Bootloader and configs, EEprom

[ScaleRobotics]

So that brings me back to Charles Linquis statement “Make certain that you have the WatchDog Timer turned off”. OK Charles, WHY?
Thanks!

Well, I would have said:

Because with the WDT turned on, there are no WDT clear statements in the MCloader code, and no way to put them in, because all we have is the hex file. You would think that the 4 seconds or so it takes to load a program through the serial port would exceed the WDT setting.

But, it works, so that's obviously not correct.

[MOUNTAIN747]

And the uncontested award goes to “scalerobotics”! And the answer is, There are WDT clear statements in the MCBootLoader.HEX file. This fact confirmed this morning off-line by DT after checking source code of MCBootLoader.Hex 16F876a_20. SLEEP and NAP commands can be used by serial port loaded programs using this file and you have plenty of time to load the program. Well at least that’s the story I get from the shop and until something contradicts this information I’m sticking with it!

Mountain

[Charles Linquis]

If you program the WDT OFF, then you can turn it ON with the SWDTEN bit. If you program it ON, then you don't have that choice. It is good to have choices.

[MOUNTAIN747]

SWDTEN bit! Good point Charles. I don't think that will help my 16F876a project but I will certainly keep it in mind for future projects. So do you have anymore good tips on using the Boot Loader? You've got my undivided attention.