Code programming error at 0000

[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??

[mister_e]

Well i didn't had any bad chip as now. And it's not because i didn't wanted

I'd some bad experience, but as Melanie said, i set Erase before programming... and as now (finger crossed) i never had any bad experience. MAYBE a programmer problem. I don't have the EPIC so can't really be sure of it.

Is this the serial or the parrallel model?

If it's the parrallel, I saw kinda patch about XP printer polling blah blah...

Same problem on another Computer?

[milestag]

Jeff Schmoyer at MeLabs returned my email. He pointed me to a capacitor mod for the serial programmer:

http://melabs.com/support/cap_mod.htm

This solved my problems.

Kudos to MeLabs for the prompt reply!

[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...

[milestag]

JDM,

Did you ever replace that cable? M to F 25-pin, straight thru (not null-modem cable).

I would fix that FIRST. Even though the "hillbilly cable rig" works on some/most chips, the longer cable run might be a problem for others. Additional noise, voltage drop, etc.

[Demon]

I've just started getting this error too. I am using the MeLabs serial programmer on a 16F628A in circuit (which has a 0.1uF cap).

Odd, I can program a 18F2550 on the same circuit over and over again without any problem.

I have Erase Before Programming but I keep getting the same 0000 error. I must have tried at least 20 times just now.

I'll try soldering PGC/PGD real close to the PIC and see if the length of the leads (along with trace length) is at fault.

Robert
:shrug:

[Demon]

> ... 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...

I couldn't check MCLR so I tricked the PIC. I did READ first then PROGRAM. I got the error again, but this time it programmed after I clicked YES. I didn't really care what it programmed, as long as it went through the routine. I had something like 12.35V on MCLR according to my multimeter.

I've even tried to Erase manually first before Program, same error.

I've always used my MeLabs serial programmer, bought it new and never had problems before. Is it possibly fading? I wouldn't mind upgrading to the USB version, but I don't want to spend the money yet if that's not the problem.

I never a problem for many many PICS; 16F628, 16F877, 18F4550, 18F2550 and 16F628A, all in-circuit too. This is the 1st PIC to give me this error.

I'm not using low voltage programming either.

Robert

[Demon]

After reading the HELP from the programmer, I checked PGM and it does have 0V.

I also checked the configuration and see nothing wrong:

__config _BODEN_ON & _CP_OFF & _DATA_CP_OFF & _PWRTE_ON & _WDT_OFF & _LVP_OFF & _MCLRE_ON & _HS_OSC

This excerpt of the Help file is exactly what is happening to me:

The device programmed once, but subsequent attempts return a Code Programming Error. - The configuration setting "Low-Voltage Programming" is Enabled. This leaves the device sensitive to a signal or high condition on the low-voltage programming pin (see the Microchip datasheet). To recover from this condition, you must tie the low-voltage programming pin to ground and reprogram the device. Or the device may need to be erased before reprogramming.

Oh poop...

Robert