Hi.....
Can anyone tell me about Picstart plus, as there don't seem to be any details on
the microchip web site. I would like to know what it will program, how much it
will cost, and where I can get one in the UK.
> Can anyone tell me about Picstart plus, as there don't seem to be
> any details on the microchip web site. I would like to know what
> it will program, how much it will cost, and where I can get one in
> the UK.
Martin:
It will program all the PICs, it'll cost approximately the same as
the existing PICSTARTs, and you can't get one in the UK or anywhere
else yet. Maybe in a couple more weeks, they'll be available from
your local Microchip rep.
>Subject: Picstart Plus Data EEPROM programming
>Author: Brent Miller <millerKILLspamHAL.COM> at Internet_Exchange Date:
>6/23/96 3:50 PM
>I have been trying, without much success, to program the data memory
>in a 16C84 using the new Picstart Plus programmer under MPLAB.
>EEPROM data programming is supported by the Picstart Plus, at least
>according to the menus. What I have seen is that the data that gets
>written is always 'FF', regardless of the data in the source file.
Brent,
We've gone through testing again on the 16C84 and you've identified a
true bug. It appears that if you are in Simulator mode, the '84 data
memory is not read/programmed in PICSTART Plus. If you go to Editor
Only mode, you can manually enter data in the EEPROM window and it
will burn/read correctly. We have found a way to get this to work
correctly. If you follow this sequence, this seems to work:
- Select Editor Only mode
- Enable PICSTART Plus
- Select 16C84 for the PICSTART Plus
- Open your 16C84 Project and Rebuild.
- Program the 16C84.
I'll keep you and the PICLIST posted as soon as we have fully
investigated, fixed, and re-tested.
>
> We've gone through testing again on the 16C84 and you've identified a
> true bug. It appears that if you are in Simulator mode, the '84 data
> memory is not read/programmed in PICSTART Plus.
Darrel:
Thanks for tracking this down, and for the workaround. I had tried a lot of
different things, but not disabling the simulator.
In the process of my experiments, I ran accross a couple of other things that
may be worth pointing out:
1. This looks like a bug, but it could be that I missed something. When I
use the "Verify" function under the "Program/Verify" dialog and there is
an error (I tried this with errors in program, data and configuration
memory separately) the "Display Error Log" doesn't seem to display
anything. The sequence here was to do the verify, then press "OK" after
the failure was detected. Once the "Program/Verify" window closed, I
selected "Display Error Log" from the PICSTART PLUS menu. Nothing
is displayed.
2. When the PICSTART PLUS is enabled, it always seems to come up with default
configuration settings (RC oscillator, WDT on, etc.). This happens even if
the open project has a valid "__CONFIG" statement with other settings.
Building the project after enabling the PICSTART causes the settings from
__CONFIG to be transferred to the Programmer Status window.
I consider this (and the next one) to be what I would call "unexpected
behavior". Once I figured out how to get the configuration set in the
programmer, it is easy to live with.
3. Using "File/Export" to write a HEX file does not write out the EEPROM
data defined in the .asm file unless the PICSTART programmer is enabled.
While I'm on my soapbox, I have one for the wishlist. In the DOS MPSIM, the
values in the watch window (View Screen?) were updated each cycle while the
simulation was running. The Watch Window in MPLAB simulations doesn't seem
to update until the simulation stops. Perhaps there is an option to change
this that I haven't found yet. If not, it would be a nice thing to have.
I'm sure there are performance issues that would make updating the watch
window every cycle undesirable in many cases.
Thanks again for tracking down the EEPROM problem. I have seen other messages
here that acknowledged MICROCHIP's great support of these tools. I'd have to
agree with them.
>
> 1. When I use the "Verify" function under the "Program/Verify" dialog and
there is {Quote hidden}
> an error the "Display Error Log" doesn't seem to display anything...
>
> 2. When the PICSTART PLUS is enabled, it always seems to come up with default
> configuration settings ...
>
> 3. Using "File/Export" to write a HEX file does not write out the EEPROM
> data defined in the .asm file unless the PICSTART programmer is enabled.
>
> While I'm on my soapbox, I have one for the wishlist. In the DOS MPSIM, the
> values in the watch window (View Screen?) were updated each cycle while the
> simulation was running. The Watch Window in MPLAB simulations doesn't seem
> to update until the simulation stops. Perhaps there is an option to change
> this that I haven't found yet.
Brent,
1. Currently the error log only logs errors while assembling/compiling. Verify
errors are
shown in the dialog.
2. Noted. This is a pretty reasonable request and we've similar responses from
others.
We'll review this for possible inclusion in next version feature changes.
