A free offer of a PICkit2 programmer - you pay the post and you need to get the simple parts to make it work.
To be clear. It is the PCB - you need to get the parts. When we formally release -the PICkit2 programmer Kit will be a PCB and all the parts.
The PICKitPlus PICkit2 programmer is a through hole PCB. Why? This enables children, junior engineers, schools and others to build a PICkit2 programmer easily and at a very low cost.
The website shows very limited information, at the moment, a few pictures and a link on how to contact us. You must use the link - title your email 'Free PICkit2 programmer Board' - when we sort the 'winners'. We can then sort cost of the postage payment.
Why are we doing this? We have a few boards that were going in the bin. But??? These are the development boards and we can tell you how to fix the development board minor issue.
Clearly, this is a limited offer - we did not make a lot of prototypes but you can fun building that additional PICkit2 programmer!
Evan
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I have a 3d printer you can have if you sort posting ie pick up and deliver as it was a flat pack kit but as is needs big box.
Anet clone but works.It's been modified ie the print head is 3d printed and I changed it to use bodem tube and feeder stepper instead of the motor over the filament heater.
I never got any instructions how to build it.
I could partly dissassemble for a smaller box.
(FYI: I am the other half of the team behind this hardware project)
That's a very nice offer, Stan. Any idea how much it would cost to ship? Size and weight maybe? I don't have any prior experience with 3D printers, but if I can get to grips with it, it might help us a lot with these hardware projects.
Thanks for letting us know about the Ebay item, but I believe the seller may be Evan himself. I will check with him.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
What a great project, much to learn here for everyone, and icing on the cake, the PICKit 2 does a great job installing the bootloader into the AVR 328p via AVRdude.
Last edit: Randall Young 2020-01-28
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I've found the PICKit2 to be a very versatile tool, and even have had some success using it from the latest versions of MplabX.
When you think about it, it can serve as a template for not only for downloading simple programs to the baseline PICs, but also as a model of professional development practices, because the source if available to the USB PIC18F2550, on the board, and the C# code that provides the Win32 GUI. The simple logic analyzer, and serial interface are a cherry on top.
From an educational perspective, I really like distributing this DIY PICKit2, as a counter balance to the "black box" development toolsets like the Micro:Bit. Don't get me wrong the Micro: Bit is an amazing product, and eco-system. They've made great progress developing all sorts of support tools, examples, and applications for its complex nRF51822, Wireless SoC micro. There's even software to update the Freescale debug chip to Jlink specifications and examples of how to run it with the new Segger Embedded Studio, which is 1st. class professional gear.
But if you look at it from a more general education perspective, other STEM focused instruction (Chemistry, Physics, and Biology) has at least a passing homage to the chronological sequence that the knowledge was discovered. To my mind, the PIC does a great job of introducing anyone to "physical computing" at not so much an elementary level, as an essentially "primitive" one.
I've taught technology to Kindergarten students, by having them send coded ASCII messages with a flash light and a piece of paper to block the signal. 1 and 0, 1 and 0 they pick it up very quickly.
In learning theory there is much academic discussion, of what's called "learning trajectory", and I think there's a place for GCB, and PIC/AVR 8 bitters as the first phase of exposure to the subject. I think we do a disservice to young people, and what they can and do, by assuming that to begin learning about computers that we mask the fundamental computation machine, behind needless layers of obsufications. It's hard to understand what you can't see.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Randall. Yes, pickit2 is cool black box that can flash a hex file.
Mine is a clone ie white box. I was going to take it apart but thought why.
When you mentioned flashing avr boot to 328p I thought why.
Why not just flash the code to 328p and save memory of the bootloader?
I should search pickit2 avrdude but as no options in gcb to do avrdude to pickit thought it'll be difficult.
Or is that use avrdude to make hex file and pickit2 to flash it to 328p?
edit would it be just 3 lines like a pic? and ground
Last edit: stan cartwright 2020-01-29
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Yes, the PK2 can flash a 328P, I believe; but it struggles with some of the other AVR chips. We intended to add AVR support to one of our existing PIC software products, but it proved to be somewhat problematic.
I have some future plans in that regard; but they will be non-trivial to implement.
EDIT: To address your question, four lines, plus power.
