16F887 and RE3

[Ron]

Hi,

I want to use RE3 as an I/O pint, not reset.

Flowcode does not allow me to select RE3, is this a bug or a planned limitation?

Is there a way around this?

If this Is a planned limitation then there was a reason, what is that reason???? Just trying to learn from those with a great deal more experience than me.

Thank you,

Ron

[Steve]

RE3 is a special case and we decided it was much easier to make this pin unavailable within Flowcode. It is multiplexed with the MCLR reset input, and it is an input-only pin.

If you are interested in using this pin, please tell me which version of Flowcode you are using and I can provide a modified FCD file for you that will allow you to use it. Unfortunately, Flowcode will think this pin can be used as an output as well. Also, you will need to ensure that your configuration data sets this pin to be a general purpose input instead of the MCLR function.

[Ron]

Hi Steve,

I am more interested in V4 right now.

I can live without the input for now. If it every becomes an issue (16F887, 18F4620).

One question though. If the pin is a general purpose INPUT, reset, Vpp, how could it work as an OUTPUT?

I appreciate the offer, this type of thing sets everyone at Matrix apart from other compiler companies. many would have just said NO.

Thanks,

Ron

[Steve]

I will work as an output in Flowcode's simulation, and will also let you use it in the output icon. But it will not work as an output on the chip itself.

Here are the required mods to the FCD file for the 16F887:

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[Ports]
PortPin1=0x0403
PortPin2=0x0000
PortPin3=0x0001
PortPin4=0x0002
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[PortMasks]
;Bits 0-3 available on port E
PortMask0=0xFF
PortMask1=0xFF
PortMask2=0xFF
PortMask3=0xFF
PortMask4=0x0F
.
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