3. Good catch. Again we'll look more closely into this.
As for your wishlist, I think we anticipated this one and have a feature in
there already
for you. It's called the "Animate" mode on the Debug>Run menu. The DOS
simulator would
update the view screen at every step. We felt that there are some cases where
we would
like to speed up the simulator in MPLAB-SIM, so we didn't update the data on
every step
when you are in the RUN mode (similar to PICMASTER). But, if you select the
Animate mode,
the watch windows, SFR's and file registers update at every step. The trade off
is speed,
and it's up to you how you want to run it.
I'm out of the office for a week, but hope that this tip helps you out.
I can program all the 16c5x and 16cxx chips. Are the others so good that
it is worth upgrading to a picstart plus?
Tim
------------------------------------------------------------------
If you can read this, it is the end of the message!
My web pages are at http://web.ukonline.co.uk/members/tim.kerby/
My PIC site is at web.ukonline.co.uk/members/tim.kerby/pic/
It needs your projects!
------------------------------------------------------------------
I am wanting to find out if the picstart plus runs ok
with Windows 95,
We are looking to play with 16c73a parts with it
Any comments would be appreciated
I have used the PicStart Plus to program 16C73's in the Windows 95
environment. NO PROBLEM.
Kevin Harris & Alison Smith wrote:
>
> I am wanting to find out if the picstart plus runs ok
> with Windows 95,
> We are looking to play with 16c73a parts with it
> Any comments would be appreciated
>
> All the best
>
> Kevin Harris
At 11:05 PM 5/6/97 +1000, you wrote:
>I am wanting to find out if the picstart plus runs ok
>with Windows 95,
>We are looking to play with 16c73a parts with it
>Any comments would be appreciated
>
>All the best
>
>Kevin Harris
>
I am a PIC newbie, but my Picstart plus seems to be working OK with Windows
95. I am using a 166MHz Pentuim notebook. I successfully programmed (twice)
the PIC16C84 that came with the development kit.
Kevin Harris & Alison Smith wrote:
>
> I am wanting to find out if the picstart plus runs ok
> with Windows 95,
> We are looking to play with 16c73a parts with it
> Any comments would be appreciated
>
> All the best
>
> Kevin Harris
Kevin -
We are using the PicStart+ here with Windows95, and the lastest
copy of MPLAB. Works fine. BTW, we are programming the new 8 pin
devices, the 12C50X.
Does anyone know where in the US I can get the chip to upgrade the
Picstart plus? Also does anyone know the protocol to communicate with
the Picstart plus? I would like to use it on my Linux System.
> Does anyone know where in the US I can get the chip to upgrade the
> Picstart plus? Also does anyone know the protocol to communicate with
> the Picstart plus? I would like to use it on my Linux System.
>
> --
> Neil Cherry
>
Neil:
Digi-Key has just started offering the 17C44 required to upgrade the Picstart
Plus.
PIC17C44/JW-ND 21.06
PIC17C44-16/P-ND 13.13
PIC17C44-16/L-ND 13.58
PIC17C44-25/P-ND 13.15 <-- I think this is the one for the Picstart Plus
PIC17C44-25/L-ND 14.48
PIC17C44-33/P-ND 15.03
PIC17C44-33/L-ND 15.48
>
> > Does anyone know where in the US I can get the chip to upgrade the
> > Picstart plus? Also does anyone know the protocol to communicate with
> > the Picstart plus? I would like to use it on my Linux System.
> >
> > --
> > Neil Cherry
> >
>
> Neil:
>
> Digi-Key has just started offering the 17C44 required to upgrade the Picstart
> Plus.
>
> Digi-Key
> 1-800-DIGI-KEY (1-800-344-4539)
> 1-218-681-3380 FAX
> http://www.digikey.com
>
> Catalog 973B May-June 1997 Pg 110:
>
> PIC17C44/JW-ND 21.06
> PIC17C44-16/P-ND 13.13
> PIC17C44-16/L-ND 13.58
> PIC17C44-25/P-ND 13.15 <-- I think this is the one for the Picstart Plus
> PIC17C44-25/L-ND 14.48
> PIC17C44-33/P-ND 15.03
> PIC17C44-33/L-ND 15.48
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Philip Restuccia
> KILLspamphilip.restucciaKILLspamperi.com
An Idea...
I bought 2 17C44 JW chips. This allows me to reuse chips instead of
throwing OTPs away. I have only updated the picstart once, but seems to
work just fine...
Rob Tracy RemoveMErtracyTakeThisOuTmidwest.net
At 03:20 PM 5/7/97 +0000, you wrote:
>Does anyone know where in the US I can get the chip to upgrade the
>Picstart plus? Also does anyone know the protocol to communicate with
>the Picstart plus? I would like to use it on my Linux System.
>
>--
>Neil Cherry
>You can buy one from Digikey or obtain one from Microchip as a sample.
This greenhorn is new to PICs. I see MicroChip has a seminar in Toronto coming
up later this month. One of the options for the seminar fee is receiving a
PicStart Plus package.
Two questions I would like to through your way:
1) Would you recommend PicStart Plus package for a beginner?
