In Circuit PIC reading

[Paul ( Skiing8 )]

Hi

I have a circuit that has a PIC controller and it has 5 connection points
that are connected to the correct points for in circuit programming. I also
have a PIC programmer board with an in circuit programming header. My idea
was to read the code on the PIC, possible modify it. So I hooked it all up
and when I went to read it the programmer did not find a PIC chip to read. I
did not venture any farther because I thought that code protection may be
enabled on the PIC, but then when I thought some more I realised it may be
my connections or something wrong with what I was doing. Before I try again
can anyone tell me what happens when trying to read a code protected PIC?
Does it find it but not read it or not find it completly like I already
found?
Also can I do any damage to the circuit(as long as everything is connected
to the right connections)?


Cheers
Paul

 

[Mark VB]

Paul ( Skiing8 ) wrote:

Hi

I have a circuit that has a PIC controller and it has 5 connection points
that are connected to the correct points for in circuit programming. I also
have a PIC programmer board with an in circuit programming header. My idea
was to read the code on the PIC, possible modify it. So I hooked it all up
and when I went to read it the programmer did not find a PIC chip to read. I
did not venture any farther because I thought that code protection may be
enabled on the PIC, but then when I thought some more I realised it may be
my connections or something wrong with what I was doing. Before I try again
can anyone tell me what happens when trying to read a code protected PIC?
Does it find it but not read it or not find it completly like I already
found?
Also can I do any damage to the circuit(as long as everything is connected
to the right connections)?


Cheers
Paul

Some PIC's read out scrambled, others all zero. Your programmer should
be able to check whether there's a PIC connected or not. If all
connections are made according to Microchip's recommendations (not just
wired) you will not damage your circuit.

HTH,
Mark Van Borm