The following software is required to program the PICs:

  MPLAB IDE - http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en019469&part=SW007002
  MPLAB C18 Compiler (Acedemic Version) - http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en010014

In addition, a programmer, such as the PICKit3 is required.



To program a PIC, connect the PICKit3 to the circuit (and the circuit to power) and follow these steps:

  1. Open MPLAB IDE and open the project you wish to upload to the chip.
  2. Place the chip in either Debug Mode or Release Mode by doing the following:
    a. Debug Mode - 
      i. From the toolbar, select Debug from the dropdown menu.
      ii. From the menubar, select Debugger > Select Tool > PICKit3.
      iii. From the menubar, select Project > Build All.
      iv. From the menubar, select Debugger > Program.
      v. Select Debugger > Run to run the program.
    b. Release Mode (can be disconnected from PICKit3 and still run) - 
      i. From the toolbar, select Release from the dropdown menu.
      ii. From the menubar, select Programmer > Select Programmer > PICKit3.
      iii. From the menubar, select Project > Build All.
      iv. From the menubar, select Programmer > Program.
      v. In Release Mode, the program will already be running once programmed.