Stuck on first attempt using MPLAB X (PICkit4)

SOLVED: Result in post 35.

SUMMARY:

- no SPACES in folder and file name.
- use IPECMD.EXE with command line options (read CommandLineReadmes in C:\MPLABX\v6.05\docs for details).
- use W command line option when PIC is powered by programmer, this was probably the most important thing, my PIC wasn't powered.
- use tool serial number or generic name in command line.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Trying to get a simple program working using PBP3, MPLAB X with PICKIT4 and a 16F877 on the Lab X1, but keep getting:

Quote:

---

make -f nbproject/Makefile-default.mk SUBPROJECTS= .build-conf
make[1]: Entering directory 'C:/PBP3/Test_programs/Test1_16F877_LabX1'
make[1]: *** No rule to make target '.build-subprojects', needed by '.build-conf'. Stop.
make: *** [.build-impl] Error 2
make[1]: Leaving directory 'C:/PBP3/Test_programs/Test1_16F877_LabX1'
nbproject/Makefile-impl.mk:39: recipe for target '.build-impl' failed

BUILD FAILED (exit value 2, total time: 104ms)

---

.

Code:

---

REM  ASM
REM      @ DEVICE PIC16F877, HS_OSC, WDT_OFF, PWRT_ON, BOD_ON, LVP_OFF, CPD_OFF, WRT_OFF, DEBUG_OFF, PROTECT_OFF
REM  ENDASM

#CONFIG
    __config _XT_OSC & _WDT_OFF & _WRT_ON & _BODEN_ON & _LVP_OFF  & _CPD_OFF & _PWRTE_OFF & _DEBUG_ON
#ENDCONFIG

DEFINE  OSC    20

TRISD = %00000000

LED0    VAR    PortD.0

        LOW LED0

START:  HIGH    LED0
        PAUSE  500
        LOW    LED0
        GOTO    START

Finish: end

---

I converted ASM to CONFIG, but that didn't help. I've used that youtube video to include the compiler in MPLAB X, that went super well until I tried an example.

Does our code have to sit in a special folder now?

I read that PBP3 migration PDF, can't see what else I forgot. I'd really like to stick with MPLAB and not return to MCSP+.

Pic of the stuff on the left, and loading error.

Attachment 9344

Attachment 9345

to the best of my knowledge the last mplabx that was pbp3 compliant was ver 2.35 [and just barely at that] , from ver 5.5 on
mplabx no longer uses the mpasm [mpasmwin] assembler that pbp can only compile from

Then I don't get at all why we can select PBP3 as compiler without getting some sort of incompatibility warning...?

(distant sound of rummaging in a box for MCS+...)

Oh great, MCS+v4 isn't compatible with PBP3, I'd need MCS+ v5.

Might as well check if I can use PICKIT4 with that...

its compatible in that smoke is not released when connected

Quote:

---

Might as well check if I can use PICKIT4 with that...

---

i use mplabx 5.50 with my pk4 , i use mplabx_ipe to pgm with, there probably is a cmdline version that
mcs could use but i cannot be bothered fussing with that junk any longer

:D

Aaaaaaand I learn on google that MPLAB and MPLAB X is not the same thing. I always thought MPLAB X was just a latest thing, apparently it's not.

Found a post by Acetronics on MeLabs that points to MPLAB.

https://support.melabs.com/forum/pic...=8877#post8877

Gonna try that and see how things go.

Quote:

---

i use mplabx 5.50 with my pk4 , i use mplabx_ipe to pgm with, there probably is a cmdline version that
mcs could use but i cannot be bothered fussing with that junk any longer

---

Ok, so my dream of using PBP3, MPLAB X and PICKIT4 are not extinguished ... yet.

I must be missing some setting in MPLAB X, or a file somewhere...

These are fresh installs.

I don't want to go back to MCS+, that whole "license only good for a year" bugs me.

Quote:

---

Ok, so my dream of using PBP3, MPLAB X and PICKIT4 are not extinguished ... yet.

