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Discussion Groups | Rabbit-Semi | Bootloader for RCM3700
This is a group for folks designing and programming embedded systems using the Rabbit Semiconductor C-programmable microcontroller. Rabbit Semi is a spin-off from Z-World who makes a variety of embedded modules and tools. This group is not affiliated with either Rabbit or Z-World, but is a user forum for sharing ideas, asking questions, flaunting knowledge, and other typical user group stuff. The Rabbit is a powerful uC, supported by a full-featured C-compiler.
Bootloader for RCM3700 - john...@softsmart.co.za - Mar 11 12:56:52 2008
Hi,
Does anyone know of the protocol used to reprogram rabbits (RCM3700)? I have seen some related threads here, but my problem is a little more specific (I think).
We install equipment on the gold mines of South Africa, and the problem is two-fold.
1) Our equipment is not easily accessible, ie, gold plants are highly secure areas and no laptops are allowed. Underground (3kms) is just a pain in the rear end.
2) Our rabbit boards do not all have a direct connection to the PC. They are hierachical. There are rabbit based controllers which control populations of rabbit based boards (RS485).
So, I need to try and implement a serial bootloader, but I have no idea how. We are placing atmel memory chips on the boards, so the plan is to have the PC software send the new program to the controller, and it will just write the new bin file to memory. Once this is done, we have a small pic that will take over and start the programing sequence. Once this is done, the updated controller will then 'pass on' this program to its population, and they will reprogram themselves in a similar way.
I am stuck on the programing protocol though. I know that the SMODE pins should be pulled high. I know that a bootloader is sent to the rabbit at 2400 baud, then a pilot is sent at 57600 baud, followed by the application at 115200 baud.
But I don't know exactly how to send it, and what replies come back from the rabbit.
Does anyone know how to do this, or where I can get some info on this?
Regards, and thanks,
John
(You need to be a member of rabbit-semi -- send a blank email to rabbit-semi-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )
Does anyone know of the protocol used to reprogram rabbits (RCM3700)? I have seen some related threads here, but my problem is a little more specific (I think).
We install equipment on the gold mines of South Africa, and the problem is two-fold.
1) Our equipment is not easily accessible, ie, gold plants are highly secure areas and no laptops are allowed. Underground (3kms) is just a pain in the rear end.
2) Our rabbit boards do not all have a direct connection to the PC. They are hierachical. There are rabbit based controllers which control populations of rabbit based boards (RS485).
So, I need to try and implement a serial bootloader, but I have no idea how. We are placing atmel memory chips on the boards, so the plan is to have the PC software send the new program to the controller, and it will just write the new bin file to memory. Once this is done, we have a small pic that will take over and start the programing sequence. Once this is done, the updated controller will then 'pass on' this program to its population, and they will reprogram themselves in a similar way.
I am stuck on the programing protocol though. I know that the SMODE pins should be pulled high. I know that a bootloader is sent to the rabbit at 2400 baud, then a pilot is sent at 57600 baud, followed by the application at 115200 baud.
But I don't know exactly how to send it, and what replies come back from the rabbit.
Does anyone know how to do this, or where I can get some info on this?
Regards, and thanks,
John
(You need to be a member of rabbit-semi -- send a blank email to rabbit-semi-subscribe@yahoogroups.com )