Diving back in, getting up to date per-se

[tony_g]

hey everyone,

after a good few years of ups and downs and in betweens that the last few years have given to life im finally able to dive back into my beloved hobbies in a more hardcore way like i used to lol

ive done the odd thing here or there that resulted in me updating my outdated GCB compiler to the newer VS code looking thing, ive yet to fully get to grips with what it can do and for now have reverted to classic style but would love some pointers of anything unique or wonderfull it does that should encourage me to use it in the newer style ( so i dont get stuck in the set in my ways comfort lol )

ive spent the last week on and off looking at newer more updated chips and features as i havent added anything new for a few years so if anyone can give me any heads up or info for unique features or gotchas to look out for with these that would be appreciated, the soon to arrive additions are :

PIC16F1778
PIC16F17546
PIC16F17526
PIC18F06Q41

i use a pickit3 for my current line up (16f1825/9, 12f1840, 10f322,18f25k22) but i know that the newer chips in particular arent supported by that, i did look at the software option that was available 3rd party to use my pk3 but the cad to gbp conversion made it pricier, thankfully whilst selecting chips on digikey they had the snap programmer for $16 CAD so i grabbed that as well.

im hoping ive picked somewhat wisely on my newer playthings, my only thought is towards the 16F1778 as it uses HEF, this is the first time ive used a chip with that so not sure if im leting myself in for more work or not when using it compared to the traditional eeprom on the other chips.

hopefully i can have some fun when the new bits arrive next week and am just trying to get prepared if need be for a wild relearning experience lol

thanks for any input forumites, and have a great weekend
tony

[Anobium]

Welcome Back, Tony!

Here’s a guide to help you explore your new PIC chips (e.g., PIC18F06Q41) using the new IDE GC Studio, and your existing tools, ensuring you make the most of your hobby revival.

1. Explore Chip Demos in new IDE

To find example programs for your chips (e.g., PIC18F06Q41, PIC16F1778, etc.), use the demo pack:

1. Install the Demo Pack:
2. Download and install the demo pack.
3. Open the Demo Folder:
4. Launch GCSTUDIO IDE.
5. Navigate to the DEMO folder within the IDE’s file explorer.
6. Search for Chip Demos:
7. Go to Edit > Find in Files (Ctrl+Shift+F).
8. Enable regex search by clicking the .* button in the search bar.
9. Enter the regex: #chip\s*[a-z0-9]*18F[a-z0-9]*Q41
10. Ensure the Case Sensitive (Aa) button is off for case-insensitive matching (e.g., #CHIP, #chip, 18F, 18f).
11. Optionally, limit the search to *.gcb files in the “files to include” field.
12. Results:
13. This will display ~50 demos for Q41 chips (e.g., PIC18F06Q41, PIC18F16Q41).
14. To find demos for other chips, modify the regex:
    • For PIC16F1778: #chip\s*[a-z0-9]*16F1778
    • For PIC16F17546: #chip\s*[a-z0-9]*16F17546
    • For PIC16F17526: #chip\s*[a-z0-9]*16F17526
15. Why Use Regex?:
16. Searching PIC18F06Q41 without regex won’t find PIC18F16Q41 or other Q41 variants.
17. The regex #chip\s*[a-z0-9]*18F[a-z0-9]*Q41 matches all Q41 chips (e.g., #chip PIC18F06Q41, #CHIP 18F16Q41), making it versatile for finding relevant demos.

2. Discover New IDE Features

To explore new capabilities i for your GCB projects:
- Open any .gcb file in GCSTUDIO IDE.
- Press F4 to display a list of available features and commands (e.g., PICINFO for chip details, peripheral configurations, etc.).
- Review these to leverage new tools for your chips’ advanced features .

3. Integrate with PICkit 3 for Robust Programming

Instead of relying on the MPLAB SNAP programmer, consider using your PICkit 3 (PK3) for better reliability:
- Purchase PICkitPlus Command Line Software:
- Cost: ~£10 GBP (check https://pickitplus.co.uk/ for details).
- This software extends PK3 support to newer chips (e.g., PIC16F1778, PIC18F06Q41), which may not be natively supported in MPLAB X.
- Why PICkitPlus?:
- More robust than SNAP, which can have voltage/current issues with newer chips.
- Allows seamless flashing of your chips using the familiar PK3 hardware.
- Setup:
- Install PICkitPlus software and configure it with ease.
- Connect your PK3 to program and debug your chips reliably.

4. Edit GCB Files with SynWrite

For a lightweight, alternative editor to GC Studio:
- Why SynWrite?:
- Offers a simple, fast interface for GCB coding, complementing GCStudio heavier environment.
- Ideal for quick edits or smaller projects.

Tips for Success

• Use GC Studio: To ensure you’re using the latest version for full chip support.
• Test the Regex: If the regex #chip\s*[a-z0-9]*18F[a-z0-9]*Q41 doesn’t work, ensure the .* button is enabled and the Aa button is off. Test with a sample .gcb file containing #CHIP 18F16Q40.

[tony_g]

Thanks evan,

from what i have seen now and again checking in over the last while, you guys have really been working non stop with GCB and its continued evolution it seems, i cant wait to get started when the new chips arrive, hopefully tuesday so not too long to wait.

i did initially stumble across a mention of the pickit plus software during a search but didnt go that route initially as the price showed as more than 10 gbp when i looked but now im guessing i missed a cheaper option somewhere, d'oh

but should i have issues with the snap programmer at least i know i do still an option to use my pk3 and not have the wife threaten divorce because i "absolutely need to get a pk4 or pk5" i looked up the prices, eek!

well between the newer datasheets to enjoy going through with the extra features and registers galore and a newer loaded work environment hopefully the coming "stuck indoors no rc fun winter" should have plenty to keep me busy and working away till spring lol.

thanks,

tony.