          EPICtm Plus Pocket PIC Programmer


The EPIC Plus Programmer is an inexpensive PIC microcontroller
programmer that will program the mid-range 18-pin and 8-pin PICs.  These
currently include the PIC16C61, PIC16C62x, PIC16C71x, PIC16C(F)8x and
PIC12C50x.  An optional adapter is available to program the 40-pin
PIC16C64, PIC16C65, PIC16C74, and the 28-pin PIC16C62, PIC16C63,
PIC16C72 and PIC16C73.  Other adapters are available for 44-pin PLCC or
MQFP PICs and 68-pin PLCC PICs.  The EPIC Plus Programmer can be
powered with two 9 volt batteries or an optional AC adapter.

The EPIC Plus Programmer connects to any PC compatible parallel port and
includes an assembler and programming software.  It is available either
assembled or as a bare board.  If you purchased a bare board, please see the
parts list and assembly instructions on the included disk.


Hook-up

Make sure that the EPIC programming socket and any connected adapter
socket is empty until the programming software is executed and the LED is
off.  Also be sure that the EPIC Plus Programmer is placed on an insulated
surface to prevent the shorting out of traces on the bottom.

Connect the EPIC Plus Programmer to a PC compatible parallel printer port
using a 25 pin male to 25 pin female printer extension cable.  The EPIC Plus
Programmer uses pins 2-6, 10, and 19-25.  A serial cable may not have all of
the necessary connections so be sure to use a printer extension cable.  A
suitable cable is available from us.

Make sure the programmer is connected to a parallel printer port. 
Connection to a serial port, which has a similar connector, may result in
damage to the port or to the programmer.

If you are powering the EPIC Plus Programmer with the optional AC adapter,
plug it into the power connector on the programmer and then into a wall
outlet.

If you are powering the EPIC Plus Programmer with two 9 volt batteries, plug
each battery onto the battery snaps.  Connect the 2 pin shorting jumper to the 2
pin "Batt ON" jumper.  It is a good idea to check the battery voltage from time
to time or if there seems to be difficulty in programming parts.

WARNING: Do not connect a battery across the center snaps.  Doing so
shorts out the battery and may cause it to explode.



The EPIC Plus Programmer should now be powered up and ready to program
PICs.

     Note: the LED may be lit at this point.  This is no cause for
     alarm.  It should go out when the EPIC programming software
     is run.  Do not insert or remove a PIC when the LED is on.


Software Installation

Create a subdirectory on your hard drive called EPIC or a name of your
choosing by typing:

     md epic

at the DOS prompt.  Copy all of the files from the included floppy disk into
the newly created subdirectory by typing:

     xcopy a:*.* epic /s


Operation

The next task is simply to write your program using any text editor, such as
DOS EDIT, and assemble it using the assembler, PM, included on the disk. 
Instructions for the use of the assembler are also on the disk.

Once your program assembles properly, it may be programmed into a PIC
using the EPIC programming software.  The EPIC software should be used in
a straight DOS session or from a full screen DOS window in Windows95 or
OS/2.

Start the software by typing 'epic' in the directory you created previously. 
Select the device type you wish to program and enter 'alt-o' to open your
assembled object (.hex) file.  Once the file has been loaded, make sure the
proper device characteristics are selected.

     Note: Be sure that Code Protect is  set to OFF before programming a
     windowed (JW) PIC.  You may not be able to erase a windowed part
     that has been code protected.

Insert a PIC into the EPIC Plus Programmer or adapter socket and press 'alt-
p' to program it.  The end of the PIC with the notch, pin 1, should be away
from the battery connectors.  If the PIC is a 16C84 or another EEPROM part,
it is usually not necessary to erase it before programming.

For more information on the EPIC Plus Programmer, please see the
READ.ME file on the disk.
