serial and download

Projects General Guidance
1

I want to use the serial port, and also upload new software. I am running windows 7, IDE version 1.6.5, UNO device.
I find that when my program reads/writes to the serial port it 'upsets' the IDE uploader, so I have to use the following process

  • disconnect Uno from PC (removing power), remove my serial port interface from Uno.
  • plug UNO to PC. upload new software
  • disconnect Uno from PC, reconnect serial port interface (my serial device also gets power from the Uno, so I don't want to 'hot swap')
  • reconnect Uno to PC to use serial monitor on the IDE to test my software.

I find this a cumbersome process.

Is there some way of separating the 'upload' and 'test' components of the process so I can keep the Uno connected. Eg during upload, the processor is held in reset preventing activity on the serial port. Should I only start using my serial port several seconds after power up, so I can reset then have time to initiate an upload before sending serial info?

2

Is there some way of separating the 'upload' and 'test' components of the process so I can keep the Uno connected.

No.

The best you can do is to build a double throw switch into your circuit to swap over the serial port pins to your system like I did in this project. http://www.thebox.myzen.co.uk/Hardware/MIDI_Shield.html

3

Thanks,
My device is not enabled, but it is holding the RX line at 3V. This is upsetting the upload operation (the USB RX wants to operate at 5V). With a switch in RX, all works.

Also found that by limiting the drive from my device (in my case with a 560 ohm resistor in series), I can get both upload and receive working at the same time (no switch). NB - the Uno already has a 1K resistor between the micro pin and the upload chip