>Dan Butler <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU> wrote:
>
>> > [Quoting Jim at Newfound Electronics:]
>> >
>> >... The only "official" 14000 programmer I know of is the mega
>> >dollar PROMATE and even this only offers limited support. Recently
>> >I was advised there were some problems to be ironed out with the
>> >programming specs and maybe this is why there is so little support
>> >all round.
>>
>> No longer true!  PRO MATE V3.10 has been released with support for
>> the 14000, along with many other parts.
>
>Dan:
>
>I believe that, by "problems to be ironed out", Jim is referring to
>the complex procedure for ensuring that the 14000's "calibration"
>memory is undisturbed during programming.  PROMATE v3.10 doesn't make
>the process very simple.
>
>-Andy

Andy and Dan,

As far as the PROMATE goes, that is one thing I have had in mind. Another is
that the PROMATE only supports code protection on a "all on" or "all off"
basis. Makes a mockery of the 14000 documentation which proudly boasts
"segmented code protection" on the first page, don't you think?! Not only
should the PROMATE support all EIGHT modes it should allow selective
programming of the unprotected areas, without having to manually program the
range that is! (The same applies for all devices in fact.)

With the arrival of the 16C52 and the 14000 both with special "development"
programming requirements, it is time to look at "virtual devices." Rather
than choosing a generic 14000, users should choose programmable device names
like "TOM," DICK," and "HARRY." When programming "Harry," the user selects
"Harry" as the device. The programmer can then automatically attach the
matching calibration data for "harry." (Of course there should be an easy
option, like a single function key, for saving the calibration file,
"Harry.cal" it in the first place!)

Anyway, actually my statement about limited support was not specifically
meant for the PROMATE, but for the overall picture including the PROMATE.
What I meant was, because there are some problems to be resolved with the
programming specs, this may explain why the PROMATE can only give limited
support at this time and why no-one else can give any support yet.

I would hope it explains the limited support from the PROMATE. I would hate
to think that all you got from a $1000(?) programmer! If that's the case, I
would be happy to sell my $129, "Will (soon) do all this and more" warp-3
programmer to those poor, unfortunate PROMATE users. :-) (For their 14000
development work I mean.)

Finally, to you Dan, the component of my "limited" remark directed at the
PROMATE, was made after detailed study of the 3.1 PROMATE software! If, to
you, the PROMATE support for the 14000 is not "limited," I can only
appreciate the need for varied opinions much more.

Also note I was informed of the kinks in the programming specs AFTER the
release of the 3.1 PROMATE software.

BTW. I'm sure Gene would appreciate an official answer direct from a
Microchip spokesman. His question again. "Will the PICSTART 1B program the
14000." (Or is he up for $$$ for a PICSTART 1C or a PICSTART PLUS?)

Well, enough mischief from me for one day.

Regards

Jim

P.S. Sorry for the shameless warp-3 plug, but I know Dan isn't going to
complain! :-)