Code programming error at 0000

[JDM160]

I am programming 100+ 16F767 and about 10% I am getting the Code programming error at 0000. Sometimes if I try several times, it will finally program successfully. Some of the pics just won't take the program and repeatedly give me this error. Does anyone know what the problem might be?

[sayzer]

Use an external power supply for the PIC.

By external I mean a separate power supply just for the PIC. Ex: 7805.

[JDM160]

Use an external power supply for the PIC.

By external I mean a separate power supply just for the PIC. Ex: 7805.

Thank you for your input. I am a little confused though. I am programming with the serial programmer using the latest software. The pic is not "in circuit," it is in the zif socket. The programmer is being powered by the 15V power supply that was provided with the programmer.

[Melanie]

I don't use an EPIC so don't ask me questions about it...

However, I have on several occasions come across batches of PICs (these are factory new) that NEED to be erased prior to programming. Some PICs will program straight out of the tube, some will fail. But if an ERASE operation is performed first, they all program first time.

By default for the last year, I've preset 'Erase before Programming' and I've not had any such programming errors since.

btw... a forum SEARCH on "error 0000" brings up this topic which has been discussed several times. Perhaps there is something in an old thread which may help.

[sayzer]

IF you decide to bend the power pins of the PIC up in the air and apply the voltage as what I call “in space” with the help of some crocodiles, it may work.

You must make sure that you have the ground pin of PIC common with the ground of PCB board (programmer).

Whatever you do just make sure that you power the pic with a separate power supply and have the ground common.

[JDM160]

Thanks again guys...

The pics are all new and I do blank check before programming. I added the 1uF capacitor to the power pins (as per information on melabs.com) but it made no difference at all. This fix was for another problem, but customer support recommended that I gave it a try.

Erasing the chips first has no effect. The same chip will fail to program 10 times and then all of a sudden, it will work fine.. Very strange behavior. It seems to be related to the Pics though, not the programmer. I say that because some chips are just troublesome, and others (most) work on the first shot.

Does anyone know of a good low-cost commercial programmer that can program all of the Pics?

[mister_e]

EPIC is certainely one of the best lowest-cost programmer anyways.

I use Microchip PICSTART Plus and BK Precision 844a (relabeled of an Elnec)
Microchip ICD-2 seems to be another great one.

[milestag]

I just sent an email to MeLabs yesterday to see if they know a solution.

I'm having a problem programming about 10% of my brand new 18F2525 chips. Very annoying to have 10% "bad" chips at $6.11 each!!

Some fail at 0000 and some make it almost to the end before failing. Like I said, 90% program with no problems. All using the same hex file and settings.

Erasing is no help. Also using latest software with MeLabs Serial Programmer.

I just want to know, is it the programmer or Microchip quality control??

[JDM160]

I added the 1uF capacitor to the power pins (as per information on melabs.com) but it made no difference at all.

Hmmm, I hate when I feel like I'm talking to myself. LOL.

Anyway, glad it worked for you, it didn't work for me...

[Melanie]

> Does anyone know of a good low-cost commercial programmer that can program all of the Pics?

Unfortunately your use of the two words "low cost" excludes giving any sensible answers... all the programmers I can recommend omit that from their feature list.

However, given the fact that you have some success with your PICs leads me to suspect that there is something 'marginal' in your setup. I don't know your programmer at all, but I would suggest in the first instance you put a scope on your PSU and ensure you have a constant and steady DC supply. Check the programming pin MCLR on the PIC... you should have some 13.5v on it (unless you're using Low Voltage Programming) - if this varies or drops it will cause the PIC not to program correctly. Plug-in a PIC, hit 'program' and make with the multimeter or scope...