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P929 PIC Training and Development System for Win XP, Vista etc
For absolute beginners
and for beginners with a professional interest:-

P929 PIC Training Course
Teaching Assembler and C
 (Course updated August 2008)

Can be powered by USB or by separate power supply

Our PIC training and development system is a complete course which introduces PIC microcontrollers to absolute beginners. In March 2007 we completed a total revision of the course. PICs are still without any doubt the right place to start but we have changed the focus away from the rather out dated PIC16F84 to a selection of the very latest microcontrollers. The PIC16F627A is now the best place to begin our learning process. This is less than half the price of the PIC16F84, offers more internal facilities and is just as easy to programme.

In August 2008 we released the latestest Windows version of our PIC assembler BSPWA, which is just like a simplified version of the official Microchip assembler MPASM.

The first book starts with a gentle introduction to the essential background material with all the programming in assembly language but because we use simple programming techniques the concepts are easy to understand.

The second book introduces the C programming language starting with simple programmes for the PIC16F627A, then showing how these programmes can be run in the PIC16F877, PIC16F88 and PIC16F84.

Click here if you want to know what a microcontroller is.
(The photograph on the left shows the P928 programmer module)

Our P929 PIC training and development system consists of our 16F/18F PIC programmer module, a 316 page book introducing PIC assembly language in the simplest possible way, a 262 page book which takes you slowly into the C programming language, and software comprising a PIC assembler and a C compiler.

The programmer module serves two purposes. It is used to write our programmes into the test PIC so that we can test them in the real world, and it is used as a test bed for running the programmes. It is already wired with light emitting diodes, push button switches and an alphanumeric liquid crystal display so that most of the experiments can be performed without needing to wire up the circuits.

The photograph on the left shows the P928 programmer. The P929 programmer has one RS-232 socket and two USB sockets. The RS-232 socket is purely for experimental use. The first USB socket (LHS) connects to your PC to handle the control data and can also be used to supply the power to the PCB and experimental circuits. The second USB socket (RHS) is for experimental use.

Experimenting with BSPWA and MPASM

Everyone should start programming PICs using assembly language because this is the only way to fully understand what happens, but there is a general misconception that PIC assembly language is difficult. Imagine trying to teach English grammar to a child before allowing him or her to speak yet that is how most books approach a technical subject. Our first book introduces PIC assembly language programming by jumping straight in with four easy experiments. The first is explained over seven and a half pages assuming no starting knowledge of PICs. The programmes are tested using the simulator then written into the test PIC and run in the real world.

Then having gained some practical experience we study the basic principles of PIC programming, learn about the 8 bit timer, how to drive the liquid crystal display, create a real time clock, experiment with the watchdog timer, sleep mode, beeps and music, including a rendition of Beethoven's Fur Elise. Then there are two projects to work through, using a PIC as a sinewave generator and investigating the power taken by domestic appliances.

The second project requires us to measure voltages and currents. The PIC16F627A does not have an analogue to digital converter so chapter 11, which is in between the two projects, introduces the PIC16F88. This modern technology 18 pin PIC is a recent addition to the PIC16F877 family and is a drop in replacement for the PIC16F84, (with two minor software changes) - with all the features of the PIC16F877 and the PIC16F627A.

Finally we learn how to adapt the experiments right through the book so the software can be run in the PIC16F877 family, PIC16F84 and PIC18F2321 family. In the space of 24 experiments, two projects and 56 exercises the book works through from absolute beginner to experienced engineer level, covering a comprehensive selection of the most up to date microcontrollers.

For most of the experiments we use the Brunning Software assembler BSPWA. But in Chapters 3M and 5M we repeat some of the previous experiments using the official Microchip assembler MPASM. The text used for both assemblers is identical so when we repeat the experiments we simply load in the file we have already created using BSPWA. So we benefit from the simplicity of BSPWA while also learning to use MPASM.

This book is wirobound to open flat, 240mm x 170mm, 316 pages.
Experimenting with PIC C - 2008 Edition

We start by typing a very simple programme in C which gets the PIC to turn on two LEDs. Then we discover how easy it is to use C to create programme loops, and we experiment with IF statements. We learn how to use C to access the 8 bit and 16 bits timers, we write messages to the LCD, and use the keypad to enter numbers.

Then its time for 25 pages of serious study where we read about some of the more complex C techniques. We are not expected to remember this, the idea being to start the process of understanding the deeper aspects of C.

