Post by thread:[PIC]: Missing configuration word question

Hello to all, I am new to list and also to the world of PIC. I have the P16PRO programmer and PICALL software, and would like to program a 16F84 with a bit of code that I found on the internet. When doing so, the software gives a warning that the configuration word is missing, and that the fuses need to be set manually. Question: What is the possible outcome if I go ahead and program the PIC with config word missing? Will it still take the program, or will actually damage the chip? I have searched the archive before asking for help.... Jim D. Martin -- http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us! email spam_OUTlistservTakeThisOuTmitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body

Jim, I am relatively new to PICs myself so use the following post with caution... I use Picall Software with Kit81 programmer. When you write source code for a PIC there is a CONFIG directive used to set these bits. It saves you the effort of manually setting them every time you make changes. When assembled the CONFIG directive generates additional information and is included in hex file. This is then used by the programmer to set the bits accordingly. The author of your Hex file decided not to set the bits in the code for whatever reason. With Picall software you can override the configuration bits (i.e. Oscillator, Power Up Timer, WDT and Protections bits). Have never used any other programming software so they may allow you to do the same thing. In your case this is handy as you can set them to what you want. I always ensure that the "Code Protect 0" check box is NOT checked. However reading recent posts it seems only to be a concern for windowed devices. You will also need to ensure that the other bits are set accordingly. To get at the CONFIG bits in Picall press the CONFIG button which is bottom left of the Picall Window. Justin {Original Message removed}