Programming 2 ZX-24p in-line with each other

[tomhilton]

If you have 2 ZX-24p (or ZX24n) where one is connect to a PC and the other is connected to the second serial port of the first one, is there anyway that
the code to program the second one could be passed through the first one?

[dkinzer]

s there anyway that the code to program the second one could be passed through the first one?

The short answer is that there is no easy way to do that. The longer answer is that it might be possible if you were to implement the ZX download communication protocol in ZBasic code. We supply C source code for a downloader as part of the installation package and an application note describing the same which could serve as the basis upon which such code could be written.

[GTBecker]

My experience with wireless downloads leads me to believe it is possible to program one ZX-24 from another via COM1. As Don suggests, it will likely not be a trivial exercise, but I think one can do it.

I'd like to be able to program a ZX-24n via SPI from another ZX-24n, as well; is that possible, Don?

[dkinzer]

I'd like to be able to program a ZX-24n via SPI from another ZX-24n, as well; is that possible?

No. Generally speaking, the user program for a ZX can be written to a ZX only via the serial port and using the download procedure. It is possible to program most AVR chips via the SPI lines using a special in-system programmer but doing so requires that the chip be erased first, an operation which removes the ZX bootloader from the chip.

[tomhilton]

I cannot find the C source downloader code that you say is loaded
with the installation package.

[tomhilton]

Never Mind I found it.

Thanks

[dkinzer]

You may also find useful AN-101 ZX Download Procedures.

[tomhilton]

Thanks Don