Microchip PIC18 Explorer Board

[VintageTekFan]

Several years back I got more interested in microcontrollers, so I purchased a PIC18 Explorer board.



I used it a total of 2 times, and put it into its original storage.  A couple years later, I decide to bring it out again for another project, and I can't program it.  Target ID (0) mismatch.  All my research online says that the PIC is burned out, bummer.

So I figure I'll start tracing signals from the programmer, since I can verify that works.  First signal I try is Vpp.  On this board, it routes through a jumper block, and a switch.  I trace the Vpp signal to the switch.  But no further.  Not in any position of the switch.  So after two uses of the switch, it's bad.

So I jump out the switch, and lo and behold, it works!  Just the damn switch was the problem.

I load up the demo code.   And the built in LCD is crapped out.  I'm calling it quits on this for tonight.

[AlfBaz]

Unlucky I guess.

I've had an explorer 16 board with a number of mcu daughter boards for years. The damn thing just wont die and I hang a lot of dodgy shit off it

[JTR]

Are you sure that it is not just the LCD contrast setting? The times I have seen long forum threads on LCD code not working when it just turned out to be a tweak of the contrast pot. 

[VintageTekFan]

Are you sure that it is not just the LCD contrast setting? The times I have seen long forum threads on LCD code not working when it just turned out to be a tweak of the contrast pot. 

Fairly certain - there are missing lines in random vertical and horizontal planes.   Looking at the display, it is a glass substrate on a foam tape strip, so any pressure could easily torque the board.  But a replacement display appears cheap on Digikey (8.35 USD).  I may just replace it.  I have since replaced the failed switch with jumpers, too.

At least I got the thing working again.

I'm planning on using it to develop an interface to a Motorola M12+T for a GPSDO, but thats another thread.