A discussion group for the PICMicro microcontroller. Also called the Microchip PIC, this list is dedicated to the use and abuse of this fine, simple, microcontroller. Close to topic posts are welcome, ie. general electronics.
what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - mr_gees100_peas - Jul 21 21:25:47 2006
Lets ay you are on a budget and you already have some 16f877a pics
laying around and a bunch of other parts (resistors, caps etc etc).
You have your compiler and pic programer and what not. Now you want to
create a program and control your pic. Maybe make it blink an LED.
SOmethignsimple. What would be the easiest way to do this. Take into
account the cost. For example you can get free C/C++ compiler for the PC .
I've been looking on the web but the steps described are complicated
and not well detailed. There should be a tutorial or something that is
device or programming language independant.
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Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - rtstofer - Jul 21 22:45:52 2006
--- In p...@yahoogroups.com, "mr_gees100_peas"
wrote:
>
> Lets ay you are on a budget and you already have some 16f877a pics
> laying around and a bunch of other parts (resistors, caps etc etc).
> You have your compiler and pic programer and what not. Now you want to
> create a program and control your pic. Maybe make it blink an LED.
> SOmethignsimple. What would be the easiest way to do this. Take into
> account the cost. For example you can get free C/C++ compiler for
the PC .
>
> I've been looking on the web but the steps described are complicated
> and not well detailed. There should be a tutorial or something that is
> device or programming language independant.
>
I'm not certain I understand what you mean by "control a PIC from a
PC". So, I'll guess...
You want to create a program and download it to the PIC, right? You
have at least 3 choices (I'll skip JAL): You can use the Microchip
MPLAB suite to write the program in assembly language and load the
resulting .HEX file to the PIC using your programmer.
You can use the free version of PIC C Lite to write the program in C
and, ultimately, download the resulting .HEX file to the PIC using
your programmer.
You can use the demo version of cc5x to write the program in C and do
the same thing as above for PIC C Lite. I use cc5x.
I skip JAL because I haven't used it, not because it isn't viable.
Note that both cc5x and PIC C Lite can be intergrated into the MPLAB
IDE so you can use the Microchip software to edit the files and the
compilers to generate the .HEX file. If your programmer is compatible
with MPLAB, you never need to leave the IDE.
There are other alternatives but they tend to cost money. PIC Basic
Pro is a good choice but pricey.
Another approach for loading code into the PIC is to use a boot
loader. You can look at Bloader and Screamer at
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/hdr.php?p=tutorials. There is a
version for the 16F877A and the 16F88
You can also use PICLoader (or the revised version for the 877A) and
the BotLoader program on the PC end to send files. This requires you
start your code at 0x003 and that is easier with cc5x than PIC C Lite.
But, the bootloader works over the serial port and doesn't require an
external programmer. This approach is used on the MiniSumo Mark III.
You can join that group on Yahoo and get the files you need.
Hope I touched on the right question!
Richard
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(You need to be a member of piclist -- send a blank email to piclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Arlen Fletcher - Jul 22 18:41:30 2006
Have you tried this site:
http://www.rentron.com/Myke5.htm
It doesn't get much easier and it may just be that tutorial you're
looking for.
HangGlider

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Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - mr_gees100_peas - Jul 22 22:46:44 2006
--- In p...@yahoogroups.com, Arlen Fletcher
wrote:
>
Hi,
I guess I should had been more specific. SOmetimes I don't want to
give too much information because people tend to concentrate in other
issues other than the problem I'm trying tom solve. In this case it
back fired. I didn't mean programing the PIC I meant controlling the
pic or talking to pic through the PC. For example build a simple C or
C++ program on the PC that waits for an user input. For the sake of
the example lets say that the users has to type LED ON and when he/she
press enter on the PC the C program goes and send a code to the PIC
through the an USB wire. The pic receives the code and then turns on
the LED.Then the PIC send a message back to the PC to say hey I
receive the message.
