Can't get Flowcode5 to work with Pickit3

[Wags]

Sorry, but for some reason I can't post to the Flowcode 5 section. It just tells me I can't post there, and gives no solution.

I have used Flowcode 5 with the Pickit 3 on my desktop, and now am trying to get my laptop to work with it. In order to get my desktop working, I had to search all over to find the parameters for the programmer. I don't understand why these wouldn't get setup automatically when you chose Pickit3 as the programmer location. I thought this software was supposed to make programming easier.

I have set up all the parameters in the software on my laptop just like I have them on my desktop, and am using the same Pickit3, and am having no luck. Here is the end of the compiler message I get:

ROM available:65536 bytes, used:1002 bytes (1.6%), free:64534 bytes (98.4%)

success
Return code = 0
Launching the programmer...
C:\Program Files (x86)\Flowcode\v5\Tools\PICkit3\PK3CMD.exe -P18F26K22 -FWeekly_Timer_Com_A.hex -E -M -Y


Initialize Failed !!!Return code = 1
Flowcode was unable to transfer the flowchart to the microcontroller. Check the programmer options and physical connections.


FINISHED

I have not been able to find any help online for this issue. This is very frustrating to pay for this software, and have so many issues just getting it up and running. It seems it should work better with the Pickit 3, as it seems to be very popular.

I would appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks in advance,
Mark

[Enamul]

Hi,
Can you please tell us which os you are using in laptop and pc? Like are both 64 bit or 32 bit. Please don't feel so bad. Your problem will be solved soon.

[Wags]

Enamul, thanks for the fast response. I didn't think these forums were watched that close.

I am using Windows 7, 64 bit on both PC's.

Thanks,
Mark

[dazz]

Hi
heres a few threads that may help

http://www.matrixmultimedia.com/support ... .php?t=565

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=11562&p=42471&hilit=pickit+3+target+voltage#p42471

http://www.matrixmultimedia.com/mmforum ... t+3#p43280

Regards
Dazz

[dazz]

Hi

to sign up to the v5 forum follow this link http://www.matrixmultimedia.com/mmforum ... =46&t=9958

Regards
Dazz

[acestu]

Hi Dazz,

I use a pickit 3 and you need to change the parameters for the programmer as well as the application directory, this will depend upon your computers operating system.

this is the page that you need:

http://www.matrixmultimedia.com/support ... f=68&t=786


cheers
Acestu

[Wags]

Thanks for the help everyone, but I have tried the setup like acestu suggested, and it does the same thing. I have my desktop PC set up almost the same, but that doesn't work either.

dazz, I am not sure what you were pointing me to, but none of that mentions the PicKit 3.

Thanks anyway, Still looking for an answer.

Wags

[dazz]

Hi
the links in my first posts are about pickit3
the link in my other post is to allow you to sign yourself up to post in the v5 forums
sorry for anmy confusion

Regards
Dazz

[Wags]

Dazz, only one link in your post works. The first one just takes me to the general support page, it seems like there is a section missing after the word support.

And the second one just doesn't work at all.

The third one talks about using some type of EB064 vs an EB006.

Not seeing anything that helps me.

Sorry. Maybe I'm missing something.

Wags

[dazz]

Hi

try these links, for some reason they didnt workcsorry
http://www.matrixmultimedia.com/support ... .php?t=565
http://www.matrixmultimedia.com/mmforum ... age#p42471


Can you also use this link as it will allow you to post in the V5 forums http://www.matrixmultimedia.com/forum_upgrades.php

Regards
Dazz

[Wags]

Dazz, thanks, those links did work. I have already been to those pages, as that is how I got my desktop PC to work originally. The one link you sent was the same as the one that Acestu posted, except he posted the link to the Flocode 5 software link. Neither one of those settings fixes my issue.

And the other link you sent is talking about powering the chip with the PicKit3, and I am using an external power supply, so don't need that.

I should point out that I took a working bread boarded project from my desktop PC, and plugged it in to my Laptop, and it doesn't work. I am also using the exact program from my desktop, so no changes should need to be made on the project, or the program.

I would think it would have to be something else in the software settings, or my laptop’s ability to see the PicKit 3.

It amazes me that this company will not take tech support calls for a product like this. It’s not exactly cheap, and not as user friendly as I was expecting. A program that wants to take the headaches out of programing should ask what kind of programmer you are using, and have a selection box that upon checking the correct one, it sets up the parameters for you. Having to search forums just to get this software working is not exceptable.

Thanks again,
Wags

[Wags]

So, I'm guessing nobody has run into this problem before? Does anybody from Matrix watch these forums? Or don't they care about there customers?

Wags

[kersing]

1) To rule out a hardware/driver issue, can you successfully use PICkit3 on your laptop with the Microchip software (MPLAB) to program this chip? (If you have not tried, in MPLAB you can import the HEX file Flowcode generated to program it to your chip)
2) Have you taken your project back to the desktop to see if everything still works, to rule out possible connection issues on the breadboard?

[Wags]

I have gone back to the desk top PC, and it still works.

I havn't tried MPLAB, will try that when I get a chance.

Thaks,
Wags

[dan@ttl]

I was looking for the right place to post this but I guess this is as good a place as any. I run into some problem a week ago after I used the stand-alone application for Pickit3 to program a chip directly. After doing so, I lost the interface with Flowcode 5. After re-checking all the parameters, I still had the same problem. After searching this forum and Microchip, I found a fix: In Mplab, manually update the firmware of Pickit3. That solve my problem. Apparently, the standalone program automatically updates the firmware and somehow screwed up the Flowcode interface. Hope this helps someone.