Overview
The TZT PICKit programmer is a Chinese clone of Microchip's official PICKit development tools. Available in PICKit2, PICKit3, and "PICKit3.5" variants, these budget programmers offer PIC microcontroller programming and debugging at a fraction of the original cost.
At $8-25 USD compared to Microchip's $50+ official tools, these clones are attractive for hobbyists and students learning PIC development. However, the cost savings come with tradeoffs in device support, reliability, and long-term compatibility.
Clone Variants Vary Significantly
Many "PICKit3" clones are actually rebadged PICKit2 hardware. The "PICKit3.5" designation is not an official Microchip product—it's a clone-specific marketing term. Verify what you're actually getting before purchase.
Technical Analysis
PICKit2 vs PICKit3 vs PICKit3.5
| Feature | PICKit2 Clone | PICKit3 Clone | PICKit3.5 Clone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $8-12 | $12-18 | $18-25 |
| Device Support | Older PICs | More devices | Claims "improved" |
| Debugging | Limited | Better | Similar to PK3 |
| Firmware | Stable | May need updates | Varies |
| MPLAB Support | PICKit2 mode | Native | Native |
PICKit2 clones are often more reliable because the design is older and well-documented. They support fewer devices but work consistently.
PICKit3 clones claim broader device support but may actually be PICKit2 hardware with modified firmware. Expect compatibility issues with newer PICs.
PICKit3.5 is not a Microchip designation. These clones claim improvements over PICKit3 but specifics are rarely documented.
Supported Devices
The PICKit family supports programming and debugging for:
- 8-bit: PIC10F, PIC12F, PIC16F, PIC18F series
- 16-bit: PIC24F, PIC24H, dsPIC30F, dsPIC33F series
- 32-bit: PIC32MX series (limited on clones)
- Other: KEELOQ HCS, MCP250xx CAN, Serial EEPROM
Device Support Varies
Clone device support depends on firmware version and actual hardware. Verify your target device is supported before committing to a project. The standalone GUI programs have older device databases—use MPLAB X IPE for latest device support.
Known Clone Issues
Device ID Errors
The most commonly reported issue:
Target Device ID (0x0) does not match expected Device ID (0x1234)
Causes:
- Poor ICSP connection
- Incorrect VDD voltage
- Clone hardware limitations
- Target device already damaged
Solutions:
- Add 10k pull-up resistor between MCLR and VDD
- Verify all ICSP connections
- Try PICKit2 mode instead of PICKit3
- Check target device is powered correctly
Voltage Divider Problems
Some clones have incorrect resistor values in the voltage sensing circuit:
- VDD may display incorrectly in MPLAB
- Programming may fail at certain voltages
- Target devices may be over/under-volted
Verification:
- Set target voltage in MPLAB
- Measure actual VDD output with multimeter
- If significantly off, clone may need resistor modification
Firmware Conflicts
MPLAB X and MPLAB IPE may write different firmware to the programmer:
- Switching between tools can cause issues
- Clone may become unresponsive
- May need to re-flash programmer firmware
Best Practice: Stick to one programming tool consistently.
Software Compatibility
| Software | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MPLAB X IDE | Good | Full integration, may update firmware |
| MPLAB IPE | Good | Standalone programmer, latest devices |
| PICKit2 GUI | Limited | Older devices only |
| PK3CMD | Limited | Command line, older devices |
| PICKitPlus | Good | Community tool, broad support |
Recommendation: Use MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE for best device support and compatibility.
Common Use Cases
Hobbyist PIC Development
The primary use case for these clones:
- Connect programmer to USB
- Wire ICSP header to target (VDD, VSS, MCLR, PGD, PGC)
- Select device in MPLAB X
- Compile and program
For learning and experimentation, clone programmers work well with popular devices like PIC16F877A, PIC18F4550, and dsPIC33FJ series.
Firmware Updates
Updating firmware on existing PIC-based devices:
- Identify the PIC device in the target
- Obtain or create updated firmware .hex file
- Connect via ICSP header (if available)
- Program and verify
Device Identification
Always verify the target device before programming. Writing wrong firmware or programming the wrong device can permanently damage the target.
Offline Programming (PICKit2)
PICKit2 and clones support offline batch programming:
- Load firmware into programmer memory
- Disconnect from PC
- Connect to target with external power
- Press button to program
Useful for programming multiple identical devices without a computer.
What's in the Kit
Typical TZT PICKit kits include:
- Programmer unit - Main USB programmer
- USB cable - For PC connection
- ICSP cable - 6-pin header for target connection
- Adapter board (some kits) - ZIF socket for DIP packages
ICSP Pinout
Standard Microchip ICSP header:
| Pin | Signal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MCLR | Master Clear / Programming Voltage |
| 2 | VDD | Target Power (3.3V or 5V) |
| 3 | VSS | Ground |
| 4 | PGD | Programming Data |
| 5 | PGC | Programming Clock |
| 6 | PGM | Low Voltage Programming (optional) |
Verdict & Recommendations
The TZT PICKit clone is a viable budget option with important limitations:
Recommended for:
- Learning PIC microcontroller development
- Hobbyist projects with common PIC devices
- Backup programmer for non-critical work
- Budget-conscious students and makers
Not recommended for:
- Professional or production programming
- Projects requiring latest PIC devices
- Critical systems where reliability is essential
- Users needing official Microchip support
Before Purchase
- Verify your target PIC devices are supported
- Check recent reviews for the specific seller
- Consider which "version" (PK2/PK3/PK3.5) suits your needs
- Budget for potential issues and workarounds
Alternatives
For professional or critical work:
- Microchip SNAP (~$15 USD) - Official Microchip budget programmer
- Microchip PICKit4 (~$50 USD) - Current official programmer
- PICKit5 (~$95 USD) - Latest generation with best device support
The official SNAP programmer is competitively priced with clones while offering official support and guaranteed compatibility.
Related
Virtual Protocol Lab
Want to understand how ICSP programming works at the signal level? Check out our Virtual Protocol Lab — an interactive simulator that visualizes PICKit ICSP signals (MCLR, VDD, PGC, PGD) in real-time. Includes tutorials and cross-protocol bridge scenarios.