My idea was to build a simple robot. The robot would have a pic
micro that does some basic control like controlling the motors,
detecting obstacles through IR detectors, counting disstance travel
and comunicating through the PC. The pic would send a signal through
amube a radio transmiter to a radio receiver that is hook up to the
PC. The radio receiver is also control by another PIC. The message
send by the PIC in the robot should be simple. Maybe a hex code that
says there is an object in front of my and the distance that it had
travel. Now, there should be a program on the pc (probably a C++
program since its free and thats the language I know) that acts as the
brains of the robot. The program calculates current positions, path
finding and keeps traks of objects found by the robot. Once the PC
finds a solution it tells the PIC trhat controls the radio to tell the
robot what to do. FOr example, send a series of hex codes that is
equivalent to how to move. Something like turn lesf then go foward 3
feet, then turn right go foward 5 inches then turn right and travel
another 3 feet and finally turn left and you have cleared the obstacle.
The thing is I could probably figure out how to do the navigation
and motr control and what not. There are many examples everywhere.
What I cannot find good information on is how to interface any pic to
a PC though the USB port. Well, the wiring is available but how to
program that is the problem.
> Have you tried this site:
> http://www.rentron.com/Myke5.htm
> It doesn't get much easier and it may just be that tutorial you're
> looking for.
>
> HangGlider
>
to unsubscribe, go to http://www.yahoogroups.com and follow the instructions

(You need to be a member of piclist -- send a blank email to piclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )Re: Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Norm Carlberg - Jul 22 23:11:55 2006
MAX3420E keeps showing up in projects.
Latest is in Aug 06 Circuit Cellar
Norm
----- Original Message -----
From: mr_gees100_peas
To: p...@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2006 9:46 PM
Subject: [piclist] Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc?
--- In p...@yahoogroups.com, Arlen Fletcher
wrote:
>
Hi,
I guess I should had been more specific. SOmetimes I don't want to
give too much information because people tend to concentrate in other
issues other than the problem I'm trying tom solve. In this case it
back fired. I didn't mean programing the PIC I meant controlling the
pic or talking to pic through the PC. For example build a simple C or
C++ program on the PC that waits for an user input. For the sake of
the example lets say that the users has to type LED ON and when he/she
press enter on the PC the C program goes and send a code to the PIC
through the an USB wire. The pic receives the code and then turns on
the LED.Then the PIC send a message back to the PC to say hey I
receive the message.
My idea was to build a simple robot. The robot would have a pic
micro that does some basic control like controlling the motors,
detecting obstacles through IR detectors, counting disstance travel
and comunicating through the PC. The pic would send a signal through
amube a radio transmiter to a radio receiver that is hook up to the
PC. The radio receiver is also control by another PIC. The message
send by the PIC in the robot should be simple. Maybe a hex code that
says there is an object in front of my and the distance that it had
travel. Now, there should be a program on the pc (probably a C++
program since its free and thats the language I know) that acts as the
brains of the robot. The program calculates current positions, path
finding and keeps traks of objects found by the robot. Once the PC
finds a solution it tells the PIC trhat controls the radio to tell the
robot what to do. FOr example, send a series of hex codes that is
equivalent to how to move. Something like turn lesf then go foward 3
feet, then turn right go foward 5 inches then turn right and travel
another 3 feet and finally turn left and you have cleared the obstacle.
The thing is I could probably figure out how to do the navigation
and motr control and what not. There are many examples everywhere.
What I cannot find good information on is how to interface any pic to
a PC though the USB port. Well, the wiring is available but how to
program that is the problem.
> Have you tried this site:
>
>
> http://www.rentron.com/Myke5.htm
>
>
> It doesn't get much easier and it may just be that tutorial you're
> looking for.
>
> HangGlider
>

(You need to be a member of piclist -- send a blank email to piclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )Re: Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Norm Carlberg - Jul 22 23:25:57 2006
Sorry, previous post was for speedy USB.
Easier USB control is through an emulated serial port.
http://www.ftdichip.com/
another option
http://www.ghielectronics.com/USBwiz.htm
Norm
----- Original Message -----
From: Norm Carlberg
To: p...@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2006 10:12 PM
Subject: Re: [piclist] Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc?
MAX3420E keeps showing up in projects.
Latest is in Aug 06 Circuit Cellar
Norm
----- Original Message -----
From: mr_gees100_peas
To: p...@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2006 9:46 PM
Subject: [piclist] Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc?
--- In p...@yahoogroups.com, Arlen Fletcher
wrote:
>
Hi,
I guess I should had been more specific. SOmetimes I don't want to
give too much information because people tend to concentrate in other
issues other than the problem I'm trying tom solve. In this case it
back fired. I didn't mean programing the PIC I meant controlling the
pic or talking to pic through the PC. For example build a simple C or
C++ program on the PC that waits for an user input. For the sake of
the example lets say that the users has to type LED ON and when he/she
press enter on the PC the C program goes and send a code to the PIC
through the an USB wire. The pic receives the code and then turns on
the LED.Then the PIC send a message back to the PC to say hey I
receive the message.
