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PIC-MCP-USB

PICSTART+ emulator for MPLAB 8 and PIC 8/18/28/40 pin devices programmer

https://www.olimex.com/Products/PIC/Programmers/PIC-MCP-USB/

This item is OBSOLETE

N/AEUR

PIC-MCP-USB is a low-cost alternative of Picstart+. It's MPLAB compatible and MPLAB recognizes PIC-MCP-USB as Picstart+. This is the perfect solution for the new computers without a RS232 port as it generates RS232 signals and power supply from the USB port. PIC-MCP-USB has a gold plated 40 pin ZIF socket which accepts all types of DIP PIC microcontrollers - making it very comfortable for bare chip programming. In addition, it has an ICSP connector and can be used to program all PIC-PxxB prototype boards.
Supported devices and IDEs: ALL devices supported by PICSTART+ (excluding PIC17XXX series). Please note that PIC-MCP-USB is not supported under the MPLAB X. It works fine with MPLAB versions prior to MPLAB X (e.g. MPLAB 8.XX).
ICSP 30cm (12") cable
Dimensions - 100x80mm (3.9x3.15")

Firmware upgrade UPGRADE-130 upgrades firmware for MPLAB 8.10
FT232 drivers for your OS download and install to be able to work with PIC-MCP-USB via the virtual COM port and MPLAB 8. Note that the latest FTDI VCP drivers might not work properly with your device. Follow the FAQ section.

I have downloaded MPLAB X and I can't seem to be able to configure my new PIC-MCP-USB with the mentioned IDE?
Unfortunately, PIC-MCP-USB (and, in that regard, PICSTART+) doesn't work with MPLAB X. Initially there was an intent for such support but it was decided that it would require too much effort and such support was dropped. The PIC-MCP-USB is suitable only for the MPLAB versions prior to MPLAB X.

When I try to enable the PIC-MCP-USB I get a message that I need to upgrade the firmware to version 4.xx.xx. What should I do?
This behaviour is caused by the new FTDI VCP drivers. You should uninstall the latest FTDI drivers you have (which is sometimes quite hard to do, due to automatic Windows Driver Update). I recommend you to use this program: FTClean. When you start the FTClean.exe leave FTDI as VID(hix) and write "6001" in the PID field. Then click "Clean System" button, disconnect the PIC-MCP-USB from the computer and agree with the uninstallation. Wait for a few seconds until the cleaning process is complete.

After the drivers are uninstalled and BEFORE you plug the PIC-MCP-USB to the computer again make sure the auto-search (auto-update) for drivers is disabled. Then plug the device and manually point the installer to the folder with the drivers that are confirmed working: FTDI drivers v. 2.04.06

I don't know how to use the PIC-MCP. Can you give me some instructions?
You have to connect the PIC-MCP with an USB cable ( to your PC and apply a power supply. Then you have to point the MPLAB to search for PICSTART+ on this COM port. On the PIC-MCP board there is an arrow mark where to put the first pin of the PIC microcontroller. Almost all PICs get connected the same way: PIN #1 should be at the arrow mark of the ZIF socket. The only exceptions are the very old PIC16C5X microcontrollers that have a different way to plug and there is a special mark on the ZIF socket where to put their PIN #1 down right.

The white cable is for ICSP programming - you connect it to your target board and program your PIC on your target. The ZIF socket is for programming DIP PIC parts. When you use ICSP you have to close the JUMPER on the board , when you program in ZIF socket you should left open this Jumper.

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