Frequently Asked Questions

•  Can I use SpectroBUS18 without using the SpectroTECH plug-in device modules?

Yes, SpectroBUS18 can be used as a “stand-alone” system, meaning that the SpectroBUS18 is a fully functional development system and has everything you need as a support platform for PIC 18 pin devices, On-board power, Oscillator and reset circuits as well as access to all PIC I/O pins.

•  What programming language can I use with SpectroBUS?

If you are using SpectroBUS WITH SpectroTECH plug-in device modules, any language can be used as long as it supports the equivalent of the BS2 (Basic Stamp) SERIN and SEROUT commands. Using PicBasic Pro, these commands are SERIN2 and SEROUT2. Additionally, the ability to reference a port pin by number, this is also a BS2 feature and is supported by PicBasic Pro. As an example, an eighteen pin device such as the PIC16F88, PORTB pins can be accessed using 0-7 and PORTA pins using 8-12. For more information regarding the SERIN2/SEROUT2 and accessing pins by number please see your PicBasic Pro manual or download it from our website (from the Programming Tools section) where you can review the user manual online, see (SERIN2/SEROUT2 Commands) and (section 4.1 Pins).

If you are using SpectroBUS WITHOUT SpectroTECH plug-in device modules, then any language can be used with or without the support of BS2's serial commands and port pin access by number.

•  Can I use the DC power supply as supplied with SpectroBUS in Europe?

No, the power supply available from SpectroTECH can be used in the US and Canada only. However, any DC power supply can be used provided that it is rated at 300mA or greater with a DC voltage of 8-16Vdc, additionally the supply should have a 1.3mm male connecter.

•  What information is provided on the Disk or CD that comes with SpectroBUS?

Every SpectroBUS system is shipped with a Floppy Disk or CD (your choice) that includes valuable information: Schematics of SpectroBUS, SpectroBUS user manual and various programs written using PicBasic Pro. These programs are provided royalty free and can be used and distributed freely.

•  What programmers can I use with SpectroBUS?

We suggest using either the melabs Serial Programmer or the EPIC programmer from microEngineering Labs, Inc. These can be used for In Circuit Programming (ICP) use. We developed the SpectroICSPA adapter specifically for these programmers. If you have a programmer from another source that supports ICP then you may need to create a custom cable that connects your programmer to the SpectroICSPA. Pin and connector specifications are provided in the SpectroICSPA user manual that will assist you in this task. If you are interested in the melabs Serial Programmer you can now purchase these online.

If you are not using ICP, either because your PIC does not support ICP or you are removing the PIC and placing it into a ZIF socket connected to the programmer, then any programmer that supports Microchip HEX file format will work just fine.

•  Why do I need the SpectroICSPA between my in-circuit programmer and the SpectroBUS?

The In Circuit Serial Programming Adapter is more than just an interface board; in fact it uses an 8 pin MCU to control various aspects of the programming cycle. It assures that when programming or verification begins that SpectroBUS and the attached device modules (SpectroKEY, SpectroLCD etc.) are placed into a controlled state so as not to interfere with the programming process. It also ensures that the correct startup sequence occurs for all device modules after programming has completed.

•  Is the firmware upgradeable on devices module?

Firmware upgrades may be released from time to time and made available on our Resource page. Each device module has the ability to be programmed just like any other flash part; simply download the HEX file from our site, remove the PIC from the device module, place it in your programmer and program it with the new version firmware HEX file. This allows you to take full advantage of any future upgrades to firmware and it is completely free.

•  What do I need to view the SpectroTECH user manuals?

NOTE: It has been reported that after installing Internet Explorer Version 7 that Adobe Reader no longer works, basically you just get a blank page. To correct this problem, please do the following; First, remove the current version of Adobe Reader from your computer (use the Add or Remove Programs from My Computer). Next, reinstall it again, these steps appear to resolve the problem.