My idea was to build a simple robot. The robot would have a pic
micro that does some basic control like controlling the motors,
detecting obstacles through IR detectors, counting disstance travel
and comunicating through the PC. The pic would send a signal through
amube a radio transmiter to a radio receiver that is hook up to the
PC. The radio receiver is also control by another PIC. The message
send by the PIC in the robot should be simple. Maybe a hex code that
says there is an object in front of my and the distance that it had
travel. Now, there should be a program on the pc (probably a C++
program since its free and thats the language I know) that acts as the
brains of the robot. The program calculates current positions, path
finding and keeps traks of objects found by the robot. Once the PC
finds a solution it tells the PIC trhat controls the radio to tell the
robot what to do. FOr example, send a series of hex codes that is
equivalent to how to move. Something like turn lesf then go foward 3
feet, then turn right go foward 5 inches then turn right and travel
another 3 feet and finally turn left and you have cleared the obstacle.
The thing is I could probably figure out how to do the navigation
and motr control and what not. There are many examples everywhere.
What I cannot find good information on is how to interface any pic to
a PC though the USB port. Well, the wiring is available but how to
program that is the problem.
> Have you tried this site:
>
>
> http://www.rentron.com/Myke5.htm
>
>
> It doesn't get much easier and it may just be that tutorial you're
> looking for.
>
> HangGlider
>

(You need to be a member of piclist -- send a blank email to piclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - mr_gees100_peas - Jul 23 0:08:14 2006
--- In p...@yahoogroups.com, "Norm Carlberg"
wrote:
>
> Sorry, previous post was for speedy USB.
> Easier USB control is through an emulated serial port.
> http://www.ftdichip.com/
> another option
> http://www.ghielectronics.com/USBwiz.htm
Thanks. This is a hell of a good starting point.
> Norm
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Norm Carlberg
> To: p...@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2006 10:12 PM
> Subject: Re: [piclist] Re: what is the easiest way to control a
pic from a pc?
>
> MAX3420E keeps showing up in projects.
>
> Latest is in Aug 06 Circuit Cellar
>
> Norm
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: mr_gees100_peas
> To: p...@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2006 9:46 PM
> Subject: [piclist] Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic
from a pc?
> --- In p...@yahoogroups.com, Arlen Fletcher wrote:
> > Hi,
>
> I guess I should had been more specific. SOmetimes I don't want to
> give too much information because people tend to concentrate in
other
> issues other than the problem I'm trying tom solve. In this case it
> back fired. I didn't mean programing the PIC I meant controlling the
> pic or talking to pic through the PC. For example build a simple
C or
> C++ program on the PC that waits for an user input. For the sake of
> the example lets say that the users has to type LED ON and when
he/she
> press enter on the PC the C program goes and send a code to the PIC
> through the an USB wire. The pic receives the code and then turns on
> the LED.Then the PIC send a message back to the PC to say hey I
> receive the message.
>
> My idea was to build a simple robot. The robot would have a pic
> micro that does some basic control like controlling the motors,
> detecting obstacles through IR detectors, counting disstance travel
> and comunicating through the PC. The pic would send a signal through
> amube a radio transmiter to a radio receiver that is hook up to the
> PC. The radio receiver is also control by another PIC. The message
> send by the PIC in the robot should be simple. Maybe a hex code that
> says there is an object in front of my and the distance that it had
> travel. Now, there should be a program on the pc (probably a C++
> program since its free and thats the language I know) that acts
as the
> brains of the robot. The program calculates current positions, path
> finding and keeps traks of objects found by the robot. Once the PC
> finds a solution it tells the PIC trhat controls the radio to
tell the
> robot what to do. FOr example, send a series of hex codes that is
> equivalent to how to move. Something like turn lesf then go foward 3
> feet, then turn right go foward 5 inches then turn right and travel
> another 3 feet and finally turn left and you have cleared the
obstacle.
>
> The thing is I could probably figure out how to do the navigation
> and motr control and what not. There are many examples everywhere.
