Version 6.1.0.0 - can't find chip

Steve2381

Senior Member
Hi all
I basically abandoned Picaxes due to the constant programming issues I was having. One minute it could find the chip, next minute it could not.

Returned to an 08m2 today, and on a new Asus laptop.... it found the IC straight off the bat and loaded my program. Great!

Then, 2 minutes later after nothing has changed, it throws up the old 'No hardware on Com 4' error.

Nothing seems to fix it. Uninstalled drivers, different port.

Is there any known reason for this, or am I abandoning Picaxes again?
 

Steve2381

Senior Member
Tested the AXE027 lead - fine.
It is showing an 08m2 and the correct port in the left hand side window.
It shows the correct port and chip at the bottom of the programmer.
Re-installed the programming environment
Re-installed the AXE027 driver
Tried a new 08M2

Ask it to identify the chip, and it can. Try to program it, and it asks you to switch the power on and fails.
Out of ideas.

I can't spend 3 hours trying to get these stupid chips to program every time I want to use one.

Think I have some spare Arduino Beetles somewhere
 

techElder

Well-known member
these stupid chips to program
I've been doing this for a long time, and never had any trouble with the "stupid" chips. Every time I've had a quirk in the workflow, its been caused by me, the programmer behind the wheel! :D

Now you are repeating the same things that you did before and expecting a different outcome. Go figger. :D

{ADDED}

Then, 2 minutes later after nothing has changed, it throws up the old 'No hardware on Com 4' error.
Something changed, but it doesn't sound like you mean that something in the "stupid" chip changed ... your program. Logic then says that something changed in your PC/setup that has nothing to do with the PICAXE. Since you tested the AXE027, that, and everything to the PICAXE works fine. Your agenda should focus on something else for success.
 
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hippy

Technical Support
Staff member
Ask it to identify the chip, and it can. Try to program it, and it asks you to switch the power on and fails.
Out of ideas.
This sounds like the PICAXE and everything is working fine but something in the previously downloaded PICAXE program may be preventing it from receiving a download.

Normally a Hard Reset procedure should resolve these sort of issues.

The best way to proceed, to check everything is working as expected, is to do a Clear Hardware Memory or download an empty program. Once that has been achieved; subsequent Clear Hardware Memory or downloads of an empty program should proceed without any issue. If not, then that gives a firm foundation from which things can be investigated.

Getting the Hard Reset timing right can take a bit of practice. Key is to power-off the PICAXE, leave it a few seconds, initiate a download, then, about a second later, power-up the PICAXE.
 

inglewoodpete

Senior Member
Hi all
I basically abandoned Picaxes due to the constant programming issues I was having. One minute it could find the chip, next minute it could not.

Returned to an 08m2 today, and on a new Asus laptop.... it found the IC straight off the bat and loaded my program. Great!

Then, 2 minutes later after nothing has changed, it throws up the old 'No hardware on Com 4' error.

Nothing seems to fix it. Uninstalled drivers, different port.

Is there any known reason for this, or am I abandoning Picaxes again?
PICAXE chips, their firmware and programming cables are reliable. I should know: I've used hundreds of them in both business and hobby situations over the past 12 years. You need to understand the beast you are using: solid wiring and soldering practice and understanding how your software can affect future downloads. If battery operated, try replacing the batteries. If your programming cable has copped some abuse, wires can break where they enter the phono plug: if that is the case, cut the plug off and replace it.
 
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