difference between ZX24a and ZX24n

[michal]

Hi,

Is the only difference the FW code? Schematics are identical, right?

If so could one load native code to ZX24a instead of ZX basic VM?

Cand the ATmega be completly reprogrammed with ICP?

Thanks,

Michal

[dkinzer]

Is the only difference the FW code? Schematics are identical, right?

Correct.

If so could one load native code to ZX24a instead of ZX basic VM?

No, one cannot. The ZX-24a will only accept code compiled for the ZX-24a. Each device only accepts code compiled for it explicitly.

Can the ATmega be completly reprogrammed with ICP?

Yes, it can be but it must first be erased. Doing so will remove the system firmware (bootloader) and it will no longer be a ZX chip. At that point you'll be able to program it with whatever code you want (using ISP) but it will no longer accept downloads via the serial port.

[spamiam]

[quote="michal"At that point you'll be able to program it with whatever code you want (using ISP) but it will no longer accept downloads via the serial port.

Of course you COULD program it with a bootloader and then be able to download a new program via the serial port. The programs would need to be compiled with a compiler suited to the AVR chips, such as WinAVR.

Even a ZX board without the ZX firmware is still a good thing (like some of the OakMicros devices)!

-Tony