My project is starting

[ScaleRobotics]

I looked to my favorite bootloader, Tiny Pic Bootloader http://www.etc.ugal.ro/cchiculita/so...bootloader.htm, but it does not cover your chip. So I looked around, and found a Microchip Ap Note AN1302. It talks about programming multiple chips through the I2C port. I have not had a chance to read it yet, but this might be good for you. Specially since you need to program two or three chips. It has the hex files, and the PC program here: http://www.microchip.com/stellent/id...pnote=en546181

With the PIC18 devices you can do a run-time config http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=4093

But not with PIC16 devices. So your configs need to be right the first time. But worst case, you could fedex new programmed PICs to your friend in Ohio, if you needed to change configs. (Well at least if it's not surface mount).

Edit: By the way, sounds like a very cool project. I am going to have to read more about EMC2. I hadn't even heard about it. What is the largest span you can hot wire? Can you post any pictures?

[cncmachineguy]

Thanks Walter, I will look into the APP note. But I will only have 1 chip per card. I did put an I2C port on board

As for sending chips back and forth, they are TQFP's. So that option is out. Worse case is I buy a pickit2 and send him to use while I get things going as I want them. Then He can send it back and I will be part of the PK2 club.

But A bootloader would be too cool, just email program and presto magic.

[cncmachineguy]

Edit: By the way, sounds like a very cool project. I am going to have to read more about EMC2. I hadn't even heard about it. What is the largest span you can hot wire? Can you post any pictures?

EMC2

We have designed it to be able to process a 24 x 48 inch piece of foam with the mill or the wire, No pics just yet, but we are about a week out with those. We jumped the gun back in july/aug with pics of our first prototype. so now he is gunshy. Also we completly redesigned it from the first one.