what on earth can I be doing wrong?

[Darrel Taylor]

... I switched to Microcode Studio, use it to write a hex file and then open Epic to load the hexfile into my chip.
I say BELIEVE, because the Pic still won't work.
EPIC appears to program and verify the 16F876 chip....but when I transfer it to my breadboard --- NOTHING.

And strangely, my logic probe records a high on RC6. Which is strange since I don't think I've bothered with Port C in any way.

Which button in MicroCode Studio did you use to compile the program?

Since the TX pin starts up as output high, it appears that you've compiled it for Debug mode (ICD Compile).
The Pic will sit and do nothing until it connects to the MCS Debugger via RS-232.

Use the buttons next to the Device select Drop-down box.
"Compile Only" or "Compile and Program"

hth,

[dmacq]

Which button in MicroCode Studio did you use to compile the program?
Use the buttons next to the Device select Drop-down box.
"Compile Only" or "Compile and Program"

hth,

Well, I'm somewhere north of humiliation and south of seppuku.
After the hours I spent scrupulously examining the components, the power supply, the configurations and the hex files.... I was clicking the wrong button.
Thank you Darrel for spotting the problem. The pic is happily blinking LEDs and even making music.
And thank you ALL for your helpful suggestions.
What a fabulous resource this is. I hope I can repay the favours and not make any more grotesque errors as I make my way through the learning curve.
I have to say the feeling of exhilaration is way out of proportion to the final result: a blinking LED. But it's made my weekend.
Thanks again.

[Darrel Taylor]

Put - The - Sword - Down!!!

If you continue programming microcontrollers ...
You will have MANY problems more deserving of seppuku.
Don't do it over you're first Blinky program.

There's 1 problem you won't have again.
Only about a million more to find.

Every one will be a "bitch".
But like you've already found out, the feeling you get when it finally works, makes it all worthwhile.

Happy PICing!