Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Software => Software => Topic started by: keg188 on February 14, 2012, 05:32:33 AM

Title: n00b needs help with programming
Post by: keg188 on February 14, 2012, 05:32:33 AM

Hi all,

I will be making a start on the $50 robot with my kids this week.
I have all the parts ordered except the programmer for the atmega8.

I have a Minimus USB (Atmega32 based usb dev board - http://minimususb.com/ (http://minimususb.com/) ) and was wondering,  could I use that to program the atmega8?
 
I have searched but dont really know what im looking for.




 

Title: Re: n00b needs help with programming
Post by: newInRobotics on February 14, 2012, 05:47:37 AM

Hi,

Minimus USB comes with ATmega uC embedded into it. You could use it with ATmega8 only if You are ready to take Minimus apart  and do some SMD size soldering.

If I were You, I'd go for something like USB ASP Downloader ISP AVR Programmer Adapter + Cable (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-ASP-Downloader-ISP-AVR-Programmer-Adapter-Cable-/180718312291?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a13a69b63), look around - might find cheaper than that.

Title: Re: n00b needs help with programming
Post by: joe61 on February 14, 2012, 07:13:34 AM

Quote from: keg188 on February 14, 2012, 05:32:33 AM

I have a Minimus USB (Atmega32 based usb dev board - http://minimususb.com/ (http://minimususb.com/) ) and was wondering,  could I use that to program the atmega8?
 
I have searched but dont really know what im looking for.

You could in theory make the right connections and use it to program another chip, but if you're just starting out it might be better to buy an actual programmer. I've seen mixed reviews of the USBASP, but it might work fine. I generally use this (http://www.adafruit.com/products/46), but if you're uncomfortable with soldering yet, here's another one I've used and can vouch for (http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/1300).

Joe

Title: Re: n00b needs help with programming
Post by: keg188 on February 14, 2012, 07:32:44 AM

Thanks for the quick responces.

My parts arrived today so i have ordered the USBASP.

If any of the kids get the bug i will invest in more serious parts but for now, hopefully it will be OK.

Title: Re: n00b needs help with programming
Post by: keg188 on February 24, 2012, 07:12:18 AM

AAaaarrrhhh..

I didn't notice that the USBASP programmer was 10 pin until after I finished my 6 pin header.

can I just adapt the cable to fit the 6 pin?

Title: Re: n00b needs help with programming
Post by: newInRobotics on February 24, 2012, 07:21:02 AM

Of course You can  ;)

(http://code.rancidbacon.com/images/avrtargetboards_1.jpg)

Title: Re: n00b needs help with programming
Post by: keg188 on February 26, 2012, 02:39:10 PM

I added the 10 pin header aswell.
Everything programmed ok.

Thanks guys.