Introduction

Beginning in the Fall, '02, we began including the Olimex In Circuit Debugger in the PIC16F87x Development Package. Prior to this time I was purchasing the MPLAB Serial ICD1 from Advanced Transdata which sadly closed its doors on May 1, '02.

This may be purchased without the full PIC16F87x Development package now for $44.95 plus shipping. This includes the main ICD module, serial cable, short lengths of 22 AWG wire, cable tie and documentation. Ordering Info.

Compatability

The Olimex unit is functionally the same as that provided by the original unit. It is fully compatible with MPLAB as an ICD 1, including the ability to download the latest firmware using Microchips MPLAB 5.7x. MPLAB 5.7 is on the Microchip website. Search on;

     MPLAB 5.7

I have been using the Olimex ICD1 for several years, use many in my courses and have been pleased.

There are some minor physical differences between the original MPLAB ICD1 and the Olimex ICD1.

• The original MPLAB ICD used a six conductor telephone cable to interface with the target. Thus, we provided a standard telephone connector box to break out the leads to connect to the target on a solderless breadboard.

  The Olimex unit uses a six conductor cable terminated with 0.100 connector terminals on each end. The user may easily insert short lengths of 22 AWG cable into the connector which then connect to the target processor on the solderless breadboard. We provide the wire, five colors, and a cable tie to stabilize the assembly. (See photo).

• The MPLAB ICD was powered with +5VDC from the target. The Olimex unit is also normally operated in this mode. (The Olimex unit also provides a power jack (12 VDC) which may be used to locally power the ICD. This might be used to program PICs already on printed circuit boards where the target does not have the nominal 70 mA to power the ICD unit. Note that in this mode, the ICD does not provide +5 VDC to the target).

Content of the Package

• Olimex ICD Main Board
• 22AWG Solid Wire, 5 colors and cable tie.
• Serial Cable, 9-conductor, DB9M to DB9F, straight through.
• Drawings.

Photos

Documentation - Minor Revisions for the Olimex ICD.