2) Has anyone attended a 1997 MicroChip seminar? If so, I would be interested
in your comments pro or con.
I'm wondering if anyone else has been having problems getting the PICSTART Plus
programmer to work reliably under WIN95.
I have a Pentium-150 w/32Mb, PICSTART Plus (about 3 months old) and
MPLAB v3.12. Since I first got the programmer, I have been having problems
programming 16C84's reliably. I don't mean to say that the processors are
written with the wrong code in them, it's just that when I use Program/Verify
in MPLAB it often pops up a window saying "Cannot transmit.Please Verify
serial and power connections". And then sometimes by pressing "program" again,
it works, sometimes it needs a reset from the software, sometimes I need to
power it down and up again. However once it starts programming, it ALWAYS
programs the chip correctly.
I have checked the connections many times, and they are fine. I am using the
serial
cable & power supply provided with the programmer by Microchip. Sometimes I will
program a chip 5 times with no problems, and sometimes I can't even enable the
programmer without a hitch.
I am using the PICSTART programmer on an INTEL
486DX and on a P200MMX. The programmer works fine
on both. However, sometimes MPLAB mysteriously
crashes when trying to open the program window.
This happens on BOTH systems (not too many times,
but still...). I suspect there are still quite some
bugs in the hard/software.
Alex,
I'm sure this sounds very basic but you may want to verify WIN95
is using "standard" COM I/O addresses and IRQs. While in most cases this
is the case, when a WIN95 PC is short on resources and the COM port is a
plug n play (set to auto in CMOS) it will use non-standard resources,
and if the software is directly writing to the port this can occur. You
may want to check the CMOS setting for your com port to make sure it is
not set to auto.
> ----------
> From: Campbell Scientific Australia[SMTP:TakeThisOuTcsaEraseMEspam_OUTULTRA.NET.AU]
> Sent: Thursday, July 24, 1997 2:39 AM
> To: RemoveMEPICLISTTakeThisOuTMITVMA.MIT.EDU
> Subject: PICSTART Plus
>
> I'm wondering if anyone else has been having problems getting the
> PICSTART Plus
> programmer to work reliably under WIN95.
>
> I have a Pentium-150 w/32Mb, PICSTART Plus (about 3 months old) and
> MPLAB v3.12. Since I first got the programmer, I have been having
> problems
> programming 16C84's reliably. I don't mean to say that the processors
> are
> written with the wrong code in them, it's just that when I use
> Program/Verify
> in MPLAB it often pops up a window saying "Cannot transmit.Please
> Verify
> serial and power connections". And then sometimes by pressing
> "program" again,
> it works, sometimes it needs a reset from the software, sometimes I
> need to
> power it down and up again. However once it starts programming, it
> ALWAYS
> programs the chip correctly.
>
> I have checked the connections many times, and they are fine. I am
> using the
> serial
> cable & power supply provided with the programmer by Microchip.
> Sometimes I will
> program a chip 5 times with no problems, and sometimes I can't even
> enable the
> programmer without a hitch.
>
> Is this common or is it simply faulty hardware?
>
> Alex Thomas
> Campbell Scientific Australia
> csaEraseME.....ultra.net.au
>
You're pretty far downlevel. Grab a copy of 3.22 and see how that works for
you. I'm running 3.22 right now and while I get a few problems, it does run
a lot better.
>I'm wondering if anyone else has been having problems getting the PICSTART Plus
>programmer to work reliably under WIN95.
>
>I have a Pentium-150 w/32Mb, PICSTART Plus (about 3 months old) and
>MPLAB v3.12. Since I first got the programmer, I have been having problems
>programming 16C84's reliably. I don't mean to say that the processors are
>written with the wrong code in them, it's just that when I use Program/Verify
>in MPLAB it often pops up a window saying "Cannot transmit.Please Verify
>serial and power connections". And then sometimes by pressing "program" again,
>it works, sometimes it needs a reset from the software, sometimes I need to
>power it down and up again. However once it starts programming, it ALWAYS
>programs the chip correctly.
>
>I have checked the connections many times, and they are fine. I am using the
> serial
>cable & power supply provided with the programmer by Microchip. Sometimes I
>program a chip 5 times with no problems, and sometimes I can't even enable the
>programmer without a hitch.
>
>Is this common or is it simply faulty hardware?
>
>Alex Thomas
>Campbell Scientific Australia
>EraseMEcsaultra.net.au
>
>
"If at first you don't succeed, then maybe sky diving isn't the sport for
you" - Steve Smith
>I'm wondering if anyone else has been having problems getting the PICSTART Plus
>programmer to work reliably under WIN95.
