Microchip PICkit 2 Starter Kit?

I'm thinking of buying a PICkit 2 Starter Kit.

http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en023805

Is there anything else I need to start using it for basic tutorial
stuff or is there anything else someone could recommend?

I have some experience with assembly, C, and C++ but it's been awhile.
So I'm looking for something simple and cheap to get caught up then
maybe move on to something better.

Thanks

 

I give it a thumbs up. I love being able to code-compile-
load-test-repeat. It programs PICs faster than anything I
use at work, and has withstood stupid wiring mistakes that
should have fried it.

The two times I thought I fried it, all I had to do was
reload the PK2 firmware; problem solved.

If you choose your pin functions right, you can wire it up
to program in-circuit on a breadboard or PCB.

I haven't used ICD at all, so I can't comment on that
aspect.

HTH

 

You may want to look at the MPS430 kits too (from TI). They support
jtag for debug, which is pretty useful. The PIC can do simulation, but
that doesn't help much in some situations.

One cool kit TI has is a wireless system, where a usb dongle connects
to the uC card remotely. Unfortunately, you can't use it to program
new devices, but you can buy device cards pretty cheaply.

I like the architecture of the MPS430 chips.

http://preview.tinyurl.com/4woc2r

However, the PIC is pretty easy to work with, and you can program new
chips with the pickit. I have one, and it was great fun getting to
know uCs with it.

Regards,
Bob Monsen

 

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I purchased the PICkit 2 starter kit.

I'll blow the dust off my computer books from school which included
the MC68HC11, and see how things go. Hopefully it comes back quickly.

I'll keep the MPS430 in mind for future refrence.