PICKit Plus for PICKIT2 and PICKIT3 programmers.

[Anobium]

I recently posted about of a new version of the software for the PICKIT2 and PICKIT3 programmers - we call it PICKit Plus.

PICKit Plus comes in three variants - a Windows GUI application for the PICKIT2 programmer,  another Windows GUI application for the PICKIT3 programmer and a command line utility for both the PICKIT2 and PICKIT3 programmers.

We have updated, revised and added new protocols to support the Microchip 8 bit parts released since Microchip dropped support, and, very importantly support for the newer range of Microchip parts (hence the new protocols).  Updated the parts database, help etc.  So, we tested and got folks to test even more - results were very good.   We did not share too far as we had a 'Go To Market' plan.... see next.

Then, we started the 'Go To Market' plan.  The plan was relatively simple.  Option One was to ask Microchip to take the development under the banner of Microchip.  This is the easier option for everyone.  Microchip would get the credit for work, a commercial arrangement would cover the support costs, Microchip would 'certificate sign' the PICKit Plus applications (as this is not cheap) and then the software would be released to you all as freeware.  As it was in the past.

Well after working with the Microchip 8-Bit Division Vice President...the response he got was a bit of a surprise from the Microchip Programmer Division.

They (Microchip Programmer Division) did not seem very excited… (do not think they would like to prolong the old PICKiT products at all…..

Yes, a brace was missing in the response.  :-)

So, we have to go to the next step in the 'Go To Market' plan.  Find the funding for the application packaging, sort out licensing, and release a new package in a more complex manner. 

Summary.

We have a very good programming suite for the PICKIT2 and PICKIT3 programmers that will extend the life of your programmer/investment.  No need to buy a new programmer just to program a part, and, all you old parts work with PICKIT Plus.   

Will post more news about formal release and how you can obtain when I am over the shock.

Evan :-(



#disappointedthatMicrochipdisrespect

[Anobium]

News:

We have released the software.

Ping, email, contact me. Provide a donation to cover the costs to publish the software and we will send a download URL.

:-)

This week --- we got busy shipping software.

[art-666]

I ask why is there no feed back from users.

Looks good from your point of view, but no way
would I buy into something with no track record.

even a limited demo of the program would let users
get a feel for the programmer, say with older pic chips.

[towlerg]

I emailed the guy and he sent me fully working (albeit with 25 seconds delay) GUI Pickit2 code. Seemed to work just fine, on 18F26K42, even with delay still quicker than IPE.

He also has a Pickit3 GUI and a Pickit2/3 command line programmer.

He's looking for a "contribution" of £10 each or £23 for all three.

I was kindda tempted by the Pickit2/3 commandline but as I've already written the code to detect P2 or P3 and call the appropriate programmer code, I didn't bother.

I beleive he is genuinely looking for funds to certify the code, but I am at a loss to explain what cerification he is trying to get.

[Kean]

I sent him (Anobium) a PM a week ago but haven't had a reply

[Anobium]

@Kean.  Sorry never got the message.  I was just checking in.  I have sent you a PM.

@biggles.  I cannot reply as you EEVBlog inbox is full.

@towlerg.  I would be grateful for a donation. Please. The certification is to sign the application to prevent the application being treated as malware (a serious issue for Windows 10 users) and the certification give some 'validation' to the authenticity of the application.

@All.  We can, and we do, respond very quickly.  When you contact please provide your email address and then contact is easier.

Let me take answer the no track record.  I am co-developer of a microcontroller compiler - in development since 2007 now with three major releases a year, I also led the development of Microsoft Office Groove 2007 and 2010.  And.... I am the UK&I CTO of one of the largest IT organisations.  I have a track record.

[Anobium]

@art-666.  You raised a great point about a limited demo.  We did have one. I posted a few months ago.  But, we have closed the test program down.   I did provide limited demos to a lot of people and we got lots of great feedback.

And, please note the context for the release.  We were working with the 8-bit Business Unit of Microchip and they supported the development program in terms of 'go to market'.  It was the Programmer Business Unit of Microchip that does not want the life of the older programmers extended.  Our desire was to get the code under the banner of Microchip - then, it would have been a very different outcome.