>
>I have a Pentium-150 w/32Mb, PICSTART Plus (about 3 months old) and
>MPLAB v3.12. Since I first got the programmer, I have been having problems
>programming 16C84's reliably. I don't mean to say that the processors are
>written with the wrong code in them, it's just that when I use Program/Verify
>in MPLAB it often pops up a window saying "Cannot transmit.Please Verify
>serial and power connections". And then sometimes by pressing "program" again,
>it works, sometimes it needs a reset from the software, sometimes I need to
>power it down and up again. However once it starts programming, it ALWAYS
>programs the chip correctly.
>
>I have checked the connections many times, and they are fine. I am using the
> serial
>cable & power supply provided with the programmer by Microchip. Sometimes
>I will
>program a chip 5 times with no problems, and sometimes I can't even enable the
>programmer without a hitch.
>
>Is this common or is it simply faulty hardware?
>
>Alex Thomas
>Campbell Scientific Australia
>RemoveMEcsaEraseMEEraseMEultra.net.au
I have occasional problems with a 75Mhz Pentium 8Mb running WIN95. Same
error message, "Please Verify serial and power connections," but it usually
occurs part way through the programming cycle. This happens between 5%-10%
of the time.
In article <01BC9858.9A452CE0@alex>, Campbell Scientific Australia
<RemoveMEcsaspam_OUTKILLspamULTRA.NET.AU> writes
>I'm wondering if anyone else has been having problems getting the PICSTART Plus
>programmer to work reliably under WIN95.
>
>I have a Pentium-150 w/32Mb, PICSTART Plus (about 3 months old) and
>MPLAB v3.12. Since I first got the programmer, I have been having problems
>programming 16C84's reliably. I don't mean to say that the processors are
>written with the wrong code in them, it's just that when I use Program/Verify
>in MPLAB it often pops up a window saying "Cannot transmit.Please Verify
>serial and power connections". And then sometimes by pressing "program" again,
>it works, sometimes it needs a reset from the software, sometimes I need to
>power it down and up again. However once it starts programming, it ALWAYS
>programs the chip correctly.
>
>I have checked the connections many times, and they are fine. I am using the
> serial
>cable & power supply provided with the programmer by Microchip. Sometimes I
will
>program a chip 5 times with no problems, and sometimes I can't even enable the
>programmer without a hitch.
>
I get exactly the same problem on my PC which is a 5x86 100Mhz running
windows 3.1 and using MPLAB 3.22 so it looks like it may be a firmware
bug.
Although I have not made extensive use of the PICSTART Plus to date, I
have
had no problems with my Win 95 P200 MMX Micron. I am running with the
latest
MPLAB software from Microchip's web site, though.
Don
Michael Coop wrote:
>
> I've had some odd occurrences when dealing with serial comms in faster
machines... try turning off the serial FIFO buffers (in the System Control
Panel)
>
> BTW, I have no problems at all with a 486/66 - I'll try it on a P133 tomorrow
and let you know what happens.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Reginald Neale [SMTP:EraseMEnealespamspamBeGoneSERVTECH.COM]
>
> >I'm wondering if anyone else has been having problems getting the PICSTART
Plus
> >programmer to work reliably under WIN95.
[Win 95]
I'm running a Pentium -150 48MB, CDROM..etc.. PICSTART PLUS 3 MONTHS OLD
ABOUT.
It has crashed once since I have been programming. PIC16C84, PIC16C73a.
Had a few problems at the start with COM Ports. PIC - COM1, MOUSE - COM2,
MODEM - COM3. <--Work Fine.
[NEVER USE THE MODEM WHEN PROGRAM PIC'S].
----------
> From: Reginald Neale <RemoveMEnealeKILLspamSERVTECH.COM>
> To: PICLISTSTOPspamspam_OUTMITVMA.MIT.EDU
> Subject: Re: PICSTART Plus
> Date: 24 July 1997 16:43
>
> >I'm wondering if anyone else has been having problems getting the
PICSTART Plus
> >programmer to work reliably under WIN95.
> >
> >I have a Pentium-150 w/32Mb, PICSTART Plus (about 3 months old) and
> >MPLAB v3.12. Since I first got the programmer, I have been having
problems
> >programming 16C84's reliably. I don't mean to say that the processors
are
> >written with the wrong code in them, it's just that when I use
Program/Verify
> >in MPLAB it often pops up a window saying "Cannot transmit.Please Verify
> >serial and power connections". And then sometimes by pressing "program"
again,
> >it works, sometimes it needs a reset from the software, sometimes I need
to
> >power it down and up again. However once it starts programming, it
ALWAYS
> >programs the chip correctly.
> >
> >I have checked the connections many times, and they are fine. I am using
the
> > serial
> >cable & power supply provided with the programmer by Microchip.
Sometimes
> >I will
> >program a chip 5 times with no problems, and sometimes I can't even
enable the
> >programmer without a hitch.
> >
> >Is this common or is it simply faulty hardware?