> What I cannot find good information on is how to interface any
pic to
> a PC though the USB port. Well, the wiring is available but how to
> program that is the problem.
> > Have you tried this site:
> >
> >
> > http://www.rentron.com/Myke5.htm
> >
> >
> > It doesn't get much easier and it may just be that tutorial
you're
> > looking for.
> >
> > HangGlider
>
to unsubscribe, go to http://www.yahoogroups.com and follow the instructions

(You need to be a member of piclist -- send a blank email to piclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )Re: Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Alan Marconett - Jul 23 16:39:33 2006
Hi Arlen,
I'm looking to control stepper motors (CNC) via USB. I was just told
about this site that gets you up and going with a CDC example for USB.
http://pic18fusb.online.fr/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=CdcCOMx
You could start with RS-232, and then "step up" to USB using this approach.
If I was going for a wireless link, I'd use AX.25 packet protocol (I'm a
Ham).
Alan KM6VV
mr_gees100_peas wrote:
> --- In p...@yahoogroups.com, Arlen Fletcher
wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I guess I should had been more specific. SOmetimes I don't want to
> give too much information because people tend to concentrate in other
> issues other than the problem I'm trying tom solve. In this case it
> back fired. I didn't mean programing the PIC I meant controlling the
> pic or talking to pic through the PC. For example build a simple C or
> C++ program on the PC that waits for an user input. For the sake of
> the example lets say that the users has to type LED ON and when he/she
> press enter on the PC the C program goes and send a code to the PIC
> through the an USB wire. The pic receives the code and then turns on
> the LED.Then the PIC send a message back to the PC to say hey I
> receive the message.
>
> My idea was to build a simple robot. The robot would have a pic
> micro that does some basic control like controlling the motors,
> detecting obstacles through IR detectors, counting disstance travel
> and comunicating through the PC. The pic would send a signal through
> amube a radio transmiter to a radio receiver that is hook up to the
> PC. The radio receiver is also control by another PIC. The message
> send by the PIC in the robot should be simple. Maybe a hex code that
> says there is an object in front of my and the distance that it had
> travel. Now, there should be a program on the pc (probably a C++
> program since its free and thats the language I know) that acts as the
> brains of the robot. The program calculates current positions, path
> finding and keeps traks of objects found by the robot. Once the PC
> finds a solution it tells the PIC trhat controls the radio to tell the
> robot what to do. FOr example, send a series of hex codes that is
> equivalent to how to move. Something like turn lesf then go foward 3
> feet, then turn right go foward 5 inches then turn right and travel
> another 3 feet and finally turn left and you have cleared the obstacle.
>
> The thing is I could probably figure out how to do the navigation
> and motr control and what not. There are many examples everywhere.
> What I cannot find good information on is how to interface any pic to
> a PC though the USB port. Well, the wiring is available but how to
> program that is the problem.
>
>>Have you tried this site:
>>http://www.rentron.com/Myke5.htm
>>It doesn't get much easier and it may just be that tutorial you're
>>looking for.
>>
>>HangGlider
>>
> to unsubscribe, go to http://www.yahoogroups.com and follow the instructions
>

(You need to be a member of piclist -- send a blank email to piclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Allan Lane - Aug 8 14:27:48 2006
Agreed. The simplist way to talk to a PIC from a PC is to use RS-
232. Most PIC language implementations have some serial RS-232
protocol keywords or library calls.
And even if you ultimately use USB, the USB port tends to look to
the PC like another RS-232 port anyway.
--- In p...@yahoogroups.com, Alan Marconett
wrote:
>
> Hi Arlen,
>
> I'm looking to control stepper motors (CNC) via USB. I was just
told
> about this site that gets you up and going with a CDC example for
USB.
>
> http://pic18fusb.online.fr/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=CdcCOMx
>
> You could start with RS-232, and then "step up" to USB using this
approach.
>
> If I was going for a wireless link, I'd use AX.25 packet protocol
(I'm a
> Ham).
>
> Alan KM6VV
>
> mr_gees100_peas wrote:
> > --- In p...@yahoogroups.com, Arlen Fletcher wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > I guess I should had been more specific. SOmetimes I don't
want to
> > give too much information because people tend to concentrate in
other
> > issues other than the problem I'm trying tom solve. In this case
it
> > back fired. I didn't mean programing the PIC I meant controlling
the
> > pic or talking to pic through the PC. For example build a simple
C or
> > C++ program on the PC that waits for an user input. For the sake
of
> > the example lets say that the users has to type LED ON and when
he/she
> > press enter on the PC the C program goes and send a code to the
PIC
> > through the an USB wire. The pic receives the code and then
turns on
> > the LED.Then the PIC send a message back to the PC to say hey I
> > receive the message.
