Tonight I updated the parts list and the schematic to the ICSP Program Adapter. I corrected mistakes I made in the schematic. If you build one let me know how it is working!

Hi, 

     I've used PICs for ages, they are my go-to chip, I used to use Microelektronicas MikroC, which is a very nice IDE, but is code-size limited. For a noob its nice because it has a load of plugin libraries. I bought the full copy, but eventually moved to Microchips MPLAB X because I wanted to use some of their graphics and ethernet libraries.   I use mainly PIC18F chips nowadays, with a sprinkling of PIC24F as well for things like graphics controllers etc. I'm also using the ICD3 programmer/debugger, which is a great piece of kit and can program any PIC. The problem with Mikroelectronicas offerings is they have different programmers for different PIC ranges..

Hi, I'm a kind of PIC newbie learning all by my self. The tools I use is the PickIt3 and the MPLAB X IDE using the XC8 compiler, both resources offered by microchip. The microchip I work with is the PIC16F1824.

I've been woking on a JDM programmer that uses the serial port (a kind of dated protocol since the USB appereared) and has VCC control, Is not a design of me (It's easily found on internet), but a starting point cause I would like someday desing an open hardware PIC programer that uses the USB protocol.

Artful Codger,

Thanks for your advice in helping me steer a successful path to learning about PIC's. I already have a PICkit3 and I will add that to the list of materials. I already ordered the book "123 PIC Microcontroller Experiments for the Evil Genius" a few days ago! :)  I will add that book to this project's bibliography. I was thinking of starting with the PIC16F84A, but you are right in that it probably would be better to use a more modern PIC. I will start with the PIC16F628A instead. The "sourceboost compiler" sounds interesting and I will be sure to check it out.

Kind Regards,

Al, N8WQ

Some comments from a semi-regular small (8-bit) PIC user:

- I got alot of use and fun out of MicroChip's PICkit 1, which is now officially discontinued but still available. What really helped my PIC learning, and leveraged the PICkit 1, was Myke Predko's book "123 PIC Microcontroller Experiments for the Evil Genius" Stupid, stupid title. But the book was really useful for me.

- Most PICs use ICSP (in-circuit serial programming) so if you are making your own development board you should plan on getting one of microChip's USB ISCP tools - PICKit 2 or PICkit 3 (or a clone). Much easier than trying to make your own programmer.

- try to pick a small number of PIC parts to learn... maybe even just one to start with, then try other members of the same family. I currently stock and use: 16F684, 16F628A, 12F675 (8-pin) because they have good basic features and are popular online. You will find lots of projects for 16F84, but this is now an old part, so to me it isn't worth the effort to learn it. Once you gain experience, you'll be able to take such older projects and adapt them for a newer part.

- there are a number of choices for development environment and C compilers. MicroChip supplies MPLAB and some compilers. microelectronika are well regarded, and also have many dev boards.  For my small projects, I had the most fun using the sourceboost compiler. They provide a basic IDE and a feature-restricted compiler for free, but I found it quite usable for my small projects. For $20, they have some simulation plugins that are quite decent.

I know that many people like ATMEL microcontrollers, and arduinos are popular, but I've already invested time and money into PICs, and there's still tons of  PIC info and projects online.

Good luck and have fun.