> >
> >Alex Thomas
> >Campbell Scientific Australia
> >spamBeGonecsaSTOPspamEraseMEultra.net.au
>
> I have occasional problems with a 75Mhz Pentium 8Mb running WIN95. Same
> error message, "Please Verify serial and power connections," but it
usually
> occurs part way through the programming cycle. This happens between
5%-10%
> of the time.
>
> Regards,
> Reg Neale
I'm sorry I haven't written back about my PICSTART Plus problems for a while,
but I have
been "out of circulation" for a little while.
I tried all the changes to the hardware that I could, including using different
COM ports
and different baud rates and I talked to the distributor that I bought it from.
And then I
downloaded the newest version of MPLAB (v3.22.02). And the programmer hasn't
failed
me since. It still freezes for a little while, when I tell it to program but
rather than bringing
up a popup to say "Check cabling" I just wait for 20-30 secs and then it works
fine. I
could be happier, because it still looks like the problem (whatever it is) is
still there, but
that now the software is set to have more retries. But I guess I can't grumble
too much,
after all, I must have programmed my prototyping '84 about 50 times since
without a
single failure.
Thanks everyone for your help/suggestions. It never ceases to amaze me how
helpful
a group of people the PICLIST really is.
I have seen your email on the PIC list about PICSTART problems and have
suffered in the same way. You said in one of your last mails that the
problems have been reduced by using MPLAB (v3.22.02).
Did you upgrade your programmer firmware as well ?
If so, could you tell me where to find the HEX file needed to do it. I have
searched MICROCHIP's site and couldn't find it. I have downloaded the latest
MPLAB and it didn't seem to be with that either.
> Hi!
>
> Is it possible to call the Picstart plus download module from an
> external program (e.g. WinEdit) and not from the MPlab?
>
> best regards
>
> Ing. Bernd Riegler
> <spamBeGonebaarKILLspamcomputerhaus.at>
Hi....
I would like to know if one can call the programming module of
PICSTART+ from PDE !!!!
Cassie
I am a newbie both to the PIC and the PICLIST. The Microchip discounted price
offer on the Picstart Plus seems fairly attractive to me, but ...
Judging by the info on their Web page it seems it can't program the 16F84 (It
appears to me that the F version will supersede the C version in due course?)
It works on Windows 3.1. I paid Mr Gates a lot of money to upgrade my home PC
from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 and sure would not like to go back again. Will
the Picstart work under Win95?
> I am a newbie both to the PIC and the PICLIST. The Microchip
> discounted price offer on the Picstart Plus seems fairly attractive
> to me, but ...
>
> Judging by the info on their Web page it seems it can't program the
> 16F84 (It appears to me that the F version will supersede the C
> version in due course?)
Andre:
The Picstart Plus will program all the currently-available PICs,
including the 16F84.
In message <TakeThisOuTTFSKGSAMKILLspamspamapac.dmr.com.au> .....PICLISTRemoveMEMITVMA.MIT.EDU writes:
> I am a newbie both to the PIC and the PICLIST. The Microchip discounted price
> offer on the Picstart Plus seems fairly attractive to me, but ...
>
> Judging by the info on their Web page it seems it can't program the 16F84 (It
> appears to me that the F version will supersede the C version in due course?)
One of the benefits that I saw with the PSP before I bought it was that
it handled all available PICs and future PICs (although only time will
tell). Many third party PIC programmers struggle to keep up with the
rapidly expanding range of PICs.
That said, my PSP will handle both the 16F83 and F84.
>
> It works on Windows 3.1. I paid Mr Gates a lot of money to upgrade my home
PC
> from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 and sure would not like to go back again. Will
> the Picstart work under Win95?
>
Until recently I was using win31 at work and win95 at home. I used
my PSP under both OSs.
At 07:39 PM 2/23/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Does anyone know what kind of chip is used inside the PICSTART PLUS
>programmer? The chip that is on the circuit board.
>
I am considering purchasing Picstart Plus but having read the spec in both the
Maplin and Rapid Electronics catalogues there is no mention of 12Cxxx series
of Pic's.
Can Picstast Plus program these or not?
The main reason I was considering PSP was because the programmer could
program "All Devices". Until now I have only toyed with 16C84's and have a
homebuilt programmer which does the job, but I have already thought of designs
which need other Pic's to make them work.
Any recommendations for any other programmers that I could build/buy
Keith Doxey wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I am considering purchasing Picstart Plus but having read the spec in
> both the
> Maplin and Rapid Electronics catalogues there is no mention of 12Cxxx
> series
> of Pic's.
>
> Can Picstast Plus program these or not?
>
YES {Quote hidden}
> The main reason I was considering PSP was because the programmer could
> program "All Devices". Until now I have only toyed with 16C84's and
> have a
> homebuilt programmer which does the job, but I have already thought of
> designs
> which need other Pic's to make them work.
