Dead PICAXE?

[Calamitie]

Hi all,

I just started playing around with my new PICAXE gadgets...

I bought a breadboard to wire myself (I prefer it that way) and, after about 10 un-successful wiring attempts, I finally got the different voltage when clicking the 'LED' image in the programming editor.

Although I think I've finally wired it all up correctly and used the specified resistors, I can't download a simple program to my 08M because of the "Hardware not found" error.

When I was trying to get the circuit working, I tried almost everything, which finally included switching the battery pack polarity (incase I had the ground in the wrong side), but, in doing so, I could smell burning and the PICAXE chip was extremely hot (after only 2-or-so seconds with the wrong polarity).

I am almost certain that is why the download won't work (that I've killed the chip), but I just wanted to confirm that switching the polarity does kill the PCAXE chip...

Stupidly, I only ordered one 08M chip (even though I should have known I'd need a few more) - so I guess I'll have to order a couple more tomorrow if the chip proves to be dead.

Thanks in advance

 

[manuka]

You just MIGHT be lucky- 08s are pretty rugged! However the blundering around is crazy &amp; akin to playing with explosives- follow an EXACT approach,perhaps as shown <A href='http://www.picaxe.orcon.net.nz ' Target=_Blank>External Web Link</a>. &quot;Hardware not found&quot; errors often are serial port related, so consider PC issues too. Stan

 

[hippy]

Sometimes chips may survive brief power reversal from a current limited power supply, but hot and the smell of burning is usually a good sign that you've let the magic smoke out.

Using 9V batteries is also a good way to put PICAXE's permanently into gone-to-sleep mode.

 

[Calamitie]

I'm pretty sure I've killed it now

I didn't use a 9V battery at all; just 3 AA Alkaline's.

I couldn't find much at http://www.picaxe.orcon.net.nz, so I used a schematic from the first PICAXE manual - it worked (I think) in the end...

Thanks for the replies

 

[kranenborg]

Hello,

I have once accidentally applied a wrong 5V polarity on a 08M (must have been for over 4 seconds) , started smelling something, let the device cool down, and then found it to be working ...

Maybe it is wise to buy a set of 5 08M's and the handy propotyping board (<A href='http://www.rev-ed.co.uk/images/full/axe021.jpg ' Target=_Blank>External Web Link</a> ) to be sure that the download circuit works. Then you may try your first 08M again ...

Regards,
Jurjen
http://www.kranenborg.org/ee/picaxe

 

[Calamitie]

Thanks for that.

Maybe the chip does still work and it might be my circuit :S

I think I will buy a protoboard and a few 08M's like you said.

I might post a photo of my circuit (the schematic would be correct, obviously!) to see if it's right.

Thanks again

 

[Rickharris]

check you have selected the right chip in the prog editor.

Check Power supplieds at the chip.

Check the resistors are in the right place.

 

[Calamitie]

Thanks Rick; I've checked and they are all right (as far as I know).

Just incase a photo would help:
http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/1854/picaxebreadboardhp9.jpg

P.S. Those wires bridging across each other near the stereo socket aren't touching...

Edited by - Calamitie on 09/05/2007 18:39:01

 

[manuka]

I've just checked your photo. Although neat you are asking for trouble with <b>bare </b> wires crossing each other!!!! DON'T DO IT! What is wrong with the many far simpler 08 breadboard versions? We have a Kiwi one , JRHackett has his N&amp;V style &amp; PHAnderson another.
It's also crucial to use a felt pen to highlight supply (RED) &amp; ground (BLACK) rails, as even expewrts can get mixed up when weary...

 

[BeanieBots]

I agree with manuka.
I'll bet a dead PICAXE that the start of your trouble was the download socket not making contact with the breadboard. Especially once it lifted slightly after fitting the cable.
Rev-Ed have made a socket specifically for breadboard use.
<A href='http://194.201.138.187/epages/Store.storefront/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Store.TechSupplies/Products/AXE029' Target=_Blank>External Web Link</a>

 

[Calamitie]

I just got it working!!! (woo!)

I switched either wire from the stereo connector and it now works perfectly

Must just be me that found that schematic for the stereo connector really baffling :S

Thanks everybody

P.S. I'll take another photo of it working incase beginners want to see how the stereo connector should be wired.

 

[kranenborg]

Glad to hear that the chip survived. Welcome to the club, you will find a lot of inspiration at this forum. To me it still seems like the versatility of the 08M is almost endless ...

/Jurjen

Edited by - kranenborg on 09/05/2007 21:28:59