Elettrolinux

OpenProgrammer is an USB multi-chip opensource programmer based on a PIC18F2550 using HID class: it supports various devices, including PIC and dsPIC (even supports some PIC 24Fs, like the 24Fj64GA002 used on the Bus Pirate), some ATMEL AVR microcontrollers, I2C/SPI/MicroWire EEPROMs memories, and other I2C/SPI devices and various kinds of serial eeproms (see supported devices). It includes a good overview of PIC programming, and a detailed look at the booster circuit used to get the 13V PIC programming voltage. The programmer is released under the GPL license. Quick facts:

• Completely free and Open Source (including firmware);
• USB 2.0 Full Speed interface, HID class (same as keyboards, mice, etc.);
• Self powered;
• Doesn't need drivers;
• Built from easy to find components (estimated cost ~10€);
• Hardware generated timings for maximum speed and reliability (writes a 18F2550 in 8s under GNU/Linux);
• Doesn't saturate your CPU and doesn't suffer when other programs are running.

• op: a command-line executable, it uses device /dev/usb/hiddev0 (or the one specified as parameter) and needs reading rights for it;
• opgui: GTK graphical interface:it's built using GTK libraries and it looks more or less like the other;
• pdb: an ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) for PIC16 microcontrollers.

Note: To use new features the corresponding firmware is required.