MCSP Loader Problem pls help

[Nestyplus]

Hi,

This is my first post.

My problem is regarding the MCS Loader.

The dreaded Pop-Up Box "Reset Required"Please reset target microcontroller in order to access the bootloader.....keeps on popping out everytime I tried programming the device.

I followed everything as what I have read in another thread. Below were the steps taken:

1. Using another programmer ICD-S, I initially load the 16F877 - 20 loader hex..no problem here, I preloaded it with bootloader hex.

2. Now I open my MCSP set the programmer to microcode loader.

3. I click the button compile/program.....and then the pop-out box reset required comes out.

4. I have a hardware reset and reset the thing but still it does not program.

5. Next step,I went to the loader menu then deselect the software reset so I can manually reset it using the reset button...still not working.

6. I have noticed in the loader toolbar that loader serial port is set none.
It is in gray i.e locked doesn't seem to detect my com port. I can't even click on the dropdown control. But in the toolbar of the MCSP I am able to select my serial ports. Not sure if this is the culprit.

The good news is using my hardware(pic devt board from PRLLCC) with max232 works when working with the MCSP on ICD tracing/debugging. No problem on this one..

I just can't make the MCS loader work. If I can make it work, I can do away with the ICD-S and just use the loader and the max232 h/w.

BTW, my set-up...MCSP 2.3.0.0, PBP2.46., Microcode loader 3.2.0.1

Thanks for the help in advance..

[sean-h]

Hi

I found that on my laptop I have to hit reset and then click away the waiting for reset box to see the reset message, yet on my desktop it is okay.

If you follow this link it will explain more showing method1 and method2.

http://www.cncdudez.com/Firmware.html

Regards

Sean.

[Nestyplus]

Sean,

Thanks for info I shall try that and see if it works. I'll come back for the feedback.

Regards,
Nesty

[Nestyplus]

Hi Sean,

I got it working under the MCSP environment.. What I did is I changed the
crystal to 20Mhz. I did not noticed that I was using 10Mhz..

So it's working under MCSP environment switching to reset...kind of slow though.

Anyway, here another issue. As you can see it's working in the MCSP environment. But when I get inside the Loader. Please see attached (I just pasted from your link) mine does not show any serial ports. It is set to none.

Any reason why?

Thanks,
Nesty

[sean-h]

What I did is I changed the
crystal to 20Mhz. I did not noticed that I was using 10Mhz..

Yep that would not of helped, you could of left it at 10mhz and asked Mecanique to re-compile a new bootloader for 10mhz, they are pretty good when it comes to that. I think they supply 4mhz and 20mhz bootloaders by default.

So it's working under MCSP environment switching to reset...kind of slow though.

It sounds like it is on auto detect baud and dropping to 19200 rather than 115000. Try setting it to a higher baud rather than auto detect.

Anyway, here another issue. As you can see it's working in the MCSP environment. But when I get inside the Loader. Please see attached (I just pasted from your link) mine does not show any serial ports. It is set to none.

Sorry cannot see any attachment.

If it does not show any serial ports then this is because it cannot detect any at start up or you have another program using the Com port at the time you are running the application. Make sure you have nothing on your task bar running such as activsync or any other programs that could be using them.
Also if using a usb to serial link, make sure it is initialised first before running the application.

Regards

Sean.

[Nestyplus]

Hello Sean,

It's working now...

Although, it's kind of odd that the serial port box display a 'none'

Btw, you are right I am using the usb/rs232 link on a laptop.

Thanks for the help.

Regards,
Nesty