Choosing among microcontrollers & dev boards often comes down to focus: do you want a kit built around one PIC family, or a more broadly positioned development platform? The Microchip Technology DV164120 PICkit 2 PIC16F690 Microcontroller Starter Kit is aimed at the first group, pairing a programmer with a prototyping board for specific flash-device configurations.
Quick verdict
At USD 69.00, the DV164120 makes the clearest case for shoppers who want a contained PIC16F690 starter setup rather than a general electronics kit. Its programmer and prototyping board are bundled together, so the central appeal is having both pieces in one package for PIC-focused development.
The trade-off is equally clear: the kit is centered on the PIC16F690 and supports 8-, 14-, and 20-pin flash devices. That defined scope can be useful for a matching project, but it is the main point to weigh if your work spans several microcontroller families or board formats.
Who it suits
This starter kit fits a maker, student, or embedded-project builder whose target device is the PIC16F690. The title and description both identify that microcontroller, while the included prototyping board supports 8-, 14-, and 20-pin flash devices. Those details give the kit a concrete role instead of leaving its intended use vague.
It also makes sense for someone who wants a programmer included with the prototyping hardware. That combination is the strongest reason to choose the DV164120: the kit is not just a standalone board, and it is not described as only a programming accessory.
What stands out from the listed details
The package includes a programmer, a prototyping board, and support for the PIC16F690. The board's stated 8-, 14-, and 20-pin coverage provides a practical boundary for planning a project, while the PIC16F690 designation gives the kit a specific target.
The listed condition is New, with the cosmetics described as C10 - New Factory Sealed. For a shopper comparing unopened hardware with used development equipment, that condition is a relevant part of the purchase decision without requiring assumptions about performance.
Meaningful trade-offs
The kit's focused design is also its limitation. Because the supported device is identified as the PIC16F690 and the prototyping board is described around 8-, 14-, and 20-pin flash devices, it is best considered for projects that align with those stated parameters. Shoppers seeking a broader Arduino development board, Raspberry Pi board, or ESP32 development board should not assume this kit serves the same role; its listed identity is specifically PIC-based.
The USD 69.00 price also makes the programmer-and-prototyping-board bundle the key question: if you need both components for PIC16F690 work, the package is easy to understand; if you need only one part, the kit's defined contents may be more than your project calls for.
Bottom line
The Microchip Technology DV164120 PICkit 2 is a sensible pick for a PIC16F690 project that benefits from a bundled programmer and prototyping board. Its limitation is not hidden complexity but narrow scope: the 8-, 14-, and 20-pin support and PIC16F690 focus should match your intended build before you commit.
