Connecting programmer to MicroCode Studio

[KrashKaloop]

New to this forum, and new to PIC programming as well.

I have just started to learn about PIC programming. I started by downloading MPLAB and doing some of the tutorials. Then I purchased this programmer http://www.futurlec.com/PIC_Programmer.shtml , built a development board to blink LED’s and started having some success.

But developing in ASM is not my cup of tea, so I have downloaded the demo version of PICBasic Pro and I am trying to use it.

The problem is I cant’t seem to figure out how to connect the programmer to MicroCode Studio. I know I can just use the files generated by PBP to use in MPLAB to program the PIC, but I want to program directly from MCS.

The programmer says it is Pickit2 compatible if that helps.

Any help would be appreciated, but it needs to be tailored to a complete novice.

[skimask]

In MCS, select menus -> "View" -> "Compile and Program Options..."
Point MCS to the PBP directory (or let it find it automatically) under the Compiler tab
Point MCS to the MPLAB directory (or let it find it automatically) under the Assembler tab
Point MCS to the PICKIT2 by creating a custom programmer entry and point MCS to the PICKIT2 executable.
Press F9 in the main MCS window to compile the source code, assemble the source code, and start the PICKIT2 programmer.
Not sure if it works with the PICKIT2 clones though.
My advice... Spend the $50 and buy the real PICKIT2...

[Archangel]

Not sure if it works with the PICKIT2 clones though.
My advice... Spend the $50 and buy the real PICKIT2...

The clones on eBay run $34.99, the real PICKIT2 programmer by itself from Microchip is presently $34.99 The kit with a Developers board is $49.99.
http://www.microchipdirect.com/produ...words=DV164120
http://www.microchipdirect.com/produ...words=PG164120

[b1arrk5]

I'll try. Under the MicroCode Studio menu select View, then select Compile and Program Options..., then click the Programmer tab, and press the Add New Programmer... button. Then select the Create a Custom Programmer Entry radio button and press Next. Enter the name you want to call your programmer, it can be anything you want, and press Next. Then enter the name of the executable file that you use to run the programmer, it will be something.exe, and press next, then either select the find automatically for find manually buttons, and press next. When your finished, just go back to the View menu and make sure that your new programmer is set as the default in the little window, and you should be good to go.

Any more problems, just let us know, there are a lot of pretty smart folks around here who'll do their best to get you going.

Welcome to the forum!
Jerry

[KrashKaloop]

Thanks. I got it.... now where can I find a good basic tutorial for PICBasic?? I only have PIC16F876A, but I can buy some different PIC's if they are necessary.

Thanks for the help.

[mackrackit]

Welcome,

Sample programs can be found here
http://www.melabs.com/
and here
http://rentron.com/
Bruce is working on a book also.

The manual has the basics and read this forum for the trickier stuff.

This is also a good place to go
http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=16
At the bottom of the page select "From the Beginning" to see all of the threads.

[KrashKaloop]

OK, I thought I had it, but I don’t. Although my programmer is working, the files created in MCS are not being loaded into the PICkit 2 program.

When "compile and program" is selected in MCS, the file is compiled with no errors and the PICkit 2 programmer window opens. Then my programmer lights up and the PICkit 2 programmer shows a successful program loaded into the PIC. Unfortunately, all that is loaded is blanks (all “3FFF”).

Somehow the HEX file is not being loaded into the PICkit 2 software.

I don’t know if I am explaining this well, but can anyone help? Could this be that I left the last step out during the programmer setup? It was a blank box that had somthing to do with linking the HEX code. I didn't know what to enter there.

[Pic_User]

OK, I thought I had it, but I don’t. Although my programmer is working, the files created in MCS are not being loaded into the PICkit 2 program.

When "compile and program" is selected in MCS, the file is compiled with no errors and the PICkit 2 programmer window opens. Then my programmer lights up and the PICkit 2 programmer shows a successful program loaded into the PIC. Unfortunately, all that is loaded is blanks (all “3FFF”).

Somehow the HEX file is not being loaded into the PICkit 2 software.

I don’t know if I am explaining this well, but can anyone help? Could this be that I left the last step out during the programmer setup? It was a blank box that had somthing to do with linking the HEX code. I didn't know what to enter there.

Hi KrashKaloop,

Welcome to the forum.

Just went through the same problem. The PICkit2 is new to me too.

I found that the top box, of the three boxes, in the lower right-hand corner, of the single screen, PICkit2 programming window, labeled [“Auto Input Hex + Write Device”] worked.

But, you have to know (remember) where MCS put the hex file and what it is called.

You know you have the hex file loaded (ready to progam) when it shows up in the PICkit2 [Source:] window.

-Adam-

[tcbcats]

I just installed a new PICkit2 and would like to know if the auto start and program will work.
When I select compile and program in the IDE, the programmer app starts but I have to manually grab the hex file and do the load from the PICkit2 application (2 steps).
Some other programmers will accept a script file in the IDE that will allow them to compile and program your PIC with one click...
Does anybody know the correct script to make the PICkit2 program the PIC when started by the IDE?
Thanks,
....Microcode studio plus 3.0.0.5
....18F252

[rmteo]

With the PicKIT2, you don't need a script for one-step programming - use the circled feature (works with any compiler/IDE):

[tcbcats]

Yes I use it that way now.
I would like to use the programmer as I use the MEL USB unit and make it a one click use.
Once you go one click.... you don't want to go back...
Do you know if the PICkit2 can even be driven to do "one click" form the IDE like the MEL programmers?

[mackrackit]

Use the suggestion rmteo gave.

Whenever the hex is changed, PICKIT2 software will see it, reload it, and then program the PIC. You have to do nothing.

[Darrel Taylor]

What you need is the "PICKit2 Command Line Interface".

http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/e...K2CMDv1-12.zip

1 click from Microcode Studio (compile and program).

[tcbcats]

Maybe I did not ask my question in the correct way...
The IDE has a button that will compile and program(flash) your PIC with one click (if you have the correct script installed). It starts the programmer application if it is not running and then the programmer programs the PIC... you do not have to touch anything in the programmer GUI... it basically runs in parallel with the microcode IDE.... I mean ONE click to do everything. It is very fast and it is a part of the Microcode studio IDE to programmer interface.
The MEL programmers all can read a script and be automated.... I do not know if the PICkit2 has this feature where it can be totally remote controlled from the IDE.
Perhaps I should ask this on the Microchip forum??
**************

[chas11]

I have a PICkit2 clone and DT explanation works if followed to the letter, the only thing I changed was the cmd line to one suggested in another post: -PPIC$target-device$ -F$hex-filename$ -E -M -Y -Y -h9, then the dos cmd box will open with erasing device followed by three msg's and waiting 9 sec before closing allowing user time to view error's if any.

Note:if dos cmd box closes quickly then you have made a mistake during installation or the choosen device in Microcode Studio
selection box is incorrect(example 16F877A when should be 16F877)