Pic Bootloader and other questions.

[ron]

So
I have a working setup.
High Tech C 9.83 Pro
MpLab IDE 8.5
Pic 16F690 connected to PC via a USB to TTL Board.

I want to make it possible for people to flash the hex

Q1. Can I get a bootloader to work on PIC 16F690 (Google says No) lol.

Q2. If the answer to the above is no. We are considering the PIC16F1509 (Requirement is it has to be a 20 Pin PIC). But this chip is not listed in the chipinfo file in High Tech C. I have 9.83

Q3. The problem is I dont think my old high tech C compiler will support these new chips so have downloaded. latest version of XC8 which is 2.15 if I remember right.  But I cant seem to find any medicine that will fix it. I found the link discussing for Ver 1.3 no mention of the new version. And cant seem to find the old version of XC8

I am stuck on the last screen where it says Free / 60 Day Demo / Activation Key. Of the latest version.

Any help appreciated.

[Sideshow Bob]

The 16f690 do have a serial port and also if I remember correct it could also use low voltage programming voltage. Try this google search. https://www.google.com/search?q=serial+port+bootloader+microchip But you will most likely have to use a USB to serial converter at the PC end. Reagrding medicine for the XC compiler you will find medicine on this forum for sure. See this post http://www.sonsivri.to/forum/index.php?topic=68301.msg197056#msg197056

[ron]

Not feasible to do a new PCB just to get the boot loader working. Its not a bought PCB but Im not changing it to address this issue.

I did it with my Mplab ICD 2.

The circuit already has a USB to TTL board that the user uses to control and modify parameters on the Pic with via a windows GUI. I plan to use the same GUI to allow the customers to update hex. Or we will tell them to use a terminal.

 I have narrowed it down to two possible options one is the PIc16f1509 and the other is the 16F8346.
The Pic 16F690 does not have the ability to self program. As per the datasheet. I was hoping somebody would have a hack that would allow me to use it.

The 1509 advantage is that I do not need to fuss with a new compiler. And it will compile with my old high tech C
The problem with the 8346 is that I will need to get a new compiler and a new Pickit3 to program it. (Not a big deal). But getting the compiler and code to fit is another challenge. Hightech 9.83 was just brilliant then again its the only compiler I have used for pic.
Thank you for you inputs.
Yes I have read all the articles oh how boot loaders work. Got the High tech c sample code and its all worked on in my head at least.
The other challenge is now finding these pics in this pandemic. My regular vendors say they dont have them. May have to fly in a few for testing.
My major challenge for the day is to get the XC8 compiler working. But thanks to shideshowbob I have a lead.
I am pretty sure I went thru all the links but will start again and work my way backwards thru the posts.
Thank you for your inputs.

[Sideshow Bob]

I am pretty sure I went thru all the links but will start again and work my way backwards thru the posts.
Thank you for your inputs.

I used this « Reply #169 on: July 17, 2019, 11:14:50 11:14 » links should work tested it

[tumbleweed]

If I had a choice, I'd go with the 16f18346 pickit2 suggested. You'd have a lot more resources to play with, especially if you want to have a bootloader.

Even if you're stuck using the stock XC8 compiler, free mode allows optimization up to level 2 now so the code isn't that bad.

[towlerg]

Although Tiny Bootloader doesn't apparently support 16F690, it's web site http://www.etc.ugal.ro/cchiculita/software/picbootloader.htm does show a bunch of info re. bootloaders and lists some alternatives.

[Sideshow Bob]

In the long run it is better to use a proper programmer debugger like pickit 3 or better pickit 4. The 16f690 do not have onboard debugging logic like newer controllers. So cant debug it the easy way directly via the Pickit. It is also obsolete.

[ron]

To be honest the price is more or less the same.
1509 seems out for now because it has no eprom.

I love the 8346 but Proteus does not seem to support it.
Guess I will have to look into finding which version of Proteus supports these new pics or how to get support for the new pics into my old copy of Proteus. I am on 8.0 (Or find the required libs).
Getting XDC to work took me 2 days. Wonder what the Proteus drama will land up sinking.
As per
https://www.labcenter.com/documents/?700004
Proteus does not support the 8346

[towlerg]

"1509 seems out for now because it has no eprom. "

Most compilers allow you emulate EEPROM by using flash memory.

Labcenter seem to have lost interest in PIC devices, they're into Arduino these days. Odd choice for something soo expensive. To confirm I have the latest and 16f18346 is not supported.

[Manuel]

Exactly

..1509 feature

>Flash Program Memory with self read/write capability
>128 B of Non-volatile Data Storage

Almost all ready on XC.

take care,
X!

[ron]

Thanks to all of you what an amazing resource to be able to chat with you.
Your right Pic seems to be dead. And I for sure hate how complex its SPI implementation is.

Looks like AVR is the way to go. On all new projects.
But beating china prices is the real challenge.

[Manuel]

There is no need to beat China prices since applications can make the difference.

Just use your deep thinking to go over limits...

Price is not all !

Take care,
X!