Your Oscilloclock model is running a specialized version of the standard Oscilloclock firmware, supporting features that were custom-built and included specifically for you!
But if you like any of the additional features at Screens & Things or other pages on the site, contact us. We can merge those features into your firmware, and supply you with a new version. The firmware can then be uploaded to the Oscilloclock using the below procedure.
If hardware changes are required for the particular feature you’re keen on, you may need to send the clock (or part of it) back to the lab for the upgrade.
Upgrade Procedure
1. Obtain a Programmer
You’ll need a genuine Microchip PICkit 3 programmer and a programming cable – effectively a 6P 0.1″ pitch male-to-female jumper cable.
Unfortunately, genuine Microchip programmers are difficult to procure on the open market. Don’t worry – we have ample stock! We’ll send you a fully tested and guaranteed kit.
Note: A PICkit 4 programmer will also work, with small modifications to the script. If you already have one of these devices, just let us know!
2. Obtain an Upgrade Package
You should have received your new firmware package, either by e-mail or download link from Oscilloclock.com.
At minimum, this will contain a programming script and a binary file that contains the raw, pre-compiled code to be uploaded.
3. Prepare a computer
You’ll need a Windows PC with an internet connection and a USB port.
In theory, you could use a Mac or even a computer running a Linux distribution. If interested, let us know and we’ll work on the necessary scripts for you.
4. Install Microchip’s MPLAB Application
Download MPLAB X IDE version 5.35 (yes, this specific version) from Microchip’s archive page, and install it with the default options.
5. Connect the Oscilloclock to the PC
For safety, ensure the clock is OFF and unplugged before performing this operation.
Use the programming cable to connect the PICkit to the Oscilloclock’s Control Board “PROGRAM” connector.
- In some Oscilloclock models, the PROGRAM connector is already occupied. In this case, temporarily unplug the existing connector and instead plug in the programming cable.
- In some Oscilloclock models, a separate externally-accessible socket has been provided for this purpose. In this case, a programming cable will have been supplied with your Oscilloclock. Use that cable instead.
Ensure that the pin 1 (indicated by the arrow on the PICkit) is oriented to the pin at the front (or left) of your Oscilloclock, as shown in the photo.
Note: Connecting the PICkit the wrong way around will NOT damage either the PICkit or your Oscilloclock, but the programmer will not function.
Finally, connect the PICkit USB cable to your PC.
6. Use the supplied script to program the chip
At this point, plug the Oscilloclock in (apply power) but do not turn it on. Programming will not work unless power is applied to the Oscilloclock.
In Explorer (or in a command prompt), navigate to the following script and double-click it.
Oscilloclock.X\ipe\program.cmdPress any key, and you will be asked to navigate to the location where MPLAB was installed. By default, this will be:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microchip\MPLABX\v5.35\mplab_platformFollowing this, the script will supply the hex file to MPLAB’s IPE command-line programming utility and program your Oscilloclock.
If successful, the output will show Operation Succeeded at the end:
7. Follow any special instructions provided
If your kit included any special instructions (settings changes, etc) then follow those instructions now.
Q&A
It didn’t work… “Programmer not found”
First, check that the PICkit is actually plugged in to the PC. The “Power” and “Active” lights should be lit, as shown at right.
Are you using a genuine programmer manufactured by Microchip? There are numerous clones out there, and we cannot guarantee their operation with your Oscilloclock.
It didn’t work… “Target device was not found …”
Target device was not found (could not detect target voltage VDD) followed by Programming Target Failed will generally indicate either of the following:
- The PICkit is plugged into the PROGRAM connector with the incorrect orientation
- You have not applied power to the Oscilloclock
It didn’t work… “Programming Target Failed”
We’ll need to take a good look at the logs and get back to you! Please send the file log.0, located in the Oscilloclock.X\ipe directory.
I want to ‘roll back’ to the original version
The Technical Documentation pack supplied with your Oscilloclock contains the original version of the firmware. In the event you wish to ‘roll back’, you can easily do so by following the same instructions, referencing those files.
If you have lost your original documentation pack, no problem – contact us and we’ll sort you out!
Any other questions? Just contact your friendly engineers at Oscilloclock!