12f675_fuse_about_to_blow!

[LEDave]

Problem?:

I'm thinking I should have ordered the: "rfPIC software and complete documentation (on CD)"?

There was no CD in either of the boxes. I'm thinking I'm up the creek without it? Or can I get by without the CD?

Sorry I know, more questions.

Dave

[mackrackit]

This might be a place to start
http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/309975.pdf

I have not used the rfPIC modules but I think we can figure it out.

A quick look at the data sheet.
Header J3 in the PICKIT1 needs to be used after removing the chip from the evaluation socket. My PICKIT1 just has holes for J3, if yours is that way you will need to bring wire off it to a bread board. Looks like J3 pin#1 is on the edge of the board.

Then after the module is programed it should be able to "stand alone" on the bread board.

[LEDave]

Hi mackrackit

This might be a place to start
http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/309975.pdf

Absolutely, I tracked down the Microchip.pdf (same one I think) anyway my PICkit1 does have header J3 on it, so that's a help.

I spent ages last night mulling over how all this might work and it seemed to me that I either:

1/ I need two PICkit1 boards one for the TX and one for the RX.

2/ The TX is 'stand_alone' with a battery fitted - However, the TX has a socket for a 12F675 (you have to break some tracks for this to work I think) So I'm not sure if the TX will work without the 12F675 and tracks broken in some kind of test mode (if that makes sense). Or will only work as 'stand_alone' with a program loaded into the 12F675 and tracks broken.

Dave

[mackrackit]

Both modules are stand alone. The 8 pin socket on the transmitter is optional. I would not cut anything at the moment.

It is my understanding that the rfPIC12F675 is just a 12F675 with RF on board, plugging the modules into the PICKIT1 is just a way to program them.

I bet the software for the PICKIT1 sees the modules as is. Have you plugged either one into the PICKIT1 yet?

One the modules are programed you should be able to power them with out the programmer attached.

Maybe...

[LEDave]

Both modules are stand alone. The 8 pin socket on the transmitter is optional. I would not cut anything at the moment.

Really pleased to not have to cut the tracks, I was dreading that job!

I bet the software for the PICKIT1 sees the modules as is. Have you plugged either one into the PICKIT1 yet?

No I haven't plugged either into the PICkit1 as yet. The TX has a battery holder for a round CR2032 battery (which I don't have), I'm thinking if I got one of these (tomorrow) for the TX and plugged the RX into the PICkit1 we have two fully powered TX_RX circuits. How does that sound?

Dave

[mackrackit]

That should work.
It also looks like it you leave the program power jumper on you should be able to power the transmitter while in a breadbord from any 2 to 5 volt source.
Not sure how long the coin battery will last.

[LEDave]

It also looks like it you leave the program power jumper on you should be able to power the transmitter while in a breadbord from any 2 to 5 volt source.

I saw that, very handy. It would be good to buy a few expansion headers (J3) as well if I can source them, rather than solder the actual modules onto a vero board.The TX module won't push into my breadboard either (a real shame that) as the pins lie flat against the circuit board, again a J2 header would have solved that, never mind.

I'm so keen to try these modules out that I've been seriously thinking of soldering the TX module to a vero board and running a power supply to it but after a rush of blood I've decided to get the battery tomorrow and have TX stand alone using the battery and RX in the PITkit1.

Roll on tomorrow.

Dave

PS: The Badger hasn't made an appearance for three nights in a row now, we're a little worried for him....