---

mplabx is not a viable ide for pbp3. its useful to get mpasm and the mplab ipe only for mcs use.
if you want to use it as an ide for pbp3 then use ver 2.35 or older , none of which will allow use a pk4 of course

or use xc8 "C" with latest mplabx

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by richard

mplabx is not a viable ide for pbp3. its useful to get mpasm and the mplab ipe only for mcs use.
if you want to use it as an ide for pbp3 then use ver 2.35 or older , none of which will allow use a pk4 of course

or use xc8 "C" with latest mplabx

---

Yeah, just found out the latest MPLAB stops at PICKIT3. What a freaking mess.

Attachment 9346

I was out of the game for nearly 15 years; the talk of losing MPASM confused me. I thought they were talking about PM, so I just hunched my shoulders and kept on trying. :D

Going to dish out $50 for MCS+ v5 and give that a try. At least they seem intent on supporting us for now.

So I get MCS+ v5, compiles like a charm, things are so simple again, tried to program, no PICKIT4 from dropdown.

Attachment 9347

ARGH...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by richard

mplabx is not a viable ide for pbp3. its useful to get mpasm and the mplab ipe only for mcs use.
if you want to use it as an ide for pbp3 then use ver 2.35 or older , none of which will allow use a pk4 of course

or use xc8 "C" with latest mplabx

---

Ah, that's why you use MPLAB IPE, as a programmer software to use PICKIT4. I don't get how you do in-circuit debugging though...?

MPLAB IPE keeps saying

Quote:

---

The configuration is set for the target board to supply its own power but no voltage has been detected on VDD. Please ensure you have your target powered up and try again.

---

My Lab-X1 is powered, the LCD displays the old text from my last project on it. I must have something wired wrong, or I'm not configuring the IPE properly.

Gonna check that tomorrow. Time for bed. I can't even imagine how confusing this must be for newcomers.

Quote:

---

The configuration is set for the target board to supply its own power but no voltage has been detected on VDD. Please ensure you have your target powered up and try again.

---

Attachment 9348

the only over priced dev boards i have are a easypic7 and a handful of curiosity boards [ i usually home brew them ] so you are on your own re dev board connections and settings.

Quote:

---

I don't get how you do in-circuit debugging though...?

---

that has been impossible since mplabx 2.35 [for a poor result] , you need to go back to mplab to do it well


xc8 is the answer , forget pbp

If you want all the goodies a modern IDE provides, as Richard noted, forget ancient basic laguage. Go for a new C compiler that supports all new and wonderfull PIC that i wish could use right now. Such as the 18F06Q41.

But PBP3.1 can work with MPLABX 5.35, not beyond that version.

There are other compilers, for example Swordfish that supports only 18F series, but is updating regularly the PIC that it supports. Also Proton Compiler is also a nice solution as it gets support by a large group of users and supports even dsp and 24 series.

I am very sorry to say that PBP is dead and we have to accept that. It won't evolve any more. It was a great compiler and could be the greater of all but people are getting old, retired or leaving this vain world...

Ioannis

re icsp directly from mcs see below, a snap is pretty much a pk4, microchip cmd-line i/f for programmers is pretty standard(ish) [for microchip]
not difficult just awkward
https://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/sho...t=command+line
also
https://support.melabs.com/forum/pic...ity-board-pkob

and hardly worth the effort

Thanks for the links Richard!


UPDATE:

I've since simpified things further to a single blink using internal oscillator.

Code:

---

#CONFIG
    __config _HS_OSC & _WDT_OFF & _WRT_ON & _BODEN_ON & _LVP_OFF  & _CPD_OFF & _PWRTE_OFF & _DEBUG_OFF
#ENDCONFIG

DEFINE  OSC    4

ADCON1 = 7              ' A/D off, all digital

TRISD = %00000000

LED0    VAR    PortD.0

        LOW LED0

START:  HIGH    LED0
        PAUSE  500
        LOW    LED0
        GOTO    START

Finish: end

---

I've added a custom programmer in MCS+5 using the instructions for IPECMD.EXE.

I now compile and program in MCS+5. A black command box appears, everything seems normal, than FLASH, a message shows up for a millisecond about HEX FILE NOT FOUND (pretty sure that's what it says).

Not sure what's going on, cause I delete all objects in my folder except the source right before I compile, just to make sure everything gets created. The HEX and ASM are right there, I opened them, they look "normal".

