Doug Fleenor Design GIZMO PIC Update Guide - Manual

Changing the Gizmo microprocessor chip
Introduction
The firmware for Gizmo exists in a 40-pin PIC microprocessor chip. From time to time, firmware
updates are created to add new features and capabilities to the Gizmo. These instructions explain
how to change the PIC microprocessor chip. Upon completion of installing the new PIC, please
return the old PIC in the packaging provided to the address below.
Preparation
Tools: #2 phillips screwdriver, Small flathead screwdriver
You will need a #2 phillips head screwdriver to remove the back cover of the Gizmo. Place the
Gizmo keyboard side down on a clean and soft work surface. Remove the two black 10-32 phillips
screws. The back cover will now easily slip apart from the front portion of the Gizmo.
You will need a small flathead screwdriver to pry up the 40-pin PIC chip from its socket. Take
precaution against electrostatic shock to the circuit board and PIC chip by grounding yourself
before handling them. The most convenient way to dissipate static charge is to touch the metal
frame of a grounded appliance, then do not walk around while handling the GIZMO or the PIC
microprocessor.
Step 1: Remove the old PIC
Locate the old PIC on the circuit board. Insert the tip of a small
flathead screwdriver in the spacing between the PIC and its socket.
Avoid making any contact with the other components on the board.
Pry the chip upward gently as you insert the screwdriver, keeping the
PIC level as it is raised from the socket. If the screwdriver is too wide,
such that fully inserting it between the PIC and the socket would make
contact with the pins, insert the screwdriver only partially and pry up
one end of the chip slightly, then pry up the other end of the PIC.
Repeat this process, keeping the chip level as it is raised. Avoid
damaging the old PIC so that it can be used again, store the removed
PIC in an anti-static container.
Step 2: Install the new PIC
Grasp the new PIC by its ends (try not to touch the pins) and remove it from its holder. Note that
the notch on top of the chip should point toward the notch drawn on the silk screen of the circuit
board. The pins of the chip are pre-loaded (spread wider than the separation between the rows of
pinholes) to assure that they will make good contact when the chip is seated. Thus, you cannot
insert the PIC if it is level with the socket.
Tilt the PIC sideways and place one row of pins into one side of the socket so that the pins are
resting at the top of their respective pinholes, then tilt the PIC toward the socket until the other row
of pins makes contact with the top of the holes. The tops of the holes are angled so that the pins
will be guided inward as gentle pressure is applied. However, before applying pressure make sure
that all the pins are indeed aligned, and that they are not hanging over the edges of the socket. If
the pins are spread too wide, prod each pin gently into place with the screwdriver as you press the
PIC into the socket. Note that when the PIC is fully inserted, a tiny gap will remain between the
bottom of the PIC and the socket.
If you have any questions please give us a call toll free 1-888-436-9512.
Doug Fleenor Design
396 Corbett Canyon Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 481-9599