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2 Prop C3s from one host computer — Parallax Forums

2 Prop C3s from one host computer

StrelnikovStrelnikov Posts: 18
edited 2012-02-27 23:36 in Propeller 1
I have two Prop C3s and need to download and talk to both of them from one host computer using Prop Tool 1.3 and the Parallax Serial Terminal. First, I seem to be able to run only one instance of Prop Tool 1.3, and second, Prop Tool only sees one C3 even though there are two connected to the host. Are there any workarounds for this? What I am doing for now to get around this is using two host computers, one for each C3.

Comments

  • MagIO2MagIO2 Posts: 2,243
    edited 2012-02-27 06:16
    As a quick solution you could download BST from propeller download-page. It includes a compiler and a terminal tool as well. So, you can use this to program/connect to the second C3. ..... well ... hopefully .... did not try it, it's just an idea.
  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2012-02-27 06:46
    I've used the BST solution that MagIO2 mentioned. You can also manually change the COM port numbers in Propeller Tool. The Preferences window (F5) can be kept open. If you resize the Propeller Tool window itself, then it's easy to make a quick switch and compile.

    OBC
  • RobotWorkshopRobotWorkshop Posts: 2,307
    edited 2012-02-27 06:54
    I've run into this issue as well. A couple of my robots have multiple Propeller boards and I have to launch an instance of the Propeller tool and select the COM board for the first board. Then launch a second instance and manually select the COM port of the second Propeller board. It would really simply things if there was a command line switch to select the COM port when launching the tool. That way I could just create a couple shortcuts that would automatically launch the tool with the proper port already setup.

    Robert
  • StrelnikovStrelnikov Posts: 18
    edited 2012-02-27 07:58
    Thanks guys. Ideally the Prop Tool would allow two or more Prop chips on the same host computer and ask you which one you want to download if configured that way. Also would allow creation of multiple instances of the Prop Tool. Maybe in a future release?

    In the meantime I'll give BST a try. I downloaded it and installed it on a Macbook Pro and got it working but didn't go any further with it.
  • KMyersKMyers Posts: 433
    edited 2012-02-27 09:43
    Another possibility is to use Viewport. You select com ports on menu bar....
  • StrelnikovStrelnikov Posts: 18
    edited 2012-02-27 09:50
    What is Viewport and how does it work with the Prop Tool?
  • KMyersKMyers Posts: 433
    edited 2012-02-27 10:20
    Viewport is a debugger similiar to Proptool and BTSC but with more advanced features. Check this url: http://hannoware.com/viewport/resources.php
  • StrelnikovStrelnikov Posts: 18
    edited 2012-02-27 11:02
    Looks nice thanks for the link.
  • KMyersKMyers Posts: 433
    edited 2012-02-27 11:11
    Hope you enjoy and I am sure it will help!
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2012-02-27 12:37
    When I'm programming more than one Prop at a time, I lanch multiple instances of "Parallax Serial Terminal.exe". I uncheck the "Automatically disable (close port) when application is inactive.

    By leaving the PST enabled and connected the the com port I don't want to program it blocks the Propeller Tool from loading programs to it.

    So with two Props, I have two PST each set to one of the com ports used by the Props. I just click "Disable" on the PST instance assigned to the com port with the Prop I want to program so that Prop and only that Prop can be reached (and program) by the Prop Tool.

    I've actually done this with as many as six PST screens and six Props at a time.

    I frequently have projects where multiple Propellers are being programmed with the same code where Robert's idea wouldn't be as practical.
  • RobotWorkshopRobotWorkshop Posts: 2,307
    edited 2012-02-27 13:39
    Duane Degn wrote: »
    I frequently have projects where multiple Propellers are being programmed with the same code where Robert's idea wouldn't be as practical.

    On the projects where I've been using multiple Propeller boards each of the boards is running unique code. Usually a main processor and an extra co-processor board. Having a shortcut to launch the Propeller tool that can specify the com port and which file to edit would help and save time. For projects where each propeller would all be running the same code then other options may be better.
  • Cluso99Cluso99 Posts: 18,069
    edited 2012-02-27 22:57
    PropTool does indeed allow multiple copies to be run. There is an option (cannot remember where) in PropTool to permit two (or more copies of itself to run). I used it 3 years ago.
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2012-02-27 23:36
    Cluso99 wrote: »
    PropTool does indeed allow multiple copies to be run. There is an option (cannot remember where) in PropTool to permit two (or more copies of itself to run). I used it 3 years ago.

    Edit > Preferences > Files & Folders > Associated files launch into single editor (uncheck this box)

    I rarely have fewer than two instances of the Prop Tool open. I think it's really convienent to have a separate Prop Tool open in order to copy sections of code from other programs in order to paste them into the program I'm currently working on.
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