>
>  pmdl> So the programmer would probably consist of a UART, a MAX232, and a
>  pmdl> programmed
>  pmdl> 16C84. A DB9 or 10 pin dual header would connect the target to the
>
> No need for this.
> You can program a 16C84 with a Max232 and two inverters.
> Even only with a Max232, but this is triky.
> This works with every RS232, not just with PC-Ports.

Um, Erik, I think you kind of lost the context of what I was talking
about. Thumbnail summary of my issues:

- I hate programming parts during development.
- I not too keen on assembly language.
- the 16C84 while ultra-cool doesn't handle every need.
- I'm not a DOS guy. Serial interface is a must.

So my proposal:

- Develop a language for microcontroller developent.
- Design multiple back ends, one for compilation on each platform and an
  tokenized interpretive backend.
- Install an interpreter for the tokenized program into the microcontroller
  the minimum requirement is that tokens can be read from a serial EEPROM.
  These target boards can load the serialized program from the EEPROM into
  RAM if you want faster execution. For machines like the 17C42 which can run
  native code, the code can be read into ram and executed directly.
- The loader I was talking about above would take a tokenized program and
  write it to the serial EEPROM. that way the target wouldn'y need an RS-232,
  and a loader program on board. More hardware and software space for the
  interpreter.

So you'd actually need a 16C84 to have enough smarts to decode the incoming
stream and program the serial EEPROM. It can also double as a programmer since
it'll have enough smarts to do that.

However the initial 16C84 has to be programmed and so it's an issue too.

So please explain what software is necessary to fiddle the bits properly.
I was inspired by David Tait's MIPI design to think about how to do this
bootstrapper easily. Two avenues come to mind...

1) Use a 6402 UART. It doesn't need to be programmed to work and requires
only a crystal for the bit rate. Jameco has them for $4.95 each. With it and
a crystal you can get 8 inputs and 8 outputs.

2) A MIPI type circuit that uses a crystal controller counter and a flip-flop
to read and latch some bits out of each word written. David's concept is
the right idea, I think it had a bit too much hardware considering it'll
probably be an interim bootstrap anyway.

Erik, take another read of what I was saying and comment. I'm trying to get
away from physically programming anything.

BAJ