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Some Info about PICKit2 and ICD2.

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Some Info about PICKit2 and ICD2.
The PICKit2 was originally designed as a programmer, since it has ICSP
feature, now it starts supporting In-circuit debugging (ICD). So far,
on programming side, PICKit2 has more chips than ICD2; on ICD side, it
has less but keeps expanding the range of chips. I bet it will catch
up ICD2 on the quantity if some time were given.

PICki2 has its own dedicated software for programming. Of course it
supports MPLAB for both programming and ICD. Now cmd feature was
added, which makes it be able to be controlled by many other third
party softwares. ICD2 was named "MPLAB ICD2".

The programming speed of PICkit2 is fast.
The PICkit2 hardware design is robust, ICD2 has a poor hardware design
and easily got broken. Plus, PICKit2 hardware layout is opened to the
public, while ICD2 is not.

For PICKit2, when you change a chip from 18F458 to 18F4580, no os will
need to be downloaded. ICD2 has a bad design on the architecture from
the beginning. There is a high possibility the ICD2 get damaged when
downloading new os. On programming point of view, the PICKit2 is much
easier on use than the ICD2.

PICkit2 is smaller and has more function potential which is still
under development, such as 1M extra EEPROM to save programs which has
the potential be an off-line programmer in the future (no PC will be
required for downloading your code to the target board).

Check the new release of MPLAB V8.01, you will find more and more chip
will be support by PICKit2 on programming and debugging.
ICD2 has a life-time warranty from Microchip, not sure about PICkit2.

Our CB0703 (PICKit2) design has couple of function enhancement: a RJ12
connector and an External power supply is implemented.

With a RJ12 cable (part #:CBL-RJ12-RVS), the BB0703 (PICKit2) can work
directly with most target board/programmer originally designed for
ICD2.

CB0703 (PICKit2) DIY kits are available here:
http://www.auelectronics.selfip.com/Hardware-CB0703.htm

Full function BB0703(PICkit2) units with life-time warranty are
available here:
http://www.auelectronics.selfip.com/System-PICkit2.htm
 
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