gnupic: DIY USB programmer ?
Subject:
Re: DIY USB programmer ?
From:
David Willmore ####@####.####
Date:
12 Jan 2005 19:47:14 +0000
Message-Id: <200501121947.j0CJl9kZ002999@localhost.localdomain>
> > Now, the only question/decision is to decide if we want to make this
> > design to be a 'bootstrap whatever PIC' or 'bootstrap *a* PIC to make
> > a *real* programmer for *your* PIC'. The software is a lot easier
> > for the latter, but the hardware is a little bit more complex--you
> > need a design that is both a bootstrap programmer and a real programmer.
>
> For the latter, you mean that it should be a programmer that
> * has the ability to 'bootstrap itself', ie. program the PIC for the
> intelligent part of the programmer using a non-intelligent "do it
> once" approach like what Byron is working on.
> * once bootstrapped can be used as a USB based general purpose hobby
> PIC programmer (maybe even as a production programmer if its not too
> much extra work)
Exactly. The 556 can be used in two places in the circuit--once for the
bootstrapper and once in a HV power supply switcher. That keeps the
micro from having to walk, chew gum, pat its head and rub its belly all
at once. ;)
> > For my part, I'm willing to make my code for a USB/RS-232 based semi-
> > intelligent programmer available. The 18F2550 should be available
> > for a few years and we'll see about porting it to whatever successor
> > it has when/if it goes away.
>
> I have a AN851 variant bootloader and Linux code for it. (A windows port
> is in progress.)
> As I'm currently working on that as part of my project, the code is
> maintained and could be used for the programmer if wanted.
A simple bootstrap programmer would be great. Once Byron comes up with
a final hardware design, I'll look into adding support for it to Pikdev--
I'll have to look into how to add a new backend so that the programmer
can be used in 'semi-intelligent' mode.
> > I'd like to see a design that will last a few years--maybe until the
> > time that USB phases out. :)
>
> Sounds good to me :)
:) Well, for my part, I'm going to try to finish up some Pikdev chip
support code (sorry Alain) and watch Byron work his magic! :)
Cheers,
David
