ErnieHorning: Restored from the archived ChristmasWiki backup. Image references updated where required.

2026-08-06T22:13:07Z

Restored from the archived ChristmasWiki backup. Image references updated where required.

New page

Here you will find guides on how to perform basic programming of a PIC.
==How to guides and videos==
[[Image:ArchivedChristmasWiki_How_to_program_a_PIC.pdf]]: Please note that this guide uses a PICKit2, The most common PIC programmer among DIYC members, but the process should be very similar for other PIC's and programmers.

[[File:ArchivedChristmasWiki_PICKit III.pdf]]: Guide for using a PICKit III to program a PIC using a "HEX" file. The first few screens would be the same for the "ASM" file but then you should be able to use [[Archived ChristmasWiki:WayneJ's video series on PIC programming| Waynes videos]] for the "project creation". You should also be able to use this for the diagnostic firmware, just change the file name that you select in the file browser. Made by [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/member.php?u=53 Mmulvenna]

[[Archived ChristmasWiki:WayneJ's video series on PIC programming|WayneJ's video series on PIC programming]]: For those that prefer to see it done in a video.

[[Archived ChristmasWiki:Microchip PIC References|Microchip PIC References]]: Other information and tutorials on PICs.

[[Archived ChristmasWiki:PIC Programming Hints|PIC Programming Hints]]: Hints to programming PICs.

[http://www.gooligum.com.au/tut_baseline.html Gooligum] PIC Programming tutorial series

==Where to buy Programmers==
Depending on the controller design you will either need just a programmer like the Pickit2 or you will also need a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_insertion_force ZIF] socket to program the PIC. If the controller has an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Circuit_Serial_Programming_(ICSP) ICSP] header then you do not need a ZIF socket, but it is a good idea to purchase one. 
[http://www.ebay.com/itm/ICSP-Adapter-8-14-pin-PIC-w-PICkit-2-USB-Programmer-/230432419578 Pickit2 and 14pin ZIF socket] from DIYC user [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/member.php?5441-j1sys J1sys] 
[http://www.diyledexpress.com Pickit2 clone with built in ZIF socket] from DIYC user [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/member.php?2860-tjetzer tjetzer] 
[http://www.ebay.com/itm/iCA03-USB-Microchip-PIC-dsPIC-EEPROM-ICSP-Zif-Socket-Programmer-Set-PICkit2-SW-/390699614574 Pickit2 clone with ZIF socket] from EBay 
[http://www.ebay.com/itm/MCU-Universal-ZIF-socket-use-PICkit-2-3-Program-/350445510228 Zif socket only] Useful if you want to buy the socket later and for multiple sizes. 

==Software to Program PICs==
The PICKIt2 is used to download a .HEX file to the PIC. Frequently the software is availble in .ASM format, that will need to be compiled using a compiler as shown above in the documents and videos. If firmware is available in an assembly file (.asm) file that needs to be compiled and built with Microchip's free [http://www.microchip.com/Microchip.WWW.SecureSoftwareList/secsoftwaredownload.aspx?device=en019469&lang=en&ReturnURL=http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en019469# MPLAB IDE software] or [http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en019469 MPLAB X IDE].

If you have never compiled firmware before, there is an excellent series of tutorials available above.

Older versions of MPLAB IDE may not support some of the newer PICs like the 16F1825 PIC and you my need to update the MPLAB IDE to a later version.

If you are just looking to download a .hex file to a PIC, you can use the easier [http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/PICkit%202%20v2.61.00%20Setup%20A.zip PICKIT2] software. You may also have to update the PICKIT2 software to support the 16F1825. [http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/PICkit%202%20v2.61.00%20Setup%20A.zip Version 2.61] supports the 16F1825 PIC and allows you to program the firmware into the PIC. While you are updating the PICKIT 2 software, you might want to also download the latest device file [http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/PK2DFUpdate-1-62-14.zip Version 1.62.14] and replace the file in the PICKIT 2 program directory with this file.

[[Category:Archived ChristmasWiki:How To]]
[[Category:Archived ChristmasWiki:PIC Info]]
[[Category:Archived ChristmasWiki:Beginners Info]]
[[Category:Archived ChristmasWiki:General Info]]
[[Category:Archived ChristmasWiki:DIYC Index]]

Archived ChristmasWiki:Beginners Guide To Programming A PIC - Revision history

ErnieHorning: Restored from the archived ChristmasWiki backup. Image references updated where required.