Cheers

Evan

[Anobium]

@Biggles.   PM could not be sent to 'biggles' as their inbox is full

:-)

[CJay]

Ah, I misread at first and thought it was for PICStart Plus, shame, I had high hopes I could dig out my old favourites and get them going with a bunch of new devices on Win10.

Interesting though, I like my PK2 as well so if there's a demo version I'd like to see it, screenshots and supported device list at least if not a feature limited demo

[Anobium]

This is a YouTube video I posted last week: See   

and, for a feature list: See gcbasic.sourceforge.net/pickitPlus

I do hope these help.

Evan

[Anobium]

An update... we are currently fixing a long standing bug where some devices loose the BANDGAP configuration and we are updating the devices supported.


Re BandGap this should be fixed in the next few weeks and then released as part of our release cycle.

For latest list of devices download https://sourceforge.net/projects/pickit3plus/files/readmetxt.markdown/download

 

[Anobium]

Update

Added new parts and update the parts database to improve quality.

Latest version is 178 and is available for download on PICKItPlus Sourceforge web site.

[Anobium]

Update

Updated the parts database to improve support for 16(l)f191xx  parts.  The config mask was incorrect. Now corrected.


See http://gcbasic.sourceforge.net/pickitPlus for details on PICKit Plus for the PICkit™ 2 and PICkit™ 3 applications.  PICKit 2Plus and PICKit 3Plus  PICKit Plus are a replacement for the out of support Microchip PICKit2™ and PICKit3™ GUI software.  The PICKit Plus software  provides supports the lastest 8-bit Microchip microcontrollers.

[Anobium]

Update:  PICKitPlus resolves the BANDWGAP issue version 4.0.61.25 or greater
 
PICKitPlus resolves the BANDWGAP issue with 12f675 and other 12f and 16f devices.  With PICKit Plus you can easily reset/recover the BANDGAP. It is as simple as clicking the text in the user interact 'BandGap'.  Then, Erase or Write.  Simple.
 
See  http://gcbasic.sourceforge.net/Typesetter/index.php/pickitPlus on how to obtain PICKit Plus.
 
Evan

[ruben pena]

My email is rubenpenavaldes@gmail.com
please send me a download link.
Grettings...
Ruben de la Pena V.

[Anobium]

Sent to your personal email address shown above.

Here is the URL to the key information.  http://gcbasic.sourceforge.net/Typesetter/index.php/pickitPlus

Evan

[Anobium]

Another step forward.

PICkitPlus now supports HEF and SAF memory.

You can write, merge, write and retain HEFSAF,  erase and retain HEFSAF.

PICKIT 2 and  PICKIT 3 programmere are supported,  of course.

Tested on 16f and 18f. Including the 18f25k83  and the 1825k42 family parts. For the 16f we tested 16f1454 and 16f1459.  All works a treat.

No more cutting and slicing Hex files.  Read and Write as normal and the HEFSAF is automatically managed.

This is update is a new version of the GUI software, an updated parts database with the HEFSAF parameters, and a new command line utility that also supports HEFSAF.

So easy to use.

[Anobium]

A few new videos.


How to use the software with all the functional changes including HEF/SAF support. How to install to a quick navigation around the software.

See

A video that shows the details on HEF/SAF support

See

More videos to come...

Details on how HEF/SAF works, how to integrate into MPLAB-X ( how to avoid using MPLAB-X or MPLAB-IPE to progam a device).

And...

PICkit2 and PICkit3 clone manufactures are asking for certification that PICKit Plus works with the clones.... yes they do!!!! 

[technix]

Is there a Linux/macOS version? At least the command line version?

If there is a macOS/Linux command line version but no GUI, I can try create a GUI using Cocoa (macOS) and GNUstep (Linux)

[Anobium]

We are working on Linux and Mac versions.  I will post when we have news.

[Anobium]

We are now preparing the design and functionality of the Linux version.

How much interest is there in a Linux version?  same functionality as the new Windows commandline - essentially, it will program all the old and new parts.

No point in developing if only one person wants it.

:-)

[technix]

We are now preparing the design and functionality of the Linux version.

