Having the ability to carry out in system programming (ISP) on microcontrollers and programmable logic devices has many benefits. Being able to change, amend or update instruction sets on an as-is system is a far more preferable approach than having to make controller and hardware changes to accommodate it. Continue reading “SuperPro ISP01 – The ultimate in ISP programmers” »
Bringing JTAG compatibility to handheld programmers
We are delighted to confirm that we’ve introduced support for JTAG programming to a number of our handheld programmers. Although this is still being rolled out across all models, at this stage we have got it in place on our most popular models of normal AVR and ISP devices. Continue reading “Bringing JTAG compatibility to handheld programmers” »
Intel Hex Files Explained
We often come across a problem where an understanding of Intel Hex file format will help in solving a programming issue or technical point. Intel Hex format is a standard layout for files produced by assemblers or C compilers when they compile your source code. It is used by device programmers to program the target microcontroller with your code.
Can I Get a Genuine Atmel AVRISP MKII?
This is a question we are often asked. I want a genuine Atmel AVR ISP MKII (ATAVRISP2) not a Chinese clone, can you supply it? Unfortunately the answer is no as Atmel have stopped manufacturing their ATAVRISP2 programmer.
Which Pic Programmer Do You Need?
Microchip PIC microcontrollers come in a wide variety of types from very old PIC16C family through to the latest PIC16F and PIC18F devices, with several other less common types as well. Apart from some very old chips, they are all In Circuit Serial Programmable, which means that they can be programmed in circuit using a PIC ICSP programmer.
Continue reading “Which Pic Programmer Do You Need?” »How to Create a Long Range Bluetooth Wireless Link
We are all familiar with short range Bluetooth wireless communication as it is commonly used by our smart phones to transfer data or to connect to headphones etc. Computers also use it for communicating with the mouse, speakers or headsets. These are all short range applications but can Bluetooth wireless be used for longer range transfers?
Continue reading “How to Create a Long Range Bluetooth Wireless Link” »
Which is the Best AVR ISP?
ISP or In System Programming is the best way to program AVR microcontrollers as it allows them to be programmed in circuit. This is easier for development, production and most importantly, for updating the firmware later in the field. The tool used for this is an AVR ISP.
Wellon VP-290 Universal Programmer Review
The Wellon VP-290 Universal Programmer is one of the cheapest universal programmers on the market but its build quality and reliability are excellent. It only has a 40-pin ZIF socket unlike other Wellon programmers that have 48-pin ZIF sockets. This means it is really only suitable for devices with 40 pins are less. The only exception is chips in 44 PLCC packages, such as AVR microcontrollers, which are supported by the VP-290.
Continue reading “Wellon VP-290 Universal Programmer Review” »
How to Learn Microcontroller Programming
Microcontrollers are in everything nowadays from simple items like dimmer switches to complex systems such as your mobile phone. Learning microcontroller programming allows you to create a huge range of embedded projects only limited by your imagination.
Continue reading “How to Learn Microcontroller Programming” »
Waveshare for Arduino
Kanda have become distributors for Waveshare who manufacture low cost but high quality products. As well as a range of Arduino boards and shields, Waveshare make AVR microcontroller tools, Bluetooth, WiFi and Zigbee modules and FPGA development kits and programmers.