As we work through the last five chapters we use a PIC to generate a siren sound, create a freezer thaw warning device, and use a thermistor connected to a PIC to measure temperature. We use the PIC as a step up switching regulator, and to control the speed of a DC motor with maximum torque still available. Then we study how to use any PIC to switch 240 volt AC supplies using an optoisolated triac driving a high current triac.

Finally we study how to use the PIC's USART. We start our experimenting with direct PIC to PIC serial communication without getting into the complications of RS-232. Then we expand this to experiment with PIC to PC communication using true RS-232 levels.

This book is wirobound to open flat, 240mm x 170mm, 262 pages.
Our P929 16F/18F PIC programmer/experimental module is an advanced design using a 28 pin PIC18F2525 to handle the timing, programming and voltage switching requirements. It has two ZIF sockets which allow most of the latest 18, 28 and 40 pin 16F and 18F PICs to be programmed. The onboard alphanumeric liquid crystal display is used by the control PIC to display system messages and can also be driven by the test PIC. A keypad and audio output socket for use by the test PIC are included on the PCB and the whole assembly is mounted on a base with an 840 socket plugboard stuck to the front section. The plugboard is powered by the switched 5 volt supply and has a current limit setting which will usually prevent damage to ICs when wiring mistakes are made.

The assembler, C compiler and programming software is supplied on a CD, along with library files and programme text.

The programming cycle starts by writing the code to the PIC with the voltage set to 5 volts and verifying that the PIC is properly programmed. The PIC is then verified at either 2 volts or 3 volts and at 5.5 volts to ensure that it is programmed correctly over its entire operating voltage. (There is no high voltage verify at 5.5 volts when the module takes its power from the USB). Our programmer module connects to the serial port of your PC and all the software runs correctly within Windows XP, NT, 2000, Vista etc.

The programmer module also has the ability to operate as an audio oscilloscope. There are two analogue inputs for 0 to 5 volts peak to peak. Our Windows based oscilloscope software is included on the CD. This has single or dual trace and includes waveforma anlysis with a list of harmonic levels. Squarewave and sawtooth test waveforms are included.
Price list:-

Our programmer verifies over the full operating voltage of the PIC being written to and so meets the requirements to be classified as a production programmer. It connects to your PCs USB port, and our software runs within Windows XP, NT, 2000, Vista etc.

Order code P929:-
  1. P929 PIC programmer/experimental module
       (powered by USB or by power socket)
    + Book: Experimenting with PICs using BSPWA and MPASM
    + Book: Experimenting with PIC C (2008 edition)
    + PIC Assembler and PIC C compiler software
    + PIC16F627A, PIC16F88, PIC16F870
       and PIC18F2321 test PICs
    + PC USB lead..................................................................£170.00
  2. UK postage and insurance...................................................£10.00
    (Europe postage and insurance.......£18.00. Rest of world......£27.00)

    UK total inclusive price (order code P929)...........................£180.00
    Europe total inclusive price (order code P929E)...................£188.00
    Rest of world total inclusive price (order code P929W).........£197.00

The module is fitted with a 2.1 mm DC power socket (10 to 20 volts DC)
Power can be switched between USB and DC power socket. PSU not supplied.

The PIC programmer module connects to any USB socket on your PC.


We also sell PICs if ordered with the PIC training system:-

PIC16F627A.........£1.25 inclusive
PIC16F88.............£2.00 inclusive
PIC16F870...........£2.25 inclusive
PIC18F2321.........£2.50 inclusive

PIC16F84(A).........£3.10 inclusive
PIC16F877A.........£5.25 inclusive
PIC18F2525.........£4.15 inclusive

 Optional kit of components
for Experimenting with PIC C

Full set of components for
white LEDs and motors tests
in chapters 12 and 13, including
all wire links and motors wired
with connecting leads.
Plus sounder and thermistor
for chapter 10 (Freezer thaw),
and chapter 11 (temperature tests).
As listed below:-

2 off PIC16F627A
3 off ultra bright white LEDs
.....3200 mcd, 20mA, 20 deg
3 off low current red LEDs
1 off 100uH inductor
1 off 4v3 zener diode
2 off FDP6035AL MOSFET
2 off 1A schottky diodes
2 off small DC motors
2 off variable resistors
1 off optoisolated triac
1 off BTA16-600B triac
1 pack resistors
1 pack capacitors
1 off push button switch
1 pack trimmed wire links
1 PP3 battery lead to two pins
1 battery holder 2 x AA
1 battery holder 4 x AA

