I just picked up the PRG-017 USB PIC programmer off of ebay and I have to say it's working out pretty well. Only problem is that I'm not too fond of the software. I'm trying to use some other, more familiar programs, but can't get them to recognize the device. I can tell that it's a serial programmer wrapped in a Prolific PL2303 USB-Serial adapter, but I can't seem to get anything other than the included software to recognize it. Is there any known tweak that'll allow me to get it working in (for example) ic-prog, a similar device I can select and change the settings for? Or is it a totally proprietary communication format? Thanks!
The USB PIC programmer only works on its own software, even it uses USB-RS232 type serial port.
All others software like IC-Prog uses direct serial port I/O operation. So, those software only works on standard RS232 serial port, not the USB- serial port/adapter.
Ok, you're correct; ic-prog only works with direct serial and parallel programmers it would appear. But what about other software? piklab or WinPic for example. These support all manor of devices. WinPic even allows custom devices to be added with DLLs.