DESCRIPTION: Low cost development tool providing real time emulation for all PICs with build-in ICD feature. Can operate through RS232 or USB, it's completely replacement of MICROCHIP's MPLAB-ICD2. More information you can find on Microchip's web site.
HARDWARE: PIC ICSP connector (top view)
SOFTWARE: MPLAB-IDE

FAQ:
Q: What's the difference between PIC-ICD2 and MPLAB-ICD2?
A: There is no functional difference between them and PIC-ICD2 is 100% compatible to MPLAB-ICD2. The only difference is the ICSP connector - Microchip uses RJ45 phone jack connector, we use 0.1" step connector

Q: Why on PIC-ICD2 there are teo ICSP connectors, which one I should use?
A: You should use the connector labeled ICSP-DEBUG next to USB connector, the other ICSP connector (down right on the picture) is the connector which we use to load PIC-ICD2 firmware and diagnostic the PIC-ICD2 during production tests.

Q: What should I know when connect PIC-ICD2 to target board.
A: It's very important your target PIC MCLR to not be connected directly to VCC! During the programming/debugging MCLR goes as high as 13VDC and if your target MCLR is connected directly to target VCC you will blow either PIC-ICD2 either your target board. Use always 10K pullup resistor from MCLR to VCC.

Q: What should I know when work PIC-ICD2 and RS232 port .
A: COM port should be set with HARDWARE FLOW CONTROL and FIFO buffers DISABLED!

Q: I'm on very low budged. What is the difference between PIC-ICD2 and PIC-ICD2-TINY?
A: There are two major differences between PIC-ICD2 and PIC-ICD2-TINY: 1. TINY have only RS232 port and works slower than PIC-ICD2; 2. TINY have fixed 13VDC Vpp while PIC-ICD2 have variable voltage Vpp, some new PIC microcontrollers have max.limit of 12.5V for Vpp and diode drop circuit should be used if you work with TINY