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Chapter 7 / Programming the PIC16F876 Microcontroller
command line DOS versions are more up to date than the graphical
DOS version, and are able to program more types of PICmicro MCUs.
EPIC for DOS
Start the DOS version of the EPIC software by typing “epicdos” at the
DOS command prompt in the directory you created previously. The
EPIC software will look around to find where the EPIC Plus
Programmer is attached, and get it ready to program a PICmicro MCU.
If the EPIC Programmer is not found, check all of the above connec-
tions and verify that no PICmicro MCU is installed in the programmer
or any connected adapter.
Once the programming screen is displayed, select the device type you
wish to program. For PIC16C8x or PIC16F8x parts, select 8x. For the
PIC14C000, PIC16C55x, 6x, 7x, or 9x parts, select 6x/7x/9x. For
PIC12C5xx parts, select 12C50x.
Enter “Alt-O” (or click “Open” with the mouse) to open your assem-
bled object (.HEX) file. Double-click on the appropriate file to load it.
Once the file has been loaded, make sure the proper device character-
istics are selected. See the Microchip data books for information on
device configuration.
Caution: Be sure that Code Protect is set to OFF before programming a
windowed (JW) PICmicro MCU. You may not be able to erase a win-
dowed part that has been code protected.
Insert a PICmicro MCU into the EPIC Plus Programmer or connected
adapter socket. The end of the PICmicro MCU with the notch should
be all the way at the Pin 1 end of the socket, away from the battery
connectors. Press “Alt-P” (or click “Program” with the mouse) to pro-
gram the PICmicro MCU.
Before programming, the EPIC software does a blank check to ensure
that the part is erased. PIC12Cxxx parts are not completely blank from
the factory. They contain a calibration value in the last location. Simply
tell EPIC that it is OK to program them anyway, when it finds they are
not blank. If the PICmicro MCU is a 16F84 or another EEPROM or flash
part, it is usually not necessary to erase it before programming.
Typing “epicdos /?” at the DOS command prompt will display a list of
available options for the EPIC software.
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