8-Pin Programming Shield

The 8-Pin Programming Shield allows you to program ATtiny series chips using the Arduino itself as the programmer. In other words, you plug this into your Arduino and then you can easily program 8-pin chips. These small microcontrollers can then be incorporated into any project that you want. Follows are instructions for assembling your own 8-Piin Programming Shield.

Step 1: Go get stuff

What you will need:

- Shield circuit board (download the source file: 8pinshielf.pcb)
- ATtiny chip
- 8-pin 0.3" socket
- SPST tactile switch
- 10uF 16V electrolytic capacitor
- 5mm LeD
- 220 ohm 1/4 watt resistor
- 6-pin male header
- 8-pin male header
- (x2) 2-pin male header
- (x2) shorting blocks

Comments

[Aaron1088]

Hi what distances is needed between the pins in the headers?

[randofo]

What do you mean? The actual part spacing? Whatever standard header pins are. It is also the same as most DIP pack ICs.

[stealthop]

where do you get your pcb's manufactured ? everywhere i have tried seems outlandishly expensive . i have noticed that small kits for sale are pretty cheap
but when i try to get a pcb manufactured (3" x 4") it costs like 300 bucks. any help would be great, thanks.

[arnefl]

Here is my approach with both led and cap having jumpers

[Pizzapie500]

That's awesome! Did it work? I'm thinking of doing the same.

[snowluck2345]

I was wondering what software I should use toopen this file for pcb etching?

[randofo]

Express PCB

[dznodes]

What are some examples of projects that use this board? and When with they be back in stock for purchase?

[shaggs31]

You can use this board to program the ATtiny chips. These chips are smaller than ATmega328 which is used by Arduino. This chip uses less power but does not have as many pins. So if you have a small project that will use only a few pins you can use this shield to program the ATtiny chip.

[dznodes]

Okay,... I don't have a small project.... that is what I'm asking for some examples of. Sorry if the question was unclear. I am looking for examples of "small projects" that use this ATtiny chip.

In other words, if I buy this kit and solder it together and put it on my arduino and load it up with some code; Where can I find some examples of fun code to use?

Thanks,

DZ

[diy_bloke]

@dznodes Something like this: http://www.instructables.com/id/Watering-your-plants-with-a-microcontroller/

[dznodes]

Yes! Thank you. That is what I was looking for. Is there anywhere on the web that has a collection of projects like this one? Projects written specifically for the 8-pin ATtiny microcrontroller?

[diy_bloke]

you may want to check the 'hack-a-day' website or see if there is anything appealing here: http://https://www.google.com/search?q=attiny+projects&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=RIR&rls=org.mozilla:nl:official&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=lEO1T92mNs_t-gbEhuiKDg&ved=0CIcBELAE&biw=1680&bih=857

[dr.rami]

Is there a kit available for purchase?

[randofo]

http://store.instructables.com/products/8-pin-programming-shield

[dznodes]

When will there be more of these kits available?

[lmperkins]

If you've got any kits left here is my instructable posted in December:

http://www.instructables.com/id/A-Charlieplexed-Christmas-Tree/

thanks.

[Bot1398]

If the offer is still valid then here is my project:
Light Sensing LEDs

[generalgeek314]

Here's my Arduino project: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-an-Obstacle-Avoiding-Arduino-Robot/
Nice Instructable btw!

[wirenut1980]

Here is my link, hope it makes the list! By the way Awesome shield and already have a project in mind for an ATtiny!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Singing-Pumpkins-Arduino/

[randofo]

Added to the list.

[wirenut1980]

Awesome!! Thanks!

[LexanPanda]

I'm not sure how I missed this Instructable, but this shield would have been a huge time saver when I made this with an ATtiny85V:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Animated-LED-Heart/

I don't suppose this qualifies me for one of these kits? (:

[randofo]

Thanks for posting and added.

[kenyer]

Wow this is really cool. I want one :) Here is my link:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Flashlight-tag/

PS I think that I've made the same shield, but yours looks so much better.

[randofo]

Added to the list.

[gab3iel]

Hi!
That shield looks pretty awsome!

Here's my instructable:

http://www.instructables.com/id/ATtiny-Fish-Feeder/

I hope you like it!

[randofo]

Thanks for posting. Added to the list.

[astroboy907]

Maybe got one last one? ;)
http://www.instructables.com/id/Flickering-LED-star/

[randofo]

Added to the list.

[baharini]

Here's my Instructable. It is very original and has never been tested on the ATTiny45/85.
It shows how to connect a character LCD to the ATTiny via a shift register, and how to generally program an ATTiny45/85 with an Arduino.
Here's the link:
http://www.instructables.com/id/ATTiny4585-LCD-display-control-with-a-shift-regis/.
By the way, I really love this project.
It is WAY easier programming chips your way than using a breadboard.
Keep up the good work :)

[randofo]

Thanks for sharing. Adding you to the list.

[baharini]

Hope I make the list :)

[baharini]

Wow, my Instructable was featured on the homepage!

[wirenut1980]

2 Thumbs up!

[Panici]

Got any of those ATtiny shields left?

If not, no worries, i'll make one as my next project.
But it would be nice if you saved me the work!


Here's my instructable. 16 digit display and an ATtiny85
http://www.instructables.com/id/Self-contained-16-Digit-display-Arduino-Attiny/

[randofo]

Yes I do. Will add you to the list.

[TobaTobias]

Here is my instructable. I made a ATtiny shield with a few components and a pcb. It also explains how to program the ATtiny.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-and-use-the-arduino-as-an-Isp-for-an-A/

Your project is really nice :)
Tobias

[randofo]

Cool. Thanks for sharing. Will add you to the list.

[TobaTobias]

I hope you still have some.