Harvest SPE Flash Programming

This document hasn't been updated for far too long. In the meantime, feel free to download the latest SPE firmware code and Windows programmer as a zip file (around 250KB): specode.zip.

Connecting the Programmer

1. Unscrew the four housing screws located at the bottom of the SPE.
2. Open the top so that you have access to the internal connectors.
3. Connect the SPE Programming Adapter to Connector J7 this is also marked "Bootstrap" (on later boards).
   Figure 1, below, shows the orientation required for correct connection of the programming adaptor.
   

   Figure 1.

4. Connect a serial cable to the SPE Programming Adapter with the other end connected to COM1.
5. Connect the 12V DC power source to the SPE. The hardware is now ready to be programmed by software.

Flash Programming

The program SPEProg.exe is used to program the SPE's flash memory. This program includes the SPE code embedded within it so there is no need for any data files or software installation. Connect the programming adaptor as described above, open a command prompt window and run the program. SPEProg defaults to serial port COM1 but if you need to use a different serial port you can enter its name as a command line parameter. For example SPEProg COM2.

Diagnostic Monitoring

The SPE programming adapter can be utilised to monitor the connection from the microprocessor.

To use the adapter as a monitor the following are required:

1. Open the SPE housing.
2. Take the top off so that you have access to the internal connectors.
3. Connect the SPE Programming Adapter to Connector J7 this is also marked "Bootstrap". (see figure 1).
4. Connect the Serial Port of the SPE adapter a 9 pin serial cable, straight through cable. Do not use a null modem cable.
5. Connect to the PC Com Port 1 (default).
6. Start HyperTerminal™ in Windows™ or your favourite terminal program.
7. Set the Serial Port settings as below:

   Port	COM1
   Bits Per Second	9600
   Data Bits	8
   Parity	None
   Stop Bits	1
   Flow Control	None

8. HyperTerminal will automatically connect.
9. Power up the SPE.
10. Monitoring should have started.

Known Problems

• When using this adapter for diagnostic monitoring the DTR line needs to be kept asserted. The reason for this is that DTR is used to reset the SPE as part of the bootstrap programming operation. If DTR is not asserted the SPE will be held in a reset condition. The DTR requirement can be meet by running HyperTerminal™ or any other terminal program that asserts DTR. Remember that if you disconnect a session (hangup) or exit your terminal software DTR will be dropped and the SPE will be reset. To avoid this disconnect the adaptor from your computer before exiting your terminal program.
• Some early SPEs had a two pin header connector labelled J9 and located close to the SPE's microcontroller chip near the same edge of the board as the J7 and J4 header connectors. A jumper needs to be installed on this J9 header to enable the programming adaptor to work.

Acknowledgements

Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation
HyperTerminal is a trademark of Hilgraeve Inc.