PIC programming made easy for the beginner in simple basic using GCBIDE, wich is an integrated development environment for the fantastic opensource GCBasic compiler by Hugh Considine.

(The above screen shot will be updated, only apon the false scanning companies contacting me, to proof that they have solved their wrongs)

RECOMENDED PROGRAMMER SOFTWARE / HARDWARE                       

USB USERS
For PIC's I recomend PICKIT2 software from Microchip  combined with their PICKIT2 hardware or a PICKIT2 CLONE hardware. Microchip alows DIY with the use of their software for private use. (see their TOC)
Go to Microchip to get the free software and learn more about the hardware
Download PicKit2 software : 
PicKit2 without Framework support
PicKit2 with Framework support

Download my DIY version of the hardware 
Pickit Clone 100.zip 
Firmware for PicKit Clone 100
Of course you would need a programmer that can program the PIC18F2550 for the first time. So ask a friend or use another method via the parallel port which I do not want to advise about because of the dangers involved. Google for this dirty method on your own risk. If you are realy stuck then the best way is to just close your eyes and buy a complete one from Microchip or their agents/resellers. PicKIt2 is the only one that I can say is realy trouble free.


For AVR's I recomend the AVRDUDE / AVRDUDE-GUI and USBasp combination
Get AVRDUDE here avrdude-5.4-win.zip
Get AVRDUDE-GUI  here avrdude-gui_v0.2.0.zip
Get USBasp here http://www.fischl.de/usbasp/

PARALLEL PORT USERS
Download WinPic from here 
P16PRO programmer

GCBIDE version 2.0 only runs properly on XP and above 

 

If you compile "Noname.gcb" then the hex file etc will be in the GCBasic directory. If you saved it in another directory then the hex file etc will be saved in that directory. On successfull compilation, the path to the hex and asm file will be displayed in the compiler dialog. Now download your hex file to the  pic on the fly by calling your favourite IC programmer from within GCBIDE.  GCBasic is catering for the robotic community and is very well supported with documented help, forums and examples. To learn more about how easy PIC programming can be go to the GCBasic webpage.