>
> Any recommendations for any other programmers that I could build/buy
>
> Thanks a lot
>
> Keith
> http://www.btinternet.com/~krazy.keith
> Krazy Keith's World of DIY Home Automation
>
> Name: WINMAIL.DAT
> Part 1.2 Type: unspecified type (application/octet-stream)
> Encoding: x-uuencode
I am new to the list and new to designing with a microprocessor.
I have purchased a PICSTART Plus but have a bit of a problem. I do not
have an open com port to install it on. COM1 is used by the mouse and COM2
is used by the modem. Does anyone know of a workable solution. There is
only one physical COM port access on my computer and the mouse is hooked to
it. I could use this port for programmimng the PIC but if there is an
easier way than pulling plugs each time I program it would be nice to know
what it is.
IF anyone can help I would appreciate it very much.
Robert Sickler wrote:
>
> I am new to the list and new to designing with a microprocessor.
>
> I have purchased a PICSTART Plus but have a bit of a problem. I do not
> have an open com port to install it on. COM1 is used by the mouse and COM2
> is used by the modem. Does anyone know of a workable solution. There is
> only one physical COM port access on my computer and the mouse is hooked to
> it. I could use this port for programmimng the PIC but if there is an
> easier way than pulling plugs each time I program it would be nice to know
> what it is.
What I do is run one of those cheap A/B DB-25 switch boxes and switch
between modem and programmer.
Used this method for years now.
Robert Sickler wrote:
>
> I am new to the list and new to designing with a microprocessor.
>
> I have purchased a PICSTART Plus but have a bit of a problem. I do not
> have an open com port to install it on. COM1 is used by the mouse and COM2
> is used by the modem. Does anyone know of a workable solution. There is
> only one physical COM port access on my computer and the mouse is hooked to
> it. I could use this port for programmimng the PIC but if there is an
> easier way than pulling plugs each time I program it would be nice to know
> what it is.
>
> IF anyone can help I would appreciate it very much.
If your mode have a EEPROM configuration, you can do with Software
Support! If not, you have to select with the JUMPER board!
> I have purchased a PICSTART Plus but have a bit of a problem. I do not
> have an open com port to install it on. COM1 is used by the mouse
> and COM2 is used by the modem.
There are lots of solutions. If your PC is a desktop type, it is usually
not hard or expensive to install more ports. This is the best overall
solution. I'd install a new board for COM2, then reset the modem so it
is COM3, unless you use DOS modem software that doesn't like COM3 or 4.
Despite the "standard," it almost never works unless you use different
IRQs for all ports. Most modems can be set for IRQ 2(9) or IRQ 5.
Boards with only a serial port or two on them should be $15 or less.
After changing the modem port setting, go to the modem control panel and
remove the old modem, then use the "add new hardware" to add one with the
new settings. You may also need to add the COM3 port built into the
modem as new hardware too. If you're not comfortable with all this, most
computer stores have someone who is at least moderately qualified to do
this for you.
If the modem has a "plug and play" mode, it often works OK to just do
that. But you won't be able to use the modem except under Windows then.
It doesn't work to disconnect a serial mouse in mid-session then use that
port for something else because Windows will keep the port open. You'd
have to restart without the mouse, which just isn't practical. If your
PC has a PS/2 mouse or USB port, remove the serial mouse entirely and
replace it with a mouse suitable for the other port. Then the serial
port is free.
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> I'd install a new board for COM2, then reset the modem so it is COM3,
Basically good advice, but if it was an internal modem, then the
original COM2 should still be fitted, so advice would be to re-enable
it.
> unless you use DOS modem software that doesn't like COM3 or 4.
Hmmm. Unlikely!
> Despite the "standard," it almost never works unless you use different
> IRQs for all ports.
I resist discussing this nowadays!
> Most modems can be set for IRQ 2(9) or IRQ 5.
The multiplex IRQ can be tricky. IRQ5, pre-PCI, I always used for my
network card, but nowadays it is occupied by the sound card. The *BIG*
problem with trash internal modems is that they are 8-bit cards.
> Boards with only a serial port or two on them should be $15 or less.
*Always* buy an ISA (16-bit) card or internal modem. Set it for IRQ
10 or 11 as available, for COM3(4). There are some bodgie tricks to
make 8-bit cards usable.
> If you're not comfortable with all this, most computer stores have
> someone who is at least moderately qualified to do this for you.
;-))
> If the modem has a "plug and play" mode, it often works OK to just do
> that. But you won't be able to use the modem except under Windows
> then.
Not sure how useful modems are under DOS anyway.
> If your PC has a PS/2 mouse or USB port, remove the serial mouse
> entirely and replace it with a mouse suitable for the other port.
That is the *real* answer. Providing only that you can get the
adapter to fit the motherboard.
--
Cheers,
Paul B.
What I have learned to do, from having "too many" computers with
modems & net cards here - and friends with the same problems, is to try
to standardize on:
Com1 [03f8, IRQ 4] = Modem
Com2 [02f8, IRQ 3] = Mouse
Com3 [03e8, IRQ 5] = <whatever widget, such as a PICStart Plus>
Com4 [02e8, IRQ 9] = very rare other widget <G>
NIC [0300, IRQ 10] = NIC (Network Interface Card)
SND [0330, IRQ 5] = Sound Card, Exclusive of Com3:!
If you have a dozen machines you work with on a regularish basis, some
kind of standardization greatly reduces the "Astonishment Factor" we've
all grown to detest so badly! (Do it your way, not necessarily mine!)
I also document in a file on each machine, the configuration of that
machines, which I find helpful as well. Especially on the two pentii
with weird setups, two sound cards, and no LPT port, for my girlfriend
to run DragonDictate on (with special hardware) as those steal LPT1:'s
IRQ for the sound "emission" card, and use IRQ 5 for the special DSP
card for her to talk at. (Works, but is weird <G>)
ISA 16-bit modem/IO cards are great if you have 'em, but confusion can
cause lots of problems if the config on each machine's different.
The other thing I do is only get I/O cards that have 16550 UARTs, a
little pricier but worth it! (No WinModems for me, either.)
BTW, I have not seen much Dos software that cannot deal with COM3 set
there, you do have to be careful with Com4 as some VGA cards etc. steal
IRQ2/9!
Standardizing everything here has REALLY helped me a lot, I'd
recommend it if you have multiple machines, unless it causes hardships
it's a good habit <G>
(Building a P100 machine up today to move my embedded stuff onto,
instead of the old decent 486DX50 momboard I've been using for that
purpose. PICStart Plus' Windows interface is the culprit, none of my
Dos apps needed more speed than a 486DX16 {non-turbo mode on that DX50},
really, but I did have 64 Mb of 30-pin RAM in there <G>)
On Sat, 13 Feb 1999, William Jefferson wrote:
> Hi all
> Have anyone connected picstart plus to Pentium III ?
No, but it'd be easier to get a serial number in each PIC.
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
Well, perhaps now that you have a P3, not quite so private :-)
Intel didn't remove the serial number as they led people to believe - they
have only promised to release some software(sometime in May) that will
make Windows turn it off each time it boots.
Address has changed with little warning!
(I moved across the hall! :) )
Email will remain constant... at least for now.
On Fri, 30 Apr 1999, Justin Grimm wrote:
> Does anyone know if the Picstart Plus can programme Microchip's
> memory devices?
> Thanks
>
> --
> JUSTIN GRIMM
> Eclipse Energy Systems
> Email - spamBeGoneeclipseEraseMEcoastlink.com.au
>
As far as I know, the short answer is Yes.
there is a file in MPLAB called EEPROM.INC that you need to indicate
to MPLAB that you are programming an EEPROM, and there might be a
setting in the "Processor" window of the Picstart+ to indicated the actual
chip number, but picstart has both serial, and parrallel programming
capability and should be capable of handling the project.
>
>
> > Does anyone know if the Picstart Plus can programme Microchip's
> > memory devices?
> > Thanks
> >
> > --
> > JUSTIN GRIMM
> > Eclipse Energy Systems
> > Email - eclipsespamBeGonecoastlink.com.au
> >
> As far as I know, the short answer is Yes.
>
> there is a file in MPLAB called EEPROM.INC that you need to indicate
> to MPLAB that you are programming an EEPROM, and there might be a
> setting in the "Processor" window of the Picstart+ to indicated the actual
> chip number, but picstart has both serial, and parrallel programming
> capability and should be capable of handling the project.
>
> Grey
>>
>>
>> > Does anyone know if the Picstart Plus can programme Microchip's
>> > memory devices?
>> > Thanks
>> >
>> > --
>> > JUSTIN GRIMM
>> > Eclipse Energy Systems
>> > Email - .....eclipse@spam@EraseMEcoastlink.com.au
>> >
>> As far as I know, the short answer is Yes.
>>
>> there is a file in MPLAB called EEPROM.INC that you need to indicate
>> to MPLAB that you are programming an EEPROM, and there might be a
>> setting in the "Processor" window of the Picstart+ to indicated the actual
>> chip number, but picstart has both serial, and parrallel programming
>> capability and should be capable of handling the project.
>>
>> Grey
>
>--
>JUSTIN GRIMM
>Eclipse Energy Systems
>Email - .....eclipseRemoveMEcoastlink.com.au
>
I have been using a small homeade programmer for some time now, but the
software I wrote is really weak. I think it is time for me to upgrade to
a picstart plus. the cheapest I have found one was through digi-key for
199 bucks! does anyone know of a better place to purchase one? or does
anyone have any recommendations on a different programer? thanks
Samuel Winchenbach wrote:
>
> Hello all-
>
> I have been using a small homeade programmer for some time now, but the
> software I wrote is really weak. I think it is time for me to upgrade to
> a picstart plus. the cheapest I have found one was through digi-key for
> 199 bucks! does anyone know of a better place to purchase one? or does
> anyone have any recommendations on a different programer? thanks
>
> Sam
Warp-13?
pretty much the same, from what I know, which isn't much :) minus the
plastic case.
At 12:25 AM 5/23/00 -0400, you wrote:
>Samuel Winchenbach wrote:
>>
>> Hello all-
>>
>> I have been using a small homeade programmer for some time now, but the
>> software I wrote is really weak. I think it is time for me to upgrade to
>> a picstart plus. the cheapest I have found one was through digi-key for
>> 199 bucks! does anyone know of a better place to purchase one? or does
>> anyone have any recommendations on a different programer? thanks
>>
>> Sam
>
>Warp-13?
>pretty much the same, from what I know, which isn't much :) minus the
>plastic case.
>
> Damon Hopkins
And minus 17Cxx support
And minus LOTS and LOTS of dollars ;-) ($100USD on the digikey price if you
have
your own PSU.)
I'd recommend as alternative the programmer of B. Dobaj. I use it
extensively, and after some hardware tuning I'm satisfied with it. The
hardware is below $20 or so (home-made), and the software is to be
registered at Dontronics (Hi, Don!) for another $20. It does the job,
especially for such DOS-fans like me.
> Hello all-
>
> I have been using a small homeade programmer for some time now, but the
> software I wrote is really weak. I think it is time for me to upgrade to
> a picstart plus. the cheapest I have found one was through digi-key for
> 199 bucks! does anyone know of a better place to purchase one? or does
> anyone have any recommendations on a different programer? thanks
>
> Sam
>
>
I have been using a small homeade programmer for some time now, but the
software I wrote is really weak. I think it is time for me to upgrade to
a picstart plus. the cheapest I have found one was through digi-key for
199 bucks! does anyone know of a better place to purchase one? or does
anyone have any recommendations on a different programer? thanks
And they have a heck of a deal going with the seminars... see
www.microchip.com/10/Events/embedded/index.htm
The PICStart Plus is $150 including the registration. But think about an ICD
instead... much better.
<x-flowed>>On Mon, 22 May 2000, Samuel Winchenbach wrote:
>
> > Hello all-
> >
> > I have been using a small homeade programmer for some time now, but the
> > software I wrote is really weak. I think it is time for me to upgrade
>to
> > a picstart plus. the cheapest I have found one was through digi-key for
> > 199 bucks! does anyone know of a better place to purchase one? or does
> > anyone have any recommendations on a different programer? thanks
> >
> > Sam
> >
> >
Sam~
If you sign up for one of the Microchip seminars (cheeck website for
the date in your area) you can get the PICSTART Plus programmer for only
$150. And you'll get to go to a really neat seminar! The only draw back is,
is that you have to pre pay for the programmer, and you pick it up at the
seminar, which I guess sn't really that bad of a drawback. Other than that
the programmers are $200 EVERYWHERE. I looked all over before I bought mine.
Oh and I wouldn't recommend that you purchase a third party programmer,
stick to the original. There's a certain amount of assurance that one gets
when they purchase a programmer from the company that produces the chip they
want to program if you know what I mean. Hope this info. helps.
-Ben
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Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
> > > Hello all-
> > >
> > > I have been using a small homeade programmer for some time now, but
the
> > > software I wrote is really weak. I think it is time for me to upgrade
> >to
> > > a picstart plus. the cheapest I have found one was through digi-key
for
> > > 199 bucks! does anyone know of a better place to purchase one? or
does {Quote hidden}
> > > anyone have any recommendations on a different programer? thanks
> > >
> > > Sam
> > >
> > >
>
> Sam~
>
> If you sign up for one of the Microchip seminars (cheeck website for
> the date in your area) you can get the PICSTART Plus programmer for only
> $150. And you'll get to go to a really neat seminar! The only draw back
is,
> is that you have to pre pay for the programmer, and you pick it up at the
> seminar, which I guess sn't really that bad of a drawback. Other than that
> the programmers are $200 EVERYWHERE. I looked all over before I bought
mine.
> Oh and I wouldn't recommend that you purchase a third party programmer,
> stick to the original. There's a certain amount of assurance that one gets
> when they purchase a programmer from the company that produces the chip
they
> want to program if you know what I mean. Hope this info. helps.
I disagree.
I have a Warp programmer and it works just as advertised. It integrates
with MPLAB and has programmed everything I have thrown at
it.(12509/1684/1673). It is less expensive, and will program some parts
that the microchip will not (ATMEL/SEEPROMs). I also think that since it is
a small competitor, customer service and support are better. JMHO
John
Ok... so what are the tricks to be able to use this in MPLAB running Windows
2000??? I hate having 2 machines.. one for everyday and one just to burn
processors!
Any help greatly appreciated... oh yeah.. my error is a serial communication
error.
MITVMA.MIT.EDU> wrote:
