Using alternative programmer for $50 robot - compatible?

[Mechanik]

Hi,


Just looking at ordering a programmer for my yet-to-be-built $50 robot.

I wish to know would this AVR programmer work just as well?

http://www.robotshop.com/world/productinfo.aspx?pc=RB-Cyt-95&lang=en-US

I've already ordered all the standard parts on the tutorial list - it's just this programmer I intend to get that's different. Though don't know anything about it's comparability for this tutorial.

Advice much appreciated 
Mechanik.

[charlie_ehler]

Mechanik,

I'm a beginner too, and was curious about the programmer you found so I looked it up.

Here's a link http://piotrstrzalka.cba.pl/AVRUSBaspSocket.pdf to the pdf file on operation and compatibility and on page three the first controller listed is the ATmega8 controller used for the $50 robot!

So, you apparently found a cheaper alternative to the $35 programmer option for USB port computers.  It's too bad I just ordered the more expensive one or I would be on it already!

Charlie

[Chypsylon]

The programmer you've found is actually a copy of the popular usbasp ( http://www.fischl.de/usbasp/). It works flawless with (nearly) every controller of the avr-series. You can find them on eBay for as low as 4€ (i ordered mine there some time ago as well)

It is really sufficient in the beginning, if you really want to spend more you should invest in an Atmel AVR Dragon or similar which is also capable of other programming protocols