MPLAB Compatible USB PIC Programmer (PGM-09671)

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This PIC programmer, from Cana Kit, is a professional USB PIC Programmer offering ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) sockets, an ICSP header, and an ICD2 port for easy PIC programming. The programmer is 100% compatible with MPLAB (PICkit 2 interface), and therefore can program practically any PIC microcontroller including the PIC16F84A, PIC16F628, PIC18F458 and PIC16F877.

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Who owns one of these themselves

Hi Martin,

Your question made it’s way into our live stream, though I was a little stumped with how to assist :slight_smile: Feel free to ask what you are curious about!

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Hi Graham.

Thanks for assistance.
I feel famous.

The world is flashing IC’s everyday, but it always becomes more difficult to do an specific thing with older devices.

I’ll plod on.

Do you know who owns one of the MPLAB compatible programmer?
I want to know if it has a couple of specific PIC devices in its menu.

Thanks again.

Regards

Martin J

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Hey Martin,

Which ones specifically are you wondering about? This programmer covers a pretty huge range of chips.

Gday Oliver.

Yes I want to know if it will R/W a PIC16F57 and a PIC16C55A?

I’m trying to clone this old Micro for my Amp’ and flash a blank one for backup.
Surprisingly I can still buy PIC16C55A and the newer PIC16F57.

Microchip tell me that they are pin-for-pin.

In theory I should be able to read a ‘C55 & flash a ‘F57 with it .

That programmer unit looks good, but I don’t want to buy one if it can’t read the IC I’m after.

Regards

Martin

Hi Martin,

The instruction manual for this programmer is based on the PICKit 2 design, which according to Microchip supports the PIC16C55A.

It’s easy enough to read the firmware to a hex file, providing protection hasn’t been enabled. Without buying a programmer, the only way to know if read protection is enabled is to check the original code or ask the author.

PIC16F57 and PIC16C55A appear similar in pinout, though have different features. It might be best to purchase the original device to avoid firmware/periphery conflicts.

If you did have the original hex file from the author or OEM, then Microchip can load the hex file as a part of the purchase.

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Hi Graham, thank you Sir.
That’s the info I was after.
As you said, I won’t know if it’s been copy protected until I try to read it.
I’ll take that chance I think.

Funny, the ‘C55A is obsolete, but a few places still sell it in that larger older 28-pin DIP .

That’s good enough for me.

Thanks again, Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

Marty

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