AWC Electronics - APP-IIb
The APP-II is the easiest way to experiment with the PIC16F88x family of processors. What's an APP-II? It is a PIC16F886 (20MHz) preprogrammed with a monitor that allows you to dump Intel hex files directly to it using any terminal program. Combined with a GPMPU prototype board, you can be programming a PIC in less than an hour. YOU DON'T NEED A PROGRAMMER! The APP-II has many great features:
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This high-quality printed circuit board that plugs into a standard breadboard (you supply the breadboard). Just supply power (a 9V battery will do) and a serial cable (most USB serial cables will work, too). You'll also need a terminal program (like Hyperterminal or TeraTerm, both available free) and the free development tools from Microchip.
Check out the Web resources available for the APP-II or our Web tutorial. You can also read the manual. If you'd like a tutorial on using the open source PIC Forth, see our tutorial. We also provide several loader programs if you don't want to use a terminal, including a Java loader that works with Windows, Linux and many other operating systems.
Please note that this is a kit and does require soldering and basic electronic tools. This allows you to customize the board to fit your needs. All the parts are through hole, and the solder masked board is very easy to assemble.
Q: What are the differences between the APP-II and an ordinary PIC16F886?
A: The APP-II doesn't require a programmer. However, this also means that there are a few differences. In particular, the top programming address is 0x1EEF. Your program must execute a GOTO within the first sixteen instructions (from address 0x0000-0x000F); no GOTOs must target these addresses. Port B pin 3 is not available for your use. You must use a 20MHz clock to program. Your program is free to use the serial port, but you should refrain from using the two serial port pins as general-purpose I/O.
Q: Does the APP-II offer any special programming features?
A: YES. The APP-II has calls built-in that allow you to use the serial port, print hex numbers, and perform short delays. An INCLUDE file lets you easily add these to any APP-II program.
Q: Can I program a regular PIC with my APP-II code?
A: Yes. An APP-II program will run on any PIC16F886 (or similar processor). If you use the APP-II library calls, you'll have to include appropriate replacements for the routines you call.
Q: Can you supply the APP-II on other PIC chips?
A: Yes, by special order. Minimum quantity restrictions may apply.
Q: Does the APP-II support 18F parts?
A: No. But the APP-III does.
Q: Is the original APP-II still available?
A: Yes, please contact us to make a special order. Since these parts have less memory, I/O, and other features, you'd only need the original if you have existing code you don't want to modify (although note that modifying code to run on the APP-IIb from the APP-II is usually just one or two changes).
The APP-II kits are available today.
Add to Cart APP-IIb PIC Complete Kit with power supply (includes PC board and components, manual, IC and resonator -- you supply your own breadboard and 9V battery) $34.95 each
Add to Cart SeaBass CDROM $9.95 (with purchase of the above kit only)
Add to Cart APP-IIb and 20MHz ceramic resonator $12.50 each
Add to Cart Serial cable (DB9 female to male, 6') $8.99
Add to CartUSB Serial adapter, DB9M to USB B with cable for Windows $19.95 Sale: $14.95
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