On Mon, 23 Feb 1998, Paul B. Webster VK2BZC wrote:

Hello Paul B. Webster VK2BZC,

> > Does anyone know if and how a pic 16F84, 16C84 or any other can be
> > programmed while it is working?
>
>   Well, no, but ...
>
> > Is there a better and cheaper way to do what I want?
>
>   Much better.  Use a tokenised programming language stored in data
> EEPROM which threads basic routines in main program space. This is what
> Stamp basic does (and the 16C84 can support a quarter-size version of
> this).  If more space is required, use an external EEPROM.

Is there a programming example available?

>   Under these constraints, you can re-program "on the fly" without re-
> setting at all.  Even better, you only need a one-wire (serial)
> interface to do it, easy if you don't require an acknowledgement,
> still possible if you do, or a two-wire (plus ground) interface like the
> Stamp is even easier.

The problem is, that the pic controls the power of a PC (and much more :-) )
that should be used to reprogram the pic (pic software update, without the use
of external hardware). So if the PIC toggles the wrong Pin the whole Power goes
down ... And if only the EEProm would be updated there might still be a bug in
the "basic routines" ... :-(

--
CU.
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