Building the Inchworm ICD2 PIC Programmer / Debugger
This instructable is an illustrated walk through building an ICD2 clone called the Inchworm.
It’s a straight forward kit that lets you build an MPLAB ICD2 compatible Programmer and Debugger.
There are lots of Programmers out there but very few include a debugger, (A debugger lets you single step through your program and set watch lists (see your variables) and much more).
The full manual including schematic and notes can be found at blueroomelectronics
Preparing the PCB
Solder all the “low profile” parts
Here I’ve soldered and trimmed the leads of all the low profile parts. When building a PCB it’s often easiest to assemble the small parts first. This method gives you more room to work when adding the taller parts.
Add the resistors first, noting the tan resistors are the common 5% tolerance versions and the blue resistors are 1% metal film types.
Now install the diodes, both the smaller glass diodes and the larger power diodes require you to pay attention to the colored band on the cathode of all diodes. Failure to install the diodes in the correct orientation will keep the Inchworm or any electronic project from functioning properly.
Note: I’m building a battery powered version for demos, the power diodes I used are low dropout Schottky 1N5817 types instead of the more common 1N4001 diodes. The six small glass diodes are common 1N4148 types (you can also use 1N914)
