Cheap USB PIC16F628 programmer options? (Solved - use an arduino)

[setq]

I need to program a few PIC16F628s I have floating around from years ago. Unfortunately I dug my PIC programmer out (circa 2002) and it's got a serial port. I don't have any serial ports any more! My one USB<->serial cable doesn't appear to work any more either.

So, screw serial! USB it is!

So as I'm coming from the dark ages here, what's the cheapest nastiest method of getting code onto PIC16F628 with a USB port from Windows at the current time? Any Chinese one shot junk programmer is good enough. Even programming one from an arduino is fair game as long as it works properly. Suggestions welcome. This is probably going to be chucked in a box for 15 years like the last one was afterwards so I don't want to throw the cash down on an quality programmer/pickit.

[Bruce Abbott]

Arduino as a Pic Programmer

[setq]

Thanks for that. After following links around I found this which appears to be the bodge I need: http://rweather.github.io/ardpicprog/

Found an arduino in my junk box as well. Thanks for the pointer.

[setq]

Argh just blew the arduino up! **Insert swearing**

Ordered another one... expensive cock up.

[ez24]

A long shot

http://www.microchip.com/Developmenttools/ProductDetails.aspx?PartNO=DM164137

It is (in the US) $20 + shipping + tax  = $28   

[setq]

Interesting. So far spent £5.50 on a new arduino (~$7)

[Bruce Abbott]

A long shot

http://www.microchip.com/Developmenttools/ProductDetails.aspx?PartNO=DM164137

Sadly, I don't think it will program the 16F628.
 
Curiosity Development Board User's Guide

Chapter 3. Troubleshooting
3.2 THE MCU WILL NOT PROGRAM USING THE PKOB
The Curiosity Development Board's PICkit on board (PKOB) uses low-voltage programming...

[Skimask]

Somethng wrong with a knockoff PICKIT2 off ebay?

[setq]

Yes. They all come from China or have 3-5 days lead and I want this job done today. Got a new arduino arriving today so will frig that. This time I'm not going to poke the 13v programming supply on an arduino data pin...

[obiwanjacobi]

Somethng wrong with a knockoff PICKIT2 off ebay?

My thoughts exactly...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Micro-PICkit2-PIC-KIT2-debugger-programmer-for-PIC-dsPIC-PIC32-PIC24-/112025462344?hash=item1a153ce648:g:-QYAAOSwOVpXXWec

[CJay]

Want to borrow a PICKit2? I've got a couple sat on my desk at home and am in Manchester if that's useful?

[setq]

I'm good now - will frig it with this arduino which is arriving between 14:30 and 15:30 according to UKMail. Thanks for the offer however.

[Ammar]

I got a USB one off eBay for $20. They have heaps of them with the zif sockets

[CJay]

I'm good now - will frig it with this arduino which is arriving between 14:30 and 15:30 according to UKMail. Thanks for the offer however.

No problem, PM if you find you need to use one. 

[CJay]

Interesting on the Arduino programmer though, there used to be a way to defeat CP on those chips, I might program up a few spares and see if I can make it work 

[setq]

Ok it's all done and working a day late. Managed to sort this last night.

Action shots for reference. Messy hack job but was fun which makes a change.

If you do this, take the picprog package from the github site - that one works with the latest Arduino crap.

Breadboard. LM317L generates a 13v supply dropped from my bench PSU. My bench PSU drifts +/-1v at the moment due to a dicky resistor somewhere so I don't trust it. Set it high, drop it via LM317. BC547 switches programming voltage. Carefully checked for no ground loops and shorts via laptop - make sure you do this.



Mess created:



Victory:



5 PICs programmed. Life is good.