Can PIC12-16-18 series programmer be modified to program PIC24 series?

[gn77b]

hi

I have the K149 programmer. it can program the 12-16-18 PIC series as mentioned in the title. it has an ICSP header and the software has an user-editable chip configuration file which contains the necessary data to correctly program the devices (haven't completely decoded the format. few fields have not-so-obvious meanings but I guess I can decode them too). question is... provided I build a voltage level translator to program the PIC24 series and add the correct configuration fields, will it work or are there some other things I should address or fundamental incompatibilities? the datasheets and web infos I could find don't make it so obvious. the part I need to re-program is part of a functioning device I'm using on a daily basis so experimentation is not an option, I need to be able to get it right
thanks.

 

[wp100]

Hi,

The pic24 is a very different chip to the 16/18F range and I believe the programming algorithm is totally different, without out such detail you will not be able program it with the K149 software.

Suggest you buy yourself a Pickit2 or 3 programmer which will handle them and the voltage level problem as it can adjust VDD.

Alternatively you could use you K149 to program up a 18F2550 chip with the PK2 firmware and build your own simple Pk2 clone.
There are many diy plans / pcbs for that in this forum, even the simplest versions can program a Pic24 provided you use a 3v3 regulator on the whole Pk2 circuit.
A full clone will auto adjust the voltage for you.

 

[gn77b]

I believe the programming algorithm is totally different, without out such detail you will not be able program it with the K149 software.

are you sure about that? like I said, I gave the datasheets a look and I think that what the PIC24 adds is some other means of programming besides the "standard" mode. but it's not absolutely clear if that is the case. well, I'm lazy, reading the datasheets thoroughly would answer the question but who does that?

nevertheless, the Pickit seems to be simple enough to be worth a shot. I initially thought it uses the FTDI chip (SMD, no-no ) but now I see that the PIC handles the USB itself. that renders a breadboard implementation doable

 

[wp100]

n that renders a breadboard implementation doable

Hi,

Not recommended as the high speed signal needed in programming can get lost in the relatively poor and long connections of the breadboard.

Perhaps lucky enough for a one time program but likely to give all sorts of weird problems otherwise.

 

[gn77b]

does it work as such high speed so that it becomes an issue? I'm not really interested in programming at max possible speed. anyway a PCB is not a big problem, I've manufactured lots but I rather dislike the process. OTOH there are people who will DIY it for me (not really DIY then, hmm) for a small price.