Serial Programmer dead


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  1. #1
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    Unhappy Serial Programmer dead

    Greetings list,
    I am using the MElabs serial programmer. It worked great for years, until I plugged it in this morning. No green light. I checked all power connections and regulators, but it all tests good. I also get a "no communications" box from the PC I am working with.
    Other than an 18F252 that decided to stop working, any ideas for trouble shooting?

    Thanks,
    Ron

  2. #2
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    How about the Crystal?
    Q1, Q2, Q3?

    Possible to have a faulty DB9 cable?

    Possible to have some break-link between the DB9 and the circuit?

    Broken pins on the dip socket?
    Last edited by mister_e; - 16th October 2006 at 15:54.
    Steve

    It's not a bug, it's a random feature.
    There's no problem, only learning opportunities.

  3. #3


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    Do you have a way to check the com port? You might have a bad port.

  4. #4
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    Or may be they inserted a secret timer/counter inside the programmer to terminate the life of it; and now it is time to buy a new one.

    I am a great conspiracy theorist!
    "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital." Napoleon Bonaparte

  5. #5
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    Sorry, I haven't checked the list in a few hours. I replaced the crystal, and checked the com port. I normally get the green light on power up whether it's hooked up to the PC or not. Does the chip do a diagnostic on the transistors on power up?

  6. #6
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    Otay... I spoke to Charles at MElabs. He told me that occasionally, the PIC252 just goes astray. About a dozen have, with no aparent cause. I ordered another chip and will update the list if this works. The board is so simple, I can't believe that it won't.
    Thanks for the input,
    Ron

  7. #7
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    Received the new PIC controller for the serial programmer. Fired it up, and that did the trick. Thanks for the input.

    Ron

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