Hi Stefano.
Yes, as others have stated, you need a 4MHz crystal for the serial port bit rate to be correct.
Please also use the latest .HEX file (0.9) located here: http://www.g6lvb.com/Articles/LVBTracker/LVBTrack.hex
When programming, you should use the PICPROG.EXE v0.2 program http://www.g6lvb.com/Articles/LVBTracker/PicProg.exe with the PIC in situ on the board using a hardware (not USB virtual) serial port.
If, for some reason, you choose not to use PICPROG.EXE, you can use MPLAB instead with a compatible programmer. Configure->Select Device as 16F876 or 16F876A device as appropriate, File->Import the hex file, and set Configure->Configuration bits like this:
// Default config bits... // Osc=XT, WDT off, PUT on, BOD off, LVP off, FPW on, DBG off, data EE prot off, CodeProt off au16Data[0x2007]=0x3F31;
Check first with a 'scope that the crystal is oscillating. If it's not, check the power on the chip. See if the reset button switches the the oscillator off and on.
Also please check the 9 pin D type on the PCB itself is a socket, NOT a plug! Even if you use a gender changer, it will not change the fact that if you solder a plug and not a socket to the board, the pins 1,2,3,4,5 will end up being 5,4,3,2,1 so your tracker will not work.
There is no echo from the LVB Tracker, emulating the exect function of a real GS-232A. Hitting Enter (<CR> for us oldies) from a terminal emulator should return a prompt though.
Regarding the LCD, do you get a top row of slightly dark blocks? Try checking the contrast adjustment.
73, Howard G6LVB
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Stefano Simonetti Sent: 23 August 2009 10:40 To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: lvb tracker circuit -- xtal?
Thanks to all for comments.
This evening I 'll try to re-flash PIC with the correct fuses, and try with the 3,5...MHz XTAL I have, to obtain at least LCD on.
The external flashing introduces another variable, right.
Ciao, Stefano.
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