What software to use with VM203? Microchip doesn’t support PICkit 2 or lookalikes, or not obviously.
This was going to be a question to the forum but then I solved it so thought I would share the answer.
If you are reading this then you probably know that the VM203 is a USB module to program PICs, moving on from the K8048 serial module. And you probably know the process has two steps 1. Start with an Assembly program (.asm) and make it into a Hex file (.hex), then 2. Program the PIC chip with the Hex file.
For 1. you use a program MPASMWIN.EXE and for 2. you use a program PICkit 2 Programmer v2.60
Where to get these? Well the easy way to get the first is to use the version that came with the K8048. Works fine just like it has done for about 15 years! If you Google the name you get the run around. Microchip don’t seem to want to let you have it by itself. It wants you to install MPLAB or -X. I admit I can’t get on with this. A forum member may be able to help here.
The second program is easier. Google Pickit 2 software. Eventually you find a link to
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/PICkit%202%20v2.60.00%20Setup%20dotNET%20A.zip
This installs and recognises the VM203 if it’s plugged in before the prog is started. Need to increase VP to 5.0v to get it to program. Everything works just fine.
I like Assembly Language. It’s elements are simple enough that you can usually debug it fairly easily.
It is very surprising that Velleman don’t offer the software to support their products online. Bit weird.
Good luck. All the best. Phil Bostock.