1 off 100k thermistor
1 off piezo sounder

1 pack of components
..... for phaseshift oscillator


Complete kit of parts..............£31.00
Postage UK £1.00, Europe £1.50, Rest £2.50
Some of the experiments in "Experimenting with PIC C" require circuits to be built up on the plugboard. The components for the experiments in chapters 12 and 13 are listed above on the right and are an optional extra. If this optional kit is purchased there is no soldering involved. The links are supplied cut to the correct lengths and the motors are supplied wired with connecting leads. Full point to point wiring instructions are included in the book, and the only tools needed to construct the circuits are a pair of side cutters and a pair of pointed nose pliers. Resistors are individually bagged and the other components are grouped logically so that no previous knowledge of components is needed. As well as learning about PIC programming this is also an excellent way to learn about some complex electronic circuits.
The experiment with the 3 white LEDs creates a light bright enough to be used as a torch. The brightness has to be seen to be believed!

The two experiments using the PIC16F627A to control the speed of first one and then two motors are fascinating. This PIC has two comparators built in. We are able to use these to monitor the emf so that the full torque is available even at very low speeds. The theory behind this is fully explained in the book.
Chapter 14 introduces serial data communication using the PICs Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART). It sounds complicated but it is actually very easy to understand. We start with PIC to PIC serial communication. To do these experiments we need two PIC circuits. One PIC is fitted in the programmer module and programmed as the master. The slave circuit can be wired in the attached plugboard but it is better to wire it in a separate plugboard as shown so the two circuits can be moved apart.

When the slave circuit is fully wired its PIC can be programmed while in the circuit by running a programming lead to the 40 pin ZIF socket as shown above.

When both PICs are programmed we connect the two circuits together using a 3 way lead and then start the tests. The master PIC should be fitted in the 40 pin ZIF socket but it was left out of this photograph!
The wiring of the slave circuit with the programming lead fitted.
The same slave circuit with the serial lead fitted.

The next stage of the serial experiments is PC to PIC communication. We start by writing a simple programme to run on your PC which sends data to the Brunning Software programmer module. This is a very simple way to understand the hardware and software needed for PC to PIC serial communication. Then we look into the complications of creating your own circuit to connect a PIC to a PC using true RS-232 levels.

When you understand the requirements you will be able to create your own circuits which connect directly to your PC without the need for our programmer module to be in the circuit. When you have done this you can choose to programme your PIC in your circuit (by running a programming lead to the programmer module) or you can unplug your PIC to programme it.

Mid range PICs Programmed

The P929 programmer can programme the PICs listed below:-

18 pin 28 pin 40 pin
PIC16F84 PIC16F871
PIC16F84A PIC16F874
PIC16F870 PIC16F877
PIC16F627 PIC16F872
PIC16F628 PIC16F873
PIC16F876
PIC16F627A
PIC16F628A PIC16F873A PIC16F874A
PIC16F88 PIC16F876A PIC16F877A


18F PICs Programmed

The PICs list below can all be programmed with our BSPWA_18F assembler using the Brunning Software P929 PIC programmer.

28 pin 40 pin
PIC18F2221 PIC18F4221
PIC18F2321 PIC18F4321
PIC18F2420 PIC18F4420
PIC18F2455 PIC18F4455
PIC18F2520 PIC18F4520
PIC18F2525 PIC18F4525
PIC18F2620 PIC18F4620
PIC18F2550 PIC18F4550


What are the PIC16F870 and PIC18F2321

The PIC16F627A is the best place for a newcomer to begin learning about microcontrollers because it is very low cost and easy to use, and the PIC16F627A is a drop in replacement for the very popular PIC16F84 (with two minor software changes). A few years ago the 28 pin and 40 pin PIC16F877 family were introduced and more recently the 18 pin version arrived (PIC16F88). These have all the facilities of the PIC16F627A and also include a 10 bit analogue to digital converter, and the ability to use the full width of the 14 bit programme memory to store data. The PIC16F88 should be used for small projects needing an analogue to digital converter. For projects needing a USART and an analogue to digital converter it is better to use a 28 pin PIC. For small projects needing up to 2048 locations of programme memory the PIC16F870 is usually the best although a PIC18F2221 could be considered. For projects needing between 2048 and 4096 locations of programme memory the PIC18F2321 is perfect. Projects needing more than 4096 may be able to use a PIC16F876A or PIC16F877A but at this level of complexity better value is found in the 18F PICs such as the PIC18F2525 or PIC18F4525.

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