> >
> > My idea was to build a simple robot. The robot would have a
pic
> > micro that does some basic control like controlling the motors,
> > detecting obstacles through IR detectors, counting disstance
travel
> > and comunicating through the PC. The pic would send a signal
through
> > amube a radio transmiter to a radio receiver that is hook up to
the
> > PC. The radio receiver is also control by another PIC. The
message
> > send by the PIC in the robot should be simple. Maybe a hex code
that
> > says there is an object in front of my and the distance that it
had
> > travel. Now, there should be a program on the pc (probably a C++
> > program since its free and thats the language I know) that acts
as the
> > brains of the robot. The program calculates current positions,
path
> > finding and keeps traks of objects found by the robot. Once the
PC
> > finds a solution it tells the PIC trhat controls the radio to
tell the
> > robot what to do. FOr example, send a series of hex codes that is
> > equivalent to how to move. Something like turn lesf then go
foward 3
> > feet, then turn right go foward 5 inches then turn right and
travel
> > another 3 feet and finally turn left and you have cleared the
obstacle.
> >
> > The thing is I could probably figure out how to do the
navigation
> > and motr control and what not. There are many examples
everywhere.
> > What I cannot find good information on is how to interface any
pic to
> > a PC though the USB port. Well, the wiring is available but how
to
> > program that is the problem.
> >
> >>Have you tried this site:
> >>
> >>
> >>http://www.rentron.com/Myke5.htm
> >>
> >>
> >>It doesn't get much easier and it may just be that tutorial
you're
> >>looking for.
> >>
> >>HangGlider
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > to unsubscribe, go to http://www.yahoogroups.com and follow the
instructions
> >

(You need to be a member of piclist -- send a blank email to piclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )RE: Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Alan Marconett - Aug 8 15:25:20 2006
Hi Allan,
That's certainly true! The CDC class appears to do just that. However I
was of the impression that the original poster (Arlen) wanted USB. Still
might be a good idea to get RS-232 running first, then "step up" to USB.
One could use one of the FTDI chips, although I'm inclined to go with the
18F4550. The boot loader might be a good idea also. Then the program can
be downloaded over USB. Could also download over RS-232, of course.
Alan KM6VV
> -----Original Message-----
> From: p...@yahoogroups.com [mailto:p...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
> Of Allan Lane
> Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 11:28 AM
> To: p...@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [piclist] Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc?
>
> Agreed. The simplist way to talk to a PIC from a PC is to use RS-
> 232. Most PIC language implementations have some serial RS-232
> protocol keywords or library calls.
>
> And even if you ultimately use USB, the USB port tends to look to
> the PC like another RS-232 port anyway.
>
> --- In p...@yahoogroups.com, Alan Marconett
wrote:
> >
> > Hi Arlen,
> >
> > I'm looking to control stepper motors (CNC) via USB. I was just
> told
> > about this site that gets you up and going with a CDC example for
> USB.
> >
> > http://pic18fusb.online.fr/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=CdcCOMx
> >
> > You could start with RS-232, and then "step up" to USB using this
> approach.
> >
> > If I was going for a wireless link, I'd use AX.25 packet protocol
> (I'm a
> > Ham).
> >
> > Alan KM6VV
to unsubscribe, go to http://www.yahoogroups.com and follow the instructions

(You need to be a member of piclist -- send a blank email to piclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )Re: Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Lez - Aug 9 5:21:25 2006
> although I'm inclined to go with the
> 18F4550. The boot loader might be a good idea also. Then the program can
> be downloaded over USB. Could also download over RS-232, of course.
>
> Alan KM6VV
Hi
Sorry for a little thread jacking but the answer to my question may
help others searching the archives in the future, I have just got a
pair of 4550's and this loading over usb with a boot loader looks
interesting, it sounds like I could speed up development if I'm not
constantly swapping the chip out the prototype board back into the
programmer to put it back into the prototype etc ect
How do I do it (sorry for a newbie type question)
My old programmer died about a month ago, I just took delivery of a
willem this morning and now need to find a way to connect that to it.
