On Tue, Jul 03, 2001 at 11:39:20PM +1000, Orbit Communications wrote:
> Byron,
>
> Thanks for the info on Wloader.
>
> That almost looks like it could do the job. I need to use that same port pin
> in my application though during running of the user code. ie. The Bit-Bashed
> com port has a dual function. !) Bootloader upload of new user program, 2)
> Bi-directional serial com link.
>
> Any ideas ?

Well there are a few issues with that approach:

First off wloader uses the state of that pin to determine the mode to go into
when the part is reset. If a serial port is connected, then it will always
reset into bootloader mode and requires a command be sent down the serial
line to start the application.

Once the application is running, you get the pin back and can use it as a
half duplex serial port. I used it as a debugging port in my sunrise/sunset
light controller. I used timer2 as a clock to bit bang. But any software
bit banging serial code should work just fine.

If your PC app is willing to start the target, then you should be able to do
what you require. Also you app would have to be aware of the fact that it'll
receive back any characters that it sends. It's a single pin port where the
transmitter and receiver are tied together. So the basic sequence will be:

- PC transmits
- PC receives back what it transmitted
- PC receives back response from target.

BAJ

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