My chip is ignoring my PC

[The Master]

Ok. The PCB looks a bit crowded so it might be hard to look at. Some components are under the PCB thats why they seem to overlap.

The code isnt the final version but it worked perfect on the breadboard tests

[mister_e]

Your .HEX says that you're using a XT osc... but your code says... DEFINE OSC 16... it has to be HS

MCLR is enable.. not sure you handle it on your PCB or if you're using it as i/o in your program.. not seen in your program 'till now...

Now you see some advantage to set the fuses in your code?

[The Master]

I have to set the fuses in my programmer. I do set them to what you said.

Anywho. I found the problem. I tried linking the serial output directly into the serial input (NO circuits at all) and it didnt work. Aparently ive blown my USB<>Serial adapter up earlier when my circuit started smoking. Ive tested it in a standard serial port and its working

Sorry to have bothered you but thanx for the output>input idea. Cant believe i didnt think of that before

[The Master]

Ive just done some checks and yesterday i successfully blew up:-

1 X MAX232 chip
2 X 1K Resistors (violently)
2 X PIC chips
1 X Tri-color LED
2 X Diodes
1 X USB<>Serial adapter

Not a bad day!

Im making 2 circuits and the other one is now working perfectly. Nothing has blown up yet. I did happen to order spare PIC chips, LEDs etc and i got boxes of 1000 resistors so that all ok but the Maplin store near me only stocks 2 of the MAX232 chips at a time and wont get anymore in till Jan

Does anyone have any interesting ways of removing a chip from a PCB? Unfortunately i didnt have any DIL sockets that fit the MAX232 so now i have to remove it. Anyone have a good way of getting chips out?

[mister_e]

There's almost nothing a good hammer couldn't remove

Is this a 2 layer typ (cop. on both side) or single?

Usually, a mix of desoldering pump and clean solder wick do the job.

EDIT: nice google... http://www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/desolderpix.htm

[mackrackit]

Does anyone have any interesting ways of removing a chip from a PCB? Unfortunately i didnt have any DIL sockets that fit the MAX232 so now i have to remove it. Anyone have a good way of getting chips out?

Solder Wick.
Heat the connection and use compressed air to blow the solder away.
Hot air gun.

Wire cutters

[T.Jackson]

Heat the connection and use compressed air to blow the solder away.

That sounds very dangerous.

[mackrackit]

That sounds very dangerous.

Well I did not mean to use 100 psi.

The solder cools as the air hits it so short burst is enough. One of those "cans O air" works well.

Blowing through a drinking straw will also work. Not much air is needed. As long as you do not hyperventilate.

Wait for the solder to just start flowing and apply air.

I use this often, I make many mistakes!

[The Master]

Heat the connection and use compressed air to blow the solder away.

Sounds like fun

I dont have a desoldering tool. Ill have a look for one when i go to the Maplin in Nottingham. Not sure where i would get compressed air from but i think i could put something together. Other than that i look like cutting the pins off the chip with a stanley knife and desoldering them 1 at a time.

Im gonna see if Maplin have some DIL sockets too and hopefully when i turn it on again it wont start smoking.

Thanx for the suggestions

[T.Jackson]

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.st...uct/View/T2270
is a good buy if you can afford it. Not quite like a Hako, but it's a quarter of the price though. Worth the money, especially if you're considering doing something stupid like; heating up a large solder joint and then using a high-powered air compressor to blow it away, standing a good chance of causing somebody some injury. Cheap for $299, might save your eyesight!

[Melanie]

but the Maplin store near me only stocks 2 of the MAX232 chips at a time and wont get anymore in till Jan

Tell me you're not seriously paying Maplin (prices from their website) £2.28 (or even £5.27 - hey that's US$11) !!!!!!!!

If I sold them at 50p each I'd be making 250%... time you looked around for a better components supplier...