PIC18F2550-I/SP programming issues

[dmitri]

The_JinJ, do you live far from Oxford?

[The_JinJ]

The_JinJ, do you live far from Oxford?

Glasgow.....

[dmitri]

Too far to come over.

[The_JinJ]

Too far to come over.

Yes unfortunately. I was going to ask if anyone in the UK has a programmer would flash a chip if I pay postage etc.....I'm unsure whether I will keep using PICs afterwards so buying a programmer isn't really economical....

[Firelord]

I think that something important is being overlooked here. I mean, too many people report this PIC programming issue. Maybe the reason for failure is that the computers used for programming are too fast?

I myself would probably try installing a fresh Windows XP/2000 system (via Virtual PC or a similar product) and try programming from there.

[dmitri]

As far as I remember all previous reported issues with programming PIC were caused by human errors.
Most of the people have no problems programming PICs except a few. And it fails with different PCs/COM ports. It says to me that the problem is elsewhere.
My PC is pretty fast and has no issues programming PIC.

The_JinJ, I can send you a programmed PIC18F2550 but:
1. If you have a problem on the board it may not help.
2. If it works, it will only solve the problem for you alone without finding the cause. How is it helpful to future DIYers here?

[The_JinJ]

As far as I remember all previous reported issues with programming PIC were caused by human errors.
Most of the people have no problems programming PICs except a few. And it fails with different PCs/COM ports. It says to me that the problem is elsewhere.
My PC is pretty fast and has no issues programming PIC.

The_JinJ, I can send you a programmed PIC18F2550 but:
1. If you have a problem on the board it may not help.
2. If it works, it will only solve the problem for you alone without finding the cause. How is it helpful to future DIYers here?

dmitri

I would LOVE to solve this myself!

I removed the PIC from the main circuit and used a breadboard to eliminate circuit problems - I have tried the same connections for low voltage programming as per your design and also suggested modified ones and high voltage programming alternative. I can't rule out the comm port as a problem although I am now using a different PC than initially. Voltages/resistances etc are all ok as per numerous threads on these forums. two different PICs were used to eliminate fried chips.

I am at a bit of a loss what to do next apart from either get a programmer or get a programmed chip.

The rest of the Megadrum circuit appears ok as I have flashed the ATMEGA, connected the analogue board and LCD and get responses from the piezos....

[dmitri]

Are you 100% sure that you configured WinPic correctly, i.e. you selected the right COM port and programmer type and haven't made any other changes in WinPic as described in http://www.megadrum.info/content/programming-mcus?
Are you 100% sure that the COM port is not faulty?

If both yes, how about this? You send me your board and the cable, I find what is wrong with them (or find that in fact something wrong with your PC/COM port/WinPic configuration if it is programmed without problems straight away) and then you contribute to the MegaDrum project in some way that you find appropriate?

[The_JinJ]

Are you 100% sure that you configured WinPic correctly, i.e. you selected the right COM port and programmer type and haven't made any other changes in WinPic as described in http://www.megadrum.info/content/programming-mcus?
Are you 100% sure that the COM port is not faulty?

If both yes, how about this? You send me your board and the cable, I find what is wrong with them (or find that in fact something wrong with your PC/COM port/WinPic configuration if it is programmed without problems straight away) and then you contribute to the MegaDrum project in some way that you find appropriate?

WinPic is setup as per docs (also tried WinPic800)

I can't be 100% sure comm port is at fault but this is second PC - voltages seem ok

I have removed the PIC from the board and have it on a breadboard so the fault lies with the PIC, circuit or (more likely) ME!

[marcjwebbmusic]

any joy with this? i am having the same programme fail everytime.

also i see people mention about the fuses, how can i check these in winpic and what do they do/used for?

regards

Marc