Category Archives: Microcontrollers

How to use AVRISP-MKII with AVRDUDE and Great cow basic

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.

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Handheld Programmer on Android Phone

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.

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AVR Programming – ISP, JTAG, TPI, PDI and UPDI

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?

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The qualities that make PIC keyfobs so renowned

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” »

Atmel Studio ELF production Files for AVR

Atmel have added a new feature to Atmel Studio from 6.2 on-wards including 7. You can now create a single file that contains all the data needed to program an AVR or ATxmega microcontroller. This includes flash, EEPROM, fuses, lock bits and ATxmega User Row. This is called an ELF production file and Kanda AVR Handheld Programmers now support this format.

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