Eraser
Member level 3
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2007
- Messages
- 63
- Helped
- 1
- Reputation
- 2
- Reaction score
- 1
- Trophy points
- 1,288
- Location
- Braga,Portugal
- Activity points
- 1,717
Computerman29 said:Greetings,
I built two of those and the biggest problem I had was to MAKE SURE THE TRANSISTORS ARE IN THE RIGHT WAY!!!!!!!!! I never had a problem with Windows not detecting. It may be the software not detecting. Unplug the programmer, start the software, then plug the programmer in. One LED will go on, then off. Then the other will go on , then off. Then click "DETECT PROGRAMMER". It should detect.
How did you program the firmware into the 18F2550? I used a JDM programmer and WinPic (NOT Winpic8000). It took several tries until I figured out to SLOW THE TIMING DOWN when programming the 16F2550, and program with 13V.
Also, double-check all of your connections - especially the traces that go between IC pins. It is very easy to solder-bridge those connections.
The brenner8 is an excellent, free USB programmer. Once debugged, it will work flawlessly. Good Luck!
Hope this helps,
Computerman29
Computerman29 said:Program Bootloader/Firmware into 18F2550.
(this file: b8_fw08a_boot10_ee.hex)
Plug the programmer into USB port
Windows should detect the programmer and ask for a driver.
Direct windows to the folder with the driver
Install driver and ignore any warnings.
The programmer should now be functional.
All future firmware updates are now done with the brenner and the software.
After you get it working, update the firmware to the latest version.
(this file: b8_fw_0_10.hex)
All .hex files are found in b8_fw.zip
Computerman29 said:Make absolutely sure the 2550 is inserted correctly, check all connections and parts to make sure they are inserted correctly. Use the SCHEMATIC (.sch), not the board (brd.) to debug. Compare the schematic to your board. There was an error in the board file. One or more transistors were backwards. I don't know if it was corrected or not so use the schematic.
Compare the schematic to your datasheets for the parts you use. Maybe not what you think? Eg. transistors BCE insted of EBC? Also check diodes.
If you still can't get it to work, maybe a bad cable? Or cable too long? Or maybe your computer does not have enough power in USB port? Plug the USB into the back of the computer and NOT into front panel.
I'm still guessing the 2550 is not properly programmed. It is tricky. It took me several tries to get right. Tell your friend to verify two or more times and slow the timing down when programming the 2550. Maybe increase Vpp?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?