This programmer communicates to a host using RS232 serial port in order to program devices from the PIC16F87X family.
The settings of the serial port include 9600 bps, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit while all commands are based on character. Since no extra power supply is needed, the programmer is powered from the target circuit as the software runs on Win98, NT4.0, and Win2000. During code tests, it stays connected to the development board and can erase code protected devices. In less than 35 seconds, it can program a full 16F871 with 2k instructions.
A PIC16F871 in a PLCC44 socket comprise the target system. It forms a basic platform for testing the programmer as it comes with an oscillator and some status
LEDs. An alternative way to do programming for people not into DIY, is to use a multi-PIC programmer WARP-13 programmer which supports high-voltage programming of most used PIC microcontrollers.