Hi everybody,

I have encountered a problem I didn't expect - couldn't find a consistent
set of tools for the '71 chip!
I have a program written for the 16c54, that I wanted to "port" to a '61
and then enhance. Supposedly the '71 mode of assemblers should produce
correct code. Since my original program was written in Microchip mnemonics
and was using macros, I decided to try the Microchip assembler. It does
assemble the code, but no simulator would handle it!

1. I try the new MPASM that Microchip recommends. It generates a .hex
file, not .obj and no .sym file. The Parallax's PSIM won't recognize the
.lst format, the Windows version generates a General Protection Error, and
the Microchip's own MPSIM wants the .obj file. Renaming .hex to .obj
doesn't help much.

2. I try the MPALC assembler. It does produce both the .sym and the .obj
files. The object is supposedly in the INHX8M format. I start the MPSIM.
It doesn't complain, but doesn't interpret the object file right either -
even the first instruction looks bad and hex file's checksums are
interpreted as code! And the doc claims that the default format is INHX8M.

So the questions part:
1. How to use the tools correctly for the '71 PIC? Which assembler and
what options.
2. Is there an automated or semi-automated way to translate the Microchip
mnemonics source into Parallax source. I know that PASM is supposed to
handle the Microchip mnemonics, but it sure doesn't like macros in my file.
I would hand edit it as a last resourt, if I new the Parallax tools will work.

Thanks.

--
-Alex