| How to Load Hex File into PIC16F877A Once the C program code has been compiled, the hex file will be generated in the same folder as the C code. This hex file is needed to be loaded into the PIC using PIC programmer. PICStartPlus is one of the programmer available in the market at a very cheap cost. To use the PICStartPlus programmer we need software from Microchip called MPLAB. MPLAB is a free software from Microchip. This software can be downloaded from Microchip web site. After MPLAB installion on the PC, open the MPLAB application by double click on the MPLAB icon. From the MPLAB menu on the top find select programmer and choose PICStartPlus. Click on Enable Programmer. MPLAB will activate PICStartPlus. However make sure PICStartPlus programmer already connected to the serial COM1 on the PC and its power turn on before running MPLAB software. Go to setting and select device. Choose PIC16F877A as a device. Thens select configuration. Choose HS for the Oscillator. Now go to file and import the hex file to be downloaded into the PIC. Place the PIC chip into the programmer socket and click on WRITE at the PICStartPlus task. The hex file will be downloaded into the PIC chip. The MPLAB IDE will response with SUCCESFUL LOADED HEX FILE. Now the PIC16F877A can be transferred into the real circuit board for testing. |