Last edit: Stuart Bury 2020-01-29
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
Thanks Stuart Bury. I only use 328p in uno/nano boards....cos they are so easy to use with gcb.
It would be difficult for me to set up avrdude with command line.
Gcb does dumb down stuff for people like me so I can just concentrate on writing code.
I've downloaded mplab but not used it. Same with arduino ide.
I wish I could keep up with the complicated side of gcb that needs more os expertise but still have fun with what I can do...and it's supposed to be fun.
found https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh78teg5EJ0
Last edit: stan cartwright 2020-01-29
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
The educating "programming" I had some experience with in the 80's.
Working for City Council to help jobless people use computers.
No pc's then just boot to drdos or msdos and teaching frameworks
and for basic using amstrad 8bit machines.
My job was teaching basic.
I used simple print "how are you"
and press 1 for ok,2 for sad, 3 for ill and get the computer to print answers like "hope you get better"
I showed it could be expanded and some "students" did get into it but others didn't.
I had no formal teaching skills but I learnt a lot.
You can lead a horse to water but pencils have to be lead.
Last edit: stan cartwright 2020-01-30
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
A free offer of a PICkit2 programmer - you pay the post and you need to get the simple parts to make it work.
To be clear. It is the PCB - you need to get the parts. When we formally release -the PICkit2 programmer Kit will be a PCB and all the parts.
The PICKitPlus PICkit2 programmer is a through hole PCB. Why? This enables children, junior engineers, schools and others to build a PICkit2 programmer easily and at a very low cost.
The website shows very limited information, at the moment, a few pictures and a link on how to contact us. You must use the link - title your email 'Free PICkit2 programmer Board' - when we sort the 'winners'. We can then sort cost of the postage payment.
See http://www.pickitplus.co.uk/Typesetter/index.php/PICKit2-Programmer-Kit
Why are we doing this? We have a few boards that were going in the bin. But??? These are the development boards and we can tell you how to fix the development board minor issue.
Clearly, this is a limited offer - we did not make a lot of prototypes but you can fun building that additional PICkit2 programmer!
Evan
Check this Evan- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PICKitPlus-GUI-and-command-line-software-for-PICkit-2-Programmers-two-components/202709693968?hash=item2f32707610:g:pMoAAOSw2OZdB1dn
Hi Evan I just bought PickitPlus yesterday. I know you are talking about Pickit hardware, but isn't this chap on Ebay selling your software?
That chap is this chap. :-)
Ah! another alias ;-)
Stan that is expensive compared to our target sales price. And, this is hardware amd not software.
And, a there is an educational value to building a kit.
I think, this time, you missed the point.
Last edit: Anobium 2020-01-28
Is that what you wanted 3D printed case for?
Yes. I am sure a case would be good.
I have all mine built boards in a heat shrink to protect them.
I was thinking someone is selling your software. Thought you would be concerned.
I have a 3d printer you can have if you sort posting ie pick up and deliver as it was a flat pack kit but as is needs big box.
Anet clone but works.It's been modified ie the print head is 3d printed and I changed it to use bodem tube and feeder stepper instead of the motor over the filament heater.
I never got any instructions how to build it.
I could partly dissassemble for a smaller box.
Last edit: stan cartwright 2020-01-28
(FYI: I am the other half of the team behind this hardware project)
That's a very nice offer, Stan. Any idea how much it would cost to ship? Size and weight maybe? I don't have any prior experience with 3D printers, but if I can get to grips with it, it might help us a lot with these hardware projects.
Thanks for letting us know about the Ebay item, but I believe the seller may be Evan himself. I will check with him.
Evan will send you my email address. Check ebay for similar 3d printers and it might mention weight. This was an £80 kit, free p&p. I'll discuss in email.
similar https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2019-3D-Printer-A8-High-Precision-Self-Assembly-DIY-kit-LCD-PLA-ABS-UK-stock/153679386720?hash=item23c8015860:g:yfQAAOSwk5FdnvPk
Gross weight 9KGS
I thought someone was pirating the software!
https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=pickit3&dwh=955e32e71845e75
Last edit: stan cartwright 2020-01-30
What a great project, much to learn here for everyone, and icing on the cake, the PICKit 2 does a great job installing the bootloader into the AVR 328p via AVRdude.
