|
Index |
Query | Answer |
|
1 |
How do I obtain the best value suite of PICKitPlus software for the PICKit 2 and PICKit 3 programmers? |
Simply make a choice from our software page here PICKitPlus Flex Suite is the best value, containing four PICKitPlus applications:
|
|
2 |
How do I obtain the basic suite of PICKitPlus software for the PICKit 2 and PICKit 3 programmers? |
Simply make a choice from our software page here PICKitPlus Flex Suite has the basic toolset, containing three PICKitPlus applications:
|
|
3 |
How do I obtain just the PICKitPlus software for the PICKit 2 programmer? |
Simply make a single application payment to PayPal here for £10 GBP. |
|
4 |
How do I obtain just the PICKitPlus software for the PICKit 3 programmer? |
Simply make a single application payment to PayPal here for £10 GBP. |
|
5 |
How do I obtain just the PICKitCommandLine software ? |
Simply make a single application payment to PayPal here for £10 GBP. |
|
6 |
How do I obtain just the PICKItAutoWatch software ? |
Simply make a single application payment to PayPal here for £10 GBP. |
|
7 |
What is the payment method for PICKitPlus? Does it work by Bank transfer? PayPal? |
We use PayPal. We can provide details of bank transfer upon request and we can also provide invoices but this will incur charges for the transaction. |
|
8 |
How is the software licensed? |
We provide one year software support to resolve issues in the software. You can obtain a renewed license in subsequent years by repurchasing a license. We will send all software updates within the first year automatically to your email address with you unique download URL. We provide free updates the parts database as we publish to GitHub. See https://github.com/Anobium/PICKitPlus The latest parts database can be found on GitHub. Licenses are single named user. This means you can use on multiple computer that the named person uses - sharing of the software is not permitted.
|
|
9 |
How do I obtain the software? Where do I download from? |
We have a semi-automated system. After we have manually checked the payment has been cleared, your user specific installer is created and sent to you. We need to manually check the payment has been cleared because we have had numerous scams and have had to remove the fully automated process.
|
|
10 |
I have paid the money. The email has not arrived! Where is my software? |
We work London, UK extended office hours. Which means we can cover 0700-1900 hours. We verify payment details within our office hours. If you payment has not cleared we will contact you via email. But, we will provide the software as soon as practical within our office hours. |
|
11 |
When I have already installed the software and there is an update to the microcontrollers’ database – how do I update the software to use the new microcontrollers’ database? |
Download the new microcontrollers’ database and then place the .dat file in your installation folder and restart the application. |
|
12 |
When is new software issued? |
We issue new software when we add new features, or, we fix an issue. You will receive an email to your user specific download URL. |
|
13 |
When is the microcontrollers’ database updated? |
We add or revise the microcontrollers’ database as we get requests to add new parts or to revise existing microcontrollers’ definitions.
You can always check for updates using the TOOLS/CHECK DEVICE DATABASE VERSION option in the software. |
|
14 |
What is good practice when updating the software with the latest release? |
Some users simply reinstall and therefore overwrite the existing installation. Some users retain each release of the software by renaming the installer with the date and/or version. Either method can work for you but please note we only retain the current release of the software in your download URL. |
|
15 |
Does the PICKitPlus software solve the known problems with the 12F629/675 microcontrollers concerning the Bandgap and Oscillator Calibration bits? |
Yes. PICKitPlus retains the Bandgap and OSCCAL (Oscillator Calibration bits) at the time of programming your microcontroller. |
|
16 |
Does the PICKitPlus software work with Window 10? |
Yes. We test using Windows XP to Windows 10. |
|
17 |
Does the PICKitPlus software support 16bit and the 32bit microcontrollers? |
Yes. See the website tab for a complete list of supported parts. |
|
18 |
What is the format of the list of supported parts.? |
It is a text file. The format is as follows. The parts are defined as Part_name_string., Parts_family, Microchip_parts_ID. The top of the list shows the latest part to added or revised. |
|
19 |
I have a part that worked in the old Microchip software but it is not listed. What do I do? |
Ask us to add the missing parts. Send us your existing parts database (as this will contain the information we need) and we can add them. |
|
20 |
Does the PICKitPlus software require the internet to operate? |
No. PICKitPlus software does not require the internet to operate. |
|
21 |
Can I use the PICKitPlus microcontrollers’ database with the old Microchip software? |
Yes. We have, as a principle, maintained the structure of the microcontrollers’ database. So, this means that you can use the microcontrollers’ database BUT the new parts in the Midrange/1.8V Min MSB1st or the PIC18/PIC18F MSB1st will not work using the old Microchip software as the protocols are not supported. And, functionality like HEF/SAF, OSCCAL reset etc are not supported by the old Microchip software. |
|
22 |
Is the PICKitPlus commandline software just a recompile of the old commandline source code? |
No. It is new software. |
|
23 |
Does PICKitPlus software work with clones? |
Yes. As a principle we have not updated the firmware in the programmer to ensure we can support the widest range of programmers. Essentially, if the old Microchip software worked.. then, so will PICKitPlus software with all the new capabilities. |
|
24 |
Where is the forum? |
|
|
25 |
Where is an overview of the functionality? |
See the product pages of this website |
|
26 |
Where is the list of known constraints? |
We have one constraint that we know of.
