PIC-MCP-USB won;t program

[vk4tec]

Hello

Bought a PIC-MCP-USB from Olimex direct.
What ever version of MPLAB I try, I get the message

This device requires firmware version 04.30.01 or higher.
This may require purchasing a PICSTART Plus upgrade
kit

I tried UPGRADE-130.exe did not work - Device in unknown state.

Ideas ?

- Andrew -

[LubOlimex]

Hello there,

Which MPLAB version did you use? What is your target processor? Did you use the ZIF socket or the ICSP method?

PIC-MCP-USB (Picstart+) works with MPLAB 8.xx, but Microchip opted against adding support for it in MPLAB X. Make sure the jumper for ICSP programming (ICSP_EN) is closed, else it would attempt ZIF socket programming.

Additionally, uninstall any drivers you have installed and search for the correct ones in DRIVE_LETTER:\Program Files (x86)\Microchip\MPLAB IDE and then probably in DRIVE_LETTER:\Program Files (x86)\Microchip\MPLAB IDE\Drivers64.  The drivers for PIC-MCP-USB are part of the Microchip MPLAB and are located in the respective MPLAB folders.

For further reading check the official documentation for the original design of PIC-MCP-USB (PICSTART PLUS) http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/devicedoc/51028f.pdf.

Best regards,
Lub/OLIMEX