Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Reply
I want to use the simplest system for learning about PIC programming but I also want to be able to use the offical Microchip assembler MPASM. What do you suggest I should buy?	In August 2008 we completed a superb Windows version of our PIC assembler which we call BSPWA. This is incredibly simple to use. Type the text in exactly the same format as would be required for MPASM. No setting up to do, just click BUILD to create the PIC code. Click START SIMULATOR to test it out. Click WRITE TEST PIC to test it in a real PIC. BSPWA is just like a simplified version of MSPAM. Because of this similarity we have combined the Absolute Beginners book and the Professional beginners book into one book. You need to order the P928-X PIC training course, or if you also want to learn about PC Windows programming you need to order PH28-X.
In your PIC course you first teach PIC assembler and then C. I have looked through a C course in the EPE magazine and it seems rather difficult?	It is very important to start with an understanding of PIC assembly language. Then when you have some experience of PIC programming you can learn to programme using the C programming language. Yes, the article in EPE does make C seem very complicated. Their intention was to show the power of C to encourage its use, but it is not a good way to begin by explaining the grammar of the language. We use a totally different approach. We understand that it is most important to capture the interest of the reader. We begin by writing some simple programmes still knowing very little about the C language. Once the programmes are running a little explanation is all that is needed. Just as a child learns to speak and picks up the grammar without having grammar lessons.
Can I connect your PIC programmer to a USB port on my computer?	Yes, our PIC programmer can be connected to the usual COM1 or COM2 serial ports or through a USB adaptor to a USB port. Our P928 and PH28 courses are now supplied with a USB adaptor as standard.
Why do you call your PIC programmer a production programmer?	The Brunning Software PIC programmer writes the code into the PIC with a standard 5 volt supply connected to the PIC. It then verifies the PIC with a low supply voltage and verifies again with a high supply voltage. This ensures that the PIC will function correctly over its full operating voltage and is not poised on the edge of failure. Microchip designate programmers which can verify over the full operating voltages as being production quality programmers.
Will the 18F range of PICs eventually replace the 16F PICs?	16F PICs will continue for a very long time to be the best choice for simple low cost projects. For simple projects needing just a few inputs and outputs the 18 pin PIC16F1827 is without doubt the right choice. For simple projects needing a 28 pin PIC (or bigger) there is little difference in difficulty using a 16F or 18F PIC. For complex projects 18F PICs are easier to use. The Brunning Software PIC training course starts with the PIC16F1827 (has 18 pins), then introduces the PIC16F1936 (has 28 pins), and finally the PIC18F2321 (has 28 pins). The idea being to give actual practical experience of the reasons for using these different PICs.