Lets see how real this is. I think the bootloader is the best route, 
too. I get lots of these
crazy ideas. Don't waste any valuable time until it looks real.

But thanks for the offer, it makes good sense. You've done many of these.

--Bob

Olin Lathrop wrote:
> Bob Axtell wrote:
>   
>> In the last two days, a potential client has requested something
>> unusual. He asked if there is a way to include the PIC programmer
>> INSIDE the product PCB.
>>     
>
> I would first would first try to solve this with a bootloader.
>
>   
>> The idea is that he wants the PIC firmware to be update-able without any
>> external hardware (such as a PIC programmer).
>>     
>
> How does he want this to connect to the PC for programming?  RS-232, USB,
> ethernet, something else?
>
>   
>> Of course the bootloader came to mind, but PICs don't have an internal
>> bootloader,
>> so the "bootloader code" have to be programmed in anyway; so his
>> suggestion overrides
>> the input.
>>     
>
> I don't understand this.  The bootloader and the initial version of the
> operational code would be programmed during manufacturing where a PIC
> programmer can be used.  After that the customer can do field upgrades using
> the bootloader.  What am I missing?
>
>   
>> use the FT232R with pins arranged in bit-bang mode.
>>     
>
> That's one way, but probably more software work than you imagine right now.
>
> I've designed a few PIC programmers with various different electrical drives
> of the programming lines and different interfaces to the PC.  I've got
> something like 20K lines of software and firmware already written.  Perhaps
> I can take care of this susbsystem for you?  There are many possible ways to
> proceed, but they all come down to I've got some wheels you don't have to
> reinvent.  I can make better recommendations after knowing the target PIC,
> where power comes from during programming, PC interface, etc.  This is best
> discussed interactively.  I'll try to call you after I get back from a
> customer around 16:00 eastern time.
>
>
> ********************************************************************
> Embed Inc, Littleton Massachusetts, http://www.embedinc.com/products
> (978) 742-9014.  Gold level PIC consultants since 2000.
>   

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