The light stays blue on the PICkit4; it doesn't go red like when I tried with MPLAB IPE. I must be messing up my connection to the adapter board. I also remember reading about resistors and capacitors for the PK4, gotta find that again...

UPDATE SOME MORE:

I went back to update the command line to keep the command line window open like this.

And I noticed that it's not letting me complete the EDIT process, the NEXT button doesn't come on, I must have missed that the first time around.

Attachment 9349

So I deleted and created the custom programmer again and paid attention to the NEXT button.

Code:

---

-TSBUR223673449 -P$target-device$ -F$hex-filename$ -E -M -Y -OL -OB

---

Nope, NEXT button never comes on, and the command line seems complete if I EDIT the programmer again.

Attachment 9350

I compile and program again, I see HEX FILE NOT FOUND blink, and the command line window keeps closing despite the new command line.

Quote:

---

Via the PICKit3 programmer
-TSBUR171738083 -P$target-device$ -F$hex-filename$ -E -M -Y -OL -OB
or
-TPPK3 -P$target-device$ -F$hex-filename$ -E -M -Y -OL -OB

Command Line Options:
-E erase before programming
-M program entire memory
-Y verify after programming
-OL release from reset
-OB batch mode (leaves cmd line window open)

---

I'm starting to think the command lines for the PK4 are different...?

I started a thread over at MeLabs with my latest findings.

Hoping someone there can fix me up; I bought my PK4 and MCS+5 from them. :D

https://support.melabs.com/forum/pic...-5-and-pickit4

I am sorry for the troubles you face Robert.

I do not have Pickit4 (yet) and for the 2 or 3 I use a very nice standalone program (https://pickitplus.co.uk).

I asked if they will support Pickit 4 too. Will report back.

I think you can update you PBP license to the latest 3.1.6. See melabs site.

Ioannis

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ioannis

I am sorry for the troubles you face Robert.

I do not have Pickit4 (yet) and for the 2 or 3 I use a very nice standalone program (https://pickitplus.co.uk).

I asked if they will support Pickit 4 too. Will report back.

I think you can update you PBP license to the latest 3.1.6. See melabs site.

Ioannis

---

Yeah, but I've already spent enough and can't even get a blinky working. :D Updating PBP isn't going to get this solved either, and I'm not likely to use whatever chip they've added since v3.0.8.4. :)

Hoping to get some help from MeLabs.

Its free for you!

Ioannis

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ioannis

Its free for you!

Ioannis

---

Nope, $50. Or am I missing out on "special promotion to forum moderators"? :D

https://store.melabs.com/cat/PBPUP.html

Well, there is no moderator offer.

Did you try to down load and install the later version and then auto activate it?

I do not really remember when was my upgrade that I had to pay. Then on, I just updated the compiler and it auto activated.

Ioannis

I was missing a pull-up on MCLR, and my soldering job was dodgey. I made a new harness, looks much nicer.

Still going nowhere in MCS+5; keep seeing HEX FILE MISSING before the command line window closes.


Managed to program using MPLAB IPE, I just don't get any blinky action on my Lab X-1.

Quote:

---

Connecting to MPLAB PICkit 4

Currently loaded versions:
Application version...........00.08.54
Boot version..................01.00.00
Script version................00.05.35
Script build number...........86fedc5c2e
Tool pack version ............1.13.1519
PICkit 4 is supplying power to the target (5.00 volts).
Target device PIC16F877 found.
Device Revision Id = 0x6
Device Id = 0x9a0
2023-04-04 19:42:56 -0400 - Programming...
************************************************** ***
Calculating memory ranges for operation...

Erasing...

The following memory area(s) will be programmed:
program memory: start address = 0x0, end address = 0x39
configuration memory

Programming/Verify complete
2023-04-04 19:42:59 -0400 - Programming complete
*** Release From Reset mode is enabled ***

---

I'm gonna set up a breadboard, got a feeling something is wonky on my Lab-X1 (either OSC setting, jumpers, or that programmer header.

Get rid of the config DEBUG_ON.
If you ever get to the point of hdw debugging that will be managed by the tool for you.

