PICKit 2 - A Quick Guide

    So you just got your brand new PICKit 2?

    The one thing you will notice when you pull your PICKit 2 out of the box, is that it comes with A couple of CD's and other information. Insert the disc that reads "PICKit Starter Kit" and wait for the opening screen to load up. From there, navigate to "Installs" and click on "Install PICKit 2 Programmer Application".

    Follow the prompts and install the PICKit 2 software. Now navigate too "User Guides" then too "PICKit 2 Microcontroller Programmer User's Guide". Save this file onto your PC, you will probably refer to it in the future!

    Now that you have the essential files, lets continue. The PICKit 2 uses headers to connect to PIC's, this is what allows it to have such flexibility across the entire PIC micro range, from 16F too 18F, 24F and dsPIC.

    Notice on page 13 of the user guide that there is a pin out example of the PICKit 2. Notice that the big white arrow points too pin 1. Each of these pins are what are required to hook up to whatever PIC your programming. If a PIC has more than one Vcc and Vdd, I have had no issues only connecting the ones on the right side of the PIC when programming. The AUX Pin is not used for normal programming.

    Using commonly available header Pins, snip off a strip of 5, and solder 5 wires (only 5 as Pin 6, AUX, is not used for programming) onto the top of them. It makes it a lot easier if you "tin" the ends of the wire before hand, now you can curve the wire around the top of the headers without little strands coming out. Now you do the same, but for the other end, and then snip each header so that they are all individuals on one side. Now you have complete control with the PICKit 2, and can program any PIC it supports!

    I used standard Ribbon cable for my "do it all programmer". Notice my little "reminder" tape on the ribbon cable. It has the same info from the picture above so that I never forget :)


    I call it "do it all" because you can seriously program almost every PIC in the world with the same method. I checked my datasheet for the PIC I am using, and near the start (usually within the first 10 pages) I found the Pin out for my specific PIC. Now I just connect MCLR, PGC and PGD, then Vcc and Vss. If there is more than one Vss and Vcc, just connect the two on the right side of the PIC.

 

    Now you are set to program your very first PIC with the PICKit 2! Watch this video for more information

    Here is the program that is referred too in the video;

Device  = 18F2620        // Declare the device
Clock = 8                // Declare the Clock speed
Config OSC = INTIO67     // Setup the PIC for internal OSC use


// Start of program...
OSCCON = %01111111       // Sets up the internal oscillator clock

While True               // Create an infinite loop
    Toggle(PORTB.0)      // Toggle PORTB.0
    DelayMS(1000)        // Delay for 1 second
Wend

    Watch the "Intro To PIC Programming" video in my tutorial section for even more information on programming PIC's in real life!

Basics Section: