKP 50 !
I flashed the firmware and it works a treat.
Keep trying with the PICs
Matt
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Great post, really enjoyed it.