Problem accessing programming port

Brian_R

I was using StampDAQ to access the BS2 to copy out data into excel. No problems here. However I cannot access the BS2 chip any more. The routine I wrote in the BS2 is sending out data and preventing access by the basic stamp editor. (I know, I know.... stupid or what !)

Is there any way I can blank or wipe the program in the BS2 chip without accessing it through the programming port ?

Chris Savage

Brian,

There must be something else going on. Data coming from that port cannot stop the BASIC Stamp Editor from programming it, since the module is reset at that time. Are you trying to program while you still have StampDAQ running? Are you able to identify the Module? How are you powering it?

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support

Brian_R

Stamp_DAQ runs on my PC within excel, and is inactive when I attempt to re-program the BS2. When I connect the Stamp_DAQ the communication to the BS2 operates as expected. I do have the baud rate in the BS2 set at 38400. could this be part of my problem ?

Identifying the module is also a problem.

Device Type is blank, Version is blank, Loopback is No, Echo is Yes.

The BS2 unit is powered by a 5V regulator.

Desy2820

Dumb question, but is StampDAQ or Excel still running on the computer when trying to program the Stamp?· If StampDaq, Excel, or a background process has the serial port open, then the Stamp software can't use it to program.· Please make sure that StampDAQ, Excel or any other·software·using the serial port is closed,·don't let them run in the background either!

Have you tried another serial cable?· Just trying to rule out possible causes....

Is this a real serial port or·thru a USB adapter?· Does the IDE list/show/detect the port you're trying to use?·

Have you added any software or hardware to the computer since the last time you sucessfully programmed the Stamp?

Is there another computer you can use?· Try to program the Stamp with it, this will check the·Stamp and programming cable (and USB adapter).

As a really last resort, try uninstalling both the IDE and USB drivers.· Then re-install the USB adapter first, then the Stamp software.·

I hope this helped!

allanlane5

"Loopback" checks to see if the device is connected on the selected serial port. Basically it's looking for the pin 6 signal to come back on pin 7 -- these two pins are connected together on the BOE-Board with a piece of wire. If "Loopback" is "No", there's something wrong with your physical connection.

The BS2 is programmed by the IDE raising the "DTR" signal, which is a hardware reset to the BS2. There's NO way your program can 'ignore' this signal -- assuming your BS2 is actually recieving this signal. Some people disconnect the DTR wire, so Hyperterminal won't reset the BS2, for instance.

Chris Savage

The lack of Loop Back does make me think something is wrong with your cable, although if you have a custom board it may not have this connection. In any event do you have a way to detect if the DTR signal is getting through to the BASIC Stamp?

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support

Brian_R

I'm sorted !

I dug out my old PC and was able to go online without any problems. (using the same cable).

Made up a new cable as per the manual and it works fine with my new PC (Laptop by the way, in case that makes a difference). Bit strange really since I have used my·new PC·on other stamp projects. I still think the SEROUT commands I had operating in the BS2 program for Stamp_DAQ were having a negative effect on the RS232 port and perhaps making the difference. Next time I will put in an interrupt/condition of some sort which I can control externally.

Anyway,·I'm back in action. Many thanks to everyone for the tips.