Hello, I am looking into buying the PICKIT2 but I am wondering what the compatibility is with different types of PICs. I have a PIC24HJ32P202 but I want to practise developing with a PIC16F84A.

Can I plug either of these MCUs into the development board, offered by Microchip, and program away? Or do I need to tweak the board?

Thanks

 

Hi
PICKIT 2 do support the 16F84A chip. But not through MPLAB. You have to use the "PICkit 2 Programmer Application" If I was you. I would not have used the 16F84A. It is obsolete like the LM741 opamp. Use a newer chip with more functions. If you do not have to use the 16F84A drop it. I think the 16F88 is a nice replacement for the 16F84A
Here is a link for all you need regarding PICKIT 2
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en027813

 

Thank you!

What would you guys suggest to be the best development board for starting out? I would like to learn programming in C and assembly.

1) PICkit™ 2 Debug Express - $50

• PICkit 2 Development Programmer/Debugger
• 44-pin demo board with PIC16F887 Midrange PIC microcontroller

2) PICkit™ 2 Starter Kit - $50

• PICkit 2 Development Programmer/Debugger
• Low pin count demo board supporting 8/14/20-pin mid range PIC microcontrollers
• 20-pin PIC16F690 Midrange microcontroller

3) PIC18F4XK20 Starter Kit - $100

• PICkit 2 Development Programmer/Debugger
• PIC18F4XK20 Starter Kit board with PIC18F46K20 microcontroller and OLED display.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:

- I already own a PIC24HJ32P202 and wouldn't mind being able to use it
- I am a beginner and am hoping the tutorials offered by Microchip will be sufficient in helping me get started

Thanks!

 

Anyone have any ideas?

 

I've used both the PICkit 2 starter kit and the PICDEM Lab. I like them both, but I think the PICDEM Lab is a better tool to get you up and running. The PICkit 2 starter kit (you'll find) has all of its tutorials in assembly. This isn't bad, as learning some assembly helps you learn the architecture. The PICDEM Lab stuff was in C IIRC.