ChipKIT Pi - USB bootloader programmable from Raspberry Pi?

Is it possible to program the USB bootloader on to the ChipKIT Pi from the Raspberry Pi? Or do you have to get the replacement PIC with pre-programmed USB bootloader? And if it is possible, is it possible to revert back to the UART bootloader in the future?

Just curious, I'd like to be able to program the PIC from my Mac, it's just easier that way. I noticed that MPIDE has an option to program bootloader (but I don't think the menu option actually does anything...)

Thanks for your input!

0 dougw over 10 years ago

It has been a while, but I believe I did a ChipKit Pi project bootloading from USB without any problems.
If I recall correctly, the capability is built-in, setting the board for serial bootloading also allows USB bootloading.
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0 Former Member over 10 years ago

I can see the part number for a replacement PIC32 for the Chipkit Pi with the USB bootloader
TCHIP-USB-MX250F128B
from Preprogrammed chipKIT USB Bootloader - TCHIP-USB-MX250F128B | Microchip Technology Inc.
http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductSearch.aspx?keywords=TCHIP-USB-MX250F128B
and you can buy the chip from there for about 3 US dollars.

What I can't find is the part number and where to buy the standard Chipkit Pi PIC32 chip with the Raspberry Pi UART bootloader. Cheap replacement of this easily damaged part was touted as one of the advantages of the Chipkit Pi, but I can't find out where to buy one anywhere! Only the non-standard USB bootloader part.
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0 Former Member over 10 years ago in reply to Former Member

I bought some at https://www.microchipdirect.com/
Part number TCHIP-USB-MX250F128B
They do come programmed with a USB bootloader. I was able to use MPIDE and my Win7 pc.
But when the ChipKIT Pi was powered off and then back on, the ChipKIT Pi "forgot" that last sketch I uploaded.
I had to reprogram the chip with the latest version of the USB bootloaded, and then all seems to work okay now.
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