weird switch problem

Guest · Guest

im using the pcml compiler on a PIC16f877 and get a strange error when i try to add code for a barometer to existing code. before i had a switch statement

MikeValencia · Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 238 Location: Chicago

How much code is there in the function where your case statement is? If there is a lot of code in that function, AND since your'e using a 16F part, looks like you'll have to start breaking code down into smaller functions and try using the #separate directive and #device *=16 for 16-bit pointers.

I'd start by using the #separate directive first in front of many functions. If that still doesn't work, then start breaking down functions into smaller ones.

So, in the past with growing 16F code, i've done the following in this order:
1. #device *=16 for 16 bit pointers. See if this takes care of your problem.
2. If (1) is not enough, then use #separate
3. If (1) and (2) is not enough, then start breaking down functions into smaller ones.

PCM programmer · Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 21708

Guest · Guest

Mike, the function the case statement is in is about 50 lines. The code is fairly simple so there are no pointers. Ive tried adding #separate directives to the code, but im not really familiar with them and what they actually do. Could you explain this or point me to a site that does?

PCM, im using 3.227, the latest linux compiler i believe.

PCM programmer · Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 21708

MikeValencia · Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 238 Location: Chicago

Actually 3.228 is the latest, which is about 1-2 weeks old (?) New versions sometimes come in faster than you can blink!

You should read the precautions that PCM showed you.

In general, i've used #separate like this:

MikeValencia · Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 238 Location: Chicago

I was thinking of going over to Linux to do PIC development.
Okay, so if I buy PCHL from CCS, I can compile and stuff under the Linux environment.

But then what software do you use to program the chips?

Guest · Guest

Sadly i cannot switch to another PIC, we are using a board from Botrics called the Cerebellum. As for how i program it, some of this is most likely cerebellum specific, but here goes.

I have the cerebellum connected to a serial port on my computer, and use ser2net to convert the serial to an network port. Then i can do "telnet localhost <port#>" and enter the passcode to program and then exit (that was all cerebellum specific). Now i havent dealt with PICs that werent on a cerebellum before, so im not sure how you program it. If you use something like tera term then you should be able to use minicom in linux. In minicom i change the settings for ascii-xfr to upload with a certain line delay, and change the settings for minicom for bit parity baud rate etc. Then i upload in minicom using the ascii protocal.

i would suggest trying to upload a windows compiled HEX file from linux before buying pchl.

Also i thought the latest windows compiler was 3.228, but for linux its only up to 3.227, in the update compiler page i only see 3.227 for linux.

asmallri · Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 1634 Location: Perth, Australia

I am using PCH 3.228 and I have come across a bug similar to the one you describe. When developing and application I often use stubs for procedures and functions yet to be implemented. Stubs of the form: