PICKit4 - Can't get Programmer-to-Go to see microSD HC Card - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: scopeman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2021, 10:43:15 pm
content: I have a brand new PICKit4 that I am trying to get the Programmer-To-Go feature working. I have two brand new PNY 16GB SDHC microSD cards, when I try to send the image to the tool it reports microSD Card not found.I have tried reformatting the card for FAT32 and for all of the available allocation sizes from 4096 through 65535 with absolutely no luck. I am running the latest version of the MPLAB IPE and have read everything on the Microchip forum and nothing helps.I can use the unit to program parts (the PIC16F15214) and the microSD HC cards check out okay on every other device I have tried them in. I put in a request for a replacement PICKit4 but I am sure that is several days away. (Anyone popped one of these open?).Has anyone gotten the save/recall environment settings to work? I can not for the life of me figure out how to save and get the settings to be recovered on start up or anytime for that matter. Any hints are appreciated. Another issue is after starting the IPE with the programming window upI have to disconnect and reconnect the PICKit4 every time to get the program to recognize it. I have no other Microchip debuggers/programmers connected to the system.If these two problems can't be fixed, that really throws a wrench into using the PICKit4 in a production environment.So far this thing is a real pain to use. I really miss my PICKit2 it worked no muss, no fuss loads quickly every time.Maybe Dave needs to do a review and a rant on this thing so Microchip will clean it up!Thanks for looking!SamW3OHM

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2021, 01:39:14 pm
content: As if they would care for a review from dave.What is the version of MPLABX that you are using?

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 10, 2021, 01:43:34 pm
content: Well, they did care last time. They even did a video response.

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2021, 02:13:37 pm
content: From what i remember they made a video pointing out how many things were wrong in the review (which actual users of the product already knew)

author: scopeman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2021, 03:53:27 pm
content: I am using the latest version of the MPLAB IPE 5.50.Sam

author: scopeman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2021, 03:59:57 pm
content: Just got an email from Microchip. They are sending me a replacement unit. No explanations just a shipment verification. I will have to send back the one I have, I hope that it comes with a return shipping label.As for the issues getting the environment to stick so you don't have to do all of the setup every time you start the IPE I have heard nothing on that.I can not for the life of me understand when they had a great easy to use bulletproof tool like the PICKit2 they once again made a new tool that IMHO has more issues than even the PICKit3.It's almost like they swapped teams that are working on the tools and the new team knows nothing, or doesn't want to know anything about the history and success of prior generation tools.Sam

author: NorthGuy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2021, 05:31:00 pm
content: Quote from: scopeman on September 10, 2021, 03:59:57 pmHaven't you noticed such things happening all around the world? Even with companies that always stood head and shoulders above the rest. Like DigiKey for example - their website is now slightly less usable than it was 10 years ago, and also very buggy.

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2021, 06:59:19 am
content: In the meantime if you can try with MPLABX 5.45 or 5.40?they use a previous firmware in the PK4 which is independent from the tool pack, and i did use the PTG feature a lot with those two versions.In my machine i have 5.35 installed for projects with dual flash panel ( for any subsequent version you can't debug dual flash panel projects.. "the team was able to reproduce the problem but there is no timeframe for when it will be solved")then I have 5.45 and 5.50, 5.50 made debugging and programming faster but it's way less reliable so when needed i switch back and forth. Not ideal, i know.

author: Jan Audio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2021, 01:17:15 pm
content: Quote from: scopeman on September 08, 2021, 10:43:15 pmThose are the best movies where dave throws with stuff.Does not happen much any more.Thats how i got into eevblog, i saw someone throwing things.*I also like those movies where tested if something still works after dropping from a height ( only if it not breaks )

author: NorthGuy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2021, 02:41:32 pm
content: Quote from: Jan Audio on September 11, 2021, 01:17:15 pmYou need to watch CNBC. There, Jim Cramer likes throwing things, at least he used to when I watched CNBC.

author: scopeman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2021, 11:15:43 pm
content: Well I got the replacement from Microchip. Well it works, kind of. I had to download the PTG mode 4 times before I could get it to work.I also was able to copy the PTG files from the 16GB HC microSD card to a 512MB XC card I had and the programmer appears to be able to read those and the PTG function works. I don't know why they just don't put the files in a folder and let you copy them to a microSD card using the PC that way probbably any microSD card that will hold the files would work. It seems that the problem that I have are communications errors when using the PTG mode. I tried a different shorter cable and that may be a little more reliable but one would think that the Microchip provided cable would work perfectly every time.I did have to fix a major mechanical design flaw. When you would push the shield down all the way most times the switch would click but never made contact so I took the unit apart and modified the acrylic light pipe so that it would properly activate the switch. Now I can program parts with a very easy press of the switch.The design was so bad that I think that I had to press hard enough to deform the switch mount to get the switch to activate and it would only work in one narrow range on the Red shield.It was an easy fix so I am going to post how I did it in a new thread.Microchip wants me to return the one I have that won't work with SD cards but they want me to pay for shipping. I would do that if they paid me for all of the time I spent getting this thing that was DOA for that feature out of the box to work properly. I'll keep it as a spare.Thank you to all that responded.Best wishes,SamW3OHM

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2021, 04:26:32 am
content: Interesting. I really wouldn't have expected it to be an hardware flaw, as they probably do: This is the first time ever that i hear that they want the old unit back (and i've got my fair share of pickit 3 replaced over the years)About the button, IDK it's fine here, when i do PTG session i press that button about 300 times in a rowBTW as you're at it, earlier versions have an issue with the USb port pattern, i've had to replace the port on mine once and reflow it twice (you'll see it's time when you move something and hear the disconnected/reconnected sound from windows)