Bootloader for 16f87/88 that doesn't use UART

[Charles Linquis]

This might be a silly question, but why not move to 18F parts and solve the problem that way?

[bcd]

Hi Charles,

I looked into using something like the 18F1320, but the HW UART pins have moved, which means a redesign of the PCB.

Wehn the product comes up for a design refresh I will look at moving to a new processor, but for now looks like I am stuck with the 16f87.

All is not lost as I think I can re-engineer the WLoader to work.

bill.

[skimask]

I looked into using something like the 18F1320, but the HW UART pins have moved, which means a redesign of the PCB.

You using DIP or SOIC?
If DIP, put one in a socket, pop out some pins and run some jumpers.
Not the best fix in the world, but works for me.
If SOIC, maybe cut some traces and run some jumpers.
Same thing, not the best, but it works.

[dhouston]

This might be a silly question, but why not move to 18F parts and solve the problem that way?

In my case, I want to use the internal comparators as inverters for the UART and I haven't found an 18F PIC in the same size range as the 16F88 that will let me do that.

[bcd]

Still looking in to this and I think I have found a way. Using the SparkFun BLoader code and a quick tutorial on bit-banged serial ports in C I am aiming to do a bit of testing this weekend.

Not as nice as a pbp based one, but if it works - woohoo !

bill.