Problem encountered when trying to program PIC16F876A

[mcoswel]

Hello Guys, I try to upload a hex file by using pickit2 software to PIC16F876A via UIC-S socket, which is connected to UIC00A. The problem is, pickit2 constanly displaying "“PICkit 2 VPP voltage level error. Check target & retry operation". PicKit2 cannot detect my microcontroller.

Is the microcontroller was faulty or UIC-S and UIC00A cannot support PIC16f876A?

Do I need external voltage to power up the microcontroller?

;-<

Please help me, I've spent hours finding the solution only to find a dead end...

[yonghui]

hi,
UIC00A is able to support PIC16F and PIC18F, Vpp voltage error normally happen when the Pin connections are incorrect. Did you check whether the PIC is put into the correct slot of UIC-S socket? UIC00A is able to provide voltage supply to the PIC.

regards
yh

[mcoswel]

Thank you for the fast respond. I think the connections are correct because I put the PIC16F876A on the switch according to the UIC00A & UIC-S USB ICSP PIC PROGRAMMER user manual. The manual provide a picture on how to connect 28 pins microcontroller on UIC-S socket. I just followed what the picture instructs.

[sich]

1. What type of selector you have on your UIC-S? Is it a mini slide switch or 3-pin header? (to know the version)

2. Did you try to program your chip directly with UIC00A without UIC-S? (to make sure the UIC00A is working fine)