PICkit2 clone any good?

[MikeK]

I like my old PICKit2.  I've updated it to program all the latest PIC's that I use.

Anyway, I'd like to get another one, but the prices for an authentic PICKit2 are crazy.  I was wondering how good the PICKit2 clones are.  Have they followed the Microchip's schematic exactly?  Do they have changes that are easily fixed?  Can I update them with my own firmware?

[Dazed_N_Confused]

  Have you seen the hardware from these folks? https://www.pickitplus.co.uk/Typesetter/index.php/PICKit2-Programmer-Kit
 Mine came assembled

[Warhawk]

I had a custom PicKit2 and it worked well. However, is it still supported (MPlab x, etc?). Microchip also has a SNAP programmer that is quite affordable.
In general, PicKit knockoffs worked for me...

[DavidAlfa]

Pickit 2 is ancient! Get something newer!

[jaka]

I was wondering how good the PICKit2 clones are.  Have they followed the Microchip's schematic exactly?  Do they have changes that are easily fixed?  Can I update them with my own firmware?

It's difficult to say because there are so many different clones of PK2. Many years ago I got one from eBay. It seemed to be quite true to original schematic, apart from missing EEPROM for Programmer-to-go.

One solution would be to build your own PICkit2. I haven't used this, but I heard it should be good. It seems to be missing the EEPROM, but that's only needed for programmer-to-go. https://pickitplus.co.uk/Typesetter/index.php/PICKit2-Programmer-Kit

Another one is the PK2M which provides all the features of the original PICkit2 but with cheaper hardware: http://kair.us/projects/pk2m_programmer/index.html

About updating with your own firmware. The clones on eBay used PIC18F2550 with the stock FW, so they are possible to update. I think the through hole kit sold at PICkitplus has somehow prevented firmware updates via the bootloader. But of course you can program it via ICSP. The PK2M is NOT firmware compatible because it uses PIC18F25K50.

[Lindley]

Agree with @jaka, why not build your own basic clone ?

Plenty of such details on the web , though belo is the one we build as a backup to our original genuine PK2, it works fine as a programmer but without those extras.

You can use PickitMinus to add more new devices, seems to work ok, though we seldom use Pic these days.
http://kair.us/projects/pickitminus/

[YTusername]

I used to produce PICkit2 clone and I was using it for PIC MCUs development. So I can confirm that the clone works properly. The PCB is designed for DIY and it open-source. You can get it from this link. I do not use PIC anymore, so I don't know if any driver issues may arise with recent OS versions.

[Ian.M]

YTusername's clone lacks the Vpp boost circuit so cant program most of the original PIC12/16/18F parts as they don't have LVP (low voltage programming).  Also on older HVP+LVP capable parts, LVP has serious limitations e.g loss of an I/O pin. 

Furthermore it lacks variable Vdd support and always supplies target Vdd with USB Vbus - one schottky diode drop, so is unsuitable for all PICS with max Vdd<5V.

Lindley's version has the Vpp boost circuit but also lacks variable Vdd support.

Both are considerably less robust than the original as they lack any protection on ICSPCLK, ICSPDAT and AUX.

Kits/circuits without an inductor for Vpp boost, invariably don't have HVP capability.
Kits/circuits without an OPAMP for the Target Vdd regulator generally are 5V only though some may have a jumper for 3.3V selection or to allow target power to be used at any Vdd, *IF* they have the original's clamping circuits on ICSPCLK, ICSPDAT and AUX (a trio of PNP emitter followers with their bases held one diode drop below Vdd_target).

AU Group Electronics do a PICkit 2 with excellent compatibility and also two enhanced versions that can deliver a full 5V Vdd even under low USB Vbus conditions, one of which has more Programmer-To-Go memory.
https://www.auelectronics.com/System-PICkit2.htm

They also do a range of PICkit 2 kits, ranging from bare PCB at $5 USD to $35 for all parts including a preprogrammed PIC18F2550.
https://www.auelectronics.com/Hardware-CB0703.htm

[YTusername]

YTusername's clone lacks the Vpp boost circuit so cant program most of the original PIC12/16/18F parts as they don't have LVP (low voltage programming).  Also on older HVP+LVP capable parts, LVP has serious limitations e.g loss of an I/O pin. 

At that time, I used it mainly with PIC16877A and PIC18F4550 which both have the 5V-ICSP. Thanks for pointing out the limitations. Any limitation in the signals will require external circuitry (adapter) for level-shifting or he can modify the schematic and re-built the PCB.