Code programming error at 0000

[Demon]

I tried a 10K pull-up on MCLR as stated in the programmer Help file instead of a 4K7 as in the PBP manual, same error.

I added 4K7 pull-up on PGD as described on p. 111 Figure 14-18 of the 16F628A datasheet, same error. I wasn't sure where the pull-up was supposed to go for PGC (what is 'normal connections'?) I tried a 4K7 pull-up on PGC with no difference anyways.

Robert

[Demon]

I've recently downloaded the latest firmware for the MeLabs serial programmer. Now I always get a splash screen to see MeLabs.com for licensing, could this be related with my problem?

Robert

[Bruce]

The splash screen is on all the download versions of MeLabs programmer software. It shouldn't affect operation.

Can you program the device you're having problems with in the programmer zif socket?

[Demon]

The splash screen is on all the download versions of MeLabs programmer software. It shouldn't affect operation.

Good, one hting less to worry about. I'm so confused I can't even remember how I got rid of that last time I upgraded.

Can you program the device you're having problems with in the programmer zif socket?

I would have, but this is SOIC.

how about if you disconnect what is on PGD, PGC,PGM pins then, use a 100-1K resistor to gnd on PGM?

I will try straight to 0V, I think that is what I read last night in the Help, gotta check up on that.

Try to place your Programmer far of your PIC

I think you meant close, and I did, no difference.


Robert

[mister_e]

No i really meant far... not a mile away.. few inches 6-12 inches. i had some issue like that before on breadboard when a programmer was to close of the PIC... kind of interference or sort of...

[Demon]

At first it was about 6-12 inches of combined cables and traces, now 4-6 inches, no difference.

So I got another unit and soldered thru-hole components directly onto the legs and everything worked fine for several programming cycles. At least I know the programmer can indeed program a 16F628A SOIC in-circuit (not that it should make any difference from a PDIP unit).

I will replace the oscillator and capacitors on the circuit. If that doesn't make a difference I will solder this 'working' unit onto the circuit.

Robert

[Demon]

By the time I removed the 'working' 16F628A from the temporary circuit I totally forgot about the plan to replace the oscillator first.

I removed the unworking 16F628A from the circuit and put in the tested unit and everything fired up as expected. I was able to reprogram it several times too, so no idea what was the exact cause of the problem.

Robert

[mister_e]

how about the PGM pin... should be loaded to GND. 1-10k resistor works. [b[]ok i saw you already done[/b]
how about if you disconnect what is on PGD, PGC,PGM pins then, use a 100-1K resistor to gnd on PGM?

Try to place your Programmer far of your PIC...