Running existing FC8 in FC9

[DAVIDJOINER]

Hi

1. Have problems running an existing fully working DSPIC FC8 Program in FC9

2. Have included the FC9 log file for reference

3 Have also tried a new Minimal FC9 program in FC9 for DSPIC and that compiles and loads okay so it suggests that the overall FC9 software and my hardware is okay

4 This would therefore suggest to me that there is something in FC9 that is not comparable with FC8

Please review

Is this problem likely to be common, if so you will have to advise us which functions will have to be re written to convert from FC8 to FC9

DAVID

[Steve-Matrix]

Hi David,

Can you please post your FCFX file and I will try to determine what the issue is. PM me with the file if you'd prefer to keep the project private.

[stefan.erni]

Hi David

Is it possible to post the program?

There is an error:

FC9_MAIN_CONTROL_BOX_REV04.c6: note: expected 'MX_CHAR *' but argument is of type 'volatile MX_CHAR *'
FC9_MAIN_CONTROL_BOX_REV04.c:7975:40: error: 'FCI_TMP_STR' undeclared (first use in this function)

regards

Stefan

[BenR]

Hi David,

We have changed the way string concatenations work so you can now do things like string = "a" + "b" + "c" + "d" all on one line.

Please can you send me your project file so we can investigate the problem for you, looks like it could be a corner case bug in the new system.

For reference here are the components we have done large rework on and will likely have differences moving from v8 to v9.

DSP
Mechatronics
GLCD
I2C - Now all transaction based but hopefully not too many issues here

[DAVIDJOINER]

Hi

Have included the program

Unfortunately it is quite long as Controls / syncs all my amateur radio transmitters and receivers via the main control box program & console and is under continuous change as i add / experiment with functions so may be hard to understand

It also uses a lot of string calculations / numerous serial ports linking to usb ports on the PC & also i2c

I will also wish to add the I2C MCP23017 to it to control another control box hence my other FC9 Bug Topic i raised on MCP23017 which is still not quite resolved yet

David

[Steve-Matrix]

The problem occurs in the "SYNCRONISE_TO_FREQ1_MASTER_AND_SEND" macro. In there, just over half way down, is a macro call with the name "WAIT FOR SDR FREQUENCY MESSAGE". This is a call to ReceiveString, but its return variable is blank.

A quick fix is to set a return variable to some string (a new 'dummy' one is fine). That allows it to compile.

I will continue to investigate why this is causing a problem just in case there is an error within Flowcode, but hopefully the above fix should allow you to continue.

[Steve-Matrix]

A quick update on this:

I've found the problem and fixed it within Flowcode. The next release of the core files will allow string returns to be blank (as in v8), and so the workaround suggested in my previous post will not be needed in future.

[DAVIDJOINER]

Hi

Thanks for the quick response and info

Program now compiles and loads okay with your fix

Most of the program appears to work ie LCD and serial communication

However the encoder does not appear to be working now

Have also tried reloading in FC8 and encoder works fine again

So appears that FC9 does not like the encoder or sub routines at present

Any ideas how to resolve

David

[BenR]

Hi David,

In the IOC interrupt enable icon it looks like all pins are enabled? Is this correct?

[DAVIDJOINER]

HI

Thats very strange my flowcode F8 program used IOC for pins E2 & E1

I also notice in the component properties for the encoder the Pins had changed to other pins

In FC9 I changed the IOC back to E1 & E2 and put the pins back to E1 & E2 in the component properties

Then re compiled and run and now working fine

It looks like F9 reading the F8 file these values got corrupted some how

Anyway now works but will keep an eye on future F8 to F9 conversions in case it is a flowcode 9 software issue

David