Overview

Q: The product description says the assembler was designed for Motorola's M68EVB912B32. Can I use it with my xyz evaluation board with a 68HC12A4 on it?

A: Yes, you can use MiniIDE's assembler with any HC12 (or HC11) processor and any evaluation board.


Q: Can I install MiniIDE on more than one computer?

A: Absolutely - However, we would appreciate if you register one copy of MiniIDE by donating $5.


Q: Can I distribute MiniIDE with the product I am selling? / Can I put a copy of MiniIDE on my (commercial) website?

A: No. Especially if you expect any direct or indirect capital gain, you may not distribute, sell, or otherwise make copies of MiniIDE. Please see the MiniIDE license for details. However, you are welcome to point your customers to our website.

If you need a distribution license for non-commercial purposes, please contact us. You do not need a distribution license if you don't intend to distribute MiniIDE outside your organization.


Q: I can not download s-records into flash EPROM. After I choose "download into flash" nothing happens. I have to abort the download.

A: The menu option "download into flash" is only valid if you set up your EVB in bootload mode. (For the M68EVB912B32: Change jumper W3+W4 settings to bootload mode, reset board, message (P)rogram Flash, (E)rase EEPROM or so appears, choose download into EEPROM or Flash and download s-record). You can not use the load command in DBUG12 and try to download into Flash or EEPROM.


Q: I tried to assemble an old source with the Asm11 assembler but I get error messages like 'error A2xxx: unexpected arguments' all over the source file.

A: The asm11 assembler requires a semicolon in front of a comment. If you want to assemble an old source file be sure to check the 'compatibility mode' box and set the warning level to 3 (see Build->Options, or -mc -W3 at the command line).


Q: I successfully assembled a source with the Asm11 assembler but the assembler has generated wrong object code - I think I found a bug!

A: Well, this was really an IQ test - just kidding, read on...

You are probably trying to assemble HC11 source code with the HC12 assembler. Make sure that you have set the tool 'Assembler' in Build->Options->Tools to "asm11.exe". It is set to "asm12.exe" by default. If you really think you found a bug, see the next topic.


Q: I think I really found a bug. How do I report it?

A: If there is a bug in the IDE, we will need to know the type of operating system (e.g. Windows 98 SE), and detailed instructions on how to reproduce the bug. If you think there's a bug in the assembler (i.e. the assembler generated wrong object code), we will need a code snippet that shows this problem. If you think there's a bug with the terminal, try using Windows HyperTerminal. If that does not work either, you probably have a problem with your lab-setup.

BTW, do not expect a reply to a problem report like the one that Joe D. sent me the other day: "Help! I cannot get the terminal window to work. Thanks, Joe".


Q: I have assembled some source code with MiniIDE. The object code is smaller/larger than the one my xyz assembler produces. Which one produces the correct code?

A: Probably both assemblers. Depending on the optimization with forward-references the produced object code may differ in length. Due to the multi-pass technique in the latest version of MiniIDE the produced object code may be even smaller.


Q: What is a "multi-pass" assembler?

A: A multi-pass assembler means that the number of passes the assembler goes through the code is not limited to two. If there are no forward references, the assembler will do only one pass. A second pass is necessary to resolve forward references. If there are still forward references or object code changes, the assembler will do an additional pass as long as all forward reference are resolved. With this technique the assembler is able to produce always the most efficient form of object code. There is no need for the operators < (zero-page addressing) and > (extended addressing), however, you can still force the addressing mode using these operators.


Q: I use the HC11 Buffalo monitor with the MiniIDE terminal and I need to send CTRL+A characters to the monitor (exit transparent mode or assembler) but the CTRL+A key is mapped to Select-all-text.

A: You can send control characters by holding down the SHIFT key, i.e. CTRL+SHIFT+A.