Pinguino Boards

[TuxD3v]

Hi, guys

I use Linux Mint LMDE amd64 bits for OS...
I will need to use MPlabx, to program some micros.
I have never used it...

1 - so my question is via ISCP using PIC Kit3, what i need exactly?

2 - I will need MPlabx, of course, but can i only with MPLabx program the microcontrollers?
    I assume that i will need some compiler...i don't like to pay for compilers...so i like free compilers...
    i already have mplabx installed and already installed sdcc/gputils..
    but if i try for example an:

    #include <pic18f26j50> it gives me a error ?

3 - Are there any chance to use MPlabx in this terms...?or the ARM is better(open tools) ?

4 - Does i will need libraries more than what MPlabx have?


thanks in advance for the help.

regards
tux

[LubOlimex]

Hey tux,

You haven't mentioned what board do you have but I'd assume its a PIC32-PINGUINO one because of the topic name.

Pinguino boards are meant to work specially with PINGUINO IDE via the USB (with the bootloader program loaded inside handling the communication).

They can, of course, be used as general-purpose PIC32 boards with MPLAB and a compatible programmer/debugger.

1 - so my question is via ISCP using PIC Kit3, what i need exactly?

You need a PIC32 compatible programmer/debugger with 0.05'' step connector. For instance our PIC-KIT3 + the adapter PIC-ICSP (this combination has been tested by me and works fine, but the board works with original PicKit3 also).

2 - I will need MPlabx, of course, but can i only with MPLabx program the microcontrollers?
    I assume that i will need some compiler...i don't like to pay for compilers...so i like free compilers...
    i already have mplabx installed and already installed sdcc/gputils..
    but if i try for example an:

    #include <pic18f26j50> it gives me a error  ?

What program do you use? What board is this? I don't know what is the compiler you use but there is option for free license in the XC32. It can be downloaded from Microchip's website: http://www.microchip.com/xcdemo/xcpluspromo.aspx (check the left side of the site for the Linux download).

3 - Are there any chance to use MPlabx in this terms...?or the ARM is better(open tools) ?

I, honestly, haven't used MPLAB X under Linux. But one thing I know is that MPLAB X is not open-source. It is free, but not open-source (you can't change the source of MPLAB X, most of the parts are closed).

About ARM development - there is possibility to create completely open-source development IDE. It requires some efforts and reading but it will be COMPLETELY open-source. For reference, check our OpenODS: https://www.olimex.com/Products/ARM/JTAG/_resources/OpenOCD/.

4 - Does i will need libraries more than what MPlabx have?

No.

Best regards,
Lub/OLIMEX

[TuxD3v]

Hi i will use pinguino pic32 micro with mplabx.

i have received my pinguino micro and a zigbee module, and a pic kit3 from olimex...

i whant to load a demo of comunication(betwen pinguino micro and a zigbee module) in pic32 to access the miwi stack in zigbee module.

I already connected power in pic32 via usb, and connected the zigbee module in it.
after i started MPlab IPE, connected to the board(No i have not pushed the button in the pic kit3...), i connected and read...but it gives me a error when i read ...

Well...i don't know how to start 

I think that i need to concentrate efforts on the pic32 board...

with mplab x i think that i only have the chance to program and debug with pickit3, is this correct?

how can i load an example in MPlabx, and after in pic32 flash(I am using xc32 compiler)?

regards

[LubOlimex]

Hey Tux,

You can use the PINGUINO IDE. This will make the things easier for a beginner plus there is already an example for PINGUINO boards and ZIGBEE modules working together (https://www.olimex.com/Products/Duino/PIC32/_resources/PINGUINO_MODZIGBEE_example.zip). You will need UEXT connector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEXT) on the ZIGBEE board, if you have purchased MOD-ZIGBEE-UEXT (https://www.olimex.com/Products/Modules/RF/MOD-ZIGBEE-UEXT/) it already has one.

If you wish, of course,the PINGUINO might be programmed and debugged under MPLAB 8.xx or MPLAB X but it would require a debugger/programmer tool that supports PIC32 microcontroller (like PIC-KIT3, for example). You might also need an adapter for the small ICSP coonnector (0.05'' step). PIC-KIT3 + PIC-ICSP is a working solution for debugging/programming PIC32-PINGUINO boards under MPLAB 8.xx and MPLAB X: https://www.olimex.com/Products/PIC/Programmers/PIC-KIT3/; https://www.olimex.com/Products/PIC/Programmers/PIC-ICSP/.

Best regards,
Lub/OLIMEX

[TuxD3v]

Hi,

thanks for the reapply,

I already have all tools, and hardware.

the problem is the software...I think.

In the schematic of pinguino micro, pic32 is only connected to SPI on uext, not to uart...

So i assume that i will comunicate with zigbee module via SPI.

i have already loaded the zigbee example in pinguino micro page, but it does nothing only show me the first instructions...

"----------------------------------------                                       
Press a key to init the ZIGBEE module                                           
-----------------------------------------
Connection to module is open. Now you need to:

1) Push the RST button on the MOD-ZIGBEE coordinator
---to start a fresh network. It should repost 'joining permitted'

2) Power up/reset your ZIGBEE sensors; they should find the
---network automatically; Pinguino will report adding a new device
---at the first available position. Note: Default free positions are 5
---but you can change that in the source code of the example

3) After connecting all your devices to the network, press the
---button next to the C17 resistor on your MOD-ZIGBEE coordinator
-----------------------------------------
"
if i press buttons it doesen't show me what zigbee module is doing.

how to retrieve that information from zigbee module via SPI?

i want to show it in the console of the pinguino micro, that is connected to computer...

but the example only shows me this in Pinguino IDE.

Whith MPLab x, when I right the code to pic32 it will erase the boot loader?if so, how can i backup the boot loader?

thanks in advance.

regards
tux