I really can't afford another pic programmer, can i get like some schematics and make one? maybe one specifically to use on the 8 pin PICs then use the velleman ones on the ones that are not 8 pin, like on strip board, it would be a bit annoying if i have bought these and i can't use them more than once.

 

Check out Microchip document AN258. It gives full details including source code and schematics to build the PICKIT1 programmer. It uses a PIC16C745 (best check the Velleman can program it).

 

You should be able to use the 8-pin PIC fine, just always leave the config set to _MCLRE_ON so the pin always works as MCLR. It means you only get 3 to 5 PIC pins left for you to use but the problem will be solved.

 

So other programmers dont use MCLR? i don't see why mirochip would do this, surely to use an i/o you need to be able to experiment with it

 

So other programmers dont use MCLR? i don't see why mirochip would do this, surely to use an i/o you need to be able to experiment with it

This is a vellerman kit problem. The design is quite old, and it support very few Microchip controllers. And cost more than a Pickit 2. It should have been discontinued from marked.

 

Is this the one you were talking about?
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/appnotes/00258a.pdf

I can't find instructions on how to build it, does it give instructions for using strip board?

 

There is a schematic on page 5, shouldn't be too tricky to build, there aren't many components. It would have been nice for them to put the pin numbers on the PIC and I've noticed they don't show the USB connections, maybe that is in the source code ZIP file.
The source code (including the PC software in Visual Basic) is in:
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/AppNotes/an258a.zip
Of course you can just use the precompiled version.

 

http://dlmkerode.tripod.com/PICKIT2_1.htm
Perhaps this is better. As I understand it will be pickit 2 clone. I have not tested it. But you have to get the 18F type PIC programmed so it may be a Chicken and Egg Paradoxhttp://dlmkerode.tripod.com/PICKIT2_1.htm

 

So is the PICKIT2 purely ICSD? Does anyone here preferably in the UK have a PIC programmer capable? Can i use the ICSD on the k8048 to program it?

 

You can use it as ICSD or get a ZIF socket and connect it up that way if you want. If your Velleman can't program the PIC, you can send me a blank PIC, the hex file and a return envelope and I'll program it for you. It's probably worth trying on your programmer - if it verifies ok, then it is fine.

 

Unfortunately i dont think maplin do that PIC

 

Nor Rapid, oddly. Ebay has them for £5.80 inc postage in the UK.

 

crownhill has it for £3.50

 

oh its £4.37 inc VAT, why are they so expensive?

 

Buying components in small numbers is always expensive. But do not think the £4.37 is a really unfair price.