How much interest is there in a Linux version?  same functionality as the new Windows commandline - essentially, it will program all the old and new parts.

No point in developing if only one person wants it.

:-)

If you are careful, the exact same command line code used for Linux can be reused for macOS. That means use libhidapi to access the USB device (since libhidapi abstracted the OS-specific code away for you) and use POSIX API for the user interface.

And it would be better if you can provide a library version so I can create a Mac App out of it with the GUI and putting it on Mac App Store.

[KL27x]

Does this mean PICKit+ software can be used with a PK2, and the device file is updated to support the latest 16F parts? And is P2G supported with PK2?

Do you have to use PCKit+ software? Or do you also have a updated device file that works with the original PK2 software?

[Nerull]

Is there any chance of this working with the PKoBs found in the Curiosity HPC board? AFAIK its a stripped down PK3.

We had hoped to use them with a 18F4520, but MPLAB says it is not supported. Moving to a newer chip is not the end of the world, but a bit of an annoyance.

[geraldfryjr]

I use linux, and I know I bunch of people that use it for development as well as found in 100's of Forums on FB that I am in.

I have Everything from  Atmel to STM to Xilinx running under Linux and especially Microchip stuff, so Ya, a Linux port will be  Greatly Appreciated by All !!   

jer 

[technix]

I use linux, and I know I bunch of people that use it for development as well as found in 100's of Forums on FB that I am in.

I have Everything from  Atmel to STM to Xilinx running under Linux and especially Microchip stuff, so Ya, a Linux port will be  Greatly Appreciated by All !!   

jer 

I have almost everything running under macOS (except Xilinx and Intel FPGA stuff, both of which refuse to allow me read anything on my 24-inch 4K monitor under Linux and does not have a macOS version available.)

[Anobium]

Post/send me the part number of the board and I will check.

[Anobium]

A few questions in this post.

Does this mean PICKit+ software can be used with a PK2, and the device file is updated to support the latest 16F parts? And is P2G supported with PK2?

PICkitPlus can be used with a PICkit2 programmmer.

And, yes, the microcontroller database has been updated to support the latest 16f.

re P2G.  We have not changed this capability.

Do you have to use PCKit+ software? Or do you also have a updated device file that works with the original PK2 software?

You can use the  new microcontroller database with the old PICkit software.  We wanted to ensure this was supported.

But, the new microcontroller database does not enable the old PICkit software to program the latest 16F (and 18F) parts  - specifically, those use the newer programming protocols.   For these parts you will need PICkitPlus or use MPLAB-IPE with a suitable programmer.

See https://github.com/Anobium/PICKitPlus or https://sourceforge.net/projects/pickit3plus/  We publish the databases to these URLs

[Anobium]

We have started the Linux port.  :-)

[technix]

We have started the Linux port.  :-)

Great. Keep in mind that if you check your dependencies for OS peculiarities, the very same code should be able to work under other flavors of UNIX and other CPU architectures after a quick recompile. This includes macOS, Android, FreeBSD, Solaris etc.

[bill.coghill]

I'd love to see a version for the RasPi that I could call from Python to allow some automation of the upload / test process that could free me from having a windows PC just to put a HEX file onto a PIC micro.

Bill

[basparky]

Any change more dspics will be supported?
I'm using the pickit3+ tool for my 18LF13K22 and would like to use it also for the dsPic33EP256MU810

Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Bas

[Anobium]

If you are up to testing the updates for the dsPic33EP256MU810 then we can certainly look into this.

Email me directly.

Evan

[JTR]

Some Device ID errors in the latest data file (205)?

Code: [Select]


DS39919C    PIC24F08KA101   0x0B08  -> 0x0D08
DS39919C    PIC24F16KA101   0x0B01  -> 0x0D01
DS39919C    PIC24F08KA102   0x0B0A  -> 0x0D0A
DS39919C    PIC24F16KA102   0x0B03  -> 0x0D03
DS30009687F PIC18F46J13     0x5BA0  -> 0x59a0
DS41630B    PIC18F26K50     0x5D10  -> 0x5D20
DS41630B    PIC18LF26K50    0x5D30  -> 0x5D60


The good news is that I have cross-checked all the devices with my own independently generated database and all the rest matched my findings so we can have a lot more confidence that the rest of the Device IDs are correct.   On the proviso, of course, that Microchip have published the correct IDs in the latest programming specs...

