USB AVR Programmer FAQ

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1. Where do I get the code for the ATMEGA8 chip?
2. Where do I download the AVR Doper firmware?
3. How do I compile the AVR Doper firmware?
4. What version do I download?
5. How do I load the .hex file to the ATMEGA8 chip?
6. Do you have plans for a parallel programmer?
7. Do you have instructions on how to program the chip with a parallel programmer?
8. Do I have to remove the ATMEGA8 from the programmer to program/upgrade it?
9. What software do you use with the parallel programmer to initially program the ATMEGA8?
10. Where do I get Bascom?
11. How do I use Bascom to program the ATMEGA8?
12. How do I program the fuse settings for the ATMEGA8?
13. Where do I get the USB drivers?
14. How do I load the USB driver?
15. What operating systems are compatible with the USB programmer?
16. Will it run on a 64 bit OS?
17. Will the USB programmer work with a Mac?
18. Are there any hardware compatibility issues?
19. What programming software can I use with the USB programmer?
20. Where do I get AVR Studio?
21. What are the AVR Studio settings?
22. What are the SinaProg settings?
23. What is the difference between the two modes?
24. Can I get the Eagle files for the USB programmer?
25. Can I buy a USB programmer from you?
26. Is there a forum where I can ask questions about the AVR Doper?

1. Where do I get the code for the ATMEGA8 chip?  The .hex file is located in the firmware folder of the AVR Doper download. There is also a slightly modified version of the 11-27-08 hex file that bypasses the AVR Studio upgrade warning.

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2. Where do I download the AVR Doper firmware?Objective Development.

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3. How do I compile the AVR Doper firmware?  You do NOT have to compile the firmware. The .hex file is the compiled code.

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4. What version do I download?  The latest. I’ve tested up to 11-27-2008.

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5. How do I load the .hex file to the ATMEGA8 chip?  You will need another programmer. You can build a parallel programmer with only 3 resistors.

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6. Do you have plans for a parallel programmer?  Yes, on my site in the projects section.

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7. Do you have instructions on how to program the chip with a parallel programmer?  Yes, here are my notes.

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8. Do I have to remove the ATMEGA8 from the programmer to program/upgrade it?  Yes, please use an IC socket so the chip can be removed. Also it is useful to have a spare ATMEGA8 for upgrades.

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9. What software do you use with the parallel programmer to initially program the ATMEGA8?  I use Bascom.

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10. Where do I get Bascom?    A free version is available here.

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11. How do I use Bascom to program the ATMEGA8?
    • Options – Programmer – Sample Electronics
    • Program – Send to Chip
    • Buffer – Load From File
    • Files of Type – Intel Hex
    • Select the AVR Doper HEX file

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12. How do I program the fuse settings for the ATMEGA8?  Select the Lock & Fuse Bits tab from the Bascom programmer. Set the xtal fuses to CKSEL=1110 SUT=10. Write the fuse settings to the chip. These fuse changes are to accommodate the external 12 MHz xtal. There are no other fuse settings required for the ATMega8 and they should be left at default.

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13. Where do I get the USB drivers?  The Windows XP and Vista USB drivers are located in the root folder of the AVR Doper firmware.

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14. How do I load the USB driver?  Plug in the USB programmer. When prompted for a driver, select Have Disk and browse to the appropriate .inf file in the root folder of the AVR Doper firmware.

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15. What operating systems are compatible with the USB programmer?  I’ve confirmed it works with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. I have not tested any other systems.

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16. Will it run on a 64 bit OS?  Yes, but only in HID mode which works very well.

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17. Will the USB programmer work with a Mac?  I don’t know.

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18. Are there any hardware compatibility issues?  I have used my programmer on several computers without any problems. Objective Development warns on their site that there may be incompatibility with some USB chipsets. However, there are no reported compatibility issues if you are running in HID mode.

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19. What programming software can I use with the USB programmer?  On 32 bit OS, I use Atmel AVR Studio v.4.16 SP1. On 64 bit OS, I use AVRDude with SinaProg GUI. Also, Bascom. 1.11.9.5 now has a native STK500 driver, but I have not verified that it is compatible.

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20. Where do I get AVR Studio?  A free version is available here. I am currently using version 4.16 SP1. There may be issues with later versions.

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21. What are the AVR Studio settings?  Set platform to STK500 and the port number to the com port created by the Objective Development USB driver. You can use the Windows Device Manager to determine the port number. Please note the port number may change. Also ignore any Atmel prompts to upgrade the firmware.

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22. What are the SinaProg settings?  Set programmer to STK500v2 USB.

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23. What is the difference between the two modes?  STK500 mode requires a USB driver and works with STK500 compatible programming software such as AVR Studio. HID mode does NOT require any 3rd party USB driver and works with AVRDude. Add a jumper to the HID pins to switch to HID mode.

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24. Can I get the Eagle files for the USB programmer?  Yes. They can be downloaded here.

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25. Can I buy a USB programmer from you?  Sorry.

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26. Is there a forum where I can ask questions about the AVR Doper?  Yes, the Objective Development V-USB Forum.

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