Most of us have PIC programmers for development, such as Microchip IDC2 or a PIC ICSP programmer such as PRESTO, which are very good at what they do. But they are not ideal for either production or field updates, because they require too much knowledge to use or need a laptop to be used in a challenging environment.
So what are the alternatives?
The answer is a portable PIC programmer that is easy to use and avoids laptop use in field environments like kitchens, busy factory floors or confined spaces. There are quite a lot of sophisticated portable programmers available, and Kanda also supply a portable programmer that can store 32 different target PIC microcontrollers and firmware files. Versions can also be found that support a wider range of microcontrollers and memory chips but are obviously more expensive.
These type of programmers provide an answer to using a laptop but they are quite complicated, with menu systems and lots of buttons, which doesn’t solve the problem of ease of use. The solution to this problem is to reduce the complexity because all you actually need is a button to start programming and a LED to indicate programming progress and error or success.
This is the basis of Kanda handheld programmers that use 1 button and one LED that can be green or red. Once the programmer has been loaded from PC, firmware updates couldn’t be simpler, just press a button and watch the LED. There are some extra features, such as adapters for different interface types, although a lot of people add their own custom connectors, and they can power the target.
In response to customer feedback, a second version is available with an additional 8-way rotary switch that can store up to 8 firmware setups. This is especially useful for field engineers who have to update several different product models that have separate code or PIC microcontroller choices.
Again, this is as easy as possible to reduce cost and keep it simple. A label stuck on the back can be used to show which product model is in which program slot. And that’s it, portable programmers for simplicity.
More information about Portable PIC Programmers
Hello! Someone in my Facebook group shared this
site with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m
bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Superb blog and terrific style and design.
It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I’m satisfied that
you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us
up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Terrific article! That is the kind of information that are meant to
be shared around the internet. Shame on the seek engines for not positioning this post higher!
Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward
to new updates.
Yes, we use Twitter, see buttons above at bottom of post to follow @kandaUK on Twitter or Facebook.
Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.rnLook advanced to far added agreeable from you!rnBy the way, how can we communicate?
I could not resist commenting. Very well written!
I’m curious to find out what blog system you happen to be utilizing?rnI’m having some small security issues with my latest site rnand I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do rnyou have any suggestions?
We use WordPress as it also includes a forum plugin, BBpress. I am not aware of any security issues although we do get lots of registrations. I think all packaged blog software will have some vulnerabilities because the source code is available for study by hackers but as long as you keep your version up to date, you shouldn’t have too many issues, after all WordPress’ success relies on its ease of use and keeping on top of security.
Excellent blog you have here but I was curious about if you knew of rnany discussion boards that cover the same topics discussed rnin this article? I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get rnfeed-back from other experienced people that share rnthe same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let rnme know. Kudos!