Olimex has another Microchip PICKIT 3 clone. It comes in a more compact package that reminds us of old parallel port DB-25 casings.
They claim it is fully compatible with the original. One difference is that it uses a single bi-color LED instead of 3 LEDs the original has.
Taking into account how invisible led’s on the original are they can’t be worse on the clone. I used lot of tools from olimex and they are high quality built, way higher quality then many original tools they cloned. I know this type of case (olimex use it a lot) and it’s way more sturdy then the original pickit3
I ordered one for around $30 with shipping from an official Olimex ebay seller. I think I got of cheap considering that in their price list this costs 30euro.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Olimex-part-PIC-KIT3-microchip-pickit3-mplab-debugger-programmer-/270876821832?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item3f11844948&autorefresh=true
*Also for anyone interested in pickit 3s. there are Sure electronics clones for about $30, and $38 for one with an added Zif addapted. I also found original pickit 3 for around $41.. all the prices are with shipping.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Microchip-Development-Debugger-Programmer-PICKIT-3-/380394813159?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58914c36e7
I chose the olimex one simply because it was in UK, and I will get it much sooner then all the rest.
Sadly Olimex don’t appear to have noticed that you can get Mini-B USB connectors.
Why sadly ? the big usb connector used here is way more sturdy, more durable then the shitty mini B used on original. It’s a tool you use every day, robustness is preferred, and all my experience with olimex tools show that they are extra robust -> that is the main reason I use them.
A connector sticking out like that is your idea of robust?
Actually it is pretty robust :)
robust means it will last forever, not look pretty.
Steer clear of the Sure Electronics clones – more than a few people report having problems with them, bad build quality and incorrect component values.