Then you can later build the ICD-2 clone, especially that you will have the Tait programmer to program the PIC with the bootloader. I think it will work and it is cheaper and easier to build. So you can simply build the Tait programmer and pay attention to the 13V voltage, as I said in the previous post. However, it needs a PIC and it is more complex. I have not had any problems with it so far. I made only some small modifications to the schematic, but I am certain that the original one worked just fine. It uses the PIC16F876A and the bootloader was included.

It is based on the schematic provided by leprohon on this board. I have built an ICD-2 clone and this is what I use now. Here is the link to appnote AN-589 **broken link removed** However, the nice thing about it is that once you build it you can actually use it with Microchip's MPLAB IDE software, so new devices will always be supported, all you have to do is update your free MPLAB IDE. Anyway, you will have to program this PIC before you can use the programmer, so you need to ask someone for help. I have to warn you, it uses a PIC16F877 or PIC16F876A, depending on the version. The schematics and code for the ICD-2 clone can be found on this board. Personally, I built the ICD-2 clone, which works only on F devices, but this is what I use anyway. Other than that, the algorithm is not that complicated.ĭoes Tait provide the software that goes with this programmer? AN-589 does provide code, but it is DOS-based (it's old) and I don't think it supports F devices. That is what I have found in my experience. So I would either use a pot instead of the diodes (or perhaps a small one in series with them), or better yet use an LM317L with a pot, so you can adjust accurately the 13V.

I know PIC's are notorious for refusing to enter programming mode if the 13V is too low.

ONe thing I would change is the 13V supply. When all it's said and done, you program the configuration word.įor more info and another similar programmer, check out appnote AN-589 from Microchip. For verification, the data is shifted out the PGD pin, with PGC still acting as a clock.įor older parts (with C in the middle), you also need to supply two commands: start programming and stop programming (spaced at 100ms) to actually program a word. After the part is put into programming mode by a special sequence, the data is shifted in serially on PGD, while PGC is the clock. I have not tried it, but I built a PIC programmer of my own, before actually building an ICD-2 clone.īasically, the PIC's need 5V for power and 13V applied to the /MCLR pin for programming.

Tait Serial Programmer Schematic