News, Updates and Other Minutiae
August 2019
Website outage - I made some hosting changes and there was a minor hiccup. Hopefully everything is now back to normal but please let me know if anything is missing.
The start of a new project added in the Homebrew category. Specifically, a Frequency Dependant Switch. Measures the incoming frequency and switches 1 of 8 outputs on. Software for this project uploaded.
June 2019
Added another project for the AD9850 DDS modules. A Simple DDS sweeper in the Homebrew section. This is an absolutely basic, no frills project using a 12F1840 to sweep a DDS module between a range of frequencies. Plenty of scope for you to improve on the software and add extra features.
Privacy Policy uploaded. It may be viewed at the Privacy Policy link in the footer.
Custom code/webhost costs
I have, for quite a while, provided modified versions of the code for my projects free of charge. However, the cost of webhosting for this site has tripled in the last few of years and shows no signs of getting any cheaper.
As of October 2017, I will be asking for a donation in exchange for providing custom modified code for my projects to help keep this site available.
GPDR and all that stuff
In accordance with various bits of legislation around the world, either currently in force, about to come into force or proposed, you will now find that annoying "We use cookies" notice at the top of this website. Please note that the ONLY cookies currently used on this site are for that pop-up (see https://cookieconsent.insites.com/) and Google Analytics. The full Privacy Policy is available at the Privacy Policy link in the footer at the bottom of the page. (If you don't know what GPDR is, Google it. Real scary shit for ANYBODY with a web presence.)
PicKit 3 Programming Adapter
A programming adapter for use with the PicKit 3 programmer
When the PIC programmer that I have used for several years finally bit the dust, I had to decide what to replace it with. Because I needed it in a hurry, I decided to purchase PicKit 3 programmer from Microchip. Also needed was an adapter to program the PIC's in, which, of course, doesn't come with the PK3. As I had already made an adapter for the previous programmer, I had a look to see if it could be adapted for use with the PK3. The result is shown below. It is mounted on a piece of scrap chipboard to make it easier to use. Note that I have only tested this with 12F and 16F series PIC's only, so I'm not sure yet if it works for any of the other PIC series.
The only thing I had to add was a switch to select between VPP and VPP2, as the old programmer was smart enough to switch between different VPP lines depending on the size (28/40 or 8/14/18/20 pin) of the PIC being programmed.
I used a very small switch that could be soldered to the pcb. You could use any handy SPDT switch and make a small mounting bracket for it, of course. Don't forget to label which position is which, otherwise it is very easy to kill a PIC if it is in the wrong position.
As you can see, I used a bit of ribbon cable with marker (to identify pin 1 on the PK3 connector). For the other end, I used a piece of single in line header and sealed the connections with some hot melt glue.
The pcb layout is pretty straight forward and as is usual with my projects, you can download the layout file at the bottom of this page.
Since the photo's were taken, I have marked the top of the pcb with the position of the various size chips. Below are some small graphics that you can use to make labels for the positions, they are available to download in the zip file below as well.
I have been using the standalone PK3 programmer software and some enterprising person might like to have a go at including these into that piece of software. (The source code is available on the Microchip site.)
Downloads
These files are provided free for personal use ONLY. I retain all copyright on all works published on this website. They may NOT be used in any commercial or profit making enterprise of any kind without the express WRITTEN permission of the copyright holder.
(Right click and 'Save as..' or what ever is required by your browser) VK5TM PicKit 3 Prog Adapter.lay6 The Sprint Layout 6 pcb file. See the PCB Info page for information on using this file. Adapter PIC placement graphics The graphics from above re placement of the PIC's in the zif socket.
