Arduino as PIC Programmer for 8-bit Devices (ATU-100 & HVP Enhanced)

This project is a specialized fork of the Arduino-based PIC16F1xxx programmer. It is modified specifically for amateur radio enthusiasts working on projects like the ATU-100 antenna tuner, which uses the PIC16(L)F1938.

It provides a low-cost, open-source solution for flashing PIC MCUs using a ubiquitous Arduino Uno, eliminating the need for a dedicated PICkit for one-off projects.

---

🛠 Key Enhancements in this Fork

• High Voltage Programming (HVP) Support: Added a -h flag to trigger a 9.5V pulse on the MCLR pin via an optocoupler circuit. This is essential for chips where Low Voltage Programming (LVP) is disabled.
• Firmware Dumping: Includes a modification to read and dump existing firmware from the target PIC.
• Radio Project Ready: Specifically tested and optimized for the PIC16(L)F1938 used in amateur radio kits.

---

🔌 Hardware Configuration

1. Standard Connections (LVP)

If your PIC has LVP enabled, connect your Arduino (Uno/Nano) as follows:

Arduino Pin	AVR Pin	Target PIC Pin	Function
GND	GND	GND	Common Ground
5V	VDD	VDD	Optional Power
A3	PC3	MCLR	Reset Line
A1	PC1	PGD	Programming Data
A0	PC0	PGC	Programming Clock

2. High Voltage (HVP) Modification

To enable HVP support, integrate an optocoupler and a boost converter (e.g., MT3608) to the MCLR line:

1. Boost Converter: Set output to 9.5V.
2. Optocoupler: Connect the Arduino A3 (MCLR) output to the input side.
3. HVP Rail: Connect the transistor side collector to the 9.5V positive and the emitter to the target MCLR pin.
4. Pull-down: Add a 10kΩ resistor from the MCLR emitter to Ground to ensure the line pulls low when inactive.

---

💻 Software Usage

Compilation

Linux/macOS: gcc -Wall pp3r.c -o pp3r

Windows (MinGW): gcc -Wall pp3r.c -o pp3r

Programming Commands

To program a PIC16F1938 (standard LVP): ./pp3r -c /dev/ttyACM0 -t 16f1938 -s 2000 file.hex

Reading/dumping hex On Windows pp3r_x86_64.exe -r -s 2000 -c COM3 -v2 -t 16f1938

Writing hex on Windows pp3r_x86_64.exe -s 2000 -c COM3 -v2 -t 16f1938 atu_100_fw_EXT_32_oled_lvp.hex

To enable High Voltage Mode (triggers the A3 optocoupler): ./pp3r -s 2000 -c /dev/ttyACM0 -h -t 16f1938 file.hex

On windows, the order of parameter is a bit critical, e.s.p keep file name as last argument But to read hex, keep -r dump_file_name.hex before -t 16f1938 pp3r_x86_64.exe -r my_hex_dump.exe -s 2000 -c COM3 -v2 -t 16f1938

Key Options

• -h: Enable High Voltage Programming (HVP) pulse.
• -c [PORT]: Specify the serial port (e.g., COM30 or /dev/ttyACM0).
• -t [DEVICE]: Target PIC model.
• -s [MS]: Delay in milliseconds to allow the Arduino bootloader to timeout.

Extra options

• -e: Skip eeprom write.
• -k: Only eeprom write, skips FLASH.
• -n: Skip FLASH verification.

Graphical User Interface

A simple graphical user interface for windows can be found in the release pages, which does it easy to flas hex files to atu 100 and allowes eeprom editing. Link: https://github.com/riyas-org/a-p-hamprog/releases/tag/v1.2.1

Programming the arduino

Upload the firmware (under fw folder) to an arduino using regular methods (arduino software). Thr file/sketch is ppr.ino

---

⚠️ Disclaimer

This is a community-shared modification provided for those who want to use it once in a while for kits like the ATU-100. It is provided "as-is" with no guarantees. Please verify your voltages before connecting to the target PIC to avoid damage.

---

Original base project by jaromir-sukuba.