PIC-MCP-USB is a low-cost alternative of Picstart+. It's MPLAB compatible and MPLAB recognizes PIC-MCP-USB as Picstart+. This is the perfect solution for the new computers without a RS232 port as it generates RS232 signals and power supply from the USB port. PIC-MCP-USB has a gold plated 40 pin ZIF socket which accepts all types of DIP PIC microcontrollers - making it very comfortable for bare chip programming. In addition, it has an ICSP connector and can be used to program all PIC-PxxB prototype boards.
Supported devices and IDEs: ALL devices supported by PICSTART+ (excluding PIC17XXX series). Please note that PIC-MCP-USB is not supported under the MPLAB X. It works fine with MPLAB versions prior to MPLAB X (e.g. MPLAB 8.XX).
Firmware upgrade UPGRADE-130 upgrades firmware for MPLAB 8.10
FT232 drivers for your OS download and install to be able to work with PIC-MCP-USB via the virtual COM port and MPLAB 8. Note that the latest FTDI VCP drivers might not work properly with your device. Follow the FAQ section.