IR bootloader - possible? Programming via IR

anestho · Joined: 27 Dec 2006 Posts: 28

Hi, after searching the web, I can't seem to find any bootloaders that allow programming via IR serial RS232 type format. Would it just involve putting an IR sensor on the line that would be used for the line in serial?

Has anyone done this?

I know there may be fear of unintentional programming form an outside source, but I could include a hardwired preamble or code to get it into programming mode.

Here is the only thing I found.
http://list.picbasic.com/forum/messages/6851/6924.html?1074995343

I would be interested in the 16F876.

joven · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 1:31 pm

Hi

yes, I think.
I have tested the bootloader of 16f877 by RF 433.

use the same as RS232 but changes the wires by two encoder and IR transivers.

anestho · Joined: 27 Dec 2006 Posts: 28

Will I need to have a Rx and Tx lines on the receiver end? I only need to communicate 1 way from PC to receiver, via IR. Otherwise, I will need to use another pin to Tx using a IR LED.

ckielstra · Joined: 18 Mar 2004 Posts: 3680 Location: The Netherlands

Most rs232 bootloaders use Rx and Tx for two reasons:
1) Flow control; Programming the flash memory takes some time and you want to tell the PC to stop sending data.
2) Error correction; In case of communications errors the PIC needs some mechanism to tell the PC to send data again.

These same problems will appear in the other use you have for the IR interface. Maybe you can apply the same solution you found there for the bootloader?