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WhiteWizzard
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Joined: 05/04/2013
Location: United KingdomPosts: 2991 |
| Posted: 08:38am 12 Jun 2026 |
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Probably one for Peter, but maybe someone else can help too from their own experiences.
REQUIREMENT:
To use an SSD1963 in 16-bit mode so that on power-up (or reset), the screen comes to life as quickly as possible.
CURRENTLY:
Using the ‘standard’ Firmware on Peter’s DIL development module, I have around 2.5 seconds. This is OKish, but would like to see if it can be made faster!
TESTING LATER TODAY:
I am now looking at the time it takes for the ‘MMBasic Welcome/Copyright’ message to appear after pressing reset. Set-up comprises of DIL module with connection to TeraTerm via not only the module’s USB port, but also via the console pins (GP8 & GP9) when set with OPTION SERIAL CONSOLE.
On the original MicroMite, after pressing reset you would see the message as good as immediately. On the current RC17 Pico, it varies between almost immediate (HDMI firmware) to about 3.5 seconds.
I have tried disabling USB console (so GP8/9 only), tried both, and tried USB only, with various firmwares but can’t get any quicker than 2.5ish seconds (other than hdmi firmware which won’t let me connect an SSD1963 display).
QUESTIONS:
1) Can I use 16-bit SSD1963 on a MicroMite Plus? Manual implies no, but I seem to remember a post on TBS that it was added.
2) Is there a ‘Lite’ version of the firmware for the PicoMite that allows me to connect an SSD1963 in 16-bit mode? I am at work currently and remembered talk of a ‘minimum firmware’, so just asking here without myself having looked into this
3) Is there a specific combination of Pico firmware and OPTIONs that allow a faster boot than 2.5seconds (and allow an SSD1963 16-bit)
4) Any other thought to achieve this??
Thanks in advance for any feedback … |
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matherp
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Joined: 11/12/2012
Location: United KingdomPosts: 11465 |
| Posted: 09:21am 12 Jun 2026 |
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You don't say what firmware and version you are testing on. You don't say what board you are testing on. You don't say what options are set |
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WhiteWizzard
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Location: United KingdomPosts: 2991 |
| Posted: 09:55am 12 Jun 2026 |
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Hi Peter;
1) Trying all versions of latest firmware (RC17). Don’t mind which one I use as long as I can hook up an SSD1963 as mentioned in Requirments.
2) Board mentioned as your Pico DIL module. I have PSRAM chip installed but not enabled as it slows things down. Also have same module without PSRAM chip. However, I can use a MicroMite too, just need an SSD with 16-bit connection (and prefer Pico as it has all the latest features you keep adding!!)
3) No I dont mention OPTIONs as keeping to a bear minimum other than LCDPANEL SSD1963_5_16 as need that to make my requirements work.
SERIAL CONSOLE too when using ann external ‘bridge’ either instead of the built in usb, or as well as USB. Trying external to save any potential start-up delay in enumeration.
To clarify, I don’t mind which MMBASIC hardware, but ideally a Pico. My point 3 in original post is basically asking for anyone who has a fast start-up to see what they’re using.
I am even happy to use an old version if it is quicker - will be playing over the weekend to see what I can achieve taking onboard any suggestions here from anyone.
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matherp
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| Posted: 09:59am 12 Jun 2026 |
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Are you using gp0 to connect to the SSD1963? If so that is the issue.
This connects basically instantaneously
PicoMite MMBasic RP2350B V6.03.00RC18
Copyright 2011-2026 Geoff Graham
Copyright 2016-2026 Peter Mather
Total of 6 Mbytes PSRAM available
> option list
PicoMite MMBasic RP2350B V6.03.00RC18
OPTION FLASH SIZE 16777216
OPTION COLOURCODE ON
OPTION PICO OFF
OPTION CPUSPEED (KHz) 200000
OPTION LCDPANEL SSD1963_5_16, LANDSCAPE,,GP34,,,GP1
OPTION PSRAM PIN GP0 |
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WhiteWizzard
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| Posted: 10:01am 12 Jun 2026 |
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Using 2-17 for data |
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WhiteWizzard
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| Posted: 10:04am 12 Jun 2026 |
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Peter, with your setup mentioned above, and if you have a OPTION AUTORUN ON, after power up, how quickly after power-up does your SSD display something (ie turn the screen blue) with a test program as simple as:
CLS RGB(BLUE) |
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matherp
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| Posted: 10:17am 12 Jun 2026 |
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If I use the program
cls rgb(red)
print timer
I get about 3.2 seconds. This is mostly the time it takes for the cdc connection to establish to the PC.
If you use the PIcoMiteUSB firmware this drops to 1.3 seconds (no USB).
Disabling USB on the standard firmware just stops the output it doesn't (can't) stop cdc enumeration.
Note: Not using GP0-gp15 for the data pins make the 16-bit mode considerably slower as every output has to be shifted |
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WhiteWizzard
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| Posted: 10:39am 12 Jun 2026 |
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Thanks Peter - very useful info in your last post.
So, if I understand your points, then basically if I use the USB pico firmware (which means I then use GP8 & GP9 via a ‘bridge’), and connect SSD data lines to gp0-gp15 (i.e do not on your DIL dev module as gp0 is for PSRAM), then I should see approx 1.5 seconds.
Will try the above as my next test.
THANKS!  |
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WhiteWizzard
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| Posted: 10:09am 13 Jun 2026 |
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Hi Peter,
Managed to massively reduce the PICO startup time from well over 2 seconds, to just under 100mS!!
However, it raises a question as to why it happens (bear with me).
Steps to reproduce consistently (using just your 64pin DIL module with a USB-Serial adaptor on GP8 & GP9, and connected to TeraTerm):
1> Nuke PICO
2> Install firmware (using latest RC18)
3> Type in the one-line program: PRINT TIMER
4> Set OPTION AUTORUN ON
5> OPTION LIST will now show the default OPTIONs (along with AUTORUN) as follows:
PicoMite MMBasic USB RP2350B Edition V6.03.00RC18
OPTION SERIAL CONSOLE COM2,GP8,GP9
OPTION AUTORUN ON
OPTION FLASH SIZE 16777216
OPTION COLOURCODE ON
OPTION KEYBOARD US
OPTION PICO OFF
OPTION CPUSPEED (KHz) 200000
Now reset the PICO module (i.e. do not start the program with RUN) and I see a time of around 2099mS
Now add the following:
OPTION SYSTEM I2C GP26,GP27
When you now reset the module, I get 99mS (consistently).
IF I remove OPTION SYSTEM I2C GP26,GP27 then it goes back to over 2 seconds.
FYI, I tried other options (e.g. SYSTEM SPI) but none of them had an impact like this one does.
Is this what you'd expect??? Just letting you know in case it has revealed a 'bug' somewhere (and hence improve the PICO startup time in general).
Now to hook up the SSD1963 and see what impact that has! |
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