Instructions
Programming the Chip
The chip used in all our circuits is a readily available microcontroller called the PIC12F629. It costs around £1 and can be programmed to do all sorts of things. To do this you connect it to a programmer box that plugs into your computer. Programmers are available for around £35.
The PIC12F629 is available from Rapid Electronics - order code 73-3262. We recommend the excellent PicKit 2 Programmer - order code 97-0101.
Standard Programs
This is the latest version of the code used on our chips. Save these files onto your computer by right-clicking and choosing "Save As" or "Save Link As".
Programming the Chip
Plug the programmer into a USB port and start the PICkit 2 software. Click File, Import Hex, and select one of the above files from wherever you saved it to. Plug the circuit board into the programmer and insert the chip to be programmed into the board. It goes right up at the notched end of the socket - make sure the notched end of the chip is above the notch in the socket. Click "Write". That's it!
Bulk Programming
Inserting and removing chips from the programmer board is tricky - if you're doing lots you can make a simple adaptor using a "Zero Insertion Force" socket such as Rapid order number 22-1560.
Any Problems, Questions, Comments?
Please get in touch using the contact page if you have any questions or just to let us know how you get on! We'd love to hear from you.
