[chbot] Arduino(Burning Bootloader onto ATMEGA8)

[Richard Jones]

My reason for using a bootloader was pin count, pin assignment and
convenience.
I have PWM motor control on the port that is used by the in system
programmer. I have a serial port from the PC connected to the UART pins
during development.
So I can use a bootloader to load software via serial port and UART without
having to worry about my motors going nuts during programming, and without
attaching and removing any additional leads.
If I need the 2K of flash currently occupied by the bootloader, I'll revert
to the ISP, or buy ATmega328s or switch to ATmega128s.

Richard

On Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:25:14 +1200, jimmy allen <jimmy1248 at gmail.com>
wrote:
> The Arduino IDE has a tool for buring the chips so I would assume that
> it would take care of everythinng for you.I have manged to program the
> ATMEGA8 that I am using with AVR-gcc so I don't think it is the chip.I
> am kind of thinking that it could be the software as I have done some
> looking around and have found others with basicaly(some are using
> different chips)the same problem, so could that be a cause?
> 
> 
> On a slightly different dirrection.What are the advantages of a
booloader?
> I am looking into them because a lot of boards use them and there must
> be a reason.
> 
> On 8/9/09, Richard Jones <rjtp at ihug.co.nz> wrote:
>> Hi Jimmy,
>>
>> Its been a busy weekend. Hopefully you have your Mega8 programmed by
now.
>> But if not some more thoughts.
>> I'm not familiar with the Arduino specifics but hopefully my ramblings
>> may
>> cast some light on your problem. Some things to check:
>> Make sure the fuses are set appropriately for your oscillator
>> configuration.
>> Make sure the fuses are set appropriately for the size of bootloader you
>> wish to program.
>> Check that the oscillator is running at the correct frequency.
>> If the crystal oscillator is slightly off frequency than the crystal may
>> be
>> running in the wrong mode, usually due to incorrect capacitor values.
>> This
>> gives unreliable startup problems.
>> Make sure you have a good stable 5V supply to the Mega 8 during
>> programming.
>> Ensure no resets other than those desired are fed to the chip.
>> Make sure you have no I/O of your own connected to the programming pins
>> during programming.
>>
>> If all else fails give me a call on 03 337 5337 one evening and you can
>> call round and we'll fix it together. I have several ATMega8's running
so
>> we can do some substitution tests if reason fails.
>>
>> Richard
>>
>> On Sat, 8 Aug 2009 12:07:45 +1200, jimmy allen <jimmy1248 at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>> I am trying to build an Arduino and are using this manual
>>> http://arduino.cc/en/uploads/Main/ArduinoSeverinoManual2.pdf.
>>>
>>> I have got to the point where I am burning the bootloader onto the
>>> ATMEGA8 using a parallel programmer, but I keep getting verification
>>> errors.
>>>
>>> So is there so one who has done this and has know how to do this.
>>>
>>> Help would be very much apriciated
>>> Jimmy
>>>
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> 
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