If I only need to do it once to burn a boot loader into it and then
usb from then on, that would be great solution for quick one-offs.
failing that it has an isp connector, with the usual gnd,vpp,vcc, rb6
rb7, can I just solder a few flyleads on a 4550 and burn it that way
and then go usb-bootloader.
Lez
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Re: Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Dennis Clark - Aug 9 10:57:33 2006
I tend to use the ISP for on board programming. With access to a
programmer that does ISP there is no real advantage to using a
bootloader which usually requires the use of another custom program
anyway. Just solder the header to the board and go.
DLC
Lez wrote:
>> although I'm inclined to go with the
>> 18F4550. The boot loader might be a good idea also. Then the program can
>> be downloaded over USB. Could also download over RS-232, of course.
>>
>> Alan KM6VV
>
> Hi
>
> Sorry for a little thread jacking but the answer to my question may
> help others searching the archives in the future, I have just got a
> pair of 4550's and this loading over usb with a boot loader looks
> interesting, it sounds like I could speed up development if I'm not
> constantly swapping the chip out the prototype board back into the
> programmer to put it back into the prototype etc ect
>
> How do I do it (sorry for a newbie type question)
>
> My old programmer died about a month ago, I just took delivery of a
> willem this morning and now need to find a way to connect that to it.
>
> If I only need to do it once to burn a boot loader into it and then
> usb from then on, that would be great solution for quick one-offs.
>
> failing that it has an isp connector, with the usual gnd,vpp,vcc, rb6
> rb7, can I just solder a few flyleads on a 4550 and burn it that way
> and then go usb-bootloader.
>
> Lez
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RE: USB BOOT, was Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Alan Marconett - Aug 9 12:16:38 2006
HI Lez,
Follow all the threads on this URL, and you'll learn much! Ways to build up
a bootable PIC, and the PC apps to go with it.
http://pic18fusb.online.fr/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=CdcCOMx
In it there are links to the MicroChip site, where you'll find ZIPs of
MCHPFSUSB, the files for the MicroChip PICDEM FS USB board.
Get the boot loader on the PIC; then you can use the PC downloader program.
No reason why you can't use ICD2 or other to program it the first time.
Circuit here for getting the USB stuff set up to look like a PICDEM board.
More then you need to work with the USB, 'tho.
http://www.burger-web.com/Projects/PIC18F4550USB/en_PIC18UsbBoard.htm.en
Gerhard also has a CNC project that uses USB and the 18F4550 that I'm
looking into. I have a board and firmware (programmed PIC) ordered. There
is a TON of info and source code on this site. Not all the pages are
translated to English, but don't let that stop you. Much to download. PC
app in Delphi I believe. I like C.
The MicroChip URL for the PICDEM board.
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&
dDocName=en021940
This site takes you through a PC application in Visual C and Visual BASIC.
Also some background on USB. It's the one I'm studying.
http://www.comvcon.com/
Jan Axelson's URL. New Mass Storage class book out. Where's the CDC class
book or info?
http://www.lvr.com/
The Create URL has a USB project and HID example. Also a simplified PICDEM
schematic. Good links! But watch for the S2 switch, I think they put it on
a DIFFERENT pin then PICDEM does. (Well, SOMEBODY is using a different
pin).
http://www.create.ucsb.edu/~dano/CUI/
Some PIC and C info here as well. Boot loader for '452.
http://www.microchipc.com./
If you're after CNC, Bert has a controller program and firmware (PIC) to run
it over USB. I've got this running, but there's no source code here.
Schematic for a simple board, 'tho.
http://www.usbcnc.com/
Any more good ones out there? I'd like to hear!
Alan KM6VV
>
> > although I'm inclined to go with the
> > 18F4550. The boot loader might be a good idea also. Then the program
> can
> > be downloaded over USB. Could also download over RS-232, of course.
> >
> > Alan KM6VV
> Hi
>
> Sorry for a little thread jacking but the answer to my question may
> help others searching the archives in the future, I have just got a
> pair of 4550's and this loading over usb with a boot loader looks
> interesting, it sounds like I could speed up development if I'm not
> constantly swapping the chip out the prototype board back into the
> programmer to put it back into the prototype etc ect
>
> How do I do it (sorry for a newbie type question)
>
> My old programmer died about a month ago, I just took delivery of a
> willem this morning and now need to find a way to connect that to it.
