interface for PIC 16F628A

16f628a rs232

hi all,
im new to microcontrollers and i need a little help. i need an interface to connect my microcontroller to my laptop so i can futher my research through a little experience. The main issue here is money. i have very little (technically what i have is 0) and i need to know where to go from here.

kind regards,

16f628a

i dont understand your question.

why do you want to interface a PIC with a laptop. and what does "furthering your research through experience" mean.

do you want to connect a PIC programmer to your laptop or do you want to connect a development board with your laptop to learn PIC programming or you want do communicate data between the PIC and the laptop.

please explain what you want to do

and read the PIC tutorials at http://www.winpicprog.co.uk

pic programmer 16f628a

Hi !

I think the best way to interface the 16F628A with your laptop is via serial RS232. The 16F628A has an USART (hardware implemented inside the PIC) that simplifies the serial communication. You should use a crystal oscillator if you intend to use high baud rates and a voltage level converter circuit from TTL levels to RS232 levels (for example MAX232 and similars ICs).

rs232 16f628a

well, basically this is the chip being used by boards that control the fire rate and other modes on paintball markers. im trying to alter the code, but once i have it im not sure how to get it on the microcontroller

pic16f628a

Hmmm, bad news for you. Probably (a strong possibility) that all 16F628A used in your boards are code protected for reading, so you will not be able to read, study and modify the code.

Even if the PICs are not protected, you should have a PIC programmer (a special hardware connected to PC) that can read the code inside the PIC and a software (controlling the programmer hardware) that shows you the code (in assembly language). You should know PIC assembly language to modify the code. If you manage to do it, the writing process in to the PIC is the easiest part of the whole process.

Look for MPLAB software (free) and PICSTART or ICD2 programmers, both from Microchip (the PIC manufacturer). There are similar programmers also, manufatured by third parties, cheaper than Microchip ones.

serial communication with 16f628a

well, i have a guy who can help me with all of this. i just need to know what i need to interface the microcontroller and my computer so i can keep up with him. any links to some PIC programmers that you have had success with?

pic 16f628a

JDM programmer and IC-prog works fine for me. Use google for links.

16f628a to rs232

thanks

pic16f628a usart

thanks