We could check if there are known bugs in the release notes...
Also I noticed that I had multiple MPLAB intallations on my PC. I have recently removed the old versions and made a new complete installation.


I haven't noticed that! Probably they've removed some OLD devices??

 

hi Al,
Attached LED test program for 628A.
Displays "0123456789"

There a few commented lines.

Lets know.

EDIT: add errorlevel inhibit for assembler warning messages

Attached Files

AlsLCD1.asm (3.2 KB, 10 views)

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Thats Brilliant Eric,

Yeah thanks very much mate, as soon as I have solved the last problem I suddenly acquired I will try it (see my post "OOOPs") and let you know mate.

I have been trying my fallback programmer (JDM type) but sadly now, just to add to the confusion, IC-Prog has decided that it will not run on my system without strange errors "Privileged instruction" that it has never done before!

Just checking for viri now before I continue.

I will keep you updated..........Thanks again.........Al

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Have you enabled the XP driver (Settings->Options->Misc)?

 

Hi all,

Thanks eng1, I didn't notice that seeting, but sadly it hasn't helped after I set it.

Just cant seem to read / erase / program at all onto the 628A, it seems to run as soon as it goes into the programmer I think, can't stop it.

I even made a small ICSP board with a NC switch so as to be able to insert the 628A before allowing the 5v to it, I read in an above thread that this may help, but yet again no luck, I guess the 628A is just stubborn, or a staunch Union IC, 1 IC 1 job eh! hehehe

I will keep trying anyway, and at present am thinking of building another programmer with more control! Anyone got any suggestions of a good one?

Regards...............Al

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Hi Al,
Look here:
This works OK, you can either use the Oshonsoft software or Nigels parallel prommer software.

http://www.oshonsoft.com/picprog.html

Drop 'Wombweller' a PM he is using one.

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Bill's: www.blueroomelectronics.com/

 

Lots of people using the PICkit2 and my Junebug with some success.

If your a DIY I'm clearing out my orginal Inchworm (ICD2 compatible) PCBs for cheap.

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Hi guys,

Well at last I have got my programmer working! Win Pic seems to do the trick, and programs my 628A with no problem. Thanks Picasm.

Now the bad news, thanks to Eric's code I was able to see if there was any output to the LCD and sadly there isn't, so I have a problem somewhere.

I have even breadboarded the PIC to an LCD and the same result - no characters - just the blocks!

Now at least I have narrowed down the problem a bit, it surely must be something to do with the LCD connections, so I am going back to the datasheets for them to see if there is anything wrong - my god these straws are hard to clutch at hehehe.

Anyway thankyou to you all who have participated so far and allowed me to at least keep my sanity, if not my hair! hehehehe

I will keep updating the thread as I progress in case maybe someone in the future will get the same problem as this or maybe the same LCD screens.

Just a thought but could the fact that the design calls for a 2 x 16 LCD and mine are 2 x 20 be causing my grief, though I have also tried a 1 x 8 LCD though neither came with a datasheet, the connections seem fairly standard on LCDs or I hope so after all this trouble!

Thanks again folks, I don't know what I'de do without the help!

...............Al

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hi Al,
If you get to the point that you decide to use the LCF project as a 'door stop', pop the whole thing in the post to me,
I'll have a look.. you have my address.

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"Good enough is Perfect"

PIC tutorials:
Gramo's: www.digital-diy.net/
Bill's: www.blueroomelectronics.com/

 

Al,

Have you run Erick's code that changes the value of a single pin. I seen where you said it seemed to run away. Did it toggle the pin?

Maybe build some other tools first?

A programmer with ICD would a good tool for debugging. You could set breakpoints inside the LCD code and check the state of each line with a volt meter or a logic probe.

For 16F work a serial ICD2 is fast enough. Bill is closing out the the Inchworms ICD2's so the price is right. They are mostly a 16F877A, a few transistors, and a handful of resistors and caps. Uses code from Microchip's ICD2 so it will work with MPLAB as long as Microchip supports the ICD2.

A PICkit2 or Bills clone the Junebug is even better. It runs at USB speed and does double duty as a 3 channel logic analyzer. That would be nice for looking at the LCD control lines on the current project. 3 lines is not much but you would be suprised what you can do with it.

Peter Anderson has a PIC programed as a logic prob for under $3.
Or you can build an Mondo SuperProge which has 17 or 18 functions including LC. These use a 4 char 7 seg LED display.

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Hi Eric,

I may just do that if it doesn't end up being "embedded" in a wall somewhere. hehehe

Al

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Hi 3v0,

Some of that stuff sounds very interesting and probably is to many other members. How about some links to the projects?

As to the toggling pin, yes, but see my other posts, the LCD now seems likely suspect!

Regards...........Al

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$3 logic probe http://www.phanderson.com/logic_probe.html and order page
Super Probe http://mondo-technology.com/super.html
BlueroomElectronics http://www.blueroomelectronics.com/

That is some progress. I can not see the Erick's code while posting. Some displays like a hard reset prior to seeing any commands or data.

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One more thing I noticed in the schematic is that it has (omly) four pin for programming (mlcr-vss-pgd-pgc). Are you shure that you are connecting the PIC correctly?

Its worth checking. (also check that the crystal are installed correct with the right caps and stuff, I have made that mistake myself)

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Hi Guys,

Glad to say its sorted out at last!

It was finally Eric who said was I connecting R/W to ground!

No I wasn't, DOH! I followed the actual drawing and there is no connection for R/W but Eric spotted it on the schematic, I bet the damn thing was working OK days before I found out! hehehe Electronics eh!

Thanks again to all for the help..............Al

BTW the meter is superb and if you don't have one I would recommend building this one! Just don't forget to ground R/W

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