Sonsivri

any one try this ? its true for pickit2/3 ICSP header  marked pin 1 is actually pin 6

http://www.paintyourdragon.com/uc/explorer16/index.html

here result
Initializing PICkit 2 version 0.0.3.63
Found PICkit 2 - Operating System Version 2.100.7
PICkit 2 Unit ID = Explorer 16
Target power detected ( 3.24V)
PIC24FJ64GA004 found (Rev 0x3003)
PICkit 2 Ready

Resetting
Programming Target (10/15/2009  5:17:16 PM)
PIC24FJ64GA004 found (Rev 0x3003)
Erasing Target
Programming Program Memory (0x0 - 0x1A7F)
   (Using Programming Executive)
Verifying Program Memory (0x0 - 0x1A7F)
   (Using Programming Executive)
Programming Debug Executive (0x-800100 - 0x800400)
Verifying Debug Executive (0x800100 - 0x800400)
Programming Debug Vector
Verifying Debug Vector
Programming Configuration Memory
Verifying Configuration Memory
PK2Error0028:  Unable to enter debug mode
NOTE: Check that the ICS (Comm Channel Select) Config bits are set to the PGxn/EMUxn port PICkit 2 is connected to.
PICkit 2 Ready

Running Target
PICkit 2 Ready

Hello sohel

I actually use this firmware and everything is working fine for me.

Here are my results:

Initializing PICkit 2 version 0.0.3.63
Found PICkit 2 - Operating System Version 2.100.7
PICkit 2 Unit ID = Explorer 16
Target power detected ( 3.24V)
PIC24FJ128GA010 found (Rev 0x3002)
PICkit 2 Ready

Resetting
Programming Target (2009-10-15  12:52:11)
PIC24FJ128GA010 found (Rev 0x3002)
Erasing Target
Programming Program Memory (0x0 - 0x19FF)
   (Using Programming Executive)
Verifying Program Memory (0x0 - 0x19FF)
   (Using Programming Executive)
Programming Debug Executive (0x-800100 - 0x800400)
Verifying Debug Executive (0x800100 - 0x800400)
Programming Debug Vector
Verifying Debug Vector
Programming Configuration Memory
Verifying Configuration Memory
Debug mode entered, DE Version = 1.0.8
PICkit 2 Ready

Resetting
PICkit 2 Ready

Running Target
PICkit 2 Ready

Stepping Target
PICkit 2 Ready

Target Halted
Running Target
PICkit 2 Ready

And Yes the silkscreen on the Explorer16 says pin1 is on the top side of the board but it's not true.
I use a 90 degres 6 pins headers and there no way to put the programmer in the wrong side.
But with this firmware you only need to use a "real PICkit2" for programming the bootloader the first time.
The onboard PIC18LF4550 is after seen like a PICkit2 and you can use it like a normal PICkit2.

Hope this can be helpfull.

Edit : I did not try with a PIC24FJ64GA004, I have a Explorer16 100-pins. Maybe there are differences between the 2 development boards.

This needs a boost, I just found a Explorer-16 in works stores along with a few PIMs
Hard part is migrating to Mikro-Basic for dsPic. don't you just hate not having a full Hello World sample program.
I can only drive leds D3 to D6, can't get to D7 to D10 yet. :(

added a list of what ports are doing, this is on going.

i can vouch for that...
it works properly.

I just followed the instruction step-by-step and it works fine for me.

i remember that Pickit2 has a couple of quirks like this which were smoothened out in the later release.
something to do with unable to program and the pickit 2 not being recognised.

There are two versions of pickit 2
one that comes with a black button for reset and the later one with red button.

the red one works fine .

PS: I faced this problem and contacted microchip.
they sent me a replacement and the red one works fine with my explorer 16 board.
Dint try it with the black version

You still using a pickit2 to program the Explorer-16?
I use the onboard 4550 and moded pickit2.exe

Hi pickit2 if you cannot control leds 7 to 10 it's only because the JTAG port is enable in your config fuses.

Have a look at Lucio Di Jasio's website FAQ #1

http://www.flyingpic24.com/4.html

Thanks for the link but Jtag was not the problem..  (When enabled, the JTAG port takes control of 4 pins of PORTA (RA5, RA4, RA1, RA0)
I could not control leds on RA5 to RA10, It was A config error, problem was, I had no Hello World, to get me started.

@pickit2

that was before i modded it
:-)

now it works fine in the way you suggested....

for that matter
explorer 16 is only a proof-of-concept tool
most of the projects happen outside it/without it..
:-D