KP_ wrote:
> While downloading new code onto both the boards using the ICD 2
> debugger in
> both debug and program mode, the outputs seem to be highly unstable -
> LEDs
> connected to the outputs seem to flash while the program downloads.

This is normal.  The ICD2 may be controlling power, and it will be resetting
the chip several times.

> This is highly undesirable in the industrial realtime application of
> the
> boards as controllers where I dont want a field reprog of the chip
> using the
> ICD 2 to operate machinery randomly!

All pins not being used during programming go to high impedence.  However,
there may be times when your code is executing when the chip is powered but
not in programming mode.  The safest thing to do is to unplug the board from
the machinery while updating the firmware (this would be prudent anyway).
If not, you can probably avoid most glitches by having your firmware leave
all the outputs alone for 1 second on power up.  The chip should not be left
running for that long during the programming operation.

The ICD2 is not a production programmer.  Do you really want people on the
production floor updating firmware by clickty-clicking thru MPLAB?  Take a
look at my USBProg2 (http://www.embedinc.com/products).  It costs less than
a ICD2 and doesn't require MPLAB.  It is driven by simple command line
programs that can easily be wrapped by something that doesn't export more
options to the production techs than you want them to have.  It comes with a
RJ-12 output just like the ICD2, but it also has a 6 pin header so that you
can make cables that get around the PGC/PGD crosstalk problem.

See http://www.embedinc.com/picprg/icsp.htm for general information on the
programming process and what you need to do at your end.


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