All Modtronix PIC based boards can be programmed in circuit. They all have one of two types of programming connectors, ICPC1 or ICPC2 (In Circuit Programming Connector 1 and 2) - see Figure 1 and 2. Both of these connectors have the same pinouts. The ICPC1 type is smaller, and used on boards that don't have enough space for the larger ICPC2 type connector. The ICPC2 type connector is the preferred type, seeing that it has a tab that ensures it is always plugged in the correct way. When connecting to the ICPC1 type connector, care must be taken to align the connector correctly. Not doing this can damage the board and programmer!

All our programming adaptors for PIC programmers have connectors for both ICPC1 and ICPC2 connector types. They all have a standard two part programming cable, consisting of a small PCB and an IDC Cable - see Figure 3. To program boards with a ICPC1 type programming connector, plug the connector on the small PCB into the ICPC1 connector of the target board - see Figure 4. To program boards with a ICPC2 type programming connector, remove the small PCB and plug the cable directly into the ICPC2 connector - see Figure 5.

The sections below show the different methods for programming Modtronix PIC based SBC boards. We recommend using the ICD 2 programmer/debugger, or the PICkit 2 programmer. The ICD 2 programmer/debugger integrates with the MPLAB IDE and can also be used for debugging. The PICkit 2 has only limited debugging support, and does not integrate with the MPLAB IDE yet (October 2006) - it comes with it's own programming software. It might however be integrated with MPLAB in future versions. Both programmers are very well designed and are firmware upgradable. Microchip regularly releases new firmware to support new chips that become available.