[Lowfer] PIC PROGRAMMER QUESTION

[Stan W1LE]

Hello COV,

I am also pondering how to get started in programming PICs.

Lotsa different shapes and sizes of PICs out there. Need to narrow the 
choices on what to use.
I could spend a lifetime on each different one, to learn effectively use 
and program,
so I need to pick one PIC. Pick one with a future....

The ATMEL used in Murray's DFCW or graphical beacon is obsolete.

I will start with someone else's software and design, but I must procure 
the PIC and program it,
and do a initial dead bug prototype.

The PIC used is a 16F628A, ~2-3$ each. It is a 18 pin dual inline 
package (old style).
Price is reasonable, If I let the smoke out..... or want to propagate 
beacons in my area......
Would be a decent ham radio club project, if I can iron out all of the bugs.

I plan to get a  PICKit 2 or 3 with a socket to match this PIC. Check 
out a Ebay listing for these devices.
~45-70$ for the programming capabilities....
I like the Joshua 1 System product offering vs. the Asian ones, faster 
delivery and US based support.
Initially I will only need a accessory ZIF socket for the 18/20 pin PICs,
instead of ordering up all of the accessory sockets.

This project is for a WSPR beacon, but a standalone, that does not need 
a computer to drive it.

Look to:       http://web.telia.com/~u33233109/          For the basic 
WSPR beacon plans.

Also look here for more ideas:     
http://www.knology.net/~gmarcus/DDS_WSPR/DDS%20WSPR.pdf

A GPS engine with NMEA data string can provide the necessary absolute 
UTC timing needed.
Some plan to use the 1PPS output from a GPS for the WSPR timing.

This will drive a DDS-60, (direct digital synthesizer to 60 MHz)  from 
the American QRP club.
I will probably get an assembled, tested, and playing unit vs. a kit, 
...... life is too short.....

So, this is where/how I plan to get started....

Maybe TAG will come out with a parts kit for a WOLFIE beacon......

Stan, W1LE    Cape Cod    FN41sr




ZZZZz





Charlie , W5COV wrote:
> Hi All ,
>
> I am a total and complete newbie to the world of programming PIC's . 
>
> However it is now time for me to learn to program them , so I can move forward from my discrete and TTL circuits .
>
> What programmer and what software do you recommend ? I want something that I can start out doing the basics with and then keep using the same equipment as I advance in my skills . I don't want anything proprietary either . I am looking for something that is as universal as possible , without breaking the bank .
>
> Any other tips , hints and tricks you can pass along for either the software or hardware would be greatly appreciated .
>
> Also what chips should I order to keep on hand , just in case I manage to let the good smoke out of one of them . <grin>  
>
> CV is off of the air and will be for a few weeks , while I do some much needed receive system upgrades .
>
> Also Saturday morning at 3:30 a.m , with no warning  , my home took a direct hit of measured 100 MPH winds , equal according to the NWS , to an EF0 to EF1 Micro Burst Tornado . So we are busy with cleanup and repairs for a couple of weeks .
>
> THANKS IN ADVANCE !!
>
> Charlie , W5COV
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