FAQ

Do I still need FLIP installed?

Yes. FLIPpen Hel reuses batchisp.exe from your Flip 3.4.7 install. It does not replace it, and it does not ship a second copy. Install Flip from Microchip once and FLIPpen Hel will find the binary.

Why is my device AT89C51RD2 and not AT89LP51RD2?

Because AT89LP51RD2 is not a device batchisp knows. Verified directly: batchisp -device AT89LP51RD2 returns “Device does not exist” — Flip 3.4.7 ships AT89C51RD2.xml and no part file for the LP.

The LP boots through the same bootloader over the same serial protocol, so select AT89C51RD2 and flash the LP with it. That is the app’s default. Full tested device list on Supported devices.

My COM port list is empty

FLIPpen Hel hides Bluetooth ports. If your adapter is genuinely serial but is hiding inside a Bluetooth stack, it gets dropped along with them. Use Refresh after plugging in the adapter.

Why do I sometimes see “(auto)” next to the port?

It means FLIPpen Hel chose that port for you. As soon as you choose one yourself, the label disappears. That is how you tell a guess from your decision.

What if one port fails?

FLIPpen Hel retries the entire sequence on the next non-Bluetooth port before reporting failure, and logs each try. Cheap clone adapters and duplicate hub ports are the usual reason.

Can Firmware Reset put my chip in ISP mode?

No. Over TX/RX that is impossible on the 8051. See Firmware reset.

What is AutoISP actually sending?

-autoisp 1 0. The first number is the RESET active level, the second is the PSEN active level. It needs DTR wired to RST and RTS wired to PSEN, described under Wiring.

Settings keeps closing behind the main window

Settings, help, terminal and the progress popup are all modeless. You can click past them and keep using the main window. Settings save as you type, and once more when you close the window, so nothing is lost if you click away mid-edit.

Where are my settings stored?

FlipRunner.json next to FlipRunner.ps1. It is plain JSON. Deleting it just resets you to defaults; the app walks the COM ports and picks new guesses.

Can I use this without the GUI?

Yes, that is the whole point. See Headless CLI.

Why is the icon a flip-flop?

Because Atmel made FLIP and the best response to that was to answer with a joke about a flip-flop that can also flash your chip. His name is Fillip.