40 Pin Development Board

Archive SparkFun Site Questions/Comments
1

Good afternoon all - -

I have recently completed an HO Switching Display using the Basic Stamp 2, OEM board, which we have been taking to the various NMRA Model Railroad shows.

As a result of this, my local group has now requested that I help construct a much larger functioning layout with additional features.

Consequently, in order to obtain these features a microcontroller with more capacity is required, and the candidate under consideration is the 16F877A.

The following components are under consideration:

Part #DEV-00021: 40 Pin Development Board

Part #PGM-00009: Serial Port Programmer

Part #16F877A Microcontroller

The question I have is whether this development board can be programmed using the Serial Port Programmer connected to the PC and the other end connected to the Development Board via the ICSP, or, are other components required?

I apologize for such an ignorant question, however, I have spent countless hours reading various websites etc., and have not found any comfortable answers.

Than you for your help.

Jim

2

Get a Microchip PICkit 2 instead of that programmer; you get debugging as well as programming and they are fully supported by Microchip. They are only $35.

Leon

3

I agree with Leon. The programmer you selected is highly dependent on proper RS232 signaling levels from your serial port. Even if it does meet the voltage requirements, there is a good chance that it will not be able to source enough power to program your PIC when inserted into a project board.

The PICkit 2 from Microchip is a phenominal value and is far more robust than the serial port programmer.

-Bill

4

Leon and Bill - -

Thank you both for the advice - - all my experience with a microcontroller has been with the Basic Stamp.

Regards,

Jim

K0JMD