RabbitCore RCM3700
User's Manual
PREV INDEX NEXT

2. Getting Started

This chapter describes the RCM3700 hardware in more detail, and explains how to set up and use the accompanying Prototyping Board.

NOTE It is assumed that you have the RCM3700 Development Kit. If you purchased an RCM3700 module by itself, you will have to adapt the information in this chapter and elsewhere to your test and development setup.

2.1 Install Dynamic C

To develop and debug programs for the RCM3700 (and for all other Rabbit Semiconductor hardware), you must install and use Dynamic C.

If you have not yet installed Dynamic C version 8.11 (or a later version), do so now by inserting the Dynamic C CD from the RCM3700 Development Kit in your PC's CD-ROM drive. If autorun is enabled, the CD installation will begin automatically.

If autorun is disabled or the installation otherwise does not start, use the Windows Start | Run menu or Windows Disk Explorer to launch setup.exe from the root folder of the CD-ROM.

The installation program will guide you through the installation process. Most steps of the process are self-explanatory.

Dynamic C uses a COM (serial) port to communicate with the target development system. The installation allows you to choose the COM port that will be used. The default selection is COM1. You may select any available port for Dynamic C's use. If you are not certain which port is available, select COM1. This selection can be changed later within Dynamic C.

NOTE The installation utility does not check the selected COM port in any way. Specifying a port in use by another device (mouse, modem, etc.) may lead to a message such as "could not open serial port" when Dynamic C is started.

Once your installation is complete, you will have up to three icons on your PC desktop. One icon is for Dynamic C, one opens the documentation menu, and the third is for the Rabbit Field Utility, a tool used to download precompiled software to a target system.

If you have purchased any of the optional Dynamic C modules, install them after installing Dynamic C. The modules may be installed in any order. You must install the modules in the same directory where Dynamic C was installed.

2.2 Hardware Connections

There are three steps to connecting the Prototyping Board for use with Dynamic C and the sample programs:

  1. Attach the RCM3700 module to the Prototyping Board.

  2. Connect the programming cable between the RCM3700 and the COM port on the workstation PC.

  3. Connect the power supply to the Prototyping Board.

The connections are shown for the RCM3700 Prototyping Board, and are similar for the RCM3720 Prototyping Board.

2.2.1 Attach Module to Prototyping Board

Turn the RCM3700 module so that the Ethernet jack is on the left as shown in Figure 2 below. Insert the module's J1 header into the TCM_SMT_SOCKET socket on the Prototyping Board. The shaded corner notch at the bottom right corner of the RCM3700 module should face the same direction as the corresponding notch below it on the Prototyping Board.


Figure 2. Install the RCM3700 Series on the Prototyping Board

NOTE It is important that you line up the pins on header J1 of the RCM3700 module exactly with the corresponding pins of the TCM_SMT_SOCKET socket on the Prototyping Board. The header pins may become bent or damaged if the pin alignment is offset, and the module will not work. Permanent electrical damage to the module may also result if a misaligned module is powered up.

Press the module's pins firmly into the Prototyping Board headers.

2.2.2 Connect Programming Cable

The programming cable connects the RCM3700 to the PC running Dynamic C to download programs and to monitor the RCM3700 module during debugging.

Connect the 10-pin connector of the programming cable labeled PROG to header J2 on the RCM3700 as shown in Figure 3. Be sure to orient the marked (usually red) edge of the cable towards pin 1 of the connector. (Do not use the DIAG connector, which is used for a normal serial connection.)


Figure 3. Connect Programming Cable and Power Supply

NOTE Be sure to use the programming cable (part number 101-0542) supplied with this Development Kit—the programming cable has blue shrink wrap around the RS-232 converter section located in the middle of the cable. The simplified programming cable and adapter board that are supplied with the Ethernet Connection Kit may also be used as shown in the inset diagram above. Programming cables from other Rabbit Semiconductor kits are not designed to work with RCM3700 modules.

Connect the other end of the programming cable to a COM port on your PC.

NOTE Some PCs now come equipped only with a USB port. It may be possible to use an RS-232/USB converter (Part No. 540-0070) with the programming cable supplied with the RCM3700 Development Kit. Note that not all RS-232/USB converters work with Dynamic C.

2.2.3 Connect Power

When all other connections have been made, you can connect power to the Prototyping Board. Connect the wall transformer to 3-pin header J4 on the Prototyping Board as shown in Figure 3. The connector may be attached either way as long as it is not offset to one side.

Plug in the wall transformer. The LED above the RESET button on the Prototyping Board should light up. The RCM3700 and the Prototyping Board are now ready to be used.

NOTE A RESET button is provided on the Prototyping Board to allow a hardware reset without disconnecting power.

2.2.3.1 Overseas Development Kits

Development kits sold outside North America include a header connector that may be connected to 3-pin header J4 on the Prototyping Board. The connector may be attached either way as long as it is not offset to one side. The red and black wires from the connector can then be connected to the positive and negative connections on your power supply. The power supply should deliver 7.5 V–30 V DC at 500 mA.

2.3 Starting Dynamic C

Once the RCM3700 is connected as described in the preceding pages, start Dynamic C by double-clicking on the Dynamic C icon or by double-clicking on dcrabXXXX.exe in the Dynamic C root directory, where XXXX are version-specific characters. Dynamic C uses the serial COM port on your PC that you specified during installation.

If you are using a USB port to connect your computer to the RCM3700 module, choose Options > Project Options and select "Use USB to Serial Converter."

2.4 Run a Sample Program

Use the File menu to open the sample program PONG.C, which is in the Dynamic C SAMPLES folder. Press function key F9 to compile and run the program. The STDIO window will open on your PC and will display a small square bouncing around in a box.

2.4.1 Troubleshooting

If a program compiles and loads, but then loses target communication before you can begin debugging, it is possible that your PC cannot handle the default debugging baud rate. Try lowering the debugging baud rate as follows.

If there are any other problems:

2.5 Where Do I Go From Here?

If the sample program ran fine, you are now ready to go on to other sample programs and to develop your own applications. The source code for the sample programs is provided to allow you to modify them for your own use. The RCM3700 User's Manual also provides complete hardware reference information and describes the software function calls for the RCM3700, the Prototyping Board, and the optional LCD/keypad module.

For advanced development topics, refer to the Dynamic C User's Manual and the Dynamic C TCP/IP User's Manual, also in the online documentation set.

2.5.1 Technical Support

NOTE If you purchased your RCM3700 through a distributor or through a Rabbit Semiconductor partner, contact the distributor or partner first for technical support.

If there are any problems at this point:

Rabbit Semiconductor
www.rabbit.com
PREV INDEX NEXT