Overview

The PIC-Ready2 prototyping board for 18-pin DIP-packaged PICs (PIC16F84A, PIC16F628A and PIC18F1320, etc) is ideal for users of the EasyPIC6 development board wanting a convenient way to construct a more permanent prototype of a PIC-based circuit or build a finished product without the need to design your own PCB. To keep costs down, PICs can be programmed in the EasyPIC6 then removed and inserted into the PIC-Ready2. Alternatively, the separately available PICFlash programmer with mikroICD in-circuit debugger can be connected to a programming header on the PIC-Ready2 for in-circuit programming and debugging.

The PIC-Ready2 incorporates a bridge rectifier and voltage regulator enabling it to be powered from low-cost mains adapters with AC or DC outputs from 8V to 16V. Besides clock and reset circuits, the PIC-Ready2 also features an FT232R USB to serial UART interface so that PIC projects can be connected to a PC's USB port with ease. What's more, the PIC-Ready2 provides the same 10-way IDC expansion headers as found on the EasyPIC6 allowing MikroElektronika's I/O add-on boards to be easily connected.

FTR232R USB to Serial UART Interface

With this device that comes fitted to the PIC-Ready2 prototyping board, you can easily add USB-communications to your PIC project. The device connects to the PIC's USART TX and RX lines to convert RS-232 serial communications to USB. On a PC the PIC-Ready2 will appear as an additional COM port. Your PIC programs therefore need only to include standard USART-based communications routines while communications on the PC can be handled using a terminal emulator or standard serial communications routines within any high-level language application. DIP-switches on the PIC-Ready2 allow the FTR232R to be routed to several different I/O lines for compatibility with various 18-pin PICs or isolated from the PIC if its use is not required.

Features

• On-board rectifier and voltage regulator - use with 8V to 16V AC or DC mains adapter.
• Clock circuit with 8MHz crystal.
• Reset circuit with pushbutton reset switch.
• Two DIP sockets accept different pin-out 18-pin PICs (PIC16F84A, PIC16F628A and PIC18F1320, etc).
• FT232R USB to serial UART interface - add USB connectivity to your PIC project with ease.
• Solder pad area for circuit prototyping.
• 10-way IDC headers on all PIC ports compatible with MikroElektronika's I/O add-on boards and adapters.
• 10-way IDC programming header compatible with optional PICFlash programmer with mikroICD in-circuit debugger.