Last edit: Randall Young 2020-01-28
Randall. Have you the time to explain that further please ?
@Randall. Yes the PICkit2 programmer is a very useless tool - that is why we choose the PICKit2. :-)
I've found the PICKit2 to be a very versatile tool, and even have had some success using it from the latest versions of MplabX.
When you think about it, it can serve as a template for not only for downloading simple programs to the baseline PICs, but also as a model of professional development practices, because the source if available to the USB PIC18F2550, on the board, and the C# code that provides the Win32 GUI. The simple logic analyzer, and serial interface are a cherry on top.
From an educational perspective, I really like distributing this DIY PICKit2, as a counter balance to the "black box" development toolsets like the Micro:Bit. Don't get me wrong the Micro: Bit is an amazing product, and eco-system. They've made great progress developing all sorts of support tools, examples, and applications for its complex nRF51822, Wireless SoC micro. There's even software to update the Freescale debug chip to Jlink specifications and examples of how to run it with the new Segger Embedded Studio, which is 1st. class professional gear.
But if you look at it from a more general education perspective, other STEM focused instruction (Chemistry, Physics, and Biology) has at least a passing homage to the chronological sequence that the knowledge was discovered. To my mind, the PIC does a great job of introducing anyone to "physical computing" at not so much an elementary level, as an essentially "primitive" one.
I've taught technology to Kindergarten students, by having them send coded ASCII messages with a flash light and a piece of paper to block the signal. 1 and 0, 1 and 0 they pick it up very quickly.
In learning theory there is much academic discussion, of what's called "learning trajectory", and I think there's a place for GCB, and PIC/AVR 8 bitters as the first phase of exposure to the subject. I think we do a disservice to young people, and what they can and do, by assuming that to begin learning about computers that we mask the fundamental computation machine, behind needless layers of obsufications. It's hard to understand what you can't see.
Randall. Yes, pickit2 is cool black box that can flash a hex file.
Mine is a clone ie white box. I was going to take it apart but thought why.
When you mentioned flashing avr boot to 328p I thought why.
Why not just flash the code to 328p and save memory of the bootloader?
I should search pickit2 avrdude but as no options in gcb to do avrdude to pickit thought it'll be difficult.
Or is that use avrdude to make hex file and pickit2 to flash it to 328p?
edit would it be just 3 lines like a pic? and ground
Last edit: stan cartwright 2020-01-29
Yes, the PK2 can flash a 328P, I believe; but it struggles with some of the other AVR chips. We intended to add AVR support to one of our existing PIC software products, but it proved to be somewhat problematic.
I have some future plans in that regard; but they will be non-trivial to implement.
EDIT: To address your question, four lines, plus power.
Last edit: Stuart Bury 2020-01-29
Thanks Stuart Bury. I only use 328p in uno/nano boards....cos they are so easy to use with gcb.
It would be difficult for me to set up avrdude with command line.
Gcb does dumb down stuff for people like me so I can just concentrate on writing code.
I've downloaded mplab but not used it. Same with arduino ide.
I wish I could keep up with the complicated side of gcb that needs more os expertise but still have fun with what I can do...and it's supposed to be fun.
found https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh78teg5EJ0
Last edit: stan cartwright 2020-01-29
The educating "programming" I had some experience with in the 80's.
Working for City Council to help jobless people use computers.
No pc's then just boot to drdos or msdos and teaching frameworks
and for basic using amstrad 8bit machines.
My job was teaching basic.
I used simple print "how are you"
and press 1 for ok,2 for sad, 3 for ill and get the computer to print answers like "hope you get better"
I showed it could be expanded and some "students" did get into it but others didn't.
I had no formal teaching skills but I learnt a lot.
You can lead a horse to water but pencils have to be lead.
Last edit: stan cartwright 2020-01-30
Is this guy correct? :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjfIS65mwn8&t=473s
Dave's video was/is correct at the time her videod a few years ago,
When I fell very brave - I will send PICKitPlus to Dave to review.
:-)
My thoughts were he hadn't seen pickit+.
How open is open discussion? Enough for humour? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YUvlrVlNao&t=170s
I considered posting that myself so I think it is on topic,
It is Evens call.
Last edit: Chris Roper 2020-01-30