PICAXE 08M2 8-SOIC Programming Adapter
author: Eric
2 layer board of 0.93 x 0.83 inches (23.7 x 21.2 mm)
Uploaded:
July 01, 2017
Shared:
July 30, 2017
Total Price:
$3.85
TESTED / WORKING
Cost: $3.85 for three.
Description: This board is part of a USB programming adapter for the surface-mount (8-SOIC) version of the PICAXE 08M2 microcontroller. It’s basically a cheap replacement for the Revolution Education AXE-027 USB programming cable.
This board includes the standard PICAXE programming circuit consisting of 22k series and 10k pull-down resistors on the Serial In pin, as well as a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor for the PICAXE. The PICAXE is held in a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket (see Bill of Materials, below). Desolder the ZIF socket from its carrier board and resolder it to this board.
The six-pin header on this board connects to a generic FTDI FT232RL USB to RS-232 converter module. Search eBay for “FT232RL Module” and look for the red module with a jumper to select between 3.3V and 5V TTL (set the jumper to 5V). Bend the right-angle header pins on this module so they’re straight up from the board, solder this adapter onto the pins (ZIF socket facing up), then cut the pins flush.
Since many of the FT232RL modules sold on eBay use counterfeit chips, FTDI’s EEPROM programming utility, FT_PROG (here) is not a reliable way to invert the TX and RX lines as required to mimic the AXE-027 cable. Instead of relying on the ability to program the chip’s EEPROM, this board simply uses inverters comprised of two 2N7002 N-channel MOSFETs (the SOT-23-3 footprints on the board).
My Windows 10 computer recognized the serial converter module and loaded drivers automatically, but if you need drivers for an earlier version of Windows, Linux or MacOS, the FTDI Virtual COM Port drivers are available here.
Bill of Materials:
TESTED / WORKING
Cost: $3.85 for three.
Description: This board is part of a USB programming adapter for the surface-mount (8-SOIC) version of the PICAXE 08M2 microcontroller. It’s basically a cheap replacement for the Revolution Education AXE-027 USB programming cable.
This board includes the standard PICAXE programming circuit consisting of 22k series and 10k pull-down resistors on the Serial In pin, as well as a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor for the PICAXE. The PICAXE is held in a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket (see Bill of Materials, below). Desolder the ZIF socket from its carrier board and resolder it to this board.
The six-pin header on this board connects to a generic FTDI FT232RL USB to RS-232 converter module. Search eBay for “FT232RL Module” and look for the red module with a jumper to select between 3.3V and 5V TTL (set the jumper to 5V). Bend the right-angle header pins on this module so they’re straight up from the board, solder this adapter onto the pins (ZIF socket facing up), then cut the pins flush.
Since many of the FT232RL modules sold on eBay use counterfeit chips, FTDI’s EEPROM programming utility, FT_PROG (here) is not a reliable way to invert the TX and RX lines as required to mimic the AXE-027 cable. Instead of relying on the ability to program the chip’s EEPROM, this board simply uses inverters comprised of two 2N7002 N-channel MOSFETs (the SOT-23-3 footprints on the board).
My Windows 10 computer recognized the serial converter module and loaded drivers automatically, but if you need drivers for an earlier version of Windows, Linux or MacOS, the FTDI Virtual COM Port drivers are available here.
Bill of Materials:
