"I notice that the app note also says in 'uncertain' terms that 'we have found that it is necessary to tie P2.7 high' to invoke the bootloader. The app note needs to be rewritten to inspire more confidence in this area."

It is P1.7 AND p1.6 I thought the data sheet and the appnote had been updated, I was informed of this abt 6 months ago.

You do not need switches and all that jazz onece you have a rudimentary program in the uC i.e. you do not need switches for program updates.

If you publish you e-mail address I'll sen you my "touchless programming" note.

Have fun,

Erik