RabbitCore RCM3900
User's Manual
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2. Getting Started

This chapter describes the RCM3900 hardware in more detail, and explains how to set up and use the accompanying Prototyping Board.

NOTE It is assumed that you have the RCM3900 Development Kit. If you purchased an RCM3900 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 RCM3900 (and for all other Rabbit hardware), you must install and use Dynamic C.

If you have not yet installed Dynamic C, do so now by inserting the Dynamic C CD from the RCM3900 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 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. Select any available USB port for Dynamic C's use. 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 the optional Dynamic C Rabbit Embedded Security Pack, install it after installing Dynamic C. You must install the Rabbit Embedded Security Pack in the same directory where Dynamic C was installed.

2.2 Hardware Connections

There are three steps to setting up the Prototyping Board:

  1. Attach the RCM3900 module to the Prototyping Board.

  2. Connect the serial programming cable between the RCM3900 and the workstation PC.

  3. Connect the power supply to the Prototyping Board.

2.2.1 Step 1 — Attach Module to Prototyping Board

Turn the RCM3900 module so that the Ethernet jack is facing the direction shown in Figure 2 below. Align the pins from headers J61 and J62 on the bottom side of the module into header sockets JA and JB on the Prototyping Board. The miniSD™ Card does not have to be inserted into connector J2 on the RCM3900 at this time—there is a protective spacer insert that you simply pull out before inserting a miniSD™ Card for the first time.




Figure 2. Install the RCM3900 Series on the Prototyping Board

NOTE It is important that you line up the pins on headers J61 and J62 of the RCM3900 module exactly with the corresponding pins of header sockets JA and JB 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 header sockets—press down in the area above the header pins using your thumbs or fingers over the header pins as shown in Figure 2. Do not press down on the miniSD™ Card connector (J2) even if the miniSD™ Card is installed, but rather press down on the circuit board along the edge by the connector. Also, do not press down on the middle of the module to avoid flexing the module, which could damage the module or components on the module.

Should you need to remove the module, grasp it with your fingers along the sides by the connectors and gently work the module up to pull the pins away from the sockets where they are installed. Do not remove the module by grasping it at the top and bottom.

2.2.2 Step 2 — Connect Programming Cable

The programming cable connects the RCM3900 to the PC running Dynamic C to download programs and to monitor the RCM3900 module during debugging.

Connect the 10-pin connector of the programming cable labeled PROG to header J1 on the RCM3900 as shown in Figure 3. There is a small dot on the circuit board next to pin 1 of header J1. 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 nonprogramming serial connection.)


Figure 3. Connect Programming Cable and Power Supply

Connect the other end of the programming cable to an available USB port on your PC or workstation. Your PC should recognize the new USB hardware, and the LEDs in the shrink-wrapped area of the USB programming cable will flash.

2.2.3 Connect Power

When all other connections have been made, you can connect power to the Prototyping Board.

First, prepare the AC adapter for the country where it will be used by selecting the plug. The RCM3900 Development Kit presently includes Canada/Japan/U.S., Australia/N.Z., U.K., and European style plugs. Snap in the top of the plug assembly into the slot at the top of the AC adapter as shown in Figure 3, then press down on the spring-loaded clip below the plug assembly to allow the plug assembly to click into place.

Connect the AC adapter to 3-pin header J2 on the Prototyping Board as shown in Figure 3.

Plug in the AC adapter. The red CORE LED on the Prototyping Board should light up. The RCM3900 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.

2.3 Starting Dynamic C

Once the RCM3900 is connected as described in the preceding pages, start Dynamic C by double-clicking on the Dynamic C icon on your desktop or in your Start menu. Dynamic C uses the serial port specified during installation. Select Code and BIOS in Flash, Run in RAM on the "Compiler" tab in the Dynamic C Options > Project Options menu. Then click on the "Communications" tab and verify that Use USB to Serial Converter is selected to support the USB programming cable. Click OK.

This program shows that the CPU is working. The sample program described in Section 6.5, "Run the PINGME.C Sample Program," tests the TCP/IP portion of the board.

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 Dynamic C cannot find the target system (error message "No Rabbit Processor Detected."):

If Dynamic C appears to compile the BIOS successfully, but you then receive a communication error message when you compile and load a sample program, it is possible that your PC cannot handle the higher program-loading baud rate. Try changing the maximum download rate to a slower baud rate as follows.

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.

Press <Ctrl-Y> to force Dynamic C to recompile the BIOS. The LEDs on the USB programming cable will blink and you should receive a Bios compiled successfully message.

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 RCM3900 User's Manual also provides complete hardware reference information and describes the software function calls for the RCM3900, 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 RCM3900 through a distributor or through a Rabbit partner, contact the distributor or partner first for technical support.

If there are any problems at this point:

Rabbit—A Digi International Brand
www.rabbit.com
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