PICKIT 2 Clone
The "Clones" are not a hack or an illegal copy, well not necessarily, of the PICKIT 2 programmer. Microchip has publicly released the IP for this older variant of the pic programmers, and some enterprising and capable engineers and makers have used that to produce their own versions.
When searching online for one, it may be confusing as some have actually gone the distance and even replicated the PICKIT 2 enclosure. If this is what you found they do look authentic. Others have developed what looks like a normal hobbyist or entrepreneurial effort. You may need to be cautious about which one you buy, as there may be limited or no product support post-purchase.
Some Google search examples are shown here, and they are referred to for demonstration purposes only.
While this can be good news as the clones are in some respects cheaper than the more recent versions, there are considerations.
- The PICKIT 2 is an older generation tool, and as such will only support and program older generation PICs*.
- The programming method/algorithm for newer generation devices changed (according to forum posts), and this is the reason for the PICKIT 3, 4, and 5 respectively
If you are a veteran and hail from the days of the PIC16F627, PIC16F887, PIC16F877A, and PIC18F4520, or you are building something you found off the internet and that is the device used, then a PICKIT 2 clone is fine and needed.
*See supported devices: Supported Devices
While your first project may thrive on an older device, you will notice that many of the older devices have been surpassed by a new device. When getting collateral from Microchip's website, there will be a notification on the page that recommends the device's replacement.
While Microchip has pledged to never discontinue a device or to always have some stock available, the older devices are often very expensive compared to their younger rivals. They are also outclassed with better features, more peripherals, and so on in the newer ones. In other words, you can do more with a newer device and if your project went to full production and sold globally, you would want to keep your costs down and a cheaper, more capable micro would help.
PIC Devices in the 16F and 18F families use the ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) interface to flash the HEX file to their target device. The ICSP interface as seen below is a 5/6 pin header.
All of HavenTechnik's RADIX PIC development boards have the same interface implemented on the PCB. They are also compatible and support the PICKIT range of programmers. PICKIT 2, PICKIT 3, PICKIT 4, PICKIT 5.
See here: www.haventechnik.biz
HavenTechnik has a clone variant in development and this will be released shortly.
PIC Microcontrollers are a device that requires investment into a toolchain. Having the right tools is essential and imperative.
