Step 1Design enhancements

Clock and Data Filter:

Newer PICs are programmed so fast that the clock and data lines can experience cross-talk. According to the author of WinPic programming software(http://www.qsl.net/dl4yhf/winpic/ ):

"There was a note on the Microchip forum (by Olin Lathrop) about programming the dsPIC30F201, suggesting to put 22..47 pF on the PGD and PGC lines to ground near the target chip. In addition, put a 100 ohm resistor in series with the PGD line between target chip and the cap. The resistor and cap on the PGD line low pass filter the PGD signal when it is driven by the target chip. This reduces the high frequencies that can couple onto the PGC line. The cap on the PGC line makes it less suceptible to coupled noise. We later found out that this important note also applies to the PIC18Fxxxx family. A user of a Velleman PIC programmer reported success with a PIC18F4520 after adding 2 * 33 pF caps and a 100 Ohm series resistor." (LINK:http://www.qsl.net/dl4yhf/winpic/#pgd_pgc_filtering )

This note applies primarily to programming PICs through a cable while they are soldered into a circuit. When using this type of programming the extra capacitors and resistor must be near the target chip - it does not help to have them on the programmer:

"This means that this problem can not be solved at the programmer end of the cable. No amount of clever circuitry at the programmer can make this issue go away. It must be dealt with at the target circuit. (LINK: see PGD to PGC Crosstalk at http://www.embedinc.com/picprg/icsp.htm )

I emphasize this so it is clear you CANNOT slap a ICSP header on this board without issue. I included the filters in my new programmer because the data/clock traces are long. The capacitors are situated in the circuit so that they can be excluded without weakening the trace. The resistor can be replaced with a jumper wire.

Selectable Programming Voltage (Vpp):

Programming voltage (Vpp) is applied to the MCLR pin to place the PIC in programming mode. Older PICs (12F/16F/some 18Fs) require a Vpp of 13 volts. Newer PICs (such as the USB enabled 18F2455/4455) have a lower Vpp of 12.5 volts. A voltage divider was added to the JDM2 design to provide 12.5 volts from the original 13 volt output. A diode prevents leakage through the voltage divider when it is bypassed. Vpp is selectable by the three pin jumper at the lower left of the programmer. In practice it doesn't seem to matter: I can program 13 volt parts with 12.5 volts, and 12.5 volt parts at 13 volts without damage.