>
> If I only need to do it once to burn a boot loader into it and then
> usb from then on, that would be great solution for quick one-offs.
>
> failing that it has an isp connector, with the usual gnd,vpp,vcc, rb6
> rb7, can I just solder a few flyleads on a 4550 and burn it that way
> and then go usb-bootloader.
>
> Lez
>
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RE: Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Alan Marconett - Aug 9 12:46:30 2006
Hi Dennis,
True. I use the ICD2, and find it very fast to reprogram a PIC. I think
the advantage of a boot loader is AFTER the product is installed. But good
for a very low cost approach to working with a PIC (no programmer!).
It just so happens that the PICDEM FS USB board and its support files DO go
into the Boot, which is nice. The boot code is also a simple example of
USB. The demo is good too!
Alan KM6VV
> Of Dennis Clark
>
> I tend to use the ISP for on board programming. With access to a
> programmer that does ISP there is no real advantage to using a
> bootloader which usually requires the use of another custom program
> anyway. Just solder the header to the board and go.
>
> DLC
>
> Lez wrote:
> >> although I'm inclined to go with the
> >> 18F4550. The boot loader might be a good idea also. Then the program
> can
> >> be downloaded over USB. Could also download over RS-232, of course.
> >>
> >> Alan KM6VV
> >
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Re: Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Dennis Clark - Aug 9 13:00:31 2006
Alan,
I too have the FS USB PICDem board and have noted the bootloader over
the USB, I guess that they use that as a further example of using a USB.
And of course you are correct, the bootloader is essential for field
upgrades. Love the "circle the mouse" demo. If ever a workable IDE
exists on a Mac or Linux box the the bootloader would also be great
since getting the ICD2 to work on anything but Windows native has been,
so far, a bust.
I've been trying to see if MC can help me with CDC driver information
on ANYTHING but a Wintel PC, but no joy there. I've heard it rumored
that setting up CDC drivers on a Mac is easier than on a Wintel, but
heck, all you need to do to flesh out the CDC on the Wintel is fiddle
with an .inf text file on the PC, so, what is needed on a Mac?
have fun,
DLC
Alan Marconett wrote:
> Hi Dennis,
>
> True. I use the ICD2, and find it very fast to reprogram a PIC. I think
> the advantage of a boot loader is AFTER the product is installed. But good
> for a very low cost approach to working with a PIC (no programmer!).
>
> It just so happens that the PICDEM FS USB board and its support files DO go
> into the Boot, which is nice. The boot code is also a simple example of
> USB. The demo is good too!
>
> Alan KM6VV
>>Of Dennis Clark
>>
>>I tend to use the ISP for on board programming. With access to a
>>programmer that does ISP there is no real advantage to using a
>>bootloader which usually requires the use of another custom program
>>anyway. Just solder the header to the board and go.
>>
>>DLC
>>
>>Lez wrote:
>>
>>>>although I'm inclined to go with the
>>>>18F4550. The boot loader might be a good idea also. Then the program
>>
>>can
>>
>>>>be downloaded over USB. Could also download over RS-232, of course.
>>>>
>>>>Alan KM6VV
>>>
> to unsubscribe, go to http://www.yahoogroups.com and follow the instructions
>

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RE: Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Alan Marconett - Aug 9 13:29:36 2006
Hi Dennis,
Yes, I'm having fun! I haven't actually ported my stepper code or anything
over to work under USB, but I guess that's next. The Visual C++ side on
things on the PC will slow me down.
Other thought was to write a DOS driver to do CDC (or HID, anything!), but
that may be a lost cause. It's probably NOT the way to expand my knowledge
and all that. Only reason for me to do it would be to allow my CNC
controller program (which runs under DOS) to use USB to generate step
pulses. Maybe just run in a window? I know. Move on! I did really enjoy
writing it. Learned a LOT.
Sorry about Mac and Linux. Can't help you there. I thought Linux supported
USB already? Debian?? I have it, but haven't fired it up (alternate boot)
for months. The IDE would be a problem, 'tho.
Alan
> Of Dennis Clark
>
> Alan,
>
> I too have the FS USB PICDem board and have noted the bootloader over
> the USB, I guess that they use that as a further example of using a USB.
