CCS compiler and pickit3

CNS · Joined: 14 Nov 2011 Posts: 3

I am trying to determine best route for development work.
I like the demo CCS compiler's listing in which is shows the tight asm with the C code to the right. I however would like to use my existing pickit3 programmer which doesn't seem to be support by CCS.

So with that I have two questions.

1)If I compile code in CCS IDE is there an easy way to move the output over to MPLAB and then program with my pickit3?

2)If I decide to use the CCS command line compiler, I assume there is a way to run it from my existing MPLAB and burn with pickit3? If I however go this route, do I still get to see a nice listing that shows asm and C code together?

PCM programmer · Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 21708

CNS · Joined: 14 Nov 2011 Posts: 3

Very good explanation.
So if I proceed with command line packages PCD, PCH, PCM & PCB (I need all families available) that would be $650.

It seems like there are some features that I get when purchasing the IDE package PCWHD (all families here too) that is not supplied by the command line only versions. Can't remember what I read, maybe possibly RTOS features ?

At any rate, would the command line also be available in the PCWHD package as well. This would be the best way to go if that was the case.

PCM programmer · Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 21708

You don't have to buy command line compilers for all PIC families.
Just buy the one or two that you need. I only buy PCM and PCH,
which are for 16F and 18F.

MPLAB comes with the PCB compiler vs. 4.073 for free. It's the full
compiler. It might not be the very latest version, but the PICs that are
used with the PCB compiler are simple 8-pin PICs that have very few
features. Vs. 4.073 is OK for them.

But yes, the IDE gives you the RTOS and a few other features that
you don't get with the command line versions.

CNS · Joined: 14 Nov 2011 Posts: 3

Yes, I realized that I didn't have to buy all but I just wanted to have them all available for future projects. I see that the PCB version appears in the wizard for 12F but CCSC.exe is missing, I guess mplab doesn't install that and I have to download it?

So on the $600 IDE version can I confirm that if I purchase that I also get the command line capability aswell?

PCM programmer · Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 21708

When you install MPLAB, you have to select the tickbox for Third Party
applications so it will install the CCS PCB compiler. Then it puts the
compiler in the "third party" directory, and the Ccsc.exe file is right there:

gmua · Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 11

jgschmidt · Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 184 Location: Gresham, OR USA

You can use the PicKit3 with the standalone program. You select the hex file, set the part to program and off you go. I've been using the PicKit 2 and 3 exclusively with the CCS compilers (without MPLAB) because the programmers are much cheaper and smaller than CCS's, and they provide power to the board.

I also use the PicKit2 for programming memory and CAN chips.

You can find the standalone program here:

http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en538340

Jurgen