[Anobium]

@JTR.  Would you send me parts database?  I will merge and republish 206.

The quality improvements benefit everyone as the parts database is still compatible with the Microchip PICkit applications for the legacy parts.

Thank you for doing the quality check.

[Anobium]

Does this mean PICKit+ software can be used with a PK2, and the device file is updated to support the latest 16F parts? And is P2G supported with PK2?

Do you have to use PCKit+ software? Or do you also have a updated device file that works with the original PK2 software?

The updated device file does works with the original PK2 software but you will not get all the new microcontrollers to work with the original software.  PICKitPlus is needed for new microcontrollers like 18F*k42, k83 etc and 16f188xx etc.

[Anobium]

I use linux, and I know I bunch of people that use it for development as well as found in 100's of Forums on FB that I am in.

I have Everything from  Atmel to STM to Xilinx running under Linux and especially Microchip stuff, so Ya, a Linux port will be  Greatly Appreciated by All !!   

jer 

I am looking for Linux users to test the new code.  It has taken a lot more work that we thought but we have an test program now (at August 2020).  Ping me if you want to join the program - please.

We want you to test! :-)

[Anobium]

Is there any chance of this working with the PKoBs found in the Curiosity HPC board? AFAIK its a stripped down PK3.

We had hoped to use them with a 18F4520, but MPLAB says it is not supported. Moving to a newer chip is not the end of the world, but a bit of an annoyance.

Ping me on this.  I have this on the list and I think I have a solution.

[Anobium]

An update on Pickit-on-board (PKOB).


This is what we have achieved.

Goal: To replace the requirement to use of IPE to program a PKOB and use PICKitPlus software.
 
The Microchip Curiosity HPC Board has a Programmer-On-Board (PKOB).  The PKOB is similar to a PICkit3 programmer but not exactly the same [ fancy that!  ].    I want to flip the PKOB operating system (OS) to be compatible with the Windows/Linux/Pi PICKitPlus software to release the tie to IPE.
 
Currently, I am able to change the PKOB with the PICkit3 programmer OS ( PK3OSV020005.hex ) leaving the PKOB bootloader in position.  I have then created a special build of the PICKitPlus GUI software to communicate with the Microchip Curiosity HPC Board with the PKOB OS ( PK3OSV020005.hex ).   Unfortunately, that is where my luck ran out - as I get communication between the software and the Microchip Curiosity HPC Board but I do not get a proper response to permit full operations.
 
To complete the picture here.  I can revert the Microchip Curiosity HPC Board back to IPE mode.  Thankfully.

And/Or.... it this worth it (Should I just ignore the many requests we get to permit PICKitPlus software to support these boards) ?

[ace1903]

I have bought Pickit3Plus software in order to use programmer to go function with PIC18F46K20.
In device list is written that for this micro P2G is supported.
Tried to set up with original Pickit3 programmer but seems that there is no P2G option in the menu.
Anyone managed to get it working with micros from PIC18FxxK20 family?

[Anobium]

Evan here...

I am not aware of the P2G capability in the PK3 operating system.

I would be great to here that someone added the PTG capability to the PK3 operating system.  That would be very cool.




www.pickitplus.co.uk

[PatRC]

Evan,

Microchip says it is already in:

https://microchipdeveloper.com/pickit3:programmer-to-go

[Anobium]

My apologies -you can use PtG with a PICKit3 Programmer when you use MPLAB mode.

Pop the PK3 into MPLAB (using the PICKit3 GUI application) and then use MPLAB IPE.    This method works.

[ace1903]

@Anobium Can you confirm that P2G works for some specific micro?

With PicKit2 I tried and it works. When I switched to Pickit3 and MPLAB IPE I always get some errors.
Regular programming works with IPE and PicKit3. But whatever I try to make P2G I experience some error sooner or later.
I would like to know if procedure works with some micro then I will try it to reproduce it to see what I am doing wrong.

I do not believe in Microchip charts and support tables. After disappointment that I had with ICD4, I think that they put green dot randomly  in supported device list.

