The only way to re-enable Reset or SPIEN fuses on some older AVR chips like ATtiny13A, to allow them to be reprogrammed, is to use High Voltage programming (HVP) method. This was available on AVR Dragon, STK500 and STK600 but since these have been discontinued, there is a lack of suitable programmers.
So, what is now the best solution for AVR High Voltage Programming?
Microchip took over Atmel some years ago and are slowly eliminating the Atmel brand. One of the major legacies from Atmel is their Atmel Studio development environment but its days may be numbered.
Older versions of Kanda Software will not work with latest FTDI USB driver 2.12.36, released 17/06/2021. This applies to PIC and AVR handheld programmers, AVR keyfob and AVRISP-U programmers.
The solution is to roll back the driver to 2.12.28, released 16/08/2017.
Microchip took over Atmel (who made the AVR microcontroller) a few years ago and have been slowly erasing the Atmel brand. Their latest move is to rename Atmel Studio as Microchip Studio.
Atmel have stopped making AVRISP-MKII but Kanda sell a Waveshare version that is identical to the original. Atmel Studio fully supports AVRISP-MKII and it is simple to install and use with Studio but it can also be used with AVRDude and Great Cow Basic compiler.
Kanda have been making kits to teach you how to write code for and program PIC microcontrollers for 25 years. These kits have had many updates as available tools and software have been updated. This post is a guide to selecting the kit you need.
Kanda have released a free Android App, for smart phones and tablets, that lets you update your AVR or PIC handheld programmer contents from your phone. Just load the programmer, copy it to a programmer file (.PRG), send it to your customer, distributor or engineer and they use their phone or tablet to update the programmer.
When AVR microcontrollers were first introduced in 1995, In System Programming was simple, with one programming method (Serial Programming Interface or SPI) and a recommended 5 x 2 10-pin target interface. For 10-15 years, this stayed the same except for the addition of JTAG programming on some devices and a move towards a 3 x 2 6-pin target header. In the last few years, new interfaces have sprouted like weeds, including TPI, PDI and UPDI. What do this all mean and how does it affect you?
The latest versions of Atmel Studio 7 seem to omit External Tools… from the Tools menu. This command is necessary to add your own programmer so it can be launched from Studio. If it is missing, how is it added?
Ours is a company that prides itself on being able to supply its clients with first class programming apparatus. With a wide variety of products available, including keyfob programmers, it’s easy to find something that fits your specifications. Inexpensive and long lasting, you can rely on the devices we offer whether you are a regular programmer or new to it. Continue reading “The qualities that make PIC keyfobs so renowned” »
Microcontrollers, training, electronics and coding