PBP projects for R/C models

[Kenjones1935]

The BIT Whacker schematic shows the connections from the 4 pin USB port [UBUS and USBID] to be different than the connections from 5 pins into J6 [PGB,PGC and RB2]. When "Writing Device PROGRAM FLASH and BOOT FLASH" it just sits there with the little red BUSY light flashing on the PICkit2 connector. Forever.....

I tried to use the USB port. Both to load the .hex file and to communicate. No success of any kind. Notta.

At least PICkit2 through J6 illuminates the blue POWER LED.
And apparently embeds the EEPROM.

I tried loading HELLO WORLD.hex. No luck at all. Same error message but no success loading EEPROM.

I do not know what to do. I can write fine in C. But I have no idea where or how to start. The only communication I get with the BITWhacker is with my PICkit2 USB connector.

I am getting discouraged. The only reason for leaving the original 16F887 was the cost of multiple PBP licenses. I really don't need the 32bit power just to move my robocar.

Ken

[rmteo]

I am getting discouraged. The only reason for leaving the original 16F887 was the cost of multiple PBP licenses. I really don't need the 32bit power just to move my robocar.

Ken

Take a look at this mikroBasic PRO for PIC
You can download a fully functional FREE demo version (and all relevant documentation) of the software. The only limitation is that the compiler output is limited to 2,000 words of generated PIC code - you code will probably fit within this limitation so any number of students can use the compiler legally for free. Over 415 PIC microcontrollers are supported (PIC12, PIC16 and PIC18). There is a also a C compiler available which I highly recommend over BASIC to get your students started on the right track from the get go.

[Kenjones1935]

Take a look at this mikroBasic PRO for PIC
You can download a fully functional FREE demo version (and all relevant documentation) of the software. The only limitation is that the compiler output is limited to 2,000 words of generated PIC code - you code will probably fit within this limitation so any number of students can use the compiler legally for free. Over 415 PIC microcontrollers are supported (PIC12, PIC16 and PIC18). There is a also a C compiler available which I highly recommend over BASIC to get your students started on the right track from the get go.

rmteo, you have a good point. I have not yet used 2000 words in my PBP programs with the wall racing robocars. My guess is that using photo cells will be no more expensive code-wise.

Thank you for the link.

Ken

[Kenjones1935]

UART's echo was ON.

Ken

[rmteo]

You may be interested in this.

[Kenjones1935]

You may be interested in this.

This vehicle reminds me of the original 'turtle' for which LOGO, the language, was developed.

I am on a slightly different tact. I am trying for a robocar that looks like and is driven like a modern automobile. The model level 1/10 sized radio control vehicles fit that description. They have accurate miniaturization and good speed (up to 30 actural mph). This may connect with middle school students.

Ken

[Kenjones1935]

Once, as I said in my post, Hyperterminal worked. Only once!
I wrote:

If I eliminate ASCII echo and I type 'hello' I do get 'hello' on my Hyperterminal GUI. That is GOOD. Trouble is I disconnected the PICkit2 and reconnected and HELLO no longer appears.

???????Ken

[ScaleRobotics]

Ok, but after you said that, you said:

Nutts. Wrong again!

UART's echo was ON.

And, you should get a "??HELLO?? command not recognized" or something to that effect back. So I would say nutts, it was the echo.

But I still don't have enough information to advise you any further. I don't know what step you are on.

Yes, the new .inf is different. It is for using with the firmware originally in your UBW32. (Which I believe is only in your untouched device). It is for step 2, if you are on step 2.

Walter

[ScaleRobotics]

The BIT Whacker schematic shows the connections from the 4 pin USB port [UBUS and USBID] to be different than the connections from 5 pins into J6 [PGB,PGC and RB2].

I think you are sticking your Pickit in the wrong port.

I know they are not spelled out as nice as the schematic, but, your pickit goes on J5 (same one I mentioned earlier). Later, after programming, you can try to plug in the usb host cable. The other 5 pin spots on the board are for USB.



Here is where it goes. Should be a lot happier now...:

[Kenjones1935]

I think my PICkit2 is correctly connected. I may have typo'd J5 and/or J6. Here's what I have been doing.



If I attach the USB and the PICkit2 I get the blue POWER light. My Hyperteminal does seem to see the PIC. If I eliminate ASCII echo and I type 'hello' I do get 'hello' on my Hyperterminal GUI. That is GOOD. Trouble is I disconnected the PICkit2 and reconnected and HELLO no longer appears.

I did not connect PICkit2 pin6. That is used as an input to the "LOGIC TOOL".. Everything seems normal except for that error message (about maximum). It seems to download the .hex correctly. But nothing happens. ie the EEPROM embedded code does not to do anything visible. If there were a LED blinking example I could try debugging. The HELLO WORLD would not embed.

[Kenjones1935]

Note, below. I get what I type. I think 'echo' is turned off. I think I am connected. Still no StickOS, however.



Ken