Help Getting Started

[doggitz]

I'm right out of the starting gate with PIC programming but did BASIC on punch cards in college 35 years ago. Frustrated, and would appreciate some help.

Just bought the LABX-1 Board, PicBasic Pro and Melabs U2
Using a 16F877a
Here is my program

clear
adcon1 = 7
mainloop:
high portd.0
Pause 500
low portd.0
pause 500
goto mainloop
end

The compiler says that it is compiled successfully and then it loads via the USB ME LABS PROGRAMMER into the X-1 without error, but nothing happens when I load it into the board/chip. When I look at the memory tab of the programmer, I see that a hex file was created. Yes, I have checked to be sure that the polarity of the led bar graph and the JP2 jumper are correct. I have even tried it using low portd.0 just for giggles, and that doesn't work either. I've tested the programmer and the board/chip using the board test program that was included with the board (in hex) and the board runs fine, making the leds blink, lcd display, etc.

I've read and reread the book but can't find what I'm doing wrong. Sorry to trouble you all with such a basic question, but my head hurts from banging it in the wall.
Thanks

[mackrackit]

What are you using for an oscillator and how are the configs set?

[doggitz]

Thanks for your quick reply!

I am using the 4 MHz crystal that came mounted on the board
The configs for the programmer are:
Osc XT
Watchdog Enabled
Power-up Timer Enabled
Brown-out Enabled
Low Voltage Pgm disabled
flash pgm write All
Code NOT protected
Data EEPROM Not protected

I took these setting from the board test program that works

Thanks
Fred

[mackrackit]

Maybe try HS OSC.
But if it worked the way you have it on the sample, it is just a guess.

[Archangel]

Add these to you code:
DEFINE OSC 4 ' Tells your PIC how fast it is running
ADCON0 = 0 ' Disable A/D
CCP1CON = 0 "Disable Comparators

Power on.MCLR,BOD, . . . reset . . . Defaults to TRISD = %11111111
TrisE = %00001111 FYI check Datasheet 3.5 RE: MSP if TrisE.4 is set, As a beginner, if I were you, I would park that HP Chevelle in the garage and practice in the Toyota. A 16F628A, 16F648A, or !6f690 with PICKIT2 and Demo board, Get your feet wet with those, then go back to the 877. Just my opinion.

[doggitz]

Thanks for the advice

I did try changing the oscillator type to HS - no luck

I will try the other suggestions. I read a fair amount before investing and was under the impression that the 16F877a was a reasonable place to start. Maybe not!

Thanks

Fred