|
|
27 |
The user interface sometimes stutters when programming. Why? |
The framework causes the UI to stutter. This has been fixed in the latest software. |
|
28 |
How are EEProms supported? |
EEPROM support is via the Windows GUI application only. Support for I2C EEPROM devices - below are the notes from the Microchip read-me note. This applies to PICKitPlus. Ensure the operating voltage does not exceed the parts specification. Connections for 24xx devices as example. --------------------------------------- PICKit 2 Pin 24xx Device Pin (DIP) (2) Vdd ! pin8 Vcc (3) GND pin4 Vss (5) PGC pin6 SCL (driven as push-pull) (6) AUX pin5 SDA (requires pullup resistor) pin7 WP - disabled (GND) 1, 2, 3 Ax pins on the part. Connect to Vdd or GND per datasheet and to set address PICKit 2: 24LC devices may not program properly below 3.6V VDD. This is a limitation of the PICKit 2 AUX IO pin. PICKit 3: If you get “I2C Bus Error (No Acknowledge)-Aborted“ first inspect all the connections, then, ensure you have pull-up resistors fitted to SDA and SCL, and, review the Microchip advice in section A.4 Device Support of the PICKit 3 Programmer Application User’s Guide. Also, see the 'Writing EEPROMs with PICKit 3.pdf' in your PICKitPlus installation directory. Bus Speed- 400kHz with Tools -> Fast Programming checked 100kHz with Tools -> Fast Programming unchecked NOTE: Bus pullups are required for all programming operations. 400kHz requires 2k Ohm pullups. A(n) Chip Select checkboxes within the user interface. These are only enabled for devices that support address chip selects, and allow programming of multiple devices on the same bus. The parts database now shows 24xx00 to 24xx1026. The xx can be LC, FC, or AA. Requires 2.63.197, or greater, of the parts database to operate. |
|
29
|
I have an original Microchip PICKit 2. Will PICKitPlus+ run satisfactorily on my original PICKit 2? Once updated, will it program new devices? |
Yes, a PICKit 2 can be used with PICKitPlus software to program new microcontrollers. And, you can use the old Microchip software! |
|
30 |
Can I update safely using a Microchip PICKit 3 to extend to new devices program by installing software PICKitPlus? |
Yes, a PICKit 3 can be used with PICKitPlus software to program new microcontrollers.
