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[AndyFreestone]

This is the problem. PBP3 just does not connect to IDE ???

PBP3 outputs .pbp files. How the **** do you then import them into IDE.

You state that PBP launches IDE - HOW ??

I've tried asking melabs, but they are about as helpful as a chocolate fireguard to us newbies.

I appreciate that these are simple questions to seasoned PIC programmers but us newbies need somewhere to start.

I don't mean to be a pain but it's often difficult to ask the right question in the right topic.

Does anyone know of a good tutorial just to exercise how the bits are supposed to work together.

Once I can get a simple program into a PIC I can then progress.

Most tutorials stop short. Yes they show you the basic programming, and then they jump to IDE. Can someone come up with a single tutorial that lights an LED ?

I'm perfectly capable of writing PIC basic but I just cannot understand the process of getting it into the PIC.

[rmteo]

...I'm perfectly capable of writing PIC basic but I just cannot understand the process of getting it into the PIC.

As Henrik explained (several times actually):

You need to understand that PBP is a compiler, it compiles programs - that's it. It does not talk to ANY hardware what so ever.

You use PBP to compile programs, the compiler than automatically launches the assembler (that's why you need MBLAB installed) and the outcome of the assembly process is a .hex file which is to be programmed into the PIC chip (can be one on the EasyPIC 7 or elsewhere, PBP does NOT know or care).

If you want to program the PIC chip onboard the EasyPIC7 you need to use the programmer application supplied with the board (mikroProgSuite).

[AndyFreestone]

HOW.

I am using MicroCodeSudio. It does not automatically launch IDE.

All I get is .pbp files as previously explained.

The the top of the window it says MicroCodeStudio - PICBASIC PRO

I can press the compile button but where does the .hex file go.

[rmteo]

Yet another hapless response - HOW.

I am using MicroCodeSudio. It does not automatically launch IDE.

All yours, Henrik. Have fun!!!

[HenrikOlsson]

I am using MicroCodeSudio. It does not automatically launch IDE.

Finally, we're getting somewhere..... First of all MicroCodeStudio IS the IDE.

Select View->Compile and program options and make sure the correct path where PBP3 is installed is specified there. If not, click Find Automatically and let it search for it.

Then Click the Compile in the toolbar. (The IDE (MicroCodeStudio) will now launch the compiler (PBP3) which will compile the program and the launch the assembler which will assemble the compiled program into a .hex file. That file will be in the same folder as you saved your source file/program. It's that .hex file you should program into the PIC.

If you don't see the compile button click View->Toolbars and check and make sure that Compile and Program is enabled, the button should now appear.

/Henrik.

EDIT: I guess you've seen the install video that's on the MELABS site? If not, here it is.

[Demon]

Tell microcode studio where pbp compiler and mpasm resides.

Type in your program, then click compile, then start whatever programming software came with your development board.

That software will use the hex file from compile to program your pic.

Robert

[AndyFreestone]

Well "Thank you Everyone". I know how frustrating it can be with newcomers. I've finally managed to get MikroBasic-Pro to generate a hex file and have managed to get my 18F45K22 to actually respond.

I've got ONE HELLOVA way to go but I can now get started.

I never managed to get PBP3 to generate code that the PIC would work with. I'd prefer to use PBP3 as its more like what I am used to. MikroBasic Pro is like learning Basic all over again.

BUT, as they say, you can learn BASIC in ten minutes - MikroBasic-Pro might take a few days.

[AndyFreestone]

In the UK 18F45K22 for less than £2.00 GBP. How do MicroChip make any money? 12F609's are less than 45p each.

I've just bought a bunch of PICs all brand new from RS-Components.

2 x 12F509
2 x 10F200
5 x 12F629
5 x 16F684
5 x 16F506
2 x 16F722
2 x 18F45K22

Total cost incl P&P less than £14.

[HenrikOlsson]

Hi Andy,

This is the problem. PBP3 just does not connect to IDE ???

IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment. It's piece of software on the PC, basically a fancy text editor with some extra functions. MBLAB is an IDE and MicroCodeStudio is an IDE.
The most common one for use with PBP is called MicroCodeStudio.

PBP3 outputs .pbp files. How the **** do you then import them into IDE.

No. If you're using MicroCodeStudio it saves your source files as .pbp files but these are just plain text file. Before you can get them into the PIC you need to compile it/them. This is where PBP3 comes in.

Question: Are you, or are you not using MicroCodeStudio as the software in which you write your PBP programs? If not, what are you using?
Before we've got that squared away it's hard to give proper advice because you can very well write your program in notepad and compile them from the command line.

You state that PBP launches IDE - HOW ??

I did NOT state the PBP launces IDE. I said that PBP launches the assembler automatically (as long as it's installed properly).
PBP3 can be launched FROM the IDE but not the other way around, but again, before we know what IDE you're using it's hard to help.

At the top of the window of the program you're using to enter your program, what does it say there?

/Henrik.

[AndyFreestone]

I'm starting to believe that the demo version will only allow you to save .mbas files which to you and me are as good as .txt files and can only be used by mikroBASIC.

[rmteo]

I'm starting to believe that the demo version will only allow you to save .mbas files which to you and me are as good as .txt files and can only be used by mikroBASIC.

The demo version saves .hex files. The limitation of the demo is generated code size (2K words, no time or other limitations, etc).

[AndyFreestone]

Yeh I know.

I would have preferred PBP3 as the BASIC is far closer to the BASIC that I am familiar with but the interface with the EasyPIC v7 is just impossible to fathom out at my level of current knowledge.


I've also got a PIKIT3 but Gawd only knows how to connect that to the EasyPIC - I'm going to be putting that on E-Bay later.

[Acetronics2]

I've also got a PIKIT3 but Gawd only knows how to connect that to the EasyPIC -

Microchip P/N : AC 164110 ... for less than 10 bucks !

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