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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : programming PIC18F6680 with PICKIT3

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steveizett
Newbie

Joined: 15/05/2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 21

Posted: 02:28pm 27 Jul 2014

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I wonder if someone with experience programming various PIC chips can help me.
I am 8 years into building (approaching completion) a Glasair Super II RG Sport Aircraft.
It is powered by a Mazda 13B Rotary whose ignition and injection is controlled by a computer designed by Tracy Crook from Florida USA.
Rather than send the board to Florida for software upgrades Tracy now retired has provided the source code.

My problem is that, even though the code assembles without error through MPLABS and the PICKIT3 reports verification of the program she does not run as previous software versions have.
Basically engine refuses to start though onboard diagnostics show processor is running (fires injectors and coils)

I am questioning whether I have all the settings and config bits right.
The unit uses PIC18F6680 chips.

I have questions regarding:
1. Self powering the board with the PICKIT3 rather than external power?
2. Low voltage program config bit turned off according to the instructions ive been given?
3. Config Reg protection being set in the config bits again according to the instructions received?

Sincerely

Steve Izett
Perth WA

Lou

Senior Member

Joined: 01/02/2014
Location: United States
Posts: 229

Posted: 04:46pm 27 Jul 2014

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steveizett,

I don't know if it will help but I always use external power on the target when programming with the PICkit 3.

Sound like a great airplane though, good luck.

Lou

Microcontrollers - the other white meat

steveizett
Newbie

Joined: 15/05/2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 21

Posted: 04:28am 28 Jul 2014

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Thanks Lou
Ive now tried both pickit3 power and external with no change.
Did find today that when I asked for a verification the e2 reported an error?

I'll keep reading and playing.

Steve

Bryan1

Guru

Joined: 22/02/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 1395

Posted: 11:13am 28 Jul 2014

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Hi Steve,
Have you tried programming via MPLab IPE as I have found it just plain works where MPLabX won't even look like working.

steveizett
Newbie

Joined: 15/05/2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 21

Posted: 01:12pm 28 Jul 2014

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Hi Bryan
I have both MPLABX on my MacBook Pro and V8.66 from memory on an XP machine.
Having not been sure of the IPE I moved back to the 8.66 with the same results.
Not sure I'm getting everything right.
Steve

elproducts

Senior Member

Joined: 19/06/2011
Location: United States
Posts: 282

Posted: 04:49pm 28 Jul 2014

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Do you have the intended config settings?
If they weren't embedded in the code file then MPLAB X will use the default.

You can check the settings from the main menu:
Window>PIC Memory Views>Configuration Bits

Compare them to what they should be.

www.elproducts.com

steveizett
Newbie

Joined: 15/05/2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 21

Posted: 02:26am 29 Jul 2014

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Thanks
Yes. The author provided the configs and I worked out how to set them in MPLABS 8.66

I have received a new hex file from the author and having powered the board, erased and reprogrammed the processors the engine burst into life.
So I'm now proficient at programming the 18F6680 through MPLABS 8.66 and confirming the various memories with both 8.66 and MPLABX IPE.
So now I need to work out what was wrong in the first place.
Thanks people.

Steve Izett

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