> And of course you are correct, the bootloader is essential for field
> upgrades. Love the "circle the mouse" demo. If ever a workable IDE
> exists on a Mac or Linux box the the bootloader would also be great
> since getting the ICD2 to work on anything but Windows native has been,
> so far, a bust.
>
> I've been trying to see if MC can help me with CDC driver information
> on ANYTHING but a Wintel PC, but no joy there. I've heard it rumored
> that setting up CDC drivers on a Mac is easier than on a Wintel, but
> heck, all you need to do to flesh out the CDC on the Wintel is fiddle
> with an .inf text file on the PC, so, what is needed on a Mac?
>
> have fun,
> DLC
>
> Alan Marconett wrote:
> > Hi Dennis,
> >
> > True. I use the ICD2, and find it very fast to reprogram a PIC. I
> think
> > the advantage of a boot loader is AFTER the product is installed. But
> good
> > for a very low cost approach to working with a PIC (no programmer!).
> >
> > It just so happens that the PICDEM FS USB board and its support files DO
> go
> > into the Boot, which is nice. The boot code is also a simple example of
> > USB. The demo is good too!
> >
> > Alan KM6VV
> >
> >
> >>Of Dennis Clark
> >>
> >>I tend to use the ISP for on board programming. With access to a
> >>programmer that does ISP there is no real advantage to using a
> >>bootloader which usually requires the use of another custom program
> >>anyway. Just solder the header to the board and go.
> >>
> >>DLC
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Re: Re: what is the easiest way to control a pic from a pc? - Dennis Clark - Aug 9 13:39:21 2006
It isn't so much support for USB, but MC support for drivers on anything
but a Wintel PC. I guess I'll just have to do that all by myself.
DLC
Alan Marconett wrote:
> Hi Dennis,
>
> Yes, I'm having fun! I haven't actually ported my stepper code or anything
> over to work under USB, but I guess that's next. The Visual C++ side on
> things on the PC will slow me down.
>
> Other thought was to write a DOS driver to do CDC (or HID, anything!), but
> that may be a lost cause. It's probably NOT the way to expand my knowledge
> and all that. Only reason for me to do it would be to allow my CNC
> controller program (which runs under DOS) to use USB to generate step
> pulses. Maybe just run in a window? I know. Move on! I did really enjoy
> writing it. Learned a LOT.
>
> Sorry about Mac and Linux. Can't help you there. I thought Linux supported
> USB already? Debian?? I have it, but haven't fired it up (alternate boot)
> for months. The IDE would be a problem, 'tho.
>
> Alan
>
>>Of Dennis Clark
>>
>>Alan,
>>
>> I too have the FS USB PICDem board and have noted the bootloader over
>>the USB, I guess that they use that as a further example of using a USB.
>> And of course you are correct, the bootloader is essential for field
>>upgrades. Love the "circle the mouse" demo. If ever a workable IDE
>>exists on a Mac or Linux box the the bootloader would also be great
>>since getting the ICD2 to work on anything but Windows native has been,
>>so far, a bust.
>>
>> I've been trying to see if MC can help me with CDC driver information
>>on ANYTHING but a Wintel PC, but no joy there. I've heard it rumored
>>that setting up CDC drivers on a Mac is easier than on a Wintel, but
>>heck, all you need to do to flesh out the CDC on the Wintel is fiddle
>>with an .inf text file on the PC, so, what is needed on a Mac?
>>
>>have fun,
>>DLC
>>
>>Alan Marconett wrote:
>>
>>>Hi Dennis,
>>>
>>>True. I use the ICD2, and find it very fast to reprogram a PIC. I
>>
>>think
>>
>>>the advantage of a boot loader is AFTER the product is installed. But
>>
>>good
>>
>>>for a very low cost approach to working with a PIC (no programmer!).
>>>
>>>It just so happens that the PICDEM FS USB board and its support files DO
>>
>>go
>>
>>>into the Boot, which is nice. The boot code is also a simple example of
>>>USB. The demo is good too!
>>>
>>>Alan KM6VV
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>Of Dennis Clark
>>>>
>>>>I tend to use the ISP for on board programming. With access to a
>>>>programmer that does ISP there is no real advantage to using a
>>>>bootloader which usually requires the use of another custom program
>>>>anyway. Just solder the header to the board and go.
>>>>
>>>>DLC
>
> to unsubscribe, go to http://www.yahoogroups.com and follow the instructions
>

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