In need of fast(er) programmer for new PIC33CK devices

[John Lawton]

Hilarious, the Microchip SNAP programmer/debugger "...features a powerful 32-bit 300 MHz SAM E70 Arm® Cortex®-M7 based MCU for quicker debug iterations".

https://www.mouser.co.uk/pdfDocs/50002771B.pdf

How are the mighty fallen.

[diebobo]

Just a closure message, i've received the Northern Software programmer and it is FAST !.. Had some trouble setting it up but it now works with the commandline and Positron Studio. The test program ( blinky ) took like 20 secs orso on the Pickit 3, and now like 0.5 sec. So thanks a lot for that piece of info, very happy at the moment

[charliecoutas]

diebobo

Does it need the cumbersome MPLAB software or is the software interface small and simple?

Charlie

[diebobo]

It is completely standalone, so no need for MLAB software.. I doubt it can even work with MPLAB if u wished, but i only got it working for a few hours so total noob at this point with this programmer.

Check this link for impression of the GUI : https://www.northernsoftware.com/nsdsp/soft/prog/    I think it looks completely simple and clean.. And then there are a bunch of command line utils.

[charliecoutas]

Very useful, many thanks.

[John Lawton]

Just a closure message, i've received the Northern Software programmer and it is FAST !.. Had some trouble setting it up but it now works with the commandline and Positron Studio. The test program ( blinky ) took like 20 secs orso on the Pickit 3, and now like 0.5 sec. So thanks a lot for that piece of info, very happy at the moment

For many years I've used the meLabs U2 programmer, but if it won't support the latest devices I may have to change. I don't think you mentioned which Northern Software model you're using.
https://www.northernsoftware.com/nsdsp/cmp/hh.htm
Is it the NSDSP-2-X - which is the one I'd use as it supports HV programming?


John

[diebobo]

I don't think you mentioned which Northern Software model you're using.
https://www.northernsoftware.com/nsdsp/cmp/hh.htm
Is it the NSDSP-2-X - which is the one I'd use as it supports HV programming?

I did not mention it indeed.. I got the NSDSP-1-UX cause i do not see myself need the HV part of it. However i do see myself make mistakes with selecting the V settings and blow thing up ...  Nah, for some old projects i just use the Pickit2 if they don't support the LV programming.

[Bravo]

I use the ME Labs USB  programmer from melabs.com
It is very fast.

[John Lawton]

I've used a U2 for many years with PIC14/16/18 series parts but as it didn't work with the dsPIC33CK parts I bought the Northern Software model.

John

[trastikata]

I recently purchased PG164100 from Microchip Direct:

https://www.microchipdirect.com/dev-tools/PG164100

inexpensive (10$) and very fast programmer if you don't need the standalone programming function. Works surprisingly well with MPLAB X \.

[John Lawton]

That's interesting, but MPLAB X .... in contrast the Northern Software application in very fast to load...



John

[CPR]

For no reason at all, this kind of reminds me of David Jones (EEV Blog) review of the then new Pickit3. Followed with Microchips response. Classic stuff!

EEVBlog review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjfIS65mwn8
Microchip response - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YUvlrVlNao

[trastikata]

That's interesting, but MPLAB X .... in contrast the Northern Software application in very fast to load...

Hello John,

I was surprised too but after I have been working with that programmer and 512k devices I can say it is really fast with MPLAB X.

[RGV250]

Hi John,
Did you buy from them directly, just wondering about the postage cost and customs charges etc.
The pre programmed chip versions look interesting, for less than £4 you can make you own or build it into the board.

Regards,
Bob

[John Lawton]

Hi Bob,

I don't remember what I paid, sorry. I paid what the website charged me, no import taxes/duties on top IIRC.

Yes, the programmed chip versions could come in useful.

John