And, you can use the old Microchip software! |
|
31 |
It looks like PICKitPlus improves the functioning of Microchip PICKit 2 and PICKit 3 programmer. Will PICKitPlus work also for programming clones? |
Yes, if your clone works with Microchip software, it will also work with PICKitPlus
|
|
32 |
I am a newcomer to microcontrollers' world, Is the installation of the PICKPlus plain and easy or is do I need to be an expert? |
The installation is very easy. You can watch the instalaltion process on Youtube, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo7z1wfjIh8&t=248s |
|
33 |
I would like to make some projects with new microcontrollers. Where can I have a look and check the devices that PICKitPlus supports? |
See the website tab for a complete list of supported parts. |
|
34 |
I am interested in experimenting with very small microcontrollers, such as those with six pins, eg 10F220, 10F320/340. Are these small microcontrollers included in the devices programming data base of PICKitPlus to start my project? |
Yes. Small devices like the 10F220, 10F320/340 are supported. |
|
35 |
I have recently installed the software in a clone. It works great. If I would need to work with a new release Microchip device, could I send a request to get the new device included in the parts database? |
Yes, send us an email. We may request the specific microcontroller but we should be able to update the database to support the microcontroller. |
|
36 |
The installation of your software supports new microcontrollers devices. Where can I see the list of devices? |
See https://pickitplus.co.uk/Typesetter/index.php/Supported-Parts for the current and the previous releases of the databases. |
|
37 |
When I install PICKitPlus with Windows XP I get an .NETerror. How do I resolve ? |
You need to install the last XP .NET patch kit. If you required XP support please download the additional ZIP and install the contents to ensure you have .NET support. http://PICKitPlus.co.uk/xp/dotnetfx.zip Install the WindowsInstaller-KB893803-v2-x86.exe followed by dotnetfx.exe If you still require the FULL .NET offline installer then install this. |
| 38 | Refunds |
Our policy is very easy to understand. We will work with you to resolve any issues with our software. The only circumstance of a refund is when we cannot resolve an issue in our software - at that point we will offer a refund. |
| 39 | Unbricking your PICKit2 or PICKit3 programmer. How? |
We can provide the firmware and the detailed instructions to reload the firmware the programmer - the term 'unbricking' is not a root cause analysis of the state of the programmer therefore we can only help with advice and services. Just ask us. |
| 40 | Can PICKitPlus program my 12C508 or any 12C microcontroller ? |
Our advice is to give up on the 12C. Use a modern microcontroller. The "C" variant of a PIC microcontroller is a one time programmable microcontroller. You have one chance to get it right. A K150 programmer or a TL866CS works sometimes. The famous "ponyprog" software claims to support pic12c50x, and works with several minimal and easy-to-build programmers.
http://www.lancos.com/prog.html
The 12C microcontroller required true rs232-level serial port, and may be dependent on the PC-side OS having deterministically timed access to all of the serial port signals, which is questionable with the current abstraction of the serial port. But the source code is available (part of the linux version), so it is a least a reasonable model. You could use an Arduino Nano. It is not difficult, aside from needing 13V Vpp and multiple "pulses" for each location (ala most eprom programming specs. "do this up to X times till it reads back, and then do it N times X more times to make sure.") The problem is a PIC12C508 requires up to 50mA from Vpp during programming and Vpp must not drop below 12.75V during programming. (see http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/30557g.pdf ) Most cheap / minimal / DIY programmers cant hold Vpp at 13V +/-0.25V reliably with a 50mA pulsed load on it. This is very important! PIC12C508 and the PIC12F508 are binary compatible and apart from the different programming characteristics, and the pin 5 (GP2/T0CKI) input characteristic, are electrically compatible. (GP2/T0CKI is a Schmidt trigger input on the 'C508 but an ordinary CMOS input with TTL thresholds on the 'F508.) Therefore, in most cases, you can simply use a more modern programmer that doesn't support EPROM memory PIC1xC... parts, to flash a PIC12F508 with your PIC12C508 code, and use it in place of the 'C508.
So, use a PIC12F508 and a PICKitPlus programmer. |
|
41 |
Why do I get this message ? "Error PowerError: Tool is not providing the correct VDD voltage Failed after 0 minutes and 1 seconds" |
We simply give the circuit more time to stabilise and if the circuit is not stable after a specific period the application will issue an error message to inform the user.
You should also inspect the VDD voltage, if incorrect, then either the programmer tool needs calibrating; or the USB supply is poor; or the USB cable is poor; or the target circuit is drawing too much current. |
| 42 | How do know that PICKitCommandLine software is compatible with my Linux operating system ? |
You can use our compatibility test application. pkcmd-lx-compatibility-test-x86_64.AppImage > sudo ./pkcmd-lx-compatibility-test-x86_64.AppImage Compatibility test for PKCMD-LX 1.05 beta A program to test PKCMD-LX compatibility on a target platform Looking for tool |
|
And… |
What is the funny logo in the software? The thing that looks like a pentagon! |
Its and avatar. The head of the Anobium woodworm beetle. |