What is it?

The Ardubytes standalone ICSP programmer can be used to Flash & Backup 8- Bit AVR's. Only requiring 5V power through the USB C connector and the supplied micro SD Card. No PC is required after the initial setup of configuration files.

Whether you want to flash firmware, change the fuse bits ,modify the EEPROM or backup an entire AVR. This programmer is all you will need.

The combination of the programmer and the supplied adapter board provide multiple interfaces to allow connectivity to your target. Featuring a 6 pin ICSP header for your custom PCB designs, a 40 pin ZIF socket that supports 8,14,20,28 and 40 pin AVRs. The programmer itself is also in a UNO form factor for fitting on dev boards that need firmware flashed after a repair.

The simplified interface for ease of use consists of a OLED screen that displays the programs that are available to the user. With four buttons to control the device. Three of which are for toggling the menu and the fourth being a reset button if needed.

Why did i make it?

In an environment where I prototype circuits with AVR’s and as a result design PCBs with them. Occasionally needing to repair UNOs, MEGAs and Leonardo dev boards with damaged microcontrollers. I needed a simple plug and play solution to easily flash firmware without needing a pc.

Features:

• Support AVRs with SPI protocol as programming method. Via six pin header, direct dev board plugin and 40 to 8 pin DIP ICs.
  Voltage selectable through use of supply voltage select jumper. 5V and 3V3 targets are compatible only with adapter board. Programmer itself supports 5V only.
• Can store up to 1000 firmware's and there companion fuse and EEPROM settings on the micro SD card. Each firmware is stored in a folder denoted by Folder_x. Where x is the folder number. Each folder can contain multiple files pertaining to different microcontrollers within them as long as each flash or backup file set are of a different microcontroller. The same folder cannot store two files for the same microcontroller.
• Powered via USB C. You can use a power bank or wall adapter as long as supply can provide ~ 5V 1A. On board screen provides real-time feedback on progress of task via a flash read or written percentage display. Depending on size of firmware or AVRs flash size , time to completion can vary between 30 seconds to 6 minutes. If there is an issue with accessing the chip or if the chip is not supported. You will be notified.

Initial Setup:

If you decide to use a AVR that is not from the list below. A simple one time process needs to be followed to configure a description file for your chosen AVR. Including information like AVR name , flash size , EEPROM size ect, The steps to do this can be found in the link below in the documents folder. The file is called "AVR Description File Setup Guide" . It takes a few minutes to complete.

Tested AVRs:

• ATtiny24A (14 Pin DIP)
• ATtiny4313 (20 Pin DIP)
• Atmega328P (28 Pin DIP)
• Atmega644P (40 Pin DIP)
• ATtiny13A (8 Pin DIP)
• ATtiny25 (8 Pin DIP)
• ATtiny26L (20 Pin DIP)
• Atmega16U2 (32 Pin QFN)
• Atmega328PB (32 Pin TQFP)
• Atmega1284P (40 Pin DIP)
• Atmega2560 (100 Pin TQFP) Tested with Program Utilising Max Flash Capacity.

Warning:

1) Must be powered via a DATALESS USB C charge cable if powered by a computers USB port. It is recommended that programmer is powered via wall adapter or USB power bank.

2) This programmer will not work if:

• The SPIEN fuse has been disabled.
• The AVR has had its lock fuses set or
• The description file is not present.

Project Files Link

Github: https://github.com/EEPUXProjects/ArduBytes/tree/main/Standalone%20ICSP%20Programmer%20Mini

What you will receive?

• 1x ArduBytes Uno Form Factor Programmer
• 1x 40 ZIF IC Adapter Board
• 2x Unassembled DIP adapter PCBs and their components for use with 8,14,20,28 and 40 pin AVRs. (some assembly required)
• 1x 1GB Micro SD card + Full SD Adapter

If you have any questions feel free to contact me.