[Anobium]

I need to ask some questions.

Why not stick with the PICkit2?

What sort of errors do you get with the Pk3 ?  And, are you using an external power supply?

What is your use case for PtG?  So, what are you trying to achieve?  There may be  other options for you.

----

Re the charts and tables.  Report all errors and omissions to Microchip using a support ticket.  I do. Often.

[ace1903]

Why not stick with the PICkit2?

Microchip does not sell PICkit2 and Pickit3 anymore. We found Olimex is only reputable seller of Pickit3 now.
I know that clones are available from China but that introduces uncertainty in the process of purchasing and usage.

What sort of errors do you get with the Pk3 ?  And, are you using an external power supply?

Last time I tried month ago and does not remember now exact errors since  I tried many combinations. Mplab Mplabx IPE...
Will recheck tomorrow but it was when IPE needs to upload image to pickit3.

What is your use case for PtG?  So, what are you trying to achieve? 

I have customer that I sold system years ago and from time to time he was using PicKit2 to update it with new features and bug fixes.
For food safety reasons or religious reasons or something else customer does not want me or anyone else present at facility.

Now he wants new systems for other need but rules remains, no presence and updates expected due to unclear specification request.
I have ICP programmer but I hesitate to give to his technicians(sometimes they borrow and forget to return stuff back). Also laptop usage is out of question.
P2G was perfect for me. Now I have freedom to chose micro for the new system but that micro need to work with Olimex and P2G.

[NorthGuy]

Now he wants new systems for other need but rules remains, no presence and updates expected due to unclear specification request.

Consider updates through his phone using either bluetooth or a USB cable. It will be much easier for the customer. All you need is an app for the phone and a HEX file on your Web server/cloud.

[Anobium]

I am with @NorthGuy.

Look at alternative methods.   A Pi programmer, PK4.  There is a stable supply of PK2s.

But, choose carefully.   Validate the functionality of the alternative method with the chips supported and the method of connectivity.

:-)

[coromonadalix]

Will the pickit 4 be supported ?   kinda sick of mplab   loll

[Anobium]

By PICKitPlus software?

Is this the question?

[coromonadalix]

Sorry   i wasn't clear enough 

yes 

will the software support the pickit v4 ?


Im sick of Mplab Ipe and each time enter the "microchip" password to have the advanced options  ...

[Anobium]

We are just completing the Raspberry Pi PICKitPlus software. 

We have commenced the project assessment, so, very early days.

I will post an update as we move forward.

:-)

[PinheadBE]

Any news ?

What about Linux users ?

[Anobium]

Got it covered.  See https://pickitplus.co.uk/Typesetter/index.php/PKCMD-LX-Application

[PinheadBE]

Thanks !

Is there support for PicKit4 ?

[Anobium]

Not at the moment, it takes time to reverse engineer things...

We have a great relationship with Microchip and following another engineering request late last year.

The formal position. 

The formal response from the VP of Development Systems. He is responsible for Microchip’s global development tools group which includes debuggers and programmers. 

"Gen 4 [PK4] and 5 [PK5] tools use a completely different paradigm for programming target devices that make it extremely difficult to offer this to a third party."   

What are we up to ?

We now produce our own PICKit2 Programmer, and, we supply that globally.

We are still selling, supporting and developing PICKitPlus for PICKit2 and PICKit3 programmers. Demand has not weaken.

We have a backlog of projects, including the new USB Wire Bridge which is currently in BETA.

and, GCBASIC is still  as strong as ever, we are addding more AVRs and Nuvoton chips soon.

BR

Evan

[PinheadBE]

I'm afraid this will not be a solution for me since I am using (among others) some newer PIC's only supported starting with PK4....

In the meantime, I will try to see what I can come up with Wine and my usual tools (JAL compiler and libraries, MPIPE for programming the chip)

Thanks anyway.

Let us now when you have something compatible with PK4 or higher 

[Anobium]

Understand.

We are just adding the 18FxxQ24 series of chips.  When they are added they we have all the 18Fs up to date. 

There is a list of supported chips here:  https://pickitplus.co.uk/Typesetter/index.php/Supported-Parts