I generate the hex file, then start MPLab, open a project, and import the hex file. I program the chip, but it does not do anything. I started with a simple LED blink program. The status LEDs do exactly what they do when I program with a working program from MPLab. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong.

Well, everything I tried does not seem to work. The PicKit3 does not have its own software. I have to use the MPLab IDE. Looks like I'll have to go to MicroChip and find the information there, since getting the hex file is working just fine.

I have access to the PicKit3 and the 18F45K20. I have to get something running tonight to control 6 outputs. If I build something for my dsPIC programmer, it won't work, because that programmer is packed away. I tried to get something to go from MikroBasic to MPLab, but I can't seem to get it to wor...

My reply to marc_de:

As soon as you post one, we'll see it!

Did what I was supposed to. It Works Perfectly! Except for the occasionally thread error...

Count me in for beta testing. I like breaking things!

I went and switched to Win7 64 bit, and downloaded the 64 bit drivers. They didn't work at all. I'll go ahead and reload the drivers from the links you provided. The programmer seems to work perfectly from my XP machine, so I'm going to suspect other things for now. I'll go into the advanced power f...

It has protection diodes which are only good for small amounts of static discharge. You'd be much safer to request a MAX233 from maximic.com. They ship free samples. That chip has 2 RS232 transceivers and only requires a single .1 mf capacitor as an external part.

I have the dsPIC programmer. It seems to have a really hard time with Windows 7 when I attempt to program a chip. Usually, it works the first time I try to program, then the next time, it acts like it works, but never gets past 0%, then closes. A third attempt results in the program saying no progra...

Or, you (or another programmer here) can come up with the USB library and get freebies from the MikroE guys.

I got email saying the same. It's a load cheaper, too!

If I want to program the full range of PICs, I need a total of 4 programmers, right? I have the dsPICProg, which seems to cover all 5 volt dsPICs. To program the 24 series and dsPIC33 series, I'll need the LVFlash programmer. For the 8 bit PICs, I need the PICFlash, and the 18FJ for that series. If ...

Excellent! I'll do that.

Has anybody successfully interfaced with a hard drive yet? I have a 40G HDD that could come in pretty handy for monitoring an engine on a long trip.

Go to microchip.com and look up your PIC. Download documentation. It explains things like TRISx, LATx, PORTx, etc. Those are PIC specific, not BASIC specific. Somewhere, the online books show their use, but they seem to be written for people who are already familiar with the PIC of choice. When I sa...