What is the ICD2 operating system?

 

the reason i'm asking is , i'm wondering whether i need this ?
what does it do?
my inchworm came preprogrammed , with the bootloader,
is there a difference between the bootloader and ICD2 os?

 

The bootloader allows the computer to load the OS to the ICD2, different OS's are uploaded to the ICD2 for different ranges of chips - so, for example, if you switch from a 16F628 to an 18F series chip, then MPLAB will upload a new OS to the ICD2.

Although I wouldn't really call it an 'OS', it's just the programming software that runs on the ICD2.

__________________
PIC programmer software, and PIC Tutorials at:
http://www.winpicprog.co.uk

 

Thanks Nigel
do you use MPLAB , now that you have your inchworm?
I'm just looking to get a progam into my target chip.
MPLAB is confusing as all get out isnt it?

 

If i load OS in my PIC16F877A then my Microcontroller will locked?? I mean it will be password protected after loading OS into PIC16F877A??

 

I dont think so .
but i'm not sure what you mean?
if you are talking about your target chip , it will only be code protected if you set the code protection bits in the config word.
EDIT
i mean code protected

 

williBUr Inchworm working correcly now???

 

I've confirmed it all works, and blown a few PIC's with existing code, but that's about it so far. I'm still in a state of confusion at home at the moment, we had new heating installed and there's a lot of work following that - and we had to move loads of stuff, much of which is still in my attic!.

__________________
PIC programmer software, and PIC Tutorials at:
http://www.winpicprog.co.uk

 

Yes MPLAB recognizes it
but i am still having problems getting the program into the target chip
my target is a 16F877A BTW

 

There is a fair degree of complexity that cannot be advoided.

Given all the chip types and all the options associated with them MPLAB is not overly complicated.

As a rule I try to be nice, never nasty, and I will try to stick with that. I
suggested you download the OS in another thread and you come here asking what the OS was ?
If you had read the inchworm assembly document you would not be asking if you need the OS.

My next suggestion is that you do not use the Inchworm without one of the exact chips used in his "Hello World" poster. Doing so will make your first experience much easier.

About bootloader, OS, and debug executive.

What Nigel said is right but let me try to make it a bit clearer.

The bootlaoder is a small program that runs on the Inchworm 16F877. About the only thing it does is allow MPLAB to download sortware (the OS) into the 16F877. A 16F877 will not work in an inchworm without the bootloader.

The OS is loaded by MPLAB to the Inchworm 16F877. The OS is used to communicate with the target chip. The OS used is dependant on the target chip type. You need to download an OS once to start with. Each time you switch between PIC12, PIC16, and PIC18 you need to download a matching OS. Set the MPLAB interface to allow it to do so automatically.

The target chip has a program of its own known as a debug executive. The debug executive is used in conjunction with the onchip debug hardware to step, breakpoint, and run programs on the target. When you program a target MPLAB will download the debug executive for you if needed.

To recap.

• The Inchworm 16F877 must be programmed with a bootloader prior to using it with the Inchworm (ones supplied with kit have this).
• Once you get the Inchworm assembled you have to download the correct OS. See the assembly instruction.

 

Thank you for sticking with you gut feelings , and not being nasty
that was an excellent explaination
i shall set MPlab to automatically download the OS .
yes i read the assembly sheet from blueroom a bazillion times , its just not as clear as your explaination.
thanks again , i'll have another look at the "hello world "poster

 

Looking good.

The target chip is (on the target board or breadboard) connected to the Inchworm by the ICD cable. So you are saying that you are trying to program a 16F877A on your target board.

Yes as you said, go to the Inchworm Quick Project Poster. Follow the seven steps. Bill did a good job you should not have a problem.

If you do please include the text from the MPLAB OUTPUT window.

 

Nope, its fine. There would be no reason to lock it, afterall the .hex files come with MPLAB.

__________________
Bill
Smart Kits build Smart People
http://www.blueroomelectronics.com

 

Thanks, I've just added a couple of comments to it based on feedback from these forums.

__________________
Bill
Smart Kits build Smart People
http://www.blueroomelectronics.com

 

bill or 3V0
wher do i put " hello world" ?
step 3 of step 3 ?