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Simple IDE compiles but fails on upload — Parallax Forums

Simple IDE compiles but fails on upload

emtchoemtcho Posts: 6
in Propeller 1
Dear all,

suddenly I am experiencing weird problems with my Simple IDE. (After some succeeded experiments.)
C-(led blink)-program gets compiled (from time to time also uploaded - according to the message), but not working on the target (no blinking led)

On the same PC and same target, but with the Propeller Tool (1 Blink light.spin) is compiling and uploading just fine (and works on the target).

I have built up according to the reference schematics from the parallax education kit, but soldered it on prototyping board in order to have the all breadboards free for use (see attached pic).
It is to be assumed that there are no mistakes, since the PropellerTool is able to communicate, upload and programm it.

Thank you very much in advance for your help

Emil

proeller.png
1766 x 1370 - 873K

Comments

  • emtchoemtcho Posts: 6
    Hi again,

    I just made test against my QuickStart (#40000 Rev.B) board and there it works also with Simple IDE C... (also it is not the software setup ...)

    So there must be an problem with the board... but this is real weird - how / why is it working with PropellerTool and not with the Simple IDE?

    Many thanks

    Emil
  • emtchoemtcho Posts: 6
    Hi again,

    my last try was to add pull-up resistor between TX and 3.3V as supposed for #40000 Rev. A, but to no avail...

    I will stick with SPIN for this board...

    Best regards

    Emil

  • emtchoemtcho Posts: 6
    Dear all,

    I finaly found out (even if I don't understand why) what is going wrong with my circuit.

    The XTAL seems not to work (is not "recognized" when on the soldered board).

    So it makes problems also with SPIN when I try to set other than internal frequency.

    The problem with C seems to be caused from hard encoded xtal and frequency parameters.

    If I pull the propeller chip and the xtal out of their sockets from the soldered board and rebuild the schematics on a breadboard everything works fine => C & SPIN frequencies, serial comm etc.

    Put back on the soldered circuit - XTAL doesnt work again. I have doublechecked - there is no shortage between XI and XO. So no idea - I'm not an expert in electronics...

    But may be someone may find this usefull: In case of weird problems - check also the XTAL...

    Very best regards

    Emil
  • DavidZemonDavidZemon Posts: 2,973
    The XTAL is set based on the "Board" selection in SimpleIDE. There are configuration files for a bunch of different boards, such as Quickstart, ActivityBoard, DNA, etc. In those files is the clock and PLL settings. Your problem might get fixed simply by selecting a board with the same clock settings as your custom board (or creating a custom config file named after your board).
  • Hal AlbachHal Albach Posts: 747
    Can you post a view of the solder side of the board? I'm wondering about the crystal connection.
  • emtchoemtcho Posts: 6
    Hi again,

    Sorry for the delay I am on the "wrong" side of the Atlantic ocean and thus there is time zone difference that is playing against fast communications.

    Back side photo is attached.

    I also tried completely differen approach and soldered the xtal directly on the XI/XO legs (see upper part - propeller sitting on a breadboard)

    However it is still the same - on bread board it works, on my board it is not working...

    Thank you very much!

    Emil
    Backside.png
    902 x 721 - 1M
  • MikeDYurMikeDYur Posts: 2,176
    @emtcho, I can see one thing that may be giving you a problem, you are missing bypass capacitors on your circuit. You should at least have two, one one each side of the Propeller, across 3.3v and ground. And it may not hurt to put one across power at the EPROM chip. They should have been included, if you bought the kit from Parallax.
  • Hal AlbachHal Albach Posts: 747
    I am not sure if this would cause your crystal to fail, but you have on X0 and X1 some very long copper traces almost running the full length of the board, not sure how much capacitance is involved here, but I suggest you cut the X0 X1 traces just beyond where you solder in the crystal. Also make sure there is no flux residue anywhere around the X0 X1 pads.
  • emtchoemtcho Posts: 6
    Hi again,

    Thank you very much for the replies!

    @Hal - your suggestion was the right one! I have removed the soldering points and cut the long "lanes". It worked instantly.

    So it was kind of EMI / capacity issue that was disturbing the XTAL.

    Once again thank you very much for your help

    Very best regards

    Emil
  • Hal AlbachHal Albach Posts: 747
    Great to hear that you have it working. Thanks for the feedback.

    Hal
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