Some Info about PICKit2 and ICD2. The PICKit2 was originally designed as a programmer, since it has ICSP feature, now it starts supporting In-circuit debugging (ICD). So far, on programming side, PICKit2 has more chips than ICD2; on ICD side, it has less but keeps expanding the range of chips. I bet it will catch up ICD2 on the quantity if some time were given.
PICki2 has its own dedicated software for programming. Of course it supports MPLAB for both programming and ICD. Now cmd feature was added, which makes it be able to be controlled by many other third party softwares. ICD2 was named "MPLAB ICD2".
The programming speed of PICkit2 is fast. The PICkit2 hardware design is robust, ICD2 has a poor hardware design and easily got broken. Plus, PICKit2 hardware layout is opened to the public, while ICD2 is not.
For PICKit2, when you change a chip from 18F458 to 18F4580, no os will need to be downloaded. ICD2 has a bad design on the architecture from the beginning. There is a high possibility the ICD2 get damaged when downloading new os. On programming point of view, the PICKit2 is much easier on use than the ICD2.
PICkit2 is smaller and has more function potential which is still under development, such as 1M extra EEPROM to save programs which has the potential be an off-line programmer in the future (no PC will be required for downloading your code to the target board).
Check the new release of MPLAB V8.01, you will find more and more chip will be support by PICKit2 on programming and debugging. ICD2 has a life-time warranty from Microchip, not sure about PICkit2.
Our CB0703 (PICKit2) design has couple of function enhancement: a RJ12 connector and an External power supply is implemented.
With a RJ12 cable (part #:CBL-RJ12-RVS), the BB0703 (PICKit2) can work directly with most target board/programmer originally designed for ICD2.
CB0703 (PICKit2) DIY kits are available here:
Full function BB0703(PICkit2) units with life-time warranty are available here: