OT: MicroChip MPLAB not programming

I am dead in the water and have no boat. I have done some extensive documenting to show what i did (see ABSE). Help? Thanks.

Reply to
Robert Baer
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I have done extensive programming of PICs with MPLAB 8.x as well as MPLABX

2.3x and I might be able to help, but I can't (and don't want to) use ABSE. Since this is a Microchip issue I suggest posting on the Microchip Forum
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Or the privately run and less buggy:

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Or maybe:

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You can post images to the free and easy

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Paul

Reply to
P E Schoen

OK; go here for the latest attempt to program a PIC16F648A that failed:

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If you wish,i can also upload my previous attempt; there was a bit of fumbling around there before i got the hang of it.

Thanks.

Reply to
Robert Baer

I don't have MPLAB 8.x installed and I don't use it, but IIRC you need to IMPORT a hex file into a new project. Adding it to the "Other Files" does nothing but associate the file to the project for reference.

If you must compile projects separately from MPLAB perhaps you should install MPLAB IPE which is an integrated programmer environment that is designed for simple prototype and small production programming using the Microchip tools such as the PICkit.

Paul

Reply to
P E Schoen

I usually do this:

Select Processor (conifg menu) Select programmer File-Import (Import the HEX file) Program

Cheers

Reply to
Martin Riddle

That seemed to help some, the messages were: Programming... Programming/Verify complete

Blank Checking... The following memory regions failed blank check: Program Memory Address: 00000000 Expected Value: 00003fff Received Value: 0000118a Blank check failed

  • Only one address failed? Not good, but better than before when all of it was blank after program/verify. Device does not run as expected (racing blinking lights); same poblem with pin 4. Maybe the device is frapped? (remember, the pod put over 13V on it).
Reply to
Robert Baer

That is exactly what i did, only created a project; seems MPLAB needs that to be done.. Result was the unit was still blank.

Reply to
Robert Baer

Maybe not. Pin 4 (dip packs) is Vpp and is allowed to see 13V to enable programming operations.

piglet

Reply to
piglet

Maybe you did wipe out the chip is it a 3.3v part? You need the adaptor or put a 3v zener on MLCR.

Cheers

Reply to
Martin Riddle

Thanks; remember seeing words about low voltage programing with implications that was done at 5V. Never saw words about the implicit alternate of high voltage programing. And there are no DC specs worth a damn: no abs max, no typ in/out pin specs, absolutely nothing like one is used to seeing WRT TTL, CMOS, etc logic. What bothers me is that pin is now high (about 2V if i remember right) when it never was high before...

Reply to
Robert Baer

Well, now, the so-called datasheet for the PIC16F648A indicates from its crazy curves that it will go up to 5.5V, so i do not think so. Also, i am working with a given schematic and ASM code that presumes a 5V supply.

Reply to
Robert Baer

Abs max on datasheet p133

piglet

Reply to
piglet

You do seem to be having lots of trouble. When I got started with pics years ago I built a JDM serial port* programmer from scrap parts and with winpic by dl4yhf was programming hex files into pics that same afternoon. I still keep it as a handy reserve tool.

*needs real desktop pc serial port, not usb adapter or laptop with non +/-12v rs2323 levels.

piglet

Reply to
piglet

That helped; Absolute max spec was on p.135; good enough pointer for gov work as they say. 6.5V supply, 14V /MCLR. Thanks.

Reply to
Robert Baer

I _DO_ know about need for real RS-232 port; almost like a 286 in disguise..

Reply to
Robert Baer

Found numerous connector problems. Had a 6.3K resistor in series with the 20Mhz xtal; shorting that allowed it to oscillate. Sine-looking output runs between 0.65V and 3.50V pk-pk. Seems high to me; shouldn't it be roughly 1V pk-pk for less drive, better accuracy and purity? I gave away my HP counter/voltmeter so have no reliable way of getting an accurate measurement (ie in 1e8 or better region).

Thanks.

Reply to
Robert Baer

Microchip has an appnote about selecting a series crystal resistor. You need FET probes, and adjust the value to minimize distortion. I use between 500 and 1K with out any issues.

Cheers

Reply to
Martin Riddle

They have almost a half a dozen of them. All seem rather generic, some suggest measuring like you imply (adjust/guess/adjust). Thanks for a value.

Reply to
Robert Baer

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