Re: Pic-Kit 3 and Linux?

Noel Henson writes:
>
>The reason I ask is that I'd have no problem designing a universal PIC 
>programmer for us all to use. In the past I needed to create one that 
>worked for a particular line of remote controls for groups. It could 
>program the Atmel (which is SPI-like) and Microchip (different for each 
>family + HV Vpp). If the complexity of the programming 'OS' as Microchip 
>calls it is removed from the programmer, or rather if the programmer only 
>knew about the physical layer protocol, then the programming algorithm for 
>each family could reside on the host where it is very easy to change.
>
>If I were to design one, I'd probably take the cheapest PIC part with and 
>SCI port, add a charge pump for Vpp and throw on a USB-to-serial IC and 
>call it done. But I'll only put in the effort if there's interest.

I'd be interested in such a thing.  Having the intelligence on the
host would definitely be a Good Thing.

Why a PIC with SCI and a USB-to-serial rather than a PIC with USB?
Also, for ease in assembly, I'd suggest cheapest DIP rather than
cheapest (I've hand soldered surface-mount and regarded it as No Fun).