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Programing only using the serial port — Parallax Forums

Programing only using the serial port

shaunakshaunak Posts: 8
edited 2011-05-09 12:31 in Propeller 1
Hi,

Is it possible to program the propeller just using the serial port?

I am evaluating the propeller chip, but do not want to invest in a USB plug right away. From the data sheet I gather that it is possible, but someone mentioned that this method is prone to problems.

I also believe that it is possible to program the chip by writing the HEX directly onto the EEPROM. [I have a standalone device to program memories] Is this a viable alternative? Does the IDE allow this (make it painless enough?)

Thanks,
Shaunak

Comments

  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2011-05-09 12:00
    To program the Propeller using a standard PC serial port, you need an RS232 interface like this one from the Parallax website.

    The IDE allows you to save an EEPROM image (.EEPROM) which you can then use with an EEPROM programmer to transfer it to an EEPROM. It's not HEX format. I don't consider this a "viable" alternative ... it's possible, but not straightforward. I strongly suggest using either the 3-transistor circuit I've referenced or something like the PropPlug. That's what the IDE is designed for and anything else is awkward at best.
  • SapiehaSapieha Posts: 2,964
    edited 2011-05-09 12:01
    Hi shaunak

    Look at this link - Serial PropPlug

    shaunak wrote: »
    Hi,

    Is it possible to program the propeller just using the serial port?

    I am evaluating the propeller chip, but do not want to invest in a USB plug right away. From the data sheet I gather that it is possible, but someone mentioned that this method is prone to problems.

    I also believe that it is possible to program the chip by writing the HEX directly onto the EEPROM. [I have a standalone device to program memories] Is this a viable alternative? Does the IDE allow this (make it painless enough?)

    Thanks,
    Shaunak
  • shaunakshaunak Posts: 8
    edited 2011-05-09 12:17
    Thank you for the quick responses.

    Building the three transistor serial cable surely looks like the way to go for me right now. Thanks for the link.

    I will also investigate the possibility of using the MAX232 for the purpose of level shifting. [edit: MAX3232 ]
  • Bill HenningBill Henning Posts: 6,445
    edited 2011-05-09 12:20
    Hi Shaunak,

    See the "SerPlug" link in my signature

    Regards,

    Bill
  • shaunakshaunak Posts: 8
    edited 2011-05-09 12:31
    @bill - That is precisely what I was thinking of!



    Edit: I found this post, might be useful to anyone searching - http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?116539-3.00-programming-cable-hack&p=849853&viewfull=1#post849853
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