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Bootloader self protection and automatic file update

Posted: 26 Dec 2011 13:32
by Andreas
Hi,
it would be great if the bootloader would refuse to overwrite itself.

I'm on vacation and didn't bring my burner. My program got so big that it reached into the bootloader memory location and the bootloader excepted that and overwrote itself. Now I'm stuck and can't work on my project any more till I get home.

It would also be great if the PC program would automaticaly load the latest version HEX file for each upload. It is quite nagging to have to select the same file again and again while developing new versions.

I think the better sequence for the buttons in the PC program would be "Select", "Connect", "Upload".

Thanks
Andreas

Re: Bootloader self protection and automatic file update

Posted: 29 Dec 2011 11:23
by filip
Hi,

Please, can you tell me which bootloader firmware, bootloader application and MCU are you using ?

Regards,
Filip.

Re: Bootloader self protection and automatic file update

Posted: 29 Dec 2011 12:44
by Andreas
Firmware: //mikroPascal PRO for PIC501\Examples\Other\Bootloader\P18\8K\boot_test.mpppi
Application: MikroElektronika Bootloader v2.1.0.0
PIC: 18F2320

Re: Bootloader self protection and automatic file update

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 11:45
by filip
Hi,

Unfortunately, you are right.
If you place your code above the address 0x1D68 (where the bootloader main routine begins), you will overwrite a part of the bootloader code, which may lead to unpredictable results.

I will pass this to our software developers, and see if there is any fix of workaround.

I apologize for the inconvenience caused by this.

Regards,
Filip.