Also, when you were creating the IDE custom programmer entry, once you get to the step of setting the parameters there is no "Next" step... just "Finish"

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tumbleweed

Get rid of the config DEBUG_ON.
If you ever get to the point of hdw debugging that will be managed by the tool for you.

Also, when you were creating the IDE custom programmer entry, once you get to the step of setting the parameters there is no "Next" step... just "Finish"

---

Thanks, had already turned it off. Waiting for a reply from MeLabs forum to get the custom programmer working in MCS+5.


Kept playing with the Lab X-1 and MPLAB IPE, played with OSC, added PORT, used bits like I did in one of my programs; now the proper LED comes on, but no blinking on the Lab X-1.

Code:

---

#CONFIG
    __config _HS_OSC & _WDT_OFF & _WRT_OFF & _BODEN_ON & _LVP_OFF  & _CPD_OFF & _PWRTE_OFF & _DEBUG_OFF
#ENDCONFIG

DEFINE  OSC    20

ADCON1 = 7              ' A/D off, all digital

PORTD = %00000000
TRISD = %00000000

START:  PORTD = %00000001
        PAUSE  500     
        PORTD = %00000000
        GOTO    START

Finish: end

---

Tried using another PIC just in case, no difference.

But get this, I copied an old example of writing to the LCD and that worked, a bit wonky, but I can't get a solitary LED to blink. :D

You won't see a 1uS blink

Code:

---

START:  PORTD = 000001     
        PAUSE  500     
        PORTD = 000000
        GOTO    START

---

you probably meant

Code:

---

START:  PORTD = 000001
        PAUSE  500     
        PORTD = 000000
        PAUSE  500 
        GOTO    START

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by richard

You won't see a 1uS blink

---

...pulls out my manual, "I'm gonna show him I know the difference between PAUSE and PAUSEUS"... :tongue:
... "I'm a programmer by trade, I know this sort of thing."...
...and then I glanced at my code...

ARGH!!!

I must have stepped on that last PAUSE 500 when I was "simplifying" my code, while I still hadn't put the pull-up on the harness. :biggrin:

Thanks Richard, I feel like such a noob. I knew it had to be something funky cause an LCD program worked (kinda, but that's expected, it wasn't meant for the Lab X-1).

Now if I could only get the PK4 to work on MCS+5 and I'd be a happy camper. :)

Today I talked to Evan at Anobium and he said that next week he will have news about Pickit4 after his meeting with Microchip.

The (low-cost) Standalone Pickit Plus currently supports 2 and 3. Also there is a feature to check if there is new hex file and auto program the PIC with no intervention by the user.

I use this tool a long time and am very happy with it. I had it with the MPLAB IDE/IPE and got rid off it.

If interested I'll let you know what happens.

Ioannis

Quote:

---

Waiting for a reply from MeLabs forum to get the custom programmer working in MCS+5.

---

Too many threads about the same topic.

I just set up MPLABX 5.35, MCSP5, and installed the PICKit4 as a custom programmer.
The only thing I changed was the commandline parameters

Code:

---

-TPPK4 -P$target-device$ -F$hex-filename$  -W3.3 -E -M -Y -OL -OB

---

(TPPK4=use generic tool PK4 instead of 'BUR serial no', W3.3=power target from PK4 @ 3.3V)
Those changes shouldn't matter much.

Here's the output from the commandline window

Code:

---

*****************************************************
Connecting to MPLAB PICkit 4...
Currently loaded versions:
Application version............00.09.46
Boot version...................01.00.00
Script version.................00.05.58
Script build number............abbfe90327
Tool pack version .............1.15.1688
PICkit 4 is supplying power to the target (3.26 volts).
Target device PIC18F26K22 found.
Device Revision Id  = 0x4
*****************************************************
Erasing...
Erase successful
*****************************************************
Calculating memory ranges for operation...
Erasing...
The following memory area(s) will be programmed:
program memory: start address = 0x0, end address = 0x7f
configuration memory
Programming/Verify complete
 Program Report
05-Apr-2023, 07:07:36
Device Type:PIC18F26K22
Program Succeeded.
PK4 Verify Report
05-Apr-2023, 07:07:36
Device Type:PIC18F26K22
*****************************************************
The following memory area(s) will be verified:
program memory: start address = 0x0, end address = 0xffff
configuration memory
EEData memory
User Id Memory
Verification successful.
Verify Succeeded.

