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mLoader Error - Unknown Chip Type

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 4:31 pm
by chipfryer27
Hi

Apologies if this is in the wrong area, I thought Flowcode V6 would be the best section. I did have a look around the forum and searched for similar issues but didn't see any too related.

I recently upgraded from V5 to V6, but haven't really had the time to explore all the new features of V6 yet. All software seemed to load OK and I was soon activated. V6 seems happy enough to talk to my EB006 and HP-488 boards when I have some "old favourite" chips installed such as a 16F877A.

The problem I'm now facing is that I wish to use a 18F45K80 chip. I've selected that from Target Chips and a very basic test routine works when simulated (flash LEDs). However when I Compile to Chip I get an mLoader Error - Unknown Chip Type. If I try and AutoDetect Chip Type that fails too.

I'm far from being an expert, and I'm probably doing something stupid, but all help appreciated. The great thing about Flowcode is that it allows non programmers like myself the opportunity to "code" :)

I'm running W7 and Flowcode V6.0.7.0

Thanks in advance.

Re: mLoader Error - Unknown Chip Type

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 4:58 pm
by Benj
Hello,

That chip is not currently directly supported by the EB006 multiprogrammer.

If you want to program that chip then your best bet is to buy a PICkit 3 programmer and use the ICSP socket on the EB006 or create your own PCB with ICSP socket to the chip.

Re: mLoader Error - Unknown Chip Type

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 5:47 pm
by chipfryer27
Hi

Thanks for the prompt reply.

Can I ask why Matrix have the 18F45K80 listed as compatible? I'm guessing that the 18F46K80 won't work either (as luck, possibly bad, has it I have a couple of those kicking around too).

Regards.

Re: mLoader Error - Unknown Chip Type

Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2014 9:43 pm
by kersing
You are looking at two products, Flowcode V6 with its compatibility list and the EB006 E-Block with its own compatibility list. Flowcode V6 is compatible with the chips you mention, the EB006 not.

Re: mLoader Error - Unknown Chip Type

Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 9:23 am
by chipfryer27
Hi

Thanks for your reply. I do appreciate the time people give to forums like these.

I'm far from an expert in using microcontrollers, and if and when I have a need I use Flowcode as it allows those of us with little programming knowledge to simply drag-and-drop. Fantastic product in my opinion. When I needed more features from a chip that I'm used to, I went to the Microchip "Maps" page to evaluate, then cross referenced with "Target Chips" to ensure I could do something with it. By that I mean compatible with Flowcode.

I didn't think it unreasonable to assume that if a chip is listed by Matrix as supported then I could use Flowcode to create code and also download it on to the chip using their programmer. Apparently this isn't the case which is a bit of a let down.

I would like to stress that I'm not a programmer and have little knowledge of C or such like. Uni was machine code and that was just a module or two a very long time ago, so a product like Flowcode is perfect for people like me. To follow on from Benj's reply, I'm assuming that I could use Flowcode to compile, then PicKit3 and whatever software that uses to load the code that Flowcode created? Seems a lot of bother and expense to just get more RAM than a 16F877a can give :) (yes I know it is a "mature" chip but my needs rarely change and I only use microcontrollers now and again).

I will look at PicKit3 but I'm not sure the added expense of obtaining such is warranted. If I do go down that route I'm sure I'll be posting more "helps" :) I'm off now to cross reference Flowcode vs EB006. If there is a better way to spend a Saturday I've not found it (how I miss Tiswas).

Thanks again for your time, it is appreciated.

HP-488 - PPP - Unknown Chip Type

Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2014 6:50 pm
by Mark
Ben,

The 16F886 is a supported chip for the HP-488 but when I try and program it using FC-6 v 6.0.9.0 it gives the pop up message:

Matrix PIC Microprogrammer
Unrecognised chip on Command Line <16F886>

The chip is then programmed without any problem. So not an immediate problem as such, but you should be aware of it.

The same happens with an unsupported chip, but then of course does not program.

Mark