I'm thinking about learning PIC programming, and would appreciate
any advice. E.g.
1. Which programmer? Preferably something that can program most DIP flash
PICs, primarily 10-18 series.
I have the PICStart+ and the ProMate II plus some adapters. I don't
have the PICKIT2 yet. I will be buying one, soon, though. (If anyone
knows of a place cheaper than $49.99 US, let me know.) You can also
get a variety of 3rd party boards for this, as well. (I like the fact
that Microchip supports their old tools [like the ProMate II]
literally "forever," though.) My original PicStart didn't support
flash programming of new code into it, but I adapted it with their
newer chip (opened it up and installed it a few years ago) and it now
downloads code from MPLAB just fine, when new chip support is
required.
There are a lot of options for you to consider and none of us can
really tell you what is better for you. If I were doing this new, I'd
probably just look around for schematics -- think a little about their
approaches -- and build it myself using some ZIF sockets I'd buy to go
along with it.
(I just noticed that Newark has a "promo" on the PIC10F200 for less
than 30 cents each in 1's, by the way.)
2. Which prototyping method(s)? Is plugblock feasible? Veroboard?
Whatever works for you, I think. I haven't had problems yet with a
variety of methods. I sometimes use wire-wrap, even; or those $10
white proto boards and end-stripped jumper wires.
3. Are the PICDEM kits worth it?
Don't know, but they look like one of several cheaper options.
4. How useful/important is an ICD?
There are times when that helps. But in the two or three cases where
I really needed something, I needed my ICE2000 system to find the chip
bugs. The trace buffer was a huge help there. (I haven't used ICD in
years, to be honest. I usually can track down my own problem code
fairly easily without it.)
5. Any recommended web sites and/or books?
You have some, already. Microchip also has a forum and if I were you
I'd set up an account and use it.
Jon