64 bit FBOOT (64bit for Win 7)

[kl22]

I am working on a programmer similar to FBOOT (one used for the Axon II) for Windows 7 64bit. Hopefully it will work for XP and VISTA x64 as well.

When it gets released it will only be tested on the atmega640 as I only have the axon microcontroller. But I hope either community or I will modify and distribute it as it grows. I also hope to release a 32bit so that new features can be added.

I'm thinking that the release will be around May 1st, 2010. It will be released with a GNU GPL license. Also, I hope to set up a SVN for it so people can modify and upload. Also, currently started dev in C# not sure if it is going to work out in C# but will keep updates here http://robotics.pixiq.ca/category/botpro.

Possible Features:
- 64 bit Programmer (hex loader)
- Custom Built “Hyperterminal” for the atmega640 (so that the whole fight with hyperterminal can end!)
- 2 Flash buttons (1x Just Flash, 1x Flash + Hyperterminal In)

Any suggestions? If 64 bit version is already out please let me know so we can stop.

[Soeren]

Hi,

Not that I have any experience with Win64, but I had the assumption that it would run a fair number of Win32 apps?
Isn't there a 32bit emulator mode or something you can use when programming?

If you wanna go through all this trouble just to be able to program a controller, wouldn't it be just as well to make an USB-stick bootable into Win32? (I have a *Nix-stick for when I have to make a Windows machine behave or want to back up the system - insert, reboot and you're there).

[kl22]

Hey Soeren,

Win64 can run 32bit via WoW (windows on windows) that was integrated into Win7 and I believe Vista. The only problem is that most software programmers don't run at all on WoW or any other 64bit platform. Because it seems its uses a 16bit architecture (not sure about this).

As for the trouble. It is very annoying to me have to set up a VirturalMachine or dual boot a 32bit OS to program the controller. So i figure if I develop one it can be used by everyone with a 64bit comp. Also, most if not all computers are being shipped with 64bit processors so this will be useful for the near future.

I plan on keeping dev open source people will contribute and in the long run I hope that it will support a broad range of controllers. This will greatly simplify things. Hopefully everything works out.... Also this is great publicity for my company Pixiq.ca and DigitalCrown.com . Since we are software development companies:D

[Soeren]

Hi,


OK, I can see your reasons for doing it then.
Personally, I'd much rather shoot for an "intelligent" generic programmer, to which you just copy a hex (or binary) file, keeping all the actual programming timing etc. in hardware and it could be made with uploaded modules for different processor families.

It would need only 4(5) modes (perhaps selected by a 1 byte file header or whatever): upload module, set exact processor type and its fuses, upload file from disk, download file to disk (and perhaps an erase mode). Perhaps it should have a Bluetooth or IrDA adapter.

All could be done with hex files (i.e. 7 but ASCII will suffice) so any computer, regardless of OS, could be used. Even cell phones etc. could be used for programming if out and about.

But then again, I bet there's ample room for both types 


Btw. While you have the keyboard out, an SPI and IIC protocol analyzer might be a nice addition.

[kl22]

Thanks for the great feedback!

OK, I can see your reasons for doing it then.
Personally, I'd much rather shoot for an "intelligent" generic programmer, to which you just copy a hex (or binary) file, keeping all the actual programming timing etc. in hardware and it could be made with uploaded modules for different processor families.

Do you mean making a physical programmer as opposed to a bootloader? If so, I was actually considering that for the future. Maybe if the bootloader gets alot of positive feedback.

All could be done with hex files (i.e. 7 but ASCII will suffice) so any computer, regardless of OS, could be used. Even cell phones etc. could be used for programming if out and about.

I'm thinking of making a java version all well since it is platform independent. Just need to make sure serial port access can be done without breaking permissions.

Btw. While you have the keyboard out, an SPI and IIC protocol analyzer might be a nice addition.

Could you elaborate on this a little more. What do you mean by SPI/IIC protocol analyzer? How would that work?

[Soeren]

Hi

Do you mean making a physical programmer as opposed to a bootloader? If so, I was actually considering that for the future. Maybe if the bootloader gets alot of positive feedback.

Yes, bootloaders were never really my thing.
I mean a physical "box" with a USB connector and a connector for plugging in I(C)SP leads (and perhaps a narrow 40 pin ZIF as an option). One programmer for all controller families.

I'm thinking of making a java version all well since it is platform independent. Just need to make sure serial port access can be done without breaking permissions.

Shouldn't  be a problem with a USB port.

Could you elaborate on this a little more. What do you mean by SPI/IIC protocol analyzer? How would that work?

Well, it may be hard to make something generic without external hardware, but it would just work like any other analyzer, to snoop on an SPI (or IIC) exchange to find out what goes wrong with the comms (when it does), it's a tool for fault finding you may say.

[kl22]

BTW, thanks for all the great feedback and input Soeren!