In this tutorial we will see how to upload hex file using PICKit 2 programmer. PICkit 2 is low cost programmer. It is capable to program most of the PIC controllers.
Below shown image is Explore Embedded PIC programmer which is PICkit 2 compatible.

PICKIT 2 programmer.png

Installing PICkit 2 Programmer Application

For installing PICkit2 Programmer Application we need to download the below mentioned PICKit 2 Programmer software.

Launching PICkit 2 Programmer Application

  • Once we download the PICKit programmer Software, start the PICkit 2 Programmer application by selecting Start>Programs>Microchip>PICkit 2. When the PICkit 2 Programmer application is first opened, it will attempt to identify the connected device by the device ID and display it in the Configuration window. In our case it is showing PICkit 2 not found because PICkit 2 is not connected to target device yet. Refer below image.
PICkit 2 not found.png
  • Plug one end of the USB cable into PICkit 2 USB connector. Plug the other end into a USB port on your PC.
  • Connect the PICkit 2 to a target board via a 6-pin connector. The target board can be the Explore Starter PIC board or Explore PIC Breakout board.Refer the below image for board connection.
PICkit2andstater.jpeg
  • Go to Tools tab click on the Check communication,now status window will show PICkit 2 connected.
  • Refer the below labeled image of PICkit 2 programmer application software.
PICKit2 application software.png
  • To import a compiled program (hex file) to be programmed into the target device, select File>Import HEX as shown in below image.
PICkit 2 import hex file.png
  • After a device family has been selected and a hex file has been imported, the target device can be programmed by clicking Write. The device will be erased and programmed with the hex code previously imported. Status window will show Programming Successful.Refer below image.
PICkit2 succesful.png