Microcontroller controlled by pushbutton for LED flashlight

[TenderTendon]

Looks like this project isn't going anywhere for a while... Getting one soon from China isn't going to happen. It's their New Year this month. Digikey seems to be the only place that can get me one soon. I just can't pay $70 for it though,,,

 

[KrisBlueNZ]

Good luck with that. I'm not sure what the rules are these days.

I think counterfeit is the wrong word. A counterfeit is supposed to be undetectable through normal examination. Although that unit looks almost identical to a genuine Microchip PICkit 3, and has the same name (which is a Microchip trademark), it is visibly slightly different, so it might be more accurate to describe it as a clone or workalike.

But there are several facts that should help you convince the eBay people that you thought it was a genuine Microchip product and were misled by the advertisement:

• The advertisement title specifically mentions the name Microchip. The vendor cuold argue that this just means the device is for programming Microchip products - if they decide to continue to be disingenuous!
• The advertisement uses the name PICkit 3 in the title and on the product. This name is a trademark of Microchip - in fact they even copied the TM mark on their product!
• The product has clearly copied the general appearance of the real Microchip PICkit 3. This normally implies intent to deceive.

I've captured the advertisement page and the product photo and attached them to this post.

 

[chopnhack]

Not necessarily. Just because they are counterfeit (or as Kris points out clones) doesn't mean they don't work. The circuitry is open source (I believe) and people do make their own, its just the reliability is in question. I wouldn't dismay, use it and if you get 1 in 100 errors, so what - just reprogram it ;-)

 

[TenderTendon]

Counterfeit is definitely the correct word for that programmer, for several reasons. Mostly the very similar appearance and the use of trademarked names. Normal examination by who? A person that has worn Rolex watches for most of their life could detect a counterfeit with normal examination quite easily, while I would need some serious Google time comparing photos. The fact that it is detectable through normal examination by unfamiliar people just makes it a poor counterfeit.
Anyway, the seller was ethical, cancelled the sale and refunded payment. He did state that he sold hundreds of these with no complaints. He also stated that he clearly described the programmer as a clone. I explained to him that a clone is just another word for replica and counterfeit. Selling replica or counterfeit items is a direct listing violation. Putting a "clone" disclaimer doesn't make it allowable. He knew he wouldn't stand a chance with an eBay claim. eBay's policy on counterfeits is that they do not have to be returned to get a full refund. He cancelled and refunded to save his ass, not do me a favor. Thank you both for bringing it to my attention.
Now I still need to locate one. China isn't shipping anything for another 2 weeks...

One more thing: Would a PICKIT2 be OK for my needs?

 

[chopnhack]

A pickit 2 would serve your purposes. Check that the pic is supported first. From when I last searched pickit 2 was more expensive and harder to find than the 3.

 

[TenderTendon]

A pickit 2 would serve your purposes. Check that the pic is supported first. From when I last searched pickit 2 was more expensive and harder to find than the 3.

I just found that out. I found the basic PICKIT3 programmer at Digikey for $48. I was placing an order with them anyway, so I figured I'll just get it from them. Nope, out of stock...

 

[KrisBlueNZ]

I ordered my PICkit 3 direct from Microchip.

 

[BobK]

On the other hand, it might actually work. The design is open-sourced, so it is likely to be an exact copy.

Bob

 

[TenderTendon]

I ordered my PICkit 3 direct from Microchip.

I'll give that a try.

 

[chopnhack]

I just found that out. I found the basic PICKIT3 programmer at Digikey for $48. I was placing an order with them anyway, so I figured I'll just get it from them. Nope, out of stock...

That is a tough break... especially when shipping is already accounted for. I don't know what time frame you have for the project. I am a hobbyist, therefore my project time horizon is long... possibly longer than most would have patience for. If you can wait, the E-bay stores of the original product are your best values. If you can not wait, then I would try Sparkfun or Amazon.
Edit:
As Kris pointed out - Microchip would be your best value (assuming shipping is equal). Two dollars cheaper than Sparkfun.

 

[TenderTendon]

On the other hand, it might actually work. The design is open-sourced, so it is likely to be an exact copy.

Bob

I don't care if it works or not. I won't support counterfeiters. I have had my designs copied by Chinese manufacturers before. It might sound flattering, but it's financially devastating if you rely on it to make a living.

 

[KrisBlueNZ]

I've seen many reports of problems with clone PICkits. But then again, you only hear from the guys who have problems, not the ones who have good experiences, and I've also seen complaints about problems the genuine PICkit 3.

But if you've bought it from Microchip, you have some recourse if you have problems. If you complain about having problems with a clone, you won't get any sympathy from Microchip, and not much from other users either. That's in addition to your other valid objection.

 

[TenderTendon]

I have no luck... I just tried to order from Microchip Direct and got the following error message when trying to checkout with PayPal:
Paypal transaction failed. We are not able to accept your order with Paypal payment. Please contact customer service for more information.

Guess I will call them on Monday...

 

[chopnhack]

I have no luck... I just tried to order from Microchip Direct and got the following error message when trying to checkout with PayPal:
Paypal transaction failed. We are not able to accept your order with Paypal payment. Please contact customer service for more information.

Guess I will call them on Monday...

"my sympathies friend, you have no manner of luck at all" - prisoner from Pirates of the Carribean (1st)

All kidding aside, they don't ship until monday anyways, so if you call and order first thing there won't be a delay. If you want to order now, I checked sparkfun's website and with UPS shipping it was ~$58 so that works out the same.

 

[TenderTendon]

I guess I do have a little luck after all... I managed to snag this just minutes after it was listed.

 

[chopnhack]

Good snag! The software that comes with it though may be old and you will want to download the newest from the website. Good luck with it and keep us posted on the project.

 

[TenderTendon]

I still have to order the PIC's and MOSFET's. When everything arrives, I'll be back begging for help again on the programming side!

Thanks again for all the help!

 

[TenderTendon]

Oh boy, you guys are going to hate me... I was just sitting here thinking that this switch was too simple to be true, and it is. One thing that I didn't think of (and you wouldn't have thought of either unless I fully explained it) is that the electronic switch will get all of it's power THROUGH the LED driver. Ooops! Think of it as a simple clicky switch in a flashlight. That means that when the MOSFET latches, the potential across the switch is gone and the PIC shuts down. There is no way around this scenario. I have to make it work this way. I would guess that we have to store some energy when the switch is off to to keep the PIC and gate powered when it's on. I would like to have at least 15 min of "on" time. More would be nice but not necessary.
Sorry guys, I need you to get your thinking caps back on...

 

[KrisBlueNZ]

It's good that you've realised that you should have told us more about the project, but I think you need to carry that idea further. You've told us about the problem you've just discovered, but you're assuming that's the only one. That's a natural assumption, and it may be right, but it might not. Instead of telling us to "think of it as a simple clicky switch in a flashlight", tell us all about the project.

That would include a full schematic of how the board will connect, including descriptions of each component in the system, and preferably a physical drawing of how it will fit together. The better we can understand what you want to do, the more helpful and tailored our advice can be.

 

[TenderTendon]

Kris, do you ever sleep? Isn't it like 5am over there?