[PIC]: Automatic bulk programmer by Roman Black .

Recently we've been programming PICs by the 100, which is a PITA with a picstart. :o) I know production programmers are available, but since the main chips we use (16c505) program in a few seconds, even using a gang programmer will not save much time because of the time to insert 10 chips into 10 sockets, then remove them again. There is just as much labour needed and not much time saved. I have an idea for a auto-feeder programmer I would like to bounce off the list. :o) * The DIP chips are supplied in a standard plastic "tube". * Tube is held vertically in the machine, so chips are gravity fed out the bottom one by one. * The chip can only fall one chip length, vertically, into a very simple jig, with a solenoid "gate" at the bottom stopping it falling any further. * The chip is secure enough in the jig that a second solenoid clamps 5 sharp "pins" onto the appropriate legs, 2 on one side of the chip and 3 on the other, giving Vdd,Vss,Vpp,SDA,SCL. This is only 2 simple mechanical levers and one solenoid. * Programming is automatic, and after programming is complete the pins are released, the bottom solenoid "gate" opens and the chip simply falls into a tray, finished. The gate solenoid is fast with an opto sensor, to eject only one chip. Another and probably better option is a simple side ejector mechanism that throws the chip out one side, and gravity feeds in the next chip. * If a program error occurs, the units beeps etc, and operator removes the suspect chip. I think this device could be built at quite low cost, I have a few solenoids in my junk box. Each tube of fresh PICs is simply inserted, press the start button, and voila 30 programmed chips sitting in the tray. Any suggestions?? :o) -Roman -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The list server can filter out subtopics (like ads or off topics) for you. See http://www.piclist.com/#topics