Quick fix: MPLAB X Cannot Connect to PicKit2 or PicKit3

Problem After an update of some software on a 64 bit Windows computer you might run into the following message when you start MPLAB X: Also, when you try to program your device it fails. PICkit2: Loading code from F:/Projects/PIC/LilBang.X/dist/default/production/LilBang.X.production.hex…Loading symbols from F:/Projects/PIC/LilBang.X/dist/default/production/LilBang.X.production.cof…Loading completedConnecting to programmer…The programmer could not be …

Using a DD-WRT Compatible Router to Stop ISPs from Accessing Your LAN

Introduction A couple of months ago I called our ISP’s customer support line as our speeds dropped significantly. This happened overnight, with no warning, or any apparent reason (change of hardware, software, or even our internet usage habits). Furthermore, this was not the first time it happened – in the …

Bipolar Stepper Motor Driver Circuit with LMD18245

Introduction For some time I have been planning to build a number of devices that make use of stepper motors. Since I have no experience in using stepper motors I had no idea what parts, what driver and controller circuits I would need to get them running. After extensive research …

Controlling a Controller – Proof of Concept

Introduction I have seen many interesting modifications of (mostly) game controllers on the internet. They all have one thing common: they were specific to the controller in question. I wanted to design something that could be attached to any controller, regardless if it uses positive logic (button pressed = logic …

Spindicator Clone with Pulse and Trail Effect

Introduction Although my “original” Spindicator itself was just a clone of this one, mine was well received by the geeks around the world! 🙂 A fellow diy tinkerer made an even better one with PWM control (very cool, indeed!). Recently, I was asked to do something similar for a custom XBOX 360 …