Making a Simple PIC Programmer.

In this tutorial we will make a simple serial port based programmer for PIC microcontrollers. I have tried several easy to make programmers and software, and here I a presenting the programmer that worked the best. The design is based on JDM. The software we will use is PICPgm by Christian Stadler. I liked the performance of the software, its fast and easy to use. The programmer will make uses the COM port of Computer for communication.

Components required.

S.No	Item	Value/Part No	Qty
01	Transistor	BC337-40 or BC337-25	2
02	Capacitor Electrolytic	100uF 16VDC	2
03	Zener Diode	5.1v 0.5Watt	1
04	Zener Diode	6.2v 0.5Watt	1
05	Diode	1N4148	4
06	Resistor	1.5K	1
07	Resistor	10K	1
08	LED	RED Colour	1
09	DB9 Female Connector with Cover	-	1
10	6 PIN Female Connector with Wire	-	1
11	Veroboard, Wires etc	-	-

Circuit Diagram

Now assemble the circuit as shown below in a piece of veroboard.

Fig. : Simple Serial Port Based PIC Programmer.

So our PIC programmer will have two interface

1. A Serial Interface for Connecting it with PC
2. A 6 PIN ICSP Connecter – This will be connected to our PIC which will sit in our project (say in a Breadboard).

The technique of programming we are using is ICSP i.e. In circuit Serial Programming. In this method our PIC will stay in the end application board while programming. There will be a simple 6 PIN header in our end application. We have to connect this programmer to the end application using this connecter. Now we can connect the programmer with PC and upload the HEX file to our PIC micro. The figure below illustrate the process.

Fig. : Using A ISCP Programmer.

Now our PIC Programmer is complete. In next tutorial I will show you how to write a "Hello World" application for PIC MCUs. After that you will have all the tools and basic skills to work with PIC related projects. Then we will move on an learn the PIC MCU step by step.

Important Note

This programmer works with a physical serial port only! It does NOT work with USB to Serial Converters.

BY CHANDERKETU