propeller flashing protocol

fezmonkey

I am not finding the documentation on how the propeller is loaded on power up. I need to make my own software (in C) that loads a binary file in the propeller RAM and run it.

Where do I find info on this?

Also, do you guys know if built-in-loader has commands to program the EEPROM or parallax cheat and load a software on power up that in turn programs the EEPROM?

hover1

·http://www.parallax.com/ProductInfo/Microcontrollers/PropellerGeneralInformation/PropellerDownloads/PropellentLibraryandExecutable/tabid/650/Default.aspx

·http://www.parallax.com/tabid/832/Default.aspx

fezmonkey

I can't use DLLs. I did find some python code but couldn't find any C code!

No one has made a linux/mac loader for propeller? Maybe in java?

I guess I have to figure out the 3-bit protocol on my own...

Thanks guys

Kye

Here's the bootloader, and heres the prop loader code.

Its everything you need to figure out what to do. I would just read the prop loader code as it is what your application will have to do. The bootloader code is the thing that boots the prop chip.

You know, someone else asked these same questions before. You should search the forum for this topic and PM that person.

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Nyamekye,

Andrey Demenev

I use the attached code in a QT application. It is C++, not C, but could give you a starting point.

The code only loads to RAM. If you wish to load into EEPROM, you need to send a different command, and also allow some delay for EEPROM write and verify.

Andrey Demenev

And here is my interpretation of the protocol:

http://forums.parallaxinc.com/forums/default.aspx?f=25&m=420881&p=1#m421143
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=875516#post875516

fezmonkey

Thanks for all the help. I think I understand what is going on now but can someone correct me if I am wrong.

On power up, the host has to send 250 bit of LFSR. These are constant array (correct?) but to save memory, they are calculated on power up.
Now, once the propers receives the numbers and they are correct, the will now send its own 250 bit LFSR which is a constant array (correct?) but the propeller calculates them at run-time to save on memory.

So in theory, it is easier to just have a constant array in my program for the LFSR so I wouldn't have to calculate it every time, correct?

Finally, after propeller and host exchange and verify the LFSR, a simple command can be sent to load the program in ram.

BradC

fezmonkey said...

No one has made a linux/mac loader for propeller? Maybe in java?

www.fnarfbargle.com/bst

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"I mean, if I went around sayin' I was an emperor just because some moistened bint had lobbed a scimitar at me they'd put me away!"

fezmonkey

I found that already but I was going after source code since I will be using this in an embedded project. I thought you only provide this compiled and source codes are available, right?

BradC

fezmonkey said...
Thanks for all the help. I think I understand what is going on now but can someone correct me if I am wrong.

On power up, the host has to send 250 bit of LFSR. These are constant array (correct?) but to save memory, they are calculated on power up.
Now, once the propers receives the numbers and they are correct, the will now send its own 250 bit LFSR which is a constant array (correct?) but the propeller calculates them at run-time to save on memory.

So in theory, it is easier to just have a constant array in my program for the LFSR so I wouldn't have to calculate it every time, correct?

It's easy to calculate the LFSR bit by bit as you send it. You can do it in a constant array, but it's not complex to calculate on the fly.

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"I mean, if I went around sayin' I was an emperor just because some moistened bint had lobbed a scimitar at me they'd put me away!"