Mechanique Bootloader

[PBCGuy]

Dave

Thanks!

"Yes, I did buy it when I purchased MCSPX"

What is MCSPX?

Mechanique Bootloader sounds like it integrates with PBP3.0.

Is that true that it installs itself into PBP3.0 and can be selected in 'Compile Program"?

[HenrikOlsson]

When you buy or download PBP you get an integrated development environment (IDE) called MicroCodeStudio or MCSX for short. There's a Standard version and a "Plus" version. You get the Standard version for free, you need to pay for the "plus" version. The plus version appends a P in the name so MCSPX for short. MicroCodeStudio is developed by Mecanique, PBP is developed by MeLabs.

The bootloader (called Microcode loader) is not included in the free version of MicroCodeStudio.

In the MCS(P)X you can install as many programmers you like, the Microcode Loader can be one of them. Pressing the Compile & Program button automatically compiles, assembles and then invokes the selected programmer, passing the newly created .hex file and any parameters you've specified.

See Mecaniques web site. On the left hand side you can select to read about the Standard and Plus versions.

/Henrik.

But remember: For the bootloader (and that applies to all bootloader) you mist FIRST program the blank PIC with the actual bootloader. A bootloader is not a substitute for a proper device programmer.

[Dave]

Robert, What do you mean by "Too bad that loader does not recognize the 18FxxKxx series PICs." It works with ALL the 18F & 16F series chips.

[Demon]

Supported Devices

MicroCode Loader will program all of the following microcontrollers : 16F870, 16F871, 16F873(A), 16F874(A), 16F876(A) and 16F877(A) 16F870, 16F871, 16F873(A), 16F874(A), 16F876(A), 16F877(A), 16F87, 16F88, 18F242, 18F248, 18F252, 18F258, 18F442, 18F448, 18F452, 18F458, 18F1220, 18F1320, 18F2220, 18F2320, 18F4220, 18F4320, 18F6620, 18F6720, 18F8620, 18F8720, 18F2331, 18F2431, 18F4331, 18F4431, 18F6585, 18F8585, 18F6680, 18F8680, 18F6627, 18F6722, 18F8627, 18F8722, 18F2525, 18F2620, 18F4525, 18F4620, 18F2455, 18F2550, 18F4455, 18F4550, 18F2420, 18F2520, 18F4420, 18F4520, 18F2439, 18F2539, 18F4439, 18F4539, 18F2480, 18F2580, 18F4480, 18F4580, 18F2585, 18F2680, 18F4585, 18F4680, 18F6520, 18F8520, 18F6525, 18F6621, 18F8525 and 18F8621

From here:
https://www.mecanique.co.uk/shop/ind...&product_id=64

[HenrikOlsson]

I think "ALL" 16F and 18F might be taking it slightly too far as the PIC still needs to be able to "self write" AND it needs to have an UART. But what Dave is aiming at is the UMC bootloader in Microcode studio. It provides the "framework" for you to create a bootloader .hex file for any device, there's no longer any need to rely on pre-built files.

It's something I've yet to play around with but I see there are documentation available, always a good place to start.

/Henrik.

[Demon]

Henrik, what bootloader do you use?

Robert

[HenrikOlsson]

I've gotten away with using the "normal" MicroCodeLoader and the stock Amicus/Proton loader on my Amicus18 boards. But after "upgrading" to Windows 10 the Amicus loader no longer works due to its non signed driver so I need to figure the UMC loader stuff out to get those going (or just use a PICKit3 (but it's a lot slower than bootloading).