Matrix user forums

Hi

Is there a version of the bootloader that only runs if say RB0 is shorted on reset, like Microchip bootloader?

The reason for this is that I have written some programs as USB HID and I have had to install the ECIO driver on Windows PCs just to get them to work, they work fine on a Mac and Linux.

regards

Gary

There is no alternative bootloader at the moment. It can be done, but we are pretty busy at the moment and I don't want to divert time from our current projects.

An alternative may be to modify the hardware. This is untested and will probably invalidate the ECIO's warranty, so only try this if you are desperate...

In the firmware, booloader mode is entered only if the cable is present. This is detected as a high logic level on pin E2 (on the ECIO40) or A5 (on the ECIO28). If the resistor R4 is removed from the ECIO board and a switch (with series resistor) to 5V is connected externally to pin E2 (or A5), then you may get the functionality you require. The circuit for USB voltage detection is here:

Hi Steve

Thanks for that, no rush for it just a question I had to ask.
Will have a try with just removing R4 after I have finalised the code. Another option is after removing R4 is to connect these pads to pins 11 and 12 (ECIO 40), and design the pcb with 150ohm resistor and switch across these pins.

Goodluck with Ver 5

Gary

Hi

Dont need to remove R4, pin E2 is available and if tied to ground then no bootloader
Have just tried and it works

The same cound be done on ECIO 28 with pin A5.

Gary

Good news, but be careful.

You should not connect it directly to ground because this pin could be set as an output and set high (either within the user's program or in the bootloader procedure) and this could damage the chip internally. But keeping the 150 ohm R4 in place and connecting the pin E2 to ground through something like a 100 ohm resistor should be enough to prevent entry into bootloader mode.