Batch Mode Count : 1

---

When you select 'Program' in MCSP, the command window opens and it takes a good 10 seconds before anything happens. That's just the way it it with ipecmd and MPLABX.

If you've installed multiple versions of MPLABX, make sure you use the matching versions of ipecmd.exe and MPLABX IPE to test it with.
Also, when you setup the custom programmer entry in MCSP I'd use the "find manually" option for setting the path, which for me was
"D:\Programs\Microchip\MPLABX\v5.35\mplab_platform \mplab_ipe" since I use custom installs. Be sure to test it using the IPE first... that way you know everythings working.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tumbleweed

Too many threads about the same topic.

---

I started my woes in the Goodbye thread, but I wasn't making any headway in figuring what I was doing wrong. So I started my own thread, but removing my posts in the Goodbye thread would make Ioannis' posts talk to himself.

Quote:

---

I just set up MPLABX 5.35, MCSP5, and installed the PICKit4 as a custom programmer.
The only thing I changed was the commandline parameters

Code:

---

-TPPK4 -P$target-device$ -F$hex-filename$  -W3.3 -E -M -Y -OL -OB

---

(TPPK4=use generic tool PK4 instead of 'BUR serial no', W3.3=power target from PK4 @ 3.3V)
Those changes shouldn't matter much.

---

Using TPPK4 in MCS+5 worked even less in my case.

Quote:

---

When you select 'Program' in MCSP, the command window opens and it takes a good 10 seconds before anything happens.

---

The command window opened and closed practically immediately, faster than when I used BUR; didn't have time to see anything.

Don't know what to say... it works for me. If it closes immediately it sounds like the IDE can't find ipecmd.exe, but if that's the case you normally get a "searching for ..." message when you try and program. Sitting in the folder where the hex file is located, try opening a command prompt and entering the commandline in manually and see what happens. You'll probably have to use the full path to the ipecmd.exe file, and enclose it in quotes if there are spaces in the path.

There's a step-by-step example of installing a PK4 using ipecmd.exe over on the Swordfish wiki at https://www.sfcompiler.co.uk/wiki/pm...rogrammingTool
It's pretty much the same basic IDE as MCSP except for how you get into the "add custom programmer" step

Thanks for the ideas. You got me started playing with the command window directly, noticed differences by playing with parameter syntax.

I've removed the ".X" suffix on the folder as well as replace a SPACE for an UNDERSCORE; just to be sure. I get identical results from the powershell window and MCS+5.

I've also added the -W option; my PIC is not powered. It's on the MeLabs 8-40 pin ZIF adapter PCB.

Code:

---

C:\MPLABX\v6.05\mplab_platform\mplab_ipe\ipecmd.exe -TSBUR223673449 -P16F877 -FK:\Project_v2\PBP\Test_1_16F877_Blinky\Blinky_16F877.HEX -E -M -OB -OL -OV -W -Y

DFP Version Used : PIC16Fxxx_DFP,1.3.42,Microchip
Selected Programming Tool Sno:
BUR223673449
*****************************************************
Transmission on endpoint 2 failed (err = -109)
A communication error with the debug tool has occurred. The tool will attempt to recover momentarily. A log of the error was created at C:\Users\Papa\queuelogs\debugtool
Connection Failed.
Transmission on endpoint 2 failed (err = -109)
*****************************************************
Transmission on endpoint 2 failed (err = -109)
A communication error with the debug tool has occurred. The tool will attempt to recover momentarily. A log of the error was created at C:\Users\Papa\queuelogs\debugtool
Connection Failed.
Transmission on endpoint 2 failed (err = -109)
Erase Target Failed.

---

I'm including a PDF of the log file.

Attachment 9353

NOTE FOR THE NEXT PERSON: look at CommandLineReadmes.htm in C:\MPLABX\v6.05\docs; the very first item is IPECMD.EXE, and it states that it supports PK4. The ReadMe has a detailed list of command line options available for IPECMD.EXE.

This worked in IPE, then I played with the options, and now it gives the same error in IPE.

So I thought I might have bricked my 16F877 with either the E - Erase flash device or M - Entire region programmed (I'm new to these command line parameters, never had to touch that before).

I tried without -E and -M on another 16F877; same error. So something else is going on.

I put my first 16F877 on the Lab X-1 and it's still blinking; so it's not bricked.

This is my post over on MeLabs support forum:

Grabbing at straws, I had removed spaces in my folder names, didn't do anything; unplugged/plugged PK4, didn't do anything. I kept getting the same error from MCS+5 and from direct command line window.

Desperate, so I did what any rinky-dink customer support would say and rebooted my PC ... and it worked.

Code:

---

DFP Version Used : PIC16Fxxx_DFP,1.3.42,Microchip
Selected Programming Tool Sno:
BUR223673449
*****************************************************
Connecting to MPLAB PICkit 4
Currently loaded versions:
Application version...........00.08.54
Boot version..................01.00.00
Script version................00.05.35
Script build number...........86fedc5c2e
Tool pack version ............1.13.1519
PICkit 4 is supplying power to the target (5.00 volts).
Target device PIC16F877 found.
Device Revision Id *= 0x6
Device Id = 0x9a0
*****************************************************
Erasing...
Erase successful
*****************************************************
Calculating memory ranges for operation...
Erasing...
The following memory area(s) will be programmed:
program memory: start address = 0x0, end address = 0x3d
configuration memory
Programming/Verify complete
*Program Report
06-Apr-2023, 23:01:53
Device Type:PIC16F877
Program Succeeded.
PK4 Verify Report
06-Apr-2023, 23:01:53
Device Type:PIC16F877
*****************************************************
The following memory area(s) will be verified:
program memory: start address = 0x0, end address = 0x1fff
configuration memory
EEData memory
User Id Memory
Verification successful.
Verify Succeeded.
*****************************************************​

---

I don't know why.


This is my final command line:

Code:

---

-TSBUR223673449 -P$target-device$ -F$hex-filename$ -E -M -OB -OL -OV -W -Y

---

Generic PK4 tool works just as well.

Code:

---

-TPPK4 -P$target-device$ -F$hex-filename$ -E -M -OB -OL -OV -W -Y

---

​

Big thanks to Richard and Tumbleweed for their ideas, and to Ioannis for cheering me on. :D

Very glad you did it!

Remember to use MPLABX 5.35 assembler for PBP.

Ioannis

All of the "Transmission on endpoint 2 failed (err = -109)" messages typically indicate that the PK4 wasn't fully updated.

There are three parts to the firmware inside the PK4, and whenever you change MPLABX versions it's important that all three sections get updated to match the version of MPLABX you're using. This applies to a PK4 right out of the box since there's a good chance it was built with a different set of firmware than the version you're trying to use (you'd think a brand new one would work, but no).

This is supposed to happen automatically, but on all the PC's I've ever used it doesn't... each time you open MPLABX IPE it'll update one part and then hang. You have to let it timeout, close MPLABX, reopen it and it'll proceed to the next part. It takes about three or four whacks at this until it finally loads all the firmware and magically everything works. During this process I've seen MPLABX produce almost every conceivable bogus error message you can imagine.

That's why you'll see a lot of posts about rebooting, unplugging the tool, closing/reopening etc. It doesn't always happen quite the same way, but for me it's been this way since day one with MPLABX and ANY of the programming tools. It's even worse if you have one of the older tools (PK2, PK3) and you switch back and forth between the old MPLAB 8.92 and MPLABX.

It's a good idea to make sure the tool isn't connected to your target hardware while it does this dance, just the USB cable.

I updated my summary in post #1. Spaces in the folder/filename will most definitely cause problems.

I wasn't sure cause I was trying more than one thing at a time. But I am now; it just back and bit me. The command window just flashes and it's gone.
:)

Couldn't even find my own thread on how to get PK4 working with MCS+ ... D'OH!

I can't stress enough the importance of NO SPACES IN FOLDERNAME AND FILENAME.

Here's a pic of how to set the programmer for those that are visual (like me):

Attachment 9932

Ooh, I didn't know I could setup MCS+ to open the PICkit4 software instead of the U2 Melabs programmer. I'll give it a try this week. Thanks a lot.