Load/Run problem to PICAXE18 board

I am trying (as a PICAXE beginner) to transfer my first program to the project board (6-legged walking cyber-pet). I get error saying hardware not detected on COM1. I'm pretty sure the com port and cable are working OK and the board is powered. How can I be sure the school has purchased PIXAXE18 chips rather than blank PIC16F627 ones? Do yours have an distinctive marking? Thanks,

Bob Squires

There are no distinctive markings.

Check out a post i made in the picaxe forum about printable labels as these could help in the fututre.

Do you have any other hardware avaliable to test if the chip works?

If not then there is not much else that can be done accept from rechecking your circuit for problems.

Check the voltage across the picaxe, and also check that the MCLR (reset) line is pulled up with a 4k7 resistor.

Regards,

- Martyn

 

Martin,

Thanks for responding, and for the label info. I don't have any alternative ways of testing the system. I've just purchased a couple of real PICAXE18 chips myself and will try these when they're delivered. Apart from this I can't do much else unstill school is operating again on 20th April. thanks,

Bob