Installing Firmware
As from 2015 there are two versions of ByPic, both are identical except that one requires a boot loader and the other dosen't
The boot loader version should be used for boards purchased from ByVac as they all come with a boot loader and it is a much more convenient way of upgrading. It is very quick and no programmer is needed. These are in the 'boot' directory on the zip file.
The 'hex' directory on the zip file contains the same version of ByPic but it does not have an offset and so can be loaded with a PICkit programmer. This is for use with IC's or boards that do not have a ByVac boot loader.
The BV500, PIC32MX150 firmware is in a separate file, that is only available in version 2.09-34 and will not have any further updates at this time. There is no boot loader for the MX150 and so a PICKit is required.
Licence details are here.
Using The Non-Boot loader Hex file
These files are intended for your own boards or IC's so that you can experiment with ByPic on existing devices. Don't forget though they are intended for the ByPic hardware and so will expect the same thing. Check with the circuit diagrams first.
This of course does not apply to the MX170 DIL IC so please feel free to download and try on your own chips.
Using the Boot Loader
Devices with PIC32MX150
There is no ByPic for this device as yet
Devices with PIC32MX170
These are supplied as a DIP and also on a PCB, the mini-max BV502 for example. They have a tiny boot loader that can be operated through BvSerial version 11 or greater.
It is important for the boot loader to work that the DTR line is connected. The DTR (Data terminal Ready) is an output from the serial port, this will be a pin on the USB to Serial converter. If there is no DTR pin then that converter cannot be used. The DTR goes to the reset as in the circuit diagram for the BP1. The circuit shows it going through a capacitor but it can go directly to the reset pin if required, (the pin is 5V tolerant). If using a PB1 or BV502 then this pin is already at the serial connector.
Using BvSerial, type .bl (dot bee ell) and the boot loader dialog will appear. Choose the settings as above and browse to the location where the firmware file is. Select ok and the device will be updated. If there are any problems an error number will be reported, please let me know.
* If the EEE simply returns after clicking on the 'ok' it could be due to a missing DLL file. This can be verified by running the p32.bl.exe in a command window. The file can be downloaded from here it should be placed in the same directory as the bvserial.exe and p32bl.exe files. This is now included in version 14 of the zip file.
Devices with PIC32MX340
These are the BP2, BV512, BV523 etc. and pre winter 2014.
It is important for the boot loader to work that the DTR line is connected. The DTR (Data terminal Ready) is an output from the serial port, this will be a pin on the USB to Serial converter. If there is no DTR pin then that converter cannot be used. Its purpose is to reset the microcontroller prior to programming.
For these devices it is best to use BV_COM2 and the boot loader option. Set the flash size to 512 and make sure that the 'erase all flash' box is checked. Instructions are in the BV_COM boot loader section.
If BvSerial is used the settings are:
Devices with PIC32MX370
These are all of the devices that the MX340 was fitted to as it is pin compatible but with added extras.
It is important for the boot loader to work that the DTR line is connected. The DTR (Data terminal Ready) is an output from the serial port, this will be a pin on the USB to Serial converter. If there is no DTR pin then that converter cannot be used. Its purpose is to reset